IN the Primitive Age of the World, mans life was accounted to be almost 1000 Years: but after the Flood, the Life of Man was abbreviated half; and none then attained to the term of the first Age, except Noah, who lived 950 Years.

And, after three Generations from the Flood, their lives were reduced to a fourth [Page 2]of the Primitive Age; and their lives or­dinarily exceeded not two hundred Years.

About Moses his time, the Age of Man was yet shorter, commonly not exceeding 120 Years, which also was his Age when he died: yet we find upon Record in Sacred Writ, and from Ecclesiastical Writers, that, after Moses, some lived 240 and 260, yet that was rare; but more frequently 120, which was then the common Age.

Now the Age of Man is reduced to half that: 60 or 70 years we count upon.

But although in general we find this gra­dual declension and abbreviation of mans Life, in the several Ages of the World; yet we must understand, it was not equally so in all parts of the World together; but pla­ces and climates, and the manner of living of a people, cause much difference in the pro­traction of their lives; that, at the same time, some people of peculiar places, were longer-lived, by a third or fourth part, then others of another Climate or Region, as the Nor­thern People.

And in colder Countreys, they are long­er-lived than in the hot Climates; and this by reason of the heat that opens the Pores, and causeth so great a transspiration, that exsiccates and enervates the body: but a cooler Air prohibits and restrains such im­moderate [Page 3]transspiration and exhaustion; keeps the spirits vigorous and united; and preserves the alimentary Juyces of the body from too frequent and immoderate exsuda­tion.

If we examine into the Ages of other Creatures, we find little difference in their durations, to what they were in the Primi­tive Times, and infancy of the World; who, keeping to the Rule of Nature implanted in them, do preserve their Beings, and dege­nerate little from the integrity of their Du­rations, allotted to them from the begin­ning.

Now why Man's days should be thus ab­breviated and shortned from what they were and the term of his life reduced to so short a continuance, gradually declining in the several Ages of the World; is fit matter to inquire into.

The causes of the abbreviation of mans life will appear, if we compare the manner of our living now, with that of the first Age of the World; and from thence, how every generation, have worsted themselves by a de­generate condition of life, unsutable to the institutions of Nature.

And since we must of necessity allow and admit of hereditary infirmities, and tradu­ctive debilities of Nature; we cannot but [Page 4]exspect (unless by great reformation of the injurious customs and vices of these latter Ages) but that we and our posterity, shall de­generate yet still into a worse and sooner-fa­ding state of life. For, as the principles of our Nature are more infirm, tainted, and debauched from our Parents and Progeni­tors, than those of former Ages, of more vi­gour, soundness and integrity; so they are likewise more propense, and liable worse to be depraved and degenerate; and conse­quently of shorter duration and continu­ance.

Now if we inquire into the condition and manner of living of the Antients, comparing with the customs and fashion of this Age; we shall find so much difference and irregularity from the appointment and injunction of Nature, that may give full satisfaction to the Quaery and matter in hand.

In the infancy of the World, Man provi­ded and sought after the necessary requisites for his Being, and was contented with a competent subsistence which Nature did purely require: but in process of time, Man was not satisfied with the bare reparations, and necessary props of Nature, most wholesome and conservative of his Being; but hunted after variety and excess, to please and grati­fie his sensitive Appetite. Thus one Ag [...] [Page 5]taught another to be irregular and disorder­ed; and still dictated novel Inventions to the succeeding Generation, to fill up and perfect what their Predecessors had promp­ted and begun; whose lives were not long enough to lay a compleat platform of debau­ched Nature, but must transmit their ruin­ing practices to the following Ages to imi­tate and compleat.

Hinc illae lachrymae, — Thus, and after this manner, by such means, is mans life be­set with many cruciating maladies, which have shortned the days of his abode here; and, in latter Ages, acts but a short part up­on the stage of the World.

And this is procured, first, by the variety and excess in meat and drink.

Secondly, By unseasonable and immoderate sleeping and watching; turning day into night, and night into day.

Thirdly, By sluggish and unwholesome ease, instead of due exercise and motion: or toyling unseasonably, and wearing out the body when it requires natural rest and re­freshment.

Fourthly, By living in unwholesome places, sucking in noysome destructive Air; prefer­ring profit and by-interests, before health and long life.

Fifthly, Indulging Venus too much, by [Page 6] immoderate and too frequent repeated acts; thereby enervating all the faculties, dispirit­ing and wasting the body.

Sixthly, By wearing and fretting the mind with various passions; changing from one excess to another, and wracking the body with several disturbing moods, and passionate humours.

Seventhly, By exhausting the strength, in a prodigal expence of the vital stream, with frequent and unnecessary Phlebotomies.

Eighthly, By infecting the body, and stamping exotick impressions, too frequently, with the common virulent purgatives, that alienate the crases or ferments of the parts; and such like injurious Drugs, not rightly corrected; and ill-prepared Medicines, that bring detriment and damage to the body by their use.

Lastly, To these may be added the inju­rious mannagement of Infants, by careless or ignorant Nurses; and fond Mothers greatly injuring their Children by a destructive in­dulgence, and erroneous affectionate usage, in the ordering and educating them, who for the most part live not so long as others.

Having set forth how mans Life hath de­clined, and shortned in the several Ages of the World, and pointed at the chief procu­ring Causes, of such abbreviation and change, [Page 7](which hereafter we shall prosecute more fully) it remains to tell you how this evil may in part be remedied, and something re­gained that hath been lost, and is still upon the losing side, except recovered by a more diligent and prudent course.

And here I must premise a few things be­fore I come to the point, prescribing the Rule to walk by, and means for attaining long life.

All the Creatures have their definite times of duration allotted them by Nature, some longer, others a shorter term: and this from the principles of their composition and semi­nality from whence they spring.

In the Mineral Family, we find the long­est durations; being solid, dense bodies, of more simple natures, and homogeneous; do therefore preserve their Beings longest from ruine and dissolution.

Vegetables are of a shorter duration, yet not all alike; some preserve their Beings hundreds of years, as the Cedar and Oak: Others continue but a few years; some a year.

Amongst the sensitive Creatures, we find that several species have their peculiar dura­tions, which in the common course of na­ture are observed to continue; some a lon­ger Age, others a shorter.

The Mineral is slowest in rising to matu­rity and perfection, but continues longest in that state.

The Vegetable (in the generality) is quick­est in the ascent to the top of perfection, but keeps not its station long: some whereof fade and wither every year, but renew their verdure again at the Spring, until a few years hath spent that seminal power and fertil blooming virtue.

The Sensitive Creatures and perfect Ani­mals, are slower in their rise to perfection; which having attained, stay but a while in that full strength, do gradually descend a­gain, decline, and perish.

So that all living Creatures by nature have their risings and settings, and definite times fixed for their growth and duration. From their beginning they have a gradual ascent, until they have attained the vigour and ex­altation of their Natures; and having gain­ed the top of their perfection, they stay not long there, but gradually descend again, and are degraded of the honour and perfection of their Natures, and tend to their ruine and dissolution. Nor are Creatures limited alike to the same duration, but do extend, and are shortned variously, according to their Principles and Foundation of Being, as Na­ture hath furnished them with a provision [Page 9] permanent and sutable for such a duration and subsistence.

Now of all Creatures, we find Man most uncertain in his being and continuance, (al­though the Age of Man be limited to sixty years) and is most liable to alteration and a perishing state, upon these four accounts.

First, Because Man derives from his Pa­rents by a seminal propagation, and inherits the Diseases of their vitious depraved Na­tures, radicated in him: to which his own enormous acts being added, do multiply and heighten the corruption of his Nature; hence the succeeding Generations become more degenerated, infirm, diseased, and con­sequently of shorter duration than the for­mer.

Secondly, For that the structure of his Body, is the most wonderfully contrived of all the Creatures; contains the greatest cu­riosity and variety of machination; such ad­mirable Conduits and Contrivances; such Of­fices and places of elaboration, subservient to each other, and communicable: that there­fore this Machine is most difficult to keep in order, and soonest put out of frame.

Thirdly, In that he does require, and use more variety of supports, and necessary requi­sits to preserve and supply him; and there­fore more subject to errors, failings, and dis­composure.

Fourthly, Because Man wilfully, carelesly, or ignorantly, does not regulate and govern himself, according to the Law of Nature dictated to him; but deviating from those Rules of preservation, does discompose the regular Oeconomy of his Body, and intro­troduce various Diseases and disorders; which precipitate Nature in the current and course of life, that otherwise more e­qually and evenly would glide on: and sometimes, by violence offered to Nature, in some strange unnatural actions and exor­bitancies, the life is forced out, and death oft procured.

Now other Creatures are so tyed up to the Rule of Nature, which they cannot but observe for their preservation both in­dividual and specifick; and have not a power of electing good and evil to them­selves; but naturally and spontaneously do prosecute that which is proper and conser­vative, and avoid what is noxious.

But Man having a greater liberty by the prerogative of his rational Soul, does make his choice, and wanders amongst varieties both good and evil, and often deceives himself, chusing what is destructive to his Being: So that breaking the Law of Na­ture, which he ought to observe as Bounds and Rules to his actions, making them sa­native [Page 11]and preservative; does on the con­trary alter and change those necessary ap­pointments and supports; renders them de­structive by his irregular incongruous use, vi­tious customs, and imprudent choice.

The most considerable things to be obser­ved by Man, as conducing and tending to the lengthening or shortning of his life, ac­cording to their management and procure­ment, well or ill, do fall under these Heads.

Meat and drink; place of abode; sleep and watching; exercise and rest; excretions and retentions; passions of mind; all usages and customs.

In the moderation, use and choice of these (which particularly hereafter shall be handled) consists the length and brevity of life, per modum assistentiae, and as causa si­ne qua non; being auxiliary requisites, and necessary supports of life, appointed by Na­ture for the continuation, assistance and pre­servation thereof.

But the length and brevity of life, fontali­ter & radicaliter, consists in the fundamental Principles, and vital powers variously radica­ted and planted ab ortu, in man's generation and fabrication. But this being not in the choice and power of man to alter or change, we shall prosecute upon the former Heads.

Man consisting of Soul and Body; and [Page 12]this body compounded of heterogeneous and dissimilar parts, destinated to various acti­ons and offices, dependent in Being and conservation; will necessarily require va­riety of assistance and supply, proportionable and suiting to their several purposes, facul­ties, properties, and temperatures; in mat­ter, manner, times, and order; as well for their maintenance and sustentation in the integrity of their actions, offices and duties; as constitutional dispositions and Crases; pe­culiarly conservative of themselves, respe­ctively and consequently of the whole.

And by the Law of Nature (being sub­ject to corruption and dissolution, through the fragility of constitutive parts, connexion and fabrication) is bound to observe Rules, Orders and Customs most consonant for pre­servation and continuance in Being.

Now if there be a disproportion or unfit­ness, in the matter or quantum; or irregu­larity in the manner, times, or order of the auxiliary requisites and conservatives; con­trary to what the Law or necessity of his Nature requires and commands; there arise Distempers, Ataxies and discord, the praelu­diums to ruine and dissolution.

And this body being in a continual flux and reflux, conversant in vicissitudes and variations of opposites, dissimilars, contraries, [Page 13]and privations; as heat and cold, siccity and humidity; filling and emptying; rest and motion; sleeping and waking; inspiration and exspiration, and the like; this body could not subsist amidst these various subal­ternations and changes, if they were not bounded and regulated by due order of suc­cession to fit and convenient times; that they might not clash, interfere, and encroach upon each others priviledges, due times and proprieties.

If heat exceeds; the natural moisture dries up, the spirits evaporate, and the body wi­thers.

If cold; the faculties are torpid and be­num'd, the spirits being frozen up to a cessa­tion from their duties.

If moisture prevails; the spirits are clog­ged, suffocated and drowned in the chanels of the body.

If siccity and dryness; the organical parts are stubborn, unpliable and uncapable of their regular motions and due actions; the vital streams being drunk up that should irrigate, refresh, and supple them.

Were the body always taking in and sending nothing forth, it would either in­crease to a monstrous and vast magnitude; or fill up, suffocate and stifle the soul: were it always in excretion and emission, the bo­dy [Page 14]would waste away and be reduced to nothing.

Nor is the receiving in of any thing, suf­ficient and satisfactory to the body for its preservation; but that which is appointed by Nature, proper and sutable: nor emission or ejection of any thing, but that which is superfluous and unnecessary to be retained.

If Sleep prevails contrary to the Law of Nature; the body in a lethargick soporife­rous inactivity, stupefied and senseless, lies at the gates of death.

If Watching exceeds the limits, transgresseth and steals away the due time for sleep; the faculties are debilitated and enervated, the spirits tired, worn out, and impoverished.

If Inspiration were constant without in­termission; the body would puff up and be blown like a Bladder.

If Expiration were continual; the soul and spirits would soon quit their habitation and come forth.

If always Exercised in motion; the body would pine and wear away: if always at Rest; it would corrupt and stink.

There is a rule therefore, proportion, mea­sure and season, to be observed, in all the requisite supports and auxiliary helps, belong­ing to our preservation; and by how much, or often, any of these necessary alternative [Page 15]successions are extravagant and irregular, ex­ceeding the bounds and limits prescribed by Nature, and justling out the successive ap­pointed action, duty, or custom, from its seasonable exercise and due execution; by so much is the harmony of Nature disturbed, vigor abated, and duration shortned, by these jars, discords and encroachments.

The thwarting and crossing of Nature in any thing she hath enjoyned, either in the substance or circumstance, is violence offered to Nature; and is destructive more or less according to the dignity or quality of the thing appointed.

For, Nature was not so indifferent in the institution of these duties and customs, that they might be done or not done; or so care­less and irregular, to leave them at your pleasure, when and how; or to be used pro­miscuously and preposterously without order, at the liberty of your will, fancy and occa­sions.

And, as you may see in all other crea­tures, exactness of rule, method and constant order impressed upon, and radicated in their natures, by which they act always sutable, regular, and constant: you may not ima­gine so choice and exquisite a piece as Man is, to be left without a Law and Rule to guide and steer him in the necessary actions [Page 16]concerning Life; and that he should rove in uncertain, unconstant, unlimited quanti­ties, times, orders, manners, and the like; but is bounded and restrained upon penalties and forfeitures of Being, well-being, and long-being; to the nice and strict observance of these laws and customs necessary for the tu­ition of Life, and defence of humane frail­ty.

As moral good actions are placed in a mediocrity between two vitious extreams; so natural actions and auxiliary requisites, conservative of life, have their golden Mean; digression from which, on either side, leads to ruine and destruction.

Too much Sleep, or too little; too much Meat and Drink, or too little; too much Rest, or too much Motion; too much Air, or always close pent up; too great Excreti­ons, or too long Retentions; too much Heat, or too much Cold; either of the extreams lead to ruine.

And as Nature hath not appointed any thing, or every thing to be food, but this and that; so likewise not at any time to be received, not in any quantity, after any man­ner prepared, or in what order you please; but proportionable, suteable and convenient.

As there is variety of dispositions and in­clinations of mind agreeing with, and like­ing [Page 17]one thing; but disagreeing, resisting, and disliking another: so is it in the va­riety of bodies and food: one body is of this constitutional propriety, temper and appe­tite; will sute and agree well with this meat, and disagree with another; for if all meats were convenient for all bodies, to be used promiscuously without choice, how comes it to pass the antipathy, resistance, and abhorrency of some bodies against some par­ticular meats? And this not from a fancy and conceit, but so radicated in the consti­tution; that if it be eaten, though un­known, shall produce Fluxes, Vomitings, Swoonings, and such like effects.

From hence is manifested the opposition, disagreement, and distance between this con­stitution and this kind of meat; which be­ing so great, that the dislike and discor­dancy appears presently; other disagree­ments which are in a lower degree of oppo­sition, do not manifest themselves immedi­ately, yet they produce ill effects in the body, plùs minùs, pro viribus, some Disease or Distemper, which discover themselves gradually, at times, seasons, and occasions given: If you acknowledge the former, you must admit of the latter, the reason is, à majori ad minus.

As Sleep is appointed by Nature, to re­fresh [Page 18]the spirits, and repair loss strength so the time for sleep is appointed and limi­ted; not when you please: the Sun, that glorious Light, was not made for you to sleep by; nor the night for sports, and re­vels, or lawful business, but for rest.

Nature does not only command what to be done, but when; how much, how long, after what manner, in what order: the mo­dification, circumstances and requisite quali­fications, as well as the thing it self, are to be regarded.

And therefore by a diligent inquisition, and curious speculation into the works of Nature, you may as much admire the man­ner of preservation, government, order, weight, and measure, regular vicissitudes, alternati­ons and successions; as the excellency and con­trivance of the things themselves in their creation and generation.

Whatever is appointed by Nature as ne­cessary for conservation and support of Being, though never so good; yet if it be unsea­sonable, out of course, immoderate in quan­tity, quality, or duration; it alters the pro­perty and intention of Nature; converts good purposes to bad effects.

We say, Every thing is best in its own kind; and of continuance in its own Ele­ment: and Nature is most chearful vigo­rous [Page 19]and durable in the course and method of her own injunctions: but being put by, thrust out of her own way, is not of long duration: the Birds cannot live in the Sea, nor the Fish upon the Land; nor your Nature continue long in an unnatural way against her self.

Are you composed of natural principles, and will you not live conformable to what you are? Do you not live by Natures as­sistance and natural means, and do you think to continue long in a Counter-motion against the nature of your Composi­tion?

They that invert Natures course, pre­posterously, promiscuously, and incongru­ously using the necessary conservatives of life; not only are deprived of their bene­fit, but also receive a positive hurt; disor­dering the constant regular motions in the body, and discomposing the harmonious and sociable assistance of the parts in their Offices to each other.

There is a rule therefore, method, mea­sure, and season, in all the requisite supports and auxiliary helps belonging and necessa­ry unto life, or natural actions and customs whatsoever; which duly observed, are of much advantage for the preservation of the body in its true natural state, vigor and [Page 20] prolongation of Being: but otherwise, im­methodically and inordinately used, disturbs Natures course, uniformity and regularity of operations; raiseth unnatural motions, com­motions and cessations; introduceth disor­ders, and disjoins the frame of Nature; accelerates and hastens the dissolution of the body.

DIƲ & bene valere; To live long and in health, said Plato, is the best thing in the World: and Thales Milesius, one of the seven Greek Sages, being asked, Who was the happy Man? Answered, He that hath a healthy body: preferring health before riches and honours, or any earthly enjoyment.

The truth of this Opinion will best be discovered and proved, by consulting with the sick man; who is best able to judge of health, and knows rightly the value of it: Experimentally he hath found, that a Crown and Scepter give no content, nor ease to a [Page 21] pained languishing body: and beauty brings no pleasure to a sick Bed: and dainty Dishes affect not the distemper'd Palate with de­light: Nor the sweetest Musick can recreate a restless faint-sick-man: but the enjoyment of health alone is more sweet and pleasant, and far more desirable than all these with­out it.

Yet who is he that values health at the rate it is worth? Not he that hath it; he reckons it amongst the common ordinary en­joyments; and takes as little notice of it, or less regards it, than his long-worn Cloaths: perhaps more careful of his Garments, re­membring their price; but thinks his health costs him nothing; and coming to him at so easie a rate, values it accordingly, and hath little regard to keep it; is never truly sensible of what he enjoyed, until he finds the want of it by sickness; then hoe unum [...], health above all things is earnestly desired and wished for.

This great concernment, Health, falls un­der a threefold consideration.

• First, In its causes, from whence it does immediately arise in the body.
• Secondly, In its effects, the consequents and benefits that accrue to us by it; and what is the state of a healthy man.
• Thirdly, The right course to obtain, and [Page 22] means to preserve this invaluable treasure, so long as the capacity of human nature will admit.

And first, Here we must distinguish of Health; which may be taken either strictly, or largely: Health in the strictest acceptation, admits of no organical indisposition, mor­bous effect, or morbifick Seminary to abide in the body; that although no sensible in­jury, or inconvenient alteration may ap­pear; yet notwithstanding a person may be said not to be in perfect health: for al­though the latent seminaries of Diseases are not budded, do not sprout forth so as to be dolorous, impedite any faculty, or make some disturbance or alteration; yet they are planted in the body, and have a real Being: as hereditary Diseases, whose semi­naries are obscured, do not come to ma­turity of production until such an Age of the Person; or some irritating occasion given to produce it sooner or later, as the person is ordered well or ill, in the diaetetick regi­ment.

So likewise, the first ground-work and foundation of the Stone is not perceptible, until some time and progress give it per­fection; during which time that person is not in a state of health in a strict sense. And likewise some Diseases do lie dormant for a [Page 23] time, and discover nothing during that sea­son, and have their periodick motions, where­in they awake, and are stirred up to shew themselves, upon some irritating provocati­ons and occasions given: as the Epilepsie, the Gout, Hysterical passions, and such like, that have their times of cessation and re­turns: yet these, during their intermissions and cessations from hostility, are in being; although they do not act so as to injure and deprave any function sensibly.

Secondly, Health may be taken largely, and in the common acceptation: as when no function is impedited, or sensible alterati­on from a good state does appear: we say then, Such a man is in health: In the first and strictest sense, few can be said to be in health; but in the latter, many are to be accounted healthful. And this is the state of health understood by Galen, Avicen, and A­verroes, in their definitions of it: Which imports thus much.

Health is a due power and aptitude for the exercise and discharge of all the facul­ties in the body: So that when every part and faculty perform their duty regularly and vigorously; that man is said to be in health: but when any faculty is impedited, and part ill affected, or depraved in its function; the man then is not in perfect health: So that [Page 24]the actions of the body and mind are the chief discoverers of health and sick­ness: And here we see that health is seated in the faculties, and does assurge or re­sult from the regular discharge of their fun­ctions.

As when the appetite is sharp; the di­gestion not sluggish and heavy: the belly so­luble; the senses perfect, free from pain in all parts: the mind pleasant; sleeps quiet; the spirits brisk and lively; the whole body strong, nimble and vigorous in motion; these are signs of Health: so that examining all parts and faculties, when we find no­thing preternatural or irregular; but in every part and faculty a good discharge of their Office; then that person is to be ac­counted in a right state of health, so far as is discoverable by any manifest, or conjectu­ral sign.

The benefits and excellencies of this health, are best known to those that have lost it; Carendo magic quàm fruendo, quid valeat, eognoscimus: You that have it and know not how to prize it, I'le tell you what it is, that you may love it better, put a higher value upon it, and endeavour to preserve it with a more serious, stricter observance and tuition.

Health, is that which makes your meat [Page 25]and drink, both savoury and pleasant; else Natures injunction of eating and drinking, were a hard task and slavish custom.

Health, is that which makes your bed easie, and your sleep refreshing: that re­news your strength with the rising Sun; and makes you chearful at the light of ano­ther day: 'tis that which fills up the hollow and uneven places of your Carcase, and makes your body plump and comely: 'tis that which dresseth you up in Natures rich­est Attire; and adorns your face with her choicest colours.

'Tis that which makes exercise a sport; and walking abroad, the enjoyment of your Liberty.

'Tis that which makes fertile, and en­creaseth the natural endowments of your mind, and preserves them long from decay; makes your wit acute, and your memory re­tentive.

'Tis that which supports the fragility of a corruptible body; and preserves the ver­dure, vigour, and beauty of Youth.

'Tis that which makes the Soul take de­light in her mansion; sporting her self at the Casements of your Eyes.

'Tis that which makes pleasure to be pleasure, and delights delightful; with­out which you can solace your self in [Page 26]nothing of terrene felicities and enjoy­ments.

Having cursorily glanced at the excellen­cies of Health, in this short Narrative and Epitome of its worth; it remains we should next draw forth and present to your view, the doleful condition of sickness, and a va­letudinary drooping Life: shewing you the great difference between that decaying condition, and a chearful state of Health: which Antithesis will prepare and stir you up to the reasonable strictness of duty; make you more cautious, and sollicitous for the preservation of your Health; and to prize it as the summum bonum, your chief­est enjoyment in this Life.

IN the preceding Section, having taken a brief survey of natural life in the best estate; graced and adorned with the so­ciety of health, and its great Attendant [...] the concomitant benefits, priviledges and enjoyments: Now take a view of your self when health hath turn'd its back upon you, and deserts your company; see then how the Scene is changed; how you me robb'd and spoiled of all your comforts and enjoyments.

The want of health makes food to lose its wonted relish, and is become disgustful and unsavoury: the stomach now refuseth to receive its daily charge; no longer a­ble to peform the task, but desires a quie­tus est, from the office.

Sleep that was stretch out, from evening to the fair bright day, is now broken into pieces, and subdivided, not worth the ac­counting: the night that before seemed short is now too long; and the downy bed presseth hard against the bones.

Exercise now is toyling: and Walking abroad the carrying of a burthen.

The body that moved so light, and rea­dily obeyed the steerage of the Pilot; is now over-ballac'd with its own weight, and slowly tugs, as against the stream.

Conjugal imbraces are now but the faint Offers of love; the shadows and represen­tations of former kindness.

The body that had the magnetism and se­cret attraction of souls; may now be ap­proached without loss; or danger of being snared and fettered as a bond-slave.

The Lily and the Rose, that Nature plan­ted in the highest Mount, to shew the world her pride and glory; is now blasted and withered like long-blown flowers.

The Eye that flasht as lightning, is now like the opacous body of a thick Cloud: that rolled from East to West swifter than a Celestial Orb; is now tired and weary with standing still: that penetrated the Center of another Microcosm; hath lost its Planetary influence, and is become obtuse and dull.

The hollow sounding breast that echoed to the chanting Bird; and warbled forth delightful tunes; now runs divisions with coughing strains, and pauses with a deep­fetch't sigh for breath, to repeat those notes again.

The Venal and Arterial Rivulets that [Page 29]ran with vital streams, bedewing the adja­cent parts with fruitful moisture, is now drunk up with parching heat; or muddied and defiled with an inundation of excre­mental humors.

The want of health converts your House into a Prison; and confines you to the nar­row compass of a Chamber; 'tis that which sours the sweetest and most beloved enjoy­ments: 'tis that which disunites and breaks the league of copartnership between soul and body; alienates and makes them at jarrs; discomposes their harmony, and makes them weary of their wonted sweet society.

A sick man is like a Clock out of order and due motion; which is of little worth or use, so long as it continues in that con­dition; so is Man useless both to himself, and others in such a state: one Wheel be­ing faulty or defective, puts the rest out of order and regularity, that depend upon that motion: and one part or faculty of Mans body being disordered and irregular; se­veral others consent with, or share in the discomposure more or fewer; as the part is more noble and principal, commanding some chief Region of the Body; or infe­rior, and of a lower orb, or private sta­tion.

The reason of this sympathy and consent [Page 30]of parts is; First, From the general agent and principle of life, which is one and the same throughout the whole.

Secondly, Because all the parts of mans body, though they have their peculiar and different motions to themselves and special properties; yet they are all concurrent and co-operating; co-ordinately or subordi­nately, serving to the general design of Nature, and maintenance of the whole body; and are so concatenated and linked together, in the Oeconomy of office, that their motions are dependent, and of mutual Concern for each others welfare.

If the Foot complains, the Head is bu­sied for its relief: and the Heart suffers un­til the grief be past: and the whole man uneasy, until the pain be gone or al­layed.

Thus you see that a diseased valetudina­ry state, is a weary and irksom condition: and that Health is the pleasure and con­tentment of life, or rather the life it self: Nam vivere non est vita, sed valere: and since Health is of great value, and sickness so deplorable and comfortless; I shall shew you how to obtain and preserve the one, and how to defend you from the other; all which is to be done by the ways and means hereafter following.

HEalth, as it is the result of Nature in her integrity and perfection, is main­tained and kept in that order and due Oeco­nomy, by the regular and right use of those natural supports that our bodies daily re­quire and do depend on in Being: as Air, Food, Sleep, Exercise, &c.

Now those things that do necessarily be­long and daily attend us, ought so to be chosen and managed, as does best conduce and sute with the institution of Nature, to which they are appointed; but if other­wise, unseasonably, disorderly or immode­rately used; they then prove pernicious and destructive, more or less, according to the degree, and continuance of their irregularity and incongruousness.

Nature hath appointed both times and order, and set a regular course, how and when every thing should be used in its proper mode and season.

There is a moderation also enjoyned, and limits prescribed by Nature in the use of [Page 32]these things, which if we exceed and run into excess, we then put Nature out of her mediocrity and equality; in which course she cannot long continue; and that continu­ance also with much trouble to us, by bo­dily diseases and infirmities, the usual and frequent consequents of such irregularities.

The Body of Man is as a curious En­gine or Clock-work, moving with divers Wheels, and various internal motions, sub­ordinate to each other, and conducing to the general design of the whole; in a com­pleat order and exquisite method of con­trivance, promoting and moving one ano­ther in their distinct Offices. Now if one Wheel goes too fast, too slow, or stops; the rest that depend upon that motion also, are disordered and move irregularly.

So is it in the Body of Man: If the Sto­mach be clogged, and the digestion slug­gish; the supply from thence will not come in due time to the other faculties to ope­rate upon: and if the Chyliferous matter sent from the Stomach be not well trans­muted and qualified, the rest of the dige­stive faculties cannot so well perform their task, because the alimentary matter is not transmitted to them proper and sutable, but imperfect, aliene and degenerate.

Most men experimentally and sensibly [Page 33]know; that meat and drink transgressing either in quantity or quality, or unseaso­nably taken, does abate and injure a good Stomach, and depraves the digestion: which defect redounds to the detriment of the whole, and all the body suffers by it, and every faculty in time will share in the pre­judice: So that of necessity there must be rules observed, and bounds set in the use of these things, without which mans body is soon put out of frame, and the regular Oe­conomy thereof discomposed and disor­dered.

To prove and illustrate this farther by instance: fresh Air is necessary to ventilate the body, and chear the spirits of man; and he that is pent up within doors, is de­prived of that great enlivener and refresh­er of Nature: but on the contrary, he that is exposed abroad to the night Air, is as much damaged as the other; and both prove injurious and destructive: So that al­though the open Air be good and necessary for the healthful being of Man; yet not at all times, not in any condition, and upon any terms; but sutable and convenient with the state of our bodies, as Nature hath ap­pointed for you, and not otherwise.

So likewise for Exercise and Rest, Me­thod and Rule is to be observed: for if [Page 34]there be not seasons allotted, and a mode­ration used in these; they both are destru­ctive, though in a contrary way, and by different mediums.

To sleep when you should wake, or wake when you should sleep, are both injurious and impairing of health: to invert the or­der of Nature, by sleeping in the day, and watching in the night, is incongruous and un­sutable with your bodies; because it cros­seth the designment of Nature.

When the Sun riseth, the spirits of Men are then most apt and fit for Action; are then most lively, brisk and chearful in their functions: but when the Sun sets, and the Air is cloathed with darkness; the spirits then begin to droop, grow more dull and heavy, incline to rest, retirement, and a cessation.

Now to spur up and rouze the spirits, when they naturally would be taking their ease and respite; or laying a clog upon them, by your sluggishness and somnolent postures, when Nature calls upon them for action, (by darting the glittering light through the Air, with which they are af­fected and raised up) these are great inju­ries and affronts to Nature, in acting coun­ter to her commands and institutions; for which you must suffer the penalty; and [Page 35]that is the forfeiting your health, for this unnatural disobedience, and these irratio­nal courses.

These Precautions and Rules, I will as­sure you are not our inventions, to curb your darling inclinations, and restrain you of your just liberty; but they are the In­stitutions and Law of Nature, enjoyned to be observed, for your own preservation and well-being; and as bounds set to check your extravagant pernicious actions; and all for the tuition and safety of your life and health; and to preserve the regular harmony through the whole course of Nature.

And although it be an old saying, as foolish as common; Qui Medicè vivit, miserè vivit; He that lives strictly by rule, lives miserably: yet I must affirm the contrary, grounded upon pure reason, and the pre­ceding discourse; that he which does not observe the injunctions, the due method and regular course of Nature; does both shorten his life, and takes away much of the plea­sure of it, by procuring an uncomfortable and unhealthy body.

I know, Every of you would live long; but especially in health: you would fain continue and prolong your youth; your beauty and ability of parts: you are frighted at the thoughts of a wrinkled face, or a [Page 36] restless bed; an unwholsom diseased body, and a decripid loathsom old Age: But yet you will not avoid these evils that you so much fear: you will not take the pains to prevent them, and secure your self: you rather take more pains, and undergo more trouble to procure them, than there can be in avoiding them: nay, you lose the true pleasure of your life to purchase these Incon­veniencies.

But what those things are, which so wa­rily and chiefly you are to observe, (wherein consists your health and well-being) have now been hinted but generally; the due method, course, and cautions, you are to take in the use of them, particularly; shall be handled in their due place, and order following.

AIR is so necessary to Life, that with­out it we cannot subsist; which sur­rounding us about, and being continually suckt and drawn in, must needs affect the body with its conditions and properties; and by observation you may find your Body, by the various constitutions and changes in the Air, to be variously affected, well and ill disposed; of which, infirm parts are most sensible, that they prognosti­cate, before an alteration come.

The mind also, by the mediation of the spirits, is drawn into consent, and hath its dispositions and variations from thence: When the Air is close, thick and moist, the spirits are more dull, heavy, and indispo­sed; but at the appearance of the Sun, and a serene Skie; the Spirits are unfetter­ed, vigorous and active; the mind more chearful, airy and pleasant.

The Spirits are of an aetherial Nature; and therefore do much sympathize with the present constitution, and change of Air: for, from the Air drawn in by the motion of the vital parts, are the vital spirits ven­tilated, and the blood volatized; therefore the pureness of the Air, makes much for the purity of the spirits, and mass of blood.

A gross impure and noysom Air, ob­tunds and deads the spirits; makes a slow Pulse, obstructs the Pores, and hinders ventilation; generates superfluous humors, and causeth putrefaction.

A serene, sweet, thin Air, perfumes and purifies an unwholsome body; cherisheth the heart; makes a lively pulse; and much enliveneth the vital spirits; rarifies and volatizeth a gross coagulate blood; opens the pores for transpiration of putrid and offensive vapours, acuates and sharp­ens the Appetite, and helps digestion.

The best Air, and most agreeable to tem­perate bodies, is in temperate Climates, for heat, cold, wet, and dry; not subject to sudden and violent changes, as in some parts of America, and other Countries ve­ry frequent; not gross and turbulent, in­fected with putrid vapours and noxious exhalations; from stinking Ditches, Lakes, Bogs, Carrions, Dunghills, Sinks and Vaults; [Page 39]for which causes great Cities, and the ad­jacent places are not so healthful, nor the people so long liv'd.

Change of Air sometimes is very neces­sary for the conservation of health, and the recovery of it declining and lost: for, temperate bodies by an intemperate Air, shall gradually and in time become intem­perate: intemperate bodies, by the con­trary intemperate Air, shall be reduced to temperature; at least, shall conduce much, and be very Auxiliary for the reduction. Therefore bodies declining from exact temperature, are best preserved in that Air opposite to their declensions; as cholerick, hot and dry bodies, in a moist and cool Air; Phlegmatick, cold and moist bodies, in a dry and warm Air.

It is not therefore of small moment, in what place you live; and more especially such, who labour of, or are more subject to, any pectoral infirmity: for the Lungs being of so tender a substance and porous, continually drinking in the Air; are most apt to receive impressions from it, accord­ing to the properties it is pregnant with, and infested; and many diseases of the breast arise from this sole cause; and many exasperated by it and continued.

Hence it is, that Asthmatick, Phthisical [Page 40]and Consumptive persons shall not be cured in some places, but may have cure in ano­ther.

Be cloathed according to the clemency, season, and temperature of the Air, your Age, and habit of body.

Lean thin bodies, and pervious, (corpora rarae texturae) and whose skin are loose and lax; may wear thicker cloathing, because such are more perspirable, do magis emit­tere & transpirare; and are also more pene­trable and subject to injury of the Air.

Fat and fleshy people, and whose bo­dies are solid, firm and hard; are more impenetrable and impervious, and may wear thinner Garments.

Infants and Children lately cherished in the stove of the Womb, being of tender soft bodies, are easily exposed to the pre­judice of the Air.

Vigorous youth, and middle Age, being accustomed to all weathers, whose spirits abounding, do strongly resist and keep out the assaults and injuries of an offensive Air; may best indure hardship.

Old Age, whose natural heat is abated, and spirits exhausted; stands in need of good defensatives against external cold, and to cherish internal heat.

Observe the seasons and changes of the [Page 41] Air, and be then most careful; for at such times you are in most danger to exchange health for sickness: hence it is that Spring and Autumn abounds most with Diseases; the Air then assuming new properties op­posite to its former constitution; sets new impressions upon our bodies; which occa­sions the various aestuations, and turgid for­menting of humours; producing divers symptoms according to the variety of their nature, the organical difference, office, and constitution of the several parts.

The Sun being risen, and the Air clear; open your Chamber-Windows, that the fresh Air may perfume your Room; and the close Air and inclosed Vapours may go forth.

Bad smells and putrid vapours being drawn in with the Air, are very injurious to the Lungs and vital parts; contamina­ting the spirits, and impressing upon the Crasis of those parts their tetrid nature; are oftentimes the original of a Consumption; and, if the Lungs be weak and infirm, are more apt to receive prejudice than o­thers.

But fragrant smells, refresh and chear the vital spirits, and are very wholsome, breathing forth the vertue of those things from whence they do proceed.

Be not late abroad, nor very early: for before Sun rising, and after setting, the Air is not so good, being then infested with noxious vapours; until the radiant influence of the Sun dispels and purifies: and those whose custom it is to be often abroad at such times, are most frequently molested with Rheums, and Rheumatick Di­seases; of which their declining years will more evidently manifest the prejudice.

Likewise in moist, foggy dark weather, 'tis better being within, than abroad; and if it be a cool season, good fires, and fragrant fumes are then both pleasant and very wholsom.

Be frequent abroad in the Fields, when a clear Skie invites you forth, and let the fresh Air fan you with its sweet breath; but more especially in the morning; the Air is softer and more pleasant than your Bed, and sure I am, far more wholsom.

In the choice of places to inhabite and dwell in; these things are to be considered principally.

First, The Climate; that it be temperate, and suting with the nature of the person; for some persons may agree well with one Climate, with which others cannot: cold [Page 43]and moist bodies, agree best with a warm and dry Air; hot and dry bodies, with a moist, and cooler Air.

Secondly, The situation of the place, and soyl is to be noted; for as much as, low, wet, and marish Lands, are not so wholsom to inhabit, as gravelly Plains, and dry Highland Countreys.

Thirdly, In relation to Country and City, regard is to be had; and here the Country does prevail over the City for Health; and is to be accounted the best place of abode: The continual smoke and annoyances that are inseparable from great Cities, make those places to abound more with infirm and sickly people.

Fourthly, The Waters that supply a place, do make it better or worse to live in, as they are good or bad; Water being of so constant and general use, is much to be regarded, though little taken notice of; and procures many diseases from the va­riety of its nature; being impregnated va­riously from the Earth it passeth through; or from accidents that happen to change it from its natural properties; by the admix­ture of any filth, carrion, or what else shall fall into it; and therefore River Waters that lie open to such injuries, are much to be suspected of unwholsomness. And ill [Page 44]water is a great procurer of the Scurvy in many places: as Pliny relates; that Caesars Army, by drinking of bad Water but a few days, had the symptoms of that Di­sease.

The commendations of a place, in rela­tion to health and long life, are these: A temperate Air, dry, serene and clear; Cham­pain or high Lands; a gravelly dry soyl, watered with pure good Springs; remote from the Sea, Lakes, or Marshes: not fre­quented with unwholsom Winds and stormy blasts.

So considerable is the Climate and Air in relation to our Being, that it not only chan­geth and altereth our Bodies, but also our Minds are wrought upon by it: in as much as the wit, inclinations and manners of a people, are different upon this score. And for long Life, we find that in some Coun­tries the people are longer lived by much than in other; and this from the wholsom­ness of the place, and purity of the Air: therefore the choice of places to live in, is of great concernment, and much to be re­garded, by those whose Fortunes permit them to pitch in any place, for the advan­tages of health and long life.

But many places might be made more wholesome and fit to live in, than they are; [Page 45]by industry and care of the inhabitants: for, the Air of a place is sometimes bad in its own nature, according to Climate, Re­gion, Island, and soil of the Land, or waters subjacent which is not to be altered; and sometimes the Air of a place is made so by occasions, from the people, and their neg­lects, in their own preservation.

If therefore the Magistrates and publick Officers were careful of themselves, with a regard to others under their charge; and will be sensible how greatly it concerns them; the adjacent ditches would yearly be cleansed, all filth constantly removed, and carrion buried; which should be very ad­vantagious in point of Health, to all that inhabit thereabout: for, from these annoy­ances many times, acute infectious sicknesses do arise; especially in Cities that are po­pulous.

Besides, it procures chronic diseases also, or aggravates them that are otherwise pro­cured, if the Air where they live be noi­some and unwholsome, from neglect of cleanliness and due care in this matter.

Hence it is, that diseased, and Aged in­firm people, are forced to remove out of great Cities, for recovery of their Health, and to prolong their Life; which they would not be necessitated to, if places [Page 46]were kept sweet and clean, and the Air made wholsomer thereby: but people are so much taken up about trade and gain, that Health is little regarded, or thought on, (until infirmities and sickness put them in mind of it) and the Air in which, and by which you live, is not considered in due time, for a seasonable prevention.

Remember then, that Air is of such im­portance for the maintenance of Health and Vigour, and consequently for procu­ring long Life; that none of the necessary supports of our being is greater, nor soon­er gives an alteration and change to the Body, either for good or hurt.

THat which properly may be called Food or Aliment, is of such nature; as may fitly be trasmuted and changed into the substance of the body which receives it: so that what ever will not be reduced and subdued by the digestions, for such a transmutation and assimilation, is not pro­per nor convenient food for that body: be­cause the intention of eating is to repair the loss that Nature sustains daily; unde, [...]. Arist. and if food will not be converted into the substance of the body, it answers not that intention, and is frustraneous.

From hence it is, that every meat which enters mans body, is not aliment, does not nourish; but that only which yields obe­dience to the digestions, and is assimilated. And that which may be accounted proper food for the species, mankind; may be un­fit for some individuums, this or that man, [Page 48]as common experience shews: the reason of this is from the Idiosyncrasia, peculiar properties of mens bodies that differ; else the choice of Meats need not so much to be insisted on.

In regular eating, you are to consider these four things.

• First, The substance, and quality of the food.
• Secondly, The fit quantity and propor­tion.
• Thirdly, Convenient and due times for eating.
• Fourthly, The manner; and helps to di­gestion.

Concerning the first; That every one may be something instructed in the election of meats, this or that, most proper and sutable: take these observations for a ge­neral guide.

First, Try by your Palate; eat no meats that do displease the Gust, for a common food. Paulo pejor sed suavior cibus & po­tus, meliori, at ingrato, praeferendus.

Let no Rule therefore, or judgment gi­ven; impose upon you any meat (though good) whereunto you have an aversion; or what is not well relishing and accepta­ble: for, although meats considered in themselves, and compared one with ano­ther; [Page 49]this hath the preference, and is ac­counted better than that; yet in relation to this or that person; the better some­times may prove the worse; as not so well agreeing with the peculiar proprie­ty and nature of that Body; which, ap­petition and rejection sometimes does dis­cover.

Secondly, Examine your Stomach, what meats do oppress, or rise in the Stomach, and cause a trouble; or is long in passing off, and flatulent: If any such symptoms as these do follow, upon some (and not upon other meats); then such food is not con­venient, because it puts a difficulty upon the Stomach to digest; the consequents of which are bad.

If therefore your appetite craves that, which experimentally you have found dis­agreement in; as by the effects in digestion, or otherwise, by gripes, fluxes, &c. is ma­nifested: then let not the deceitful prom­ptings of your stomach over-rule you a­gain, in the choice of such meats, that af­terwards will prove discordant, and pro­duce ill effects.

Thirdly, Inquire into the constitution or condition of your body, and have some respect to that in the election of meats: for Phlegmatick, cold bodies, and cholerick, [Page 50]hot and dry bodies, will not well be dieted both alike; but as (commonly) they have different inclinations to meats; so Nature hath appointed, and is furnished with va­riety to suit such several bodies and appeti­tions. Therefore make choice of such for the most part as is commended to you, su­ting (commonly,) and convenient for that constitution you are of; as you will find prescribed in the several Constitutions or Conditions of body, following.

Fourthly, You are also to consider in the choice of meats, whether such meat as you then desire and chuse, be in its proper sea­son; for that meat which at one time of the year is very good, at another time is not so good, or perhaps hurtful.

As Pork at Michaelmas, and all the Win­ter Months is good; but in Summer not fit to be eaten: And so likewise of other sorts of food; when they are in season they are to be used, but at other times you must abstain from them. And you may per­ceive a great difference in the tast, be­tween that, in season; and that, out of sea­son: and so much difference there is in the goodness; and consequently in the whole­somness.

You are likewise to be wary in the choice of meats, that they be sound, and no way [Page 51] abused: for Beasts may be surfeited, over-driven, before they be killed; and will not take salt well for keeping, or may be diseased; and then their flesh is not wholesom, but injurious to your body; begets bad nourishment, from whence di­seases will follow.

So likewise you must be careful in all other sorts of food, that they be in good condition; not over kept, but fresh and good, pure in their kind.

And here also, it is necessary to adver­tise, that your meat be duly prepared, cleansed, and well dressed: if a Slut have the management of your meat, it cannot be so pleasant and wholesome, as that which is cleanly and nearly prepared.

And if it be not duly ordered in the roasting, boiling or baking; either too much, or too little; your good meat, as it was in the market, may prove bad meat at the table; at least not so good; and your stomach must fare the worse for the Cook.

And farther you are to understand, that the true ordering and preparing of meat, is much to be regarded; as matter whereon your health and welfare does in part depend: for, as your food is better or worse, so will your body be in better [Page 52]or worse state, and thrive thereby. And it is not sufficient, that your meat does not stink; but also that the spirituous part thereof be preserved, which gives a lively and pure nourishment: and therefore meat long kept, is not so wholesom and good as that which is fresh killed.

From hence in part, it does rationally appear, how and why the Scurvy does so much abound in England, we being great flesh-eaters: but concerning the procuring causes of this Disease, I have sufficiently treated elsewhere: Tract of the Scurvy.

Fifthly, In the choice of meats consider Custom: what you have been long used to, and made familiar to nature, by long time and use, is more agreeing than novelties and unwonted food; which is apt to cause some alteration: therefore be sparing at first, when a new Diet offers it self; (as upon change of places and Countries) and afterwards upon further use and experience of agreement, you may be bolder, with this or that sort of meat.

And as for such whose feeding hath not been so good, and proper for them as it ought; change for a better, and come off from the other by degrees. Nulla subita mutatio est bona.

Sixthly, Change your diet, according [Page 53]to the seasons of the year, the variation of your body, and inclination to this or that distemper.

In Winter more meat and less drink; in Summer less meat and more liquids: in Summer meats oftner boiled, in Winter roasted.

A hot and dry body must have a cooling and moist diet; a cold and moist body, a hot and dry diet: temperate bodies are pre­served by temperate things and their like; distempered bodies are rectified, and redu­ced by dissimilars.

The more simple and single your diet is, the better and more wholesom: but if your stomach must have variety; let it be at se­veral meals; and so you may please your Palate without prejudice.

Accustom not your self to delicacies and compound-dishes, the heterogeneity of their nature begets a discordant fermentation in the stomach, troubling concoction; from whence eructations, nauseous belchings, and offensive risings in the throat: Quò simpli­cior victûs ratio, eò melior.

Seventhly, Use not meat that hath any quality in extream; that is over-seasoned, or sauced; as very salt, very hot, sowre, binding, or the like; but keep to those that are moderate, in tast, and natural.

Eighthly, Consider the condition of your stomach, of what sort it is; whether strong, or weak in digestion: and sute your diet (in general) accordingly.

Therefore accustom strong stomachs, to strong meats; the weaker to lighter of di­gestion: for, very light meats in strong stomachs are soon digested, but they do not maintain and keep the digestive faculty, in its vigour and strength.

Solid hard meats in weak stomachs, lie long and heavy, and pass away crude and undigested.

Meats in respect of their facility and dif­ficulty in digestion, are termed heavy and light: which you may distinguish, and know them thus.

Heavy meats, be such as are more dry, hard, solid and dense, gross, course and tough, or over-moist, slimy and cold: requiring a longer time in fermentation, for retexture, volatization, and digestion; before they be fit to pass off the stomach.

And they are either so in their Nature: as all old flesh, Bull-Beef and Oxe, Brawn, Pork, Venison, Hare, Goose, Duck, Swan, Crane, Bittern, Heron, and most Water-Fowl: Eels, Mackrel, Sturgeon, Muscles, Shad, Tench, Stock-fish, &c. Beans, Pease when they be something old: brown Bread, [Page 55]Barley, and Rie Bread: Also some parts are of harder digestion than other: as Brains, Hearts, Livers, (except of tame Fowl, Birds, and some very young flesh) Milts, Kidneys, Skin.

Meats made heavy (or made worse than in their own nature) by preparation, keeping and dressing: as dryed, fryed and broyled meats: meats long salted and kept; as Bacon, hang'd Beef, and long pow­dered; old Ling, salt Cod, Haberdine, pick­led Herrings, red Herrings, pickled Scallops, Sturgeon, salt Salmon, hard Eggs, tosted Cheese, tosted Bread, especially if it be scorched; Crusts, Pye-crust; Bread not well baked; unleavened: meats over-baked, hard and dry; long kept; meats roasted dry, or scorched.

Light meats and of quicker digestion, be such as are most soft and tender, rare as it is opposed to density; therefore sooner pe­netrated by the stomachical ferment; suc­culent, volatile, soon fermenting and yield­ing to digestion.

As young tender flesh: of Veal, Mutton, Lamb, Kid, Pullet, Capon, Chicken, Conies, Turkie, Pheasant, Partridge, Plover, Wood­cock, Snite, Heath-Cocks, and small Birds: Whiting, Smelt, Oister, Flounder, Soles, Plaise, Thornback, Turbut, Trout, Carp, Pike, Bream, [Page 56]Pearch, and such like: Rere Eggs, Milk, Wheat Bread, white, light, and well baked; also Oaten Bread well made.

And these light meats may be divided into two sorts: that is, meats very light, as Smelt, Plaise, Oister, Rere Eggs, sucking Rabbits, Chickens, Whitings, and such like; and meats indifferent light, as young Mut­ton, Lamb, Veal.

Very light meats are soon digested, apt to be corrupted in strong stomachs; breed tender and effeminate bodies, soft and loose flesh easily lost: solid strong meats are slower in digestion, not easily corrup­ted, slow in distribution, make strong bo­dies, firm, hard flesh and durable.

Now by these eight Rules, every one may make a good choice of meats in a state of health; and reasonably instruct himself, for the preservation thereof; which Rules also will guide the valetudinary and sickly persons.

The Quantity next is to be considered; that you may not exceed such a proportion, as is agreeable to your Nature, for a due supply, and not over-charge the body.

And here I must commend to you tem­perance and moderation in eating, as a great preservative of Health; not a Lessian diet to pine and enfeeble the body; not so pre­cise, [Page 57]but a moderate allowance, proportion­able to the strength and ability of the Sto­mach to digest; considering also other con­ditions of body, and manner of life, whe­ther active, laborious, sedentary, or idle.

The contrary irregular practice hath de­stroyed the lives of many; Plures gula quam gladius. The labouring, active, and strong­er persons, may eat more freely, and do require a greater supply, to maintain their strength, than the sedentary and studious; or such as take their ease; and weak or tender Bodies.

Some may think, the more plentifully they eat, the better they shall thrive in bo­dy, be more nourished, and the stronger for it: but it will not prove so; a little well digested and assimilated, shall maintain the body in a stronger and more vigorous condition; than being glutted with super­fluity; most of which is turned to excre­mentitious (not alimentary juice) and must be cast out, else sickness soon after will follow.

For quantity, your own stomach must measure to you what is convenient; which is a certain rule of proportion, if you ob­serve, not to eat to a satiety and fulness; but desist with an appetite, being refreshed light and chearful; not dulled, heavy and [Page 58]indisposed to operation and action, either of mind or body.

A set quantity or measure of meat or drink, cannot be prescribed as a general rule and observation for all to follow; in regard of the variety and great difference of persons; in Constitution, Age, strength of Nature, condition of Life, and infirmities; that what is convenient for one, is too much for another, and too little for a third.

The strong and healthy cannot conform to the sickly, weak and infirm, in quantity; nor the labouring man, to the sedentary and studious, or the idle: therefore every sto­mach is to be its own judge; and every one ought to moderate themselves by the Cautions before-mentioned.

If your diet sometimes be not so good and proper for you in the quality and sub­stance; make amends in the quantity, and eat the less.

Indulge not to the cravings of an irra­tional sensitive appetite; but allow such a supply of daily food, as will support and maintain bodily strength, and not over-load it: thereby the spirits will be vigorous and active; humours attenuated and abated; crudities and obstructions prevented; many infirmities checkt and kept under; the sen­ses [Page 59]long preserved in their integrity; the stomach clean, the appetite sharp, and di­gestion good. Quicquid plus ingeritur, gra­vat naturam, non juvat.

But by the surplusage and over-charge, the stomachical ferment is over-laid, and its incisive penetrative faculty obtunded; the appetite, and digestion abated, the stomach nauseating, fluctuating, and belching with crudities; from whence Gripes, Fluxes, and Feavers do follow; the spirits also clog­ged, dull and somnolent; and by their indisposition and inactivity, humours sub­side, degenerate, incrassate, and obstruct; from whence also various ill symptoms and depraved effects throughout the body; de­bilitating and decaying the senses, enerva­ting and stealing away the strength of the body, by defrauding it of good nutri­ment, hastning old age, and shortning life. Although you do not perceive the injury of your intemperance presently; yet it will appear and be manifest, if Physick remove it not seasonably: Noxa etsi ad tempus for­tasse delitescit; temporis tamen successu sese exerit.

In Winter you may eat more freely; but in Summer the spirits are dilated, exhausted and drawn forth by the external heat o­pening the pores; wherefore the appetite [Page 60]is not so sharp, nor digestion so quick. And the Rule is true, though heat be not the principal cause of concoction, yet it is a necessary Agent, Exciter, and Coope­rator.

The third considerable in regular eating, is fit and convenient times, wherein take these Cautions.

Let not the common custom of meals, in­vite you to eat; except your appetite con­cur with those times: and keep a sufficient distance between your times of eating, that you charge not the stomach with a new sup­ply, before the former be distributed, and passed away: and in keeping such a di­stance, your stomach will be very fit, and ready to receive the next meal, the former being wrought off perfectly; no semi-di­gested crude matter remaining to commix with the next food: and that is one chief cause of crudities and a foul stomach; when a new load is cast in before the for­mer be gone off, which begets much excre­ments, not much aliment; clogs the Body, and procures Diseases. And therefore A­vicen rightly admonisheth: Nemo sanitatis suae studiosus aliquid comedat, nisi ad hoc certo prius invitante desiderio; & ventriculo unà cum reliquis superioribus intestinis à prae­sumpto cibo vacuatis.

The Stomach that is empty, receives, closeth and embraceth food with delight; will be eager and sharp in digestion, and the Body will attract and suck the aliment strongly; each part as it passeth along will perform its Office readily and suffici­ently; which they will not do, if often cloyed with depraved and indigested ali­ment, but slowly, and with reluctancy: for although they do not act by reason, yet they have a natural instinct or endow­ment to discern their proper and fit ob­ject.

If you ask how oft in the day, and when it is convenient to eat; I answer, as the quantity is not alike measured to all; so the times are not equally to be appoin­ted.

Children that have coming and craving stomachs; do, and may eat often in a day.

Young men and women, healthful and good stomachs, that labour or use much exercise; may eat thrice in the day; Morn­ing, Noon, and Night.

The elder sort, and such as are infirm, or weak in stomach, that do no work, use no exercise, or have a sedentary life; to such, eating twice in the day is suffici­ent.

And herein also respect is to be had to the nature and temperature of the Body, and to custom; for cool, fat and moist Bo­dies bear hunger better than lean: hot peo­ple of greater perspiration and cholerick stomachs, who are gnawn by abstinence, and do not well bear it: especially if they omit a meal contrary to custom: as Hip­poc. notes, Apher. 24. de rat. vict. qui bis de die cibum capere consueverunt, ii, nisi pransi fuerint, imbecilles finnt & infirmi, ac [...] patiuntur.

Omit a meal sometimes; it acuates and sharpens the stomach, concocts indigested matter, and makes the next meal rellish better.

Eat no late Suppers, nor variety at once; a good stomach may endure it for a while; but the weaker is more sensible of the injury; the best is prejudiced in time.

Eat not presently after exercise; nor when you are hot; but forbear till the spi­rits he retired, and setled in their stations.

The fourth considerable; for manner of eating, and helps to digestion; take this advice.

When you come to Meat, leave your care and business; but bring in your friend, and be as merry as you can: mirth and good [Page 63]company, is a great help to a dull stomach, both for appetite, and digestion.

Eat not hastily, but chew your meat well; 'tis a good preparation for concocti­on, and your stomach will more easily and sooner digest; for, if it be but half chew­ed, the stomach must have the labour to chew it over again, with its incisive fer­ment.

Drink a little and oft at meat, to mace­rate and digest; especially if your meat be dry, and solid, and to help distribution of aliment; but great draughts cause fluctua­tions, and disturb the fermentation.

Forbear reading, writing, study, or seri­ous cogitations, for two hours after meat; else you draw off from the stomach, abate the strength of digestion, and injure the brain.

Hasty motion opens the Orifice of the stomach, precipitates the food before due time, and vitiates digestion.

MAN above all Creatures exceeds in variety and choice of meats; having not only for necessity and conve­nience, but for pleasure also. Nature a­bounds in variety, to please all palates, to sute all constitutions, to serve all conditions, the Young and Aged; the Strong and Heal­thy; the Weak and Sickly; that none may complain for want of provision, fit for their several Stomachs, and State of Body.

If you look into the stores of Nature, you will find there, two eminent ranks of Creatures; the Animal and the Vegetable; both affording wonderful diversity of meats to feed on: that you will sooner want a desire to eat, than choice to eat of.

For Animals, you have three Elements, plentifully and continually to furnish you with: the Earth, the Air, and the Water; all pregnant with divers species of those Creatures.

The first, presents you with four-foot­ed Beasts: the second, with variety of Fowls: the third, with innumerable sorts of Fishes: So that over you, under, and round about you, is plenty of provision. And these three Elements supply and gar­nish your Table, with first, and second course.

There are various sorts of Animals ap­pointed for food: four footed Beasts, Fowls and Fish.

Of the first sort are, Beef, Veal, Mutton, Lamb, Goat, Kid, Pork, Venison, Hare and Rabbit.

Of all meats, Flesh affords the most nou­rishment, and the strongest.

Beef, is very good, and a strong feeding for healthy and robust Bodies; but for tender weak people not so convenient as what follows.

Veal, is very nourishing, and of light digestion; and may safely be given to weak or diseased people, if desired, and their stomachs be not much decayed.

Mutton, is a wholsome good food, and breeds excellent nourishment; is not hard of digestion; if it be young; and weather Mutton the best.

Goats flesh comes near to Mutton, but not so good: yet the Kid, is like to the [Page 66] Lamb; and are both light meats, and breed good nourishment.

Pork, is a great nourisher, and coming nearest in likeness to mans flesh: yet is not proper food for weak and crazy people, but for healthy and strong stomachs.

Brawn, is a gross and heavy meat, not to make a meal on; but moderately tast­ed, to please such Palates as love it, may do no hurt.

Pig, exceeds the rest in nourishment; is juicy, tender, light and pleasant.

Venison, is good food for healthy peo­ple, having good stomachs: otherwise it may be unfit.

The Hare, is heavy meat; but a good stomach need not be afraid of it, to eat sometimes.

Rabbit, is very good, and light meat; fit for weak stomachs, aged and sickly people.

Fowls appointed for food, are tame, and wild.

Of tame and House-Fowls, the Turkey, Capon, Pullet, Chickens, are best, and fit for weak stomachs.

Goose, Duck, Pigeon, Peacock, not so light, nor produce such good nourish­ment.

Of Wild Fowl, the best for pleasantness, [Page 67]wholsomness and easy digestion are; the Phesant, Partridge, Snite, Heathcocks.

Next to these are the Woodcock, Rails and Blackbird.

But Sea-Fowl, and such as frequent Mar­shes, Lakes, Pools and standing Waters, are strong in tast, hard of digestion, and breed not so good nutrimental juice; and are to be eaten only by robust Bodies, and strong stomachs.

As the Heron, Crane, Bittern, Swan, Stork Bustard, Sea-pye, Wigeon, Puet, Curlew, Coots, Fen Duck, Puffin.

But the Teal and Plover are good meat, excelling other Fowl that frequent the Water.

Among the small Birds; the Lark may be accounted the best.

Fish that serve for mans food, are such as live in the salt water, or fresh water.

Of Sea fish that excel for wholesome­ness, pleasantness, and easiness of digestion are; the Sole, Smelt, Plaice, Whiting, Oi­ster, Maids, Pranes and Shrimps; being good food for sickly weak Bodies, and ten­der stomachs.

Next to these in goodness you may ac­count, Salmon, Turbut, Sturgeon, Cod, Had­dock, Lobster, Thornback, Mullet, Herring, Pilchard, Anchove, Scallop.

Of fresh water Fish, these challenge the preheminence for goodness, Trout, Perch, Pike, Carp.

But as for Fish, they are of such nature, that more especially they require a good Cook; else the best may prove but indif­ferent meat; and wholesome Fish may be made unwholesome and unfit for the Body; at least not so good, by ill managing and dressing: for if they be over-salted, the goodness of the Fish is gone: and fryed Fish is not so wholesome as boyled: and many ways a good Dish of Fish may be spoiled; as good House-Wives can tell.

SEasonings of Meat are used, either as preservatives to keep them from pu­trefaction and decay;

Or as correctives, to alter and change some ill quality; and to promote dige­stion.

Or for a gust and relish, to gratify and delight the Palate; as most Sauces.

For sauce and seasoning of meat, many eatable and aromatick ingredients are used; differently mixed and prepared, most su­table to the nature of the meat; and plea­sing to the gust of several Palates; but the more simple and single the better: such are Salt, Sugar, Honey, Oil, Butter, Vinegar, Mustard, Oranges, Verjuice, Lemons, Pepper, Ginger, Mace, Cloves, Cinamon, Nutmeg, Olives, Capers, Broombuds, Sampire.

Salt, for the necessity of its use, and gratefulness to the palate may challenge the first place.

Salt cleanseth and purifies both fish and flesh from their impurities, and corrects [Page 70]their superfluous moisture, and as a balsam preserves them from corruption.

Salt is hot and dry, cleansing, and yet having some astriction; and is most profi­table for phlegmatick, cold and moist sto­machs.

Therefore meat moderately salted, ha­ving time to digest, and alter the crude qualities thereof; is better and wholsomer than fresh: but to eat salt at the Table, is not so good; if the nature of the meat be such, as to allow a previous digestion and seasoning: as Beef, Pork, or Mutton.

And such meat as you intend for salting, and keeping; or only for a seasoning and relishing: let it be powdered, or sprinkled, so soon as the flesh is cold; and then the salt will unite with the spirituous part of the flesh, and preserve it well for keeping: but if the flesh be stale, and the spirits evapora­ted and gone before the salt be applyed; then your meat will not keep so well; will not be so pleasant in eating, nor give so vi­gorous a nourishment to the Body.

Salt is grateful to the palate and sto­mach, it excites the appetite, by giving a relish; assists the stomach in digesting crude phlegmatick matter; is abstersive and pre­vents putrefaction: but salt immoderately used, it heats and dries the blood, and na­tural [Page 71]moisture; corrodes and frets, causeth itching, pustuls and breakings out; and is most injurious to hot, lean, and thin Bo­dies.

Therefore meats too long kept, and over­salted, are not wholsome: the natural good­ness, and distinguishing tast of the meat being thereby changed, and destroyed.

Sugar, though opposite to salt in tast; yet is used sometimes as salt, to preserve from putrefaction: and well it may, for Sugar is a sweet salt: and Sugar (clean and well refined) in a temperate clean body, and moderately used; nourisheth and is good: but in a foul body, it degenerates and makes the body more impure: and the too frequent, or immoderate use ob­tunds, and abates the appetite, and vitiates the digestive ferment of the stomach.

Honey, is nourishing and wholesome: more especially good for those that are asth­matick, that are molested with Coughs, have weak Lungs and short breath. It is balsa­ick, clensing, and makes the Belly soluble: and to sweeten with honey, is better than sugar; wherein Art is used to refine and whiten it.

Oil Olive, being of an unctuous nature, is moderately hot, and lubrifies the bowels: is wholsome and good, especially for cold [Page 72]and phlegmatick Bodies, and such as are costive: but for hot feavourish Bodies, it is not convenient.

Butter, is temperate in it self, moisten­ing, mollifying, and solutive; wholesome for sound and clean Bodies; but not so good for cholerick and foul Bodies: espe­cially being used in sauce.

Vinegar and sowre juices, as of Lemmons, Verjuice, Oranges and the like; are cooling, penetrating and incisive; they acuate and whet the appetite, help the stomach in di­gestion of grosser meats, and give a good relish in eating; but the immoderate and frequent use, cools, dries, constringeth and binds the body, is hurtful to the Nerves and nervous parts; very bad for Women, and those that are subject to the Gout, Asth­ma's and stoppings in the breast, or in other parts; and for lean and dry Bo­dies.

Mustard, quickens the appetite, warms the stomach, dries up superfluous moisture, helps the stomach in digesting hard meats; opens stoppings in the breast and head; and good for such as are heavy and cloudy in their Brains.

Mace, Ginger, Nutmeg, Pepper and Cloves, help a cold stomach, comfort the heart and brain, refresh the spirits by their aromati­cal [Page 73]odour; are grateful upon the Palate, and very acceptable to Phlegmatick cold Bodies.

Cinamon, as it excelleth all Spices in o­dour and sapor, so is it most cordial, and ac­ceptable to the stomach. It is hot and dry, acrid and penetrating; opens obstructions, yet leaving an astriction and roboration up­on the parts; it comforts and refresheth weak natures.

Olives pickled, are used as sauce; and for the pleasant tast of the pickle, which is grateful to the stomach, they may be eaten moderately, without hurt: but the Olive of it self, is heavy in digestion, and not so good.

Capers, are abstersive and opening; quicken the stomach, and good for those that are splenetick: and may freely be used by any that loves them, for sauce.

Broom-buds pickled, are wholesome and good: and are much like to Capers in their nature; to excite the stomach, and to o­pen obstructions of the Liver and Spleen.

Sampire pickled, is both wholesome and pleasant to eat with meat: it hath an ab­stersive and diuretick faculty.

Cucumers, are cold and moist; being pickled when they are young and little, they please the palate, excite the appe­tite, [Page 74]and are good Winter-sauce, especi­ally for hot stomachs: but the great ripe Cucumers, usually eaten unpickled, are too waterish and unwholsome; especially for cold phlegmatick Bodies; but Pepper, Oil and Vinegar, does something correct, and mitigate their faults.

Gillyflowers, are moderately hot and dry, cordial, and good to strengthen the brain: being pickled in Vinegar, are then a plea­sant and wholesome sauce; and is so used by some.

Onions, are hot and dry, acrid in tast, and of ill juice, being eaten raw, although they provoke the appetite, yet they trou­ble the stomach afterwards, and are long in passing off, causing unsavoury belchings, and a strong breath; but being boiled, their heat and acrimony is abated, and naughtiness corrected; giving a good relish to rest, or stewed meat; especially to broth, which Onion makes very savory.

In the use of the forementioned, I shall give this caution: that young stomachs, and strong healthy bodies which need not a spur to their appetite, nor a help to dige­stion; that they frequent not the use of these spices, and enticing sauces; but re­serve them for Age, deficiency of stomach, and other infirmities: for, if you accustom [Page 75]your self to them in youth and strength, to please your palate, and intice your sto­mach, there being no need: when the condition of your body does require them; you shall not find that benefit and assist­ance from them, which otherwise you might have expected and received, had you forborn the use of them when it was not necessary.

OF Animals come Milk; and Eggs for food.

Milk is the first food of Man; and of most, if not all four-footed Beasts.

Milk is bloud digested and altered a se­cond time, by the transmuting power of the ubera dugs; therefore as the blood is better or worse, so is the milk.

The difference of milk in kind and goodness is various: there are five sorts chiefly used by man: the womans milk, Cows milk, Goat, Sheep, and Asses milk. [Page 76] Womans milk, as it is most natural to man­kind; so is it most nourishing and restau­rative to weak Consumptive Bodies.

Cows milk is the next in goodness, being fat, thick, nourishing and most agree­able.

Sheep and Goats milk, are something alike, and may be accounted the next in goodness.

Asses milk is used more physically, than for food: esteemed helpful to Consump­tive people; but I have not that opinion of it, nor at any time do appoint it. The Asse is a heavy melancholy Creature, and the milk cannot do such feats as some do imagine.

Milk, is better or worse from the dif­ference of Creatures in specie, and in sound­ness: from their feeding, or pasture; and from the times of the year, and of taking it: The Beast must be sound; the pasture good; in the spring it is best; and when it is new milkt; and upon an empty stomach received.

Milk in it self is a clean wholsome good food; affording much nourishment, and light in digestion; generally agrees, and is desired, by all Children, and most young folk: but this innocent food as it is easily concocted, so it is soon corrupted; and [Page 77]therefore not convenient for all persons: for milk coming into foul Bodies is quickly depraved, and makes that Body worse.

Milk is cooling, and moistning; both pleasant, and good for lean, hot, and dry Bodies: but for cold, phlegmatick, fat, and gross Bodies not so fit.

To sweeten your milk with honey or su­gar, is a good custom: for it is not then so apt to curdle in the stomach, nor to cause obstructions.

Cream, which is the fat of milk; is very pleasant in tast; but to eat it often is not good.

After milk, eat nor drink, of an hour and half; nor use exercise to heat the Body.

Of milk we have Butter, and Cheese; Whey and Butter-milk.

New Butter (from the hands of a good Housewife) with Bread, is a very good Breakfast: but used as sauce, and mixed with different sorts of food, is then not so wholsome for the Body: being then apt to rise, and fluctuate uppermost in the Ven­tricle, relaxing the orifice, and disturbing the digestion.

New Butter-milk out of the Churn, is the best Julep for a hot thirsty stomach; and for feavourish, lean, dry, and costive Bo­dies: [Page 78]but if it be stale and sour, it is not then so friendly and grateful to the sto­mach.

Cheese, is the worst product of milk: yet there is some sort of Cheese, mellow, soft and fat; that is good for a good stomach: but such as are weak, tender and difficult in digestion, must forbear.

I know, that the worst Cheese is eaten; so hard, that it requires a Hatchet to cut it; and such I have seen and tasted in Vir­ginia: and the coursest is daily eaten, here with us, but it is by labouring people; and they are well after it, which verifies the saying, labor omnia vincit.

But Cheese makes us some amends for its faults; in helping us to good Whey.

Whey cools, moistens, opens, cleanseth, and relaxeth astringent Bellies: it is a good Mornings Draught, in the Spring and Sum­mer Months, for hot, cholerick, and me­lancholick Bodies; much better than your March Beer, or Ale.

Milk produceth yet more variety; some compound Dishes: as Custard, White-pot, Cheese-Cakes, Rice Milk, Frumenty, Milk Potage, &c. which good Housewifes can make, and know better than I.

Concerning the three first; they are pleasant and innocent; and may be used [Page 79]now and then for change of diet, and to humour a stomach that affects them: but to frequent such compound spiced Dishes; and to eat them after meat, to entice the appetite, when the stomach is already sa­tisfied with flesh; this is irregular and in­jurious to Health: for, such variety of mixture, and meats, do not agree well to­gether in the ventricle; besides the over­charge that is laid upon the stomach.

For Rice milk, and Frumenty; being du­ly made, the Rice and the Wheat well pickt and husked, are good, nourishing, and wholesome food: but Milk potage rightly made, excels them both, for cleansing and lightness of digestion, and may be given to the weakest stomach that is fit to receive food.

And here among the Spoon-Meats, we may subjoin: Caudle, Ponado, and Water­gruel.

Caudles are various from the different fancy and skill of the maker; with Wine and without: but generally they delight the palate, and are nourishing lusty meat: and may be eaten sometimes by tender sto­machs, which must have change, and that which is light and nourishing.

But as for the healthy and strong, I would not have them to think of Caudle, until Age [Page 80]or infirmity puts them in mind; but let them keep to flesh and fish; such simple and single Dishes as nature hath provided.

Ponado being made with Currants, White Bread and Water boiled; afterwards sweetned and seasoned; is change of food for sick and weakly people, whose sto­machs refuse flesh; or is not convenient to be given them.

Water-gruel, made with Oatmeal and Water, with Fruit or without; is whole­some both for the sound and the sick, and may be given to any one that is able to eat, being both light and cleansing.

In the next place we are to say some­thing of Eggs, which come properly into this Section; being a necessary ingredient to many of the foregoing milk-meats, and spoon-meats.

Eggs are produced of Fowls, and they are food that afford much nourishment, and do not load the stomach; yet Eggs do dif­fer in goodness and pleasantness of eating, as the Fowls they proceed of do excel each other in their nature and qualities.

The Turky Egg claimeth the first place, then the Hen Egg, the Goose and Duck Egg much inferiour.

In the choice of Eggs three things are to be considered: nature, time, and prepara­tion.

For nature; they are better or worse, as the Fowls they come off; and Eggs of young Fowls better than of the elder.

For time; they are to be new laid, or but a day old.

For preparations; frying is the worst way of dressing them; they then are heavy in the stomach, and disturb the digestion of other food, causing nidorous eructations. Rosting is not so bad, but the best way is Boiling, and without the shells better than with, called potching; always observing, that they be rere and fit to be supped up.

BRead (as the staff of life) is a ne­cessary additament to all Flesh-Meat, and Fish; and in some Countries it is also eaten with Fruit, where flesh is not so plentiful as here in England. And so ne­cessary a sustenance is Bread accounted, that most, if not all Nations do use it; and although several Countries do differ from each other in the sorts of Bread; yet they all design the same end, and intentions in the use thereof. And whereas some Coun­tries want such Corn as we have; yet they find other Grain, Pulse, Roots, and what their place affords, to supply as Bread.

The intention and purpose of eating Bread, is to correct the luxuriant moi­sture of meats, and thereby to give a stronger nourishment, and firmness to the Body.

The goodness of Bread is various, as the Grain whereof it is made; and also from the well, or ill ordering and making of it.

To pass by the sorts of Bread in other [Page 83]Countries, we shall only examine the nature and condition of Bread here at home; which is made of Wheat, Oats, Rie or Barly.

Bread made of Wheat, is accounted the best, for nourishing, strengthning, and plea­santness; and the finer the flower is, the more nourishing it is, and lighter of dige­stion; but when some of the bran remains, it is then abstersive with all, and may not be amiss to strong stomachs; for it is then harder of digestion.

The Oat Bread, is reputed the next in goodness (for my own eating preferred before Wheat-Bread) which rightly or­dered (as in some parts of the North of England) is both nourishing, light, and cleansing; and also very pleasant to such as are acquainted with it.

The Rie, and Barly Bread, are much cour­ser and harder of digestion, and may serve for labouring people, and the meaner sort, when wheat is dear; and not fit for o­thers.

Now that Bread may fully answer the design of its use; to be pleasing in tast, and contribute much to the welfare and sup­port of the Body; these following parti­culars are to be observed.

• 1. Bread ought to be made of sound, and clean Corn.
• 2. To be levened, which makes it light in digestion; and moderately seasoned with salt.
• 3. Well wrought, and laboured with the hands.
• 4. Well baked, not too much, which con­sumes the strength and goodness of the Corn; nor too little, which makes it hea­vy, clammy and unwholesom.
• 5. Not to be eaten hot, but of the first or second days baking; not older, for then it grows worse.

Rice, is wholesom food being well or­dered; is something binding, but nourish­ing and easy of digestion.

Beans, are something hard of digestion and windy; but with a good stomach, they give a strong nourishment, next to a Po­tato; but if tender people desire them, avoid the husk, and eat only the inward pulp, they will not hurt, moderately eaten.

Kidney or French Beans being boiled tender, and eaten in the Cods with Butter; are a light, wholesom food, very pleasing to the palate.

Pease, when they are green are much de­sired by most people; as they differ in [Page 85]goodness, so are they more or less whole­som; something windy, but may be eaten by the weaker and tender stomachs, without hurt; being of a good kind, and in their prime.

The old white Pease, are hard in digesti­on, and windy; but if they be of a good sort, that will boil soft and mealy; are then very acceptable to many, and not hurtful, moderately eaten; they are a strong food, and very good for strong stomachs.

CArrots, yield a moist, cooling, and tem­perate nourishment; light of dige­stion, and are very wholesom.

Turneps, are hot and moist, affording much nourishment, and easily concocted, being of a good kind, sweet, and not strong in tast, are then agreeable with most sto­machs; soluble to the belly, and wholesom food.

Parsneps, are temperate in heat, and not so moist as the Turnep or Carrot; but give a good strong nourishment to the Bo­dy, and are convenient for all that love them.

Potato, is something like to the Parsnep in qualities, but excels it in nourishing and strengthning the body; are wholesom and agreeable to all Constitutions.

Raddish, is hot and moist, excites the ap­petite, but affords little nutriment, and is difficult in digestion; not to be commen­ded, except to such as are troubled with gravel in the Kidneys; it is something diu­retick, and cleansing those parts.

Sparagus, being pleasant in the mouth, and light of digestion, is accounted a dain­ty Dish; and reputed a cleanser of the Reins, and wholesom; but since it makes the urine of those that eat it to have a strong savour, I much suspect its goodness; and have reason to believe this ill scent to arise from a corrupt transmutation of the Sparagus; and not a pre-existing matter sent forth to advantage.

Artechocks, are temperately hot and dry, very nourishing; and not unwholesom for the weaker sort, being soon digested, and become restaurative.

Cabbage and Colewort, are temperate, loose­ning, [Page 87]something windy, and not easy of digestion; but those who are lovers of them, and have good stomachs, finding no trouble in digestion, nor belching after­wards, may eat thereof and please them­selves; but tender stomachs had better for­bear.

Coleflower, although it hath some affinity with the Cabbage, yet it is more wholesom, pleasanter in tast, lighter of digestion, more nutritive, and no way hurting the body.

Spinage, is cold and moist, and may be eaten in sallad boiled, or with broth; good for hot, costive bodies; but not conveni­ent for cold, phlegmatick and waterish Constitutions.

Sage, is hot and dry, affording no nou­rishment, but gives a relish, and very whol­some; good for the Head and Nerves; and may well be used in the Kitchen when it is proper.

Lettuce, is cold and moist, yet not offen­sive to the stomach, nor hurtful to the bo­dy; it allays the heat and acrimony of cholerick humours, and disposeth to sleep such as are too vigilant, and have hot, dry brains: it may profitably be used at con­venient times, by such bodies as require it; in hot seasons of the year, and by hot Consti­tutions.

Parsley, is hot and dry, diuretick and opening; gives no nourishment, but sea­sons and recommends meat to those that love its tast; and is not unwholesom.

Rosemary, is hot and dry, and yields no nourishment; but is good for the Head and Nerves, and all cold Diseases of the Brain; and may well be used in the Kitchen, when there is occasion.

Purslane, is cold and moist; to be eaten in sallad, by cholerick stomachs, and hot dry Bodies, to allay the intemperature of the bloud; and better it is if it be pickled than not.

Burrage and Bugloss, are temperately hot and moist, cordial and cheering the spirits; good for hypochondriack, and melancholy persons; hurtful to none: the custom there­fore of putting these into a glass of Wine is very good.

Sorrell, is cold and dry; very wholesom for the body, and agreeable to the sto­mach, by its pleasant tartness; it cools the bloud, contemporates choler, and allays feavourish heat; Sorrel and Lettuce toge­ther make a good Sallad.

Burnet, is hot and dry; and by its restri­ctive quality does strengthen the stomach; it cheers the heart, and drives away me­lancholy; being put into a glass of Wine, [Page 89]makes it relish well, and increaseth the vertue of the liquor.

Succory is cooling, drying, opening and cleansing; an excellent Hepatic Herb, very good for those that are troubled with ob­structions and heat of the Liver; to be used in Broths, or otherwise in Medi­cine.

Spear-Mint, is hot and dry in the second degree; it is a great strengthner of a weak nauseating stomach, or subject to vomiting; it is pleasant in smell and tast, refreshing the Brain, and comforting the Heart; in­vites the appetite, and helps digestion, cor­recting the crudities that flat and depress the stomach.

Clary, is hot and dry; accounted a strengthner of the back, and good to stop spermatick issuing: used by some for that purpose, to be fryed with Eggs; but i ne­ver found any considerable effects, nor do I recommend it in such Cases.

Tansy, is hot and dry, bitter in tast, but very acceptable to the stomach, and abster­sive; it is very wholesom in food or physick; and therefore that Dish called a Tansie, is to be esteemed as a choice dainty; but the juice of this Herb is not to be wanting in it.

Marygold-Flowers, are moderately hot [Page 90]and dry; they chear the spirits, and com­fort the Heart; are very wholesom and a­greeable to all bodies, but chiefly benefi­cial for melancholick and drooping spirits; to be used in broth or stewed meats, to which they make an addition for goodness.

Pennyroyall, is hot and dry in the third degree; it cleanseth and strengthens the stomach, expels Wind, provokes Urine, and a great opener of obstructions; it is a strong savory Herb, but pleasant and very whole­som; especially for cold, phlegmatick, and crude waterish bodies.

Violet-leaves, are cold and moist; good for hot and costive Bodies, to cool and loosen the Belly; and may be used in Sal­lad, Broth, or otherwise.

Thyme, is hot and dry, pleasant in smell and tast; it helps a weak stomach, and gives a good relish to meat or broth, which a good Cook knows very well.

Savory, is hot and dry in the third degree; of a strong, penetrating, but fragrant scent, and of a biting tast; it attenuates, opens and discusseth; corrects a crude watery stomach, gives a good season to meat or pottage, as its name imports.

Marjerome, is delightful in smell and tast; no less pleasing to the stomach; and profi­table for a weak head: very wholesom [Page 91]for the body, and hurtful to none.

I have now given a short, but useful ac­count of the virtues and qualities of the most, and chiefest Herbs used in Cookery; whereby every one may appoint or make choice of such, to be used in dressing their meat, as their nature and condition of body does most require: and refuse those, that although good and wholesom in themselves, yet not proper and fit for some persons, in such a state of body. And although much more might have been said, in the medicinal use of some of them; yet this is sufficient to inform their proper use, in relation to a good and wholesom Diet.

FRuit, in the first Age of the World, was the common food of man, appointed and used as his daily sustenance, to nourish and support the Body: and this sacred Writ does inform us; that the fruit of the Garden and Herbs, were the appointed food of our first parents: And the daily custom of eating thereof, did continue for a long time, as may be collected from ancient Writers.

Afterwards and by degrees, flesh came in­to use more and more; and now flesh is the common standing food, most and chiefly used; and fruit is accounted rather for di­vertisement between meals, and for delight, than otherwise for necessity or support; es­pecially here in England, where flesh is so plentiful.

Fruit, and Herbs, are innocent good food in themselves, and by their simple natures well agreeing with mans body; but unsea­sonably, immoderately, and unduly used; be­ing also now out of custom, (save only by fits and starts, and casually eaten) they be­come [Page 93]come oftentimes hurtful and injurious, cau­sing Diseases and Sickness.

Indeed the discreet use thereof is advan­tagious and profitable for the Body; as partly alimental, partly medicinal, and also for delight; being duly elected and cho­sen, as best agreeing, and supplying the different wants and variation of constituti­ons, individual proprieties, and rational well governed appetitions, at certain times and seasons.

But, if otherwise, as most commonly people will fall upon them too greedily, as the Swine; to satiate and gorge their sto­machs, without any consideration of times, or limitation of quantities, or distinction of qualities: then this wholesom and de­lightful provision, lays the foundation of some chronick and growing Disease, or pre­cipitates you into some desperate acute sickness; and that this is too true, the an­nual and fatal distempers of Autumn, do suf­ciently and plainly confirm.

The unwholesomness therefore of Fruit, (except some sort) lies in the imprudent use thereof; in time, quantity, or other circumstances that ought to be regarded; mixing it with other meats, and tempting the stomach with fruit, when it is already satiated with flesh; or laying a new load [Page 94]upon the stomach with fruit, before the former ingested food be workt off and di­gested.

I must confess, fruit is very enticing, both to the eye, and to the palate; and of this we have woful experience from the begin­ning of the World; the alluring Apple it was which laid the foundation of mans mi­sery, and made him liable to all manner of Diseases and Calamities; and since Fruit ab origine, hath been so mortally ensnaring, and continues yet to be so dangerous; we ought to be so careful, to use it, and re­fuse it, how, and when, and how much, &c. as cautioned and appointed following.

Fruits, some spring out of the tender Herb; others from the frutex or shrub; and some from the Tree.

We may divide fruit (for method and better understanding) into these five kinds; distinguishing and sorting them into these several Classes: Apples, Pears, Plums, Ber­ries, and Nuts; reducing all, or almost, the whole genus of Fruit into one or other of these species.

In the first Classis of Apples, there are di­vers sorts, and variously denominated; as Pippin, Pearmain, Queening, Russeting, Quod­ling, Rosiars.

Every Country almost hath some pecu­liar [Page 95] Apples, or Apples; which we need not be so inquisitive and curious to find out, and call them by their common name; but it will be sufficient, and a more certain guide for choice, to distinguish and dif­ference them by their vertues and proper­ties; whereby every one may elect such, as are most convenient for the nature and condition of their Body.

Apples, although they differ in colour, fi­gure, smell and magnitude; yet by the tast you will perceive and know the nature of the Apple, better than by all the rest of these signal differences.

By tast you may distinguish Apples to differ thus: some are sweet, some acid or sour; and some insipid, of little or not tast: others of a rough, or harsh tartness; some again are of a mixt tast, as an acid sweet­ness; and a sweet acerbness, or rough­ness.

All Apples are cooling and moistning, but some more than others.

The acid and tart Apple, is to be chosen by such whose stomachs are flat, hot and cholerick; and whose bodies abound with bilious acrid humours.

The austere or rough sour Apple, that hath an astriction upon the palate; they are to be elected as proper for such, who [Page 96]are weak in the stomach, and too loose or laxative in body.

The insipid, waterish and tastless Apples, are to be avoided as most dangerous; for they are most apt to oppress and corrupt in the stomach.

Such as are wholly sweet, do sooner satiate the stomach; and to be used by such whose stomachs and bodies do abound with a fret­ting acidity, and acrimonious sharp humors.

All Apples are hurtful before the Sun hath brought them to full digestion and maturation; for being too green and un­ripe, are then hard, windy, heavy, diffi­cult to be digested; and their juice not wholesom for the body: and also they are not soo good, when they are over-ripe, too mellow and past their prime; being then fulsome and cloying to the stomach.

Such as are tender in stomach, and may be offended with the raw juice; 'tis then safest to gratify their appetite with Apples baked or rosted.

Eat not to a satiety and fulness, but please your palate, and leave of with some desire of more.

Eat fruit upon an empty stomach, and give time for their digestion before you eat flesh; but those who desire to put the tast of meat out of their mouths, and to [Page 97]close the stomach, may commit no error by eating a little, and but a little.

And here amongst the tribe of Apples, comes in the Pomegranate, Pomecitron, Le­mon and Orange.

Pomegranate, is a wholesom fruit and pleasant; they cool, moisten and refresh the stomach, and are good for hot and fea­vourish Bodies, to cool and quench thirst. Some are sweet, and some acid; the acid juice is astringent, but the cortex or shell is more binding; and is used physically for that purpose.

Pomecitron, yields an excellent juice; cordial, cooling and enlivening; very pro­fitable in feavours, and comfortable to hot faint stomachs. The rinds also being candi­ed; are a pleasant cordial sweet-meat.

Lemons are of like nature to the citron; and used in like manner, and for such pur­poses; but are something inferiour in worth. The juice whets the stomach, miti­gates thirst, corrects and allays the acrimo­ny and biting of choler.

Orange, is a beautiful and fragrant fruit; wholesom, pleasant and useful, in the cases now mentioned. Oranges some are sweet, some sharp: the sour is binding, and used as sauce to meat; the sweet not restrictive; and eaten at any time between meals for de­light only.

Pears, stand next in order after Apples; having much affinity with them, and are to be elected, and moderated by the same Rules; being proper for such Bodies as re­quire cooling and moistning.

Pears, for the most part have something more of astriction than the Apple, if they be tart or sowerish: they are to be distin­guished by tast, and approved thereby.

The sweet and ripe Pears are loosening▪ the sour harsh and unripe; are restrictive.

The chief and best sort of Pears to be eaten raw; are the Orange, Burgomet, Ka­therine, Bonchristian, King Pear, &c. other common Pears are best baked; and may then with safety and pleasure be eaten; but especially the Warden Pear; which is ex­cellent meat, very comfortable to the sto­mach, and yields a wholesom nourish­ment; and may be eaten not only by such as are in Health; but also they are refresh­ing to sick and weak stomachs.

The next Classis of Fruit, is that of Plums; in which are Apricocks, Peaches, Damsons, Bullace, Prunes, Dates, Figs: and these are of the better sort: but the Horse Plum, and Wheat Plum; and many others are not so good.

Plums, are more difficult, and nicely to be ventured on, than Apples or Pears; and [Page 99]cautiously to be eaten; except some few of the better kind.

Plums, are various in colour, figure, mag­nitude and tast: but by the tast you may best distinguish them; what are most agree­able to the Palate and Stomach. Those which are sweet, are more nourishing; the sour, are more binding, and cooling. Plums that are of a middle tast; between sweet and sour; having a tart sweetness, are best: as Apricocks, Damson, Bullace, and such like.

Apricocks, are pleasant, cooling, moist­ning, and wholesom; very harmless to a good stomach: but if the stomach be weak, cold, or foul; you may not presume upon their innocency.

Peaches, for hot and dry Bodies, may he advantagious and good; observing the general rules aforesaid: but for cold, raw stomachs, phlegmatick and waterish bodies, they are hurtful.

Damsons, and Bullace, moderately ea­ten, will not prejudice; if the stomach be strong, and desirous of them: but being baked or stewed, are then very pleasant and harmless food, although the stomach be tender.

Prunes, that are brought over to us, are a sort of dryed Plums; and are very whole­som for use, in broths, or otherwise stew­ed, [Page 100]and baked. The Damask and Spanish Prunes, cool, moisten, and relax a costive belly: but the French Prunes are rather astringent than loosening.

Horse-Plums, Wheat-Plums, and such like, are dangerous to be busy with; but being baked or stewed; you may be bol­der with.

Dates, are temperate for heat, and very nourishing: they help to fatten and strengthen the body; and are good for weak and decayed people, that stand in need of restauratives.

Figs, are something like to Dates in their properties of nourishing; but with­all are somewhat abstersive; especially in Pectoral infirmities, and of the Reins. Figs and Dates, are both wholesom for clean Bo­dies; but coming in to foul Bodies, they rather injure than benefit: they are best to be eaten upon an empty stomach.

Olives, and Capers, are a sort of Plums, brought to us pickled; and are used, as sauce with meat: an account of them are given before, in the eighth Section, treat­ing of Sauces.

The fourth Classis of Fruit are Berries; and such as are analogous, and reducible thereto: as Strawberries, Raspas, Ribes or red Currans, Gooseberries, Barberries, Mul­berries, [Page 101]Cherries, Grapes, Raisins, Blue Cur­rans, &c.

Strawberries, are a pleasant fruit upon the palate, acceptable to the stomach, and wholesom for the Body: they cool and moisten, and are very refreshing to hot cholerick bodies.

Raspas, are a wholesom cooling fruit, and very toothsom; proper for those, who have a hot Stomach, Liver, or Reins: and are like to the Strawberry, in goodness and vertues.

Ribes, or red Currans, are good to cool and allay thirst; they quicken the appetite, and strengthen the stomach, by their gen­tle astriction; and are profitable for hot bodies; yielding a wholesom juice.

Gooseberries, before they be ripe, are sour, cold, and astringent; fit then for sauce, and are good for that purpose; gi­ving a pleasant relish, and improves a Dish of meat, if the Cook fail not in manage­ment. They are also very good baked, in tarts, or stewed: but raw Gooseberries are not wholesom, green, nor ripe; they are dangerous to eat a quantity of them, which may soon surfeit the stomach.

Barberries, are much what of the nature of red Currans, but sharper in tast, and more astringent: they are cooling to the [Page 102]stomach, and excite the appetite; they check cholerick ebullitions, nauseous belch­ings, and vomiting; and are acceptable to feavourish persons, the Rob, Syrup or pre­serve.

Mulberries, are cooling and pleasant, both in the mouth and stomach: the un­ripe are binding, and used only medicinal­ly; the ripe, not astringent; and are ta­ken for aliment, and pleasure. The physi­cal use is chiefly for sore mouths and throats; and is commonly appointed in gargles to allay any inflammation or heat of those parts.

Cherries, are cooling, moistning, and delightfull to the palate and stomach: their juice is harmless and wholesom; and only requires discretion in the use thereof. Some Bodies are more fit for them than others: as the lean, hot, and dry constitutions: but the fat, phlegmatick, cold, and gros­ser Bodies, may sooner receive a prejudice by them.

They ought to be ripe, and in their prime; and fresh gathered: and then may prove good Physick, as well as food: There are two sorts, red and black: but for the purposes aforesaid, the red are to be pre­ferred. Some attribute great virtues to the black Cherry, and use it Physically: but much of this is phancy.

Grapes, of the better sort, are a delici­ous fruit, and ought to be esteemed, for the rich cordial Wines they produce. Grapes are various in their kinds; as some excelling others in goodness, so differing in tast: but in general we may account them wholesom and nourishing; only some persons may eat of them more freely than others: if therefore they do you hurt, the fault is in your self. You must not eat the skins, nor kernells; nor upon a full stomach; but as cautioned in the general rules aforesaid. The ripe, and sweet Grapes are loosening; the four and unripe, bind­ing.

Raisins, are dryed Grapes; and by the heat of the Sun, their exuberant moi­sture is abated; the remainder incrassated, and more digested; whereby they become very wholesom, and may more freely and safely be eaten, than the succulent full grape.

They are temperate in heat, moistning, nourishing and fatning: and are good for such as are infirm in the Breast; that cough, wheese, and are short-winded.

Currans, that are brought over to us in Barrels; are also a kind of small grape dry­ed; they are opening, abstersive and loose­ning; and may be used in Broths, or other­wise [Page 104]very freely: they are wholesom for all constitutions; well-liking and accepta­ble to most people.

The fifth and last Classis of Fruit, is Nuts; comprehending therein, all sort of shell-fruit that serve for food; with an account also of their medicinal virtues.

Walnuts, Filberds, Haselnuts, Almonds, Chestnuts, Pistaches, Pinenuts, &c.

Walnuts, being new gathered and fresh; are then tender, juicy, and pleasant; af­fording much nutriment, and that not un­wholesom; the skins pilled off: but being long gathered; the kernell old, dry, hard, and the skin not to be separated; they are then heavy upon the stomach, stopping and unwholesom.

They are accounted by some Physicians Alexipharmacal; resisting poisons, and pe­stilential malignity; and have been used by the Ancients in compositions for that purpose: but I am not apt to credit their virtues of that kind. The green nuts pre­served, are both pleasant and wholesom.

Haselnuts, are hard of digestion, and in­jurious to the stomach, and Lungs; especi­ally such as are weak and infirm in those parts, will soon find the prejudice; and are fit only for robustick strong Bodies. When they are new gathered they are not [Page 105]half so bad, as when they be old and dry, and the skin will not peel off; for then they are very stopping, and cause short­ness of breath, and obstructions in other parts.

Filberds, are better than the Haselnuts; yet are not very easy to be digested, and must be eaten new gathered; for being old they become hurtful.

But if your nuts be not so new as they ought to be; you may correct them, and prevent much of the prejudice that follows upon these or the former nuts; if you eat them with good raisins of the Sun.

Chestnuts, are a strong food; and may agree well enough with strong Bodies, and may prove wholesom; for they afford much solid nourishment: but to the weak­er sort, and infirm persons, they are not to be allowed; being heavy of digestion to such; obstructing and windy, and make the body costive. They are not to be eaten raw.

Almonds are pleasant; they yield a wholesom juice, which is restaurative: and may well be eaten by lean, and consump­tive persons. The newer they are the bet­ter: but if they be old, and hard; they must be blanched; for the husky skin is ob­structing and unwholesom: and then you [Page 106]are to eat raisins with them.

Pistaches, are both alimental and medi­cinal: temperate in heat and moisture: good in pectoral infirmities, Coughs, and shortness of breath: they lenify, digest, and open obstructions of the Breast: they afford much and good nourishment, being restaurative: proper for aged, consumptive, and lean people.

Pinenuts, are much like to the Pistach, in virtues and goodness; and may be used, for all the purposes there mentioned.

HAving in the preceding Sections, gone through the several kinds of Food: therein distinguished, and appointed the wholesom use thereof: it remains, we come in order, to set forth the nature and qua­lities of Drink; and to establish such laws in drinking, as may most conduce to Health, and a vigorous long life; for which, Drink [Page 107]in the kind, and circumstances in drink­ing; are of great importance.

The intention, and use of Drink is; first, to extinguish and satisfy thirst.

Secondly, To help digestion; by macera­ting of solid food in the stomach.

Thirdly, To promote the distribution of meat; and to supply the body with con­venient moisture.

Now to answer these designs; the choice of Drink is to be made most suteable, and wholesom: the Quantity proportioned con­venient: the manner and order regulated; as may best conduce to the purposes afore­said.

Concerning the first: for choice of Drink, I shall propose to you the chiefest, and most usual, with my opinion of them; which are these.

Water, Wine, Beer, Ale, Cyder, Perry, Meath or Meatheglin, Mum, Brandy, A­quavitae, Coffee, Tea.

Water, was the Drink created for Man; and was so used by Adam, and his Poste­rity; and until after the deluge there was no other: but then Noah brought in the use of Wine: and after that, by latter A­ges, other liquors have been invented.

That Water is a wholesom Drink, and rather the most wholesom: I plead first, [Page 108]the institution; Water being appointed for Man in his best state; does strongly argue, that to be the most suteable for hu­mane nature.

Secondly; From the nature and quality of it; Water answering all the intentions of a common Drink: it cools, moistens and quencheth thirst: 'tis clear, thin, fit to convey aliment, and be conveyed, through the angust passages, and small Vessels of the Body.

Thirdly; From its ready compliance with, and obedience to transmutation, and assimilation for nutrition: being simple, pure, and void of aliene, heterogeneous parts; not apt to resist, nor to tincture and pervert the digestive ferment; but freely yielding, and easily transmutable.

Fourthly; From its concomitant, appro­ximate effects: those which drink Water, are more airy, brisk and pleasant; Water not being apt to sume, cloud, nor disturb the Brain, like stronger liquors; which procure drowziness and indisposition to action, both of Body and mind.

Fifthly; From the experiment and proof of it, in the primitive Age of the World: the Water Drinkers were the longest Li­vers, by some hundreds of years: and doubtless they were not infested with so [Page 109]many Diseases; nor so often sick, and com­plaining as we are.

These arguments considered; we need not to doubt but Water is a wholesom, and the natural Drink for Man: and a Drink of that sort, which is a Rule to it self; and requires little caution in the use of it (to them that are bred to it) since none is tempted to intemperance, by drinking thereof.

But Custom hath naturalized other li­quors, and it is difficult to desert them: but such as would make an experiment of the primitive Drink; much might be said, and cautions given necessary to guide them in such a new course of life: which can­not well be done, but by examination and inquiry into the state and condition of the Person; else you may receive a prejudice, and defame innocent, pure water; there­fore I pass it by.

Water is not all alike in goodness; but much difference there is in this and that sort; which we may distinguish thus.

Spring Water; River; Rain Water; Well, and Pump Water: besides, standing Water, of Lakes, Ponds, Pits and such like.

Spring Water, if it rise from a high place, out of good ground, pure in tast, clear and thin; is the best Water for Aliment: but [Page 110]if it be in low ground; or tinctured by any mineral earth, through which it passeth; not having the former properties; then it is not so good for Drink, or other alimen­tary uses.

River Water, running clear, upon gra­velly or stony ground; not near Cities or great Towns; or otherwise, that might oc­casion filth or carrion to be thrown in; such I say is good, else not.

Rain Water, in the Spring and Summer, may be accounted very good and whole­som: but at other seasons, and when the Air is more thick and dark, from impure vapours, stormy blasts, hail or thunder; then not so good.

Well Water, having no motion, nor Sun upon it, is not so good as the former Wa­ters: but if it be in an open place, and ha­ving a good gravelly or stony bottom, it is much the better for that.

Pump Water, being close shut up from the Air; and brought up through decay­ing wooden pipe, contracting foulness; is rather worse than Well water.

Waters conveyed through leaden pipes, or wooden; are not wholesom; and there­fore Cistern Water is not good; being a­lienated from its native goodness, and tin­ctured by the lead.

Considering then the conditions of Wa­ter, used both for drink and dressing of meat; in many, or most Cities, and great Towns of England; especially here in Lon­don; we need not wonder, that the Scur­vey is so predominant; lying under the inconvenience and injuries of bad Water, which is none of the least procurers of that Disease.

Lakes, Ponds, or Pits; and such like standing Waters; are not wholesom for the Body.

Snow water, and Ice put into drink, to cool it; is practised in some hot Countries; and here in England it is used by some, in Summer time (being kept under ground for this purpose) but it is a pernicious cu­stom.

And now I pass on to another sort of Drink, of frequent use, and great repu­tation in the World, for many hundred years, and that is Wine.

Wine is an excellent liquor, allowed and given by the Creator for the use of Man: but not as a common and daily drink; but for special uses, and occasions requi­ring: that is; to cheer the drooping mind, and refresh the decaying infirm Body: for which, it being seasonably and discreetly used, is very helpful and beneficial to man­kind.

Wine, is both aliment and medicament; a great refresher of decayed nature; it nou­risheth the Body, and exhilarates the mind: 'tis a good cordial; it strengthens the sto­mach, and disposeth to sleep; it restores the spirits dejected or weak, and is helpful to old Age.

But on the contrary; if it be immode­rately, unseasonably, and constantly used: it turns much to the prejudice of Body and mind: by subverting the natural vital heat; alienating the crases of the parts; and of­fending the Nerves: and farther, the in­temperate use of Wine, disturbs the brain, and lessens the understanding; dulls the wit, and raseth the memory. Vino forma perit, vino corrumpitur aetas. Propert.

There are several sorts of Wine; differ­ing much from one another, in goodness and worth; so likewise in tast, colour, con­sistence, and smell: being of the growth of several Countries, and places, differing in Climate, or soil; which to examine and compare, by a particular and exact account of each, would be too tedious, and not so necessary and useful for the Reader: there­fore briefly, and more generally you may make choice of Wine thus; as may best sute with the nature and condition of your Body.

The Wines most usual, and frequently drank here in England; are Sack, White Wine, Claret and Rhenish.

The white, thin, and acid Wines; are attenuating, abstersive, and diuretick: as the French White Wine, and the Rhe­nish.

The sweet Wines are most nourishing, cordial and comfortable: and of these, the thick dark Wines; as the Muskadell; nou­rish more than the thin, clear Wines; as the Canary.

The austere and rough Wines; as Claret, and red Wine; are restrictive.

The strong spirituous Wines, are apt to offend the head; by raising fumes and va­pours; but temperate and smaller Wines, will not cloud the Brain, and are better for a frequent use.

But if Wine be too strong; or to supply the place of common drink, and used as Beer, for quenching thirst; then it is best to dilute and mix it with Water, two, three, or four parts, to one of Wine; and allay it to what temperature you please, as your body does best require.

Wine more often offends the Body by quantity, than quality; if it be natural, and pure from the grape: and more suffer by the adulteration, and abusive mixture; than [Page 114]by the natural ill properties, decays, and degeneration of the Wine in it self.

Malaga Sack, is accounted by some to be restaurative; and appointed for that pur­pose, to weakly and consumptive people: but since it is heavy and clogging upon the stomach; I cannot recommend it for that intention, but prefer others before it.

Canary Sack, is much before the Mala­ga, for richness and goodness; and more agreeable to the stomach; also nourishing, and very refreshing to nature.

Sherry Sack, is a wholesom and good stomach Wine; and better at meat, than any other Sack; being abstersive and hard; not a satiating Wine; but does whet and provoke the stomach to eating, and also helps forward digestion.

Rhenish Wine, is a very wholesom li­quor; penetrating, opening, and provo­king urine: fittest for fat, and full bodied people: but lean, spare, and thin persons, will agree better with feeding, and fat­ning Wines: as Canary, Muskadell, Tent, and such like.

White Wine, is searching, cleansing, and opening; and comes nearest to Rhenish in qualities; but is inferiour in goodness: but neither of them are good, and rather in­jurious to such as are molested with arthri­tick [Page 115]pains, and rheumatism; or otherwise troubled with any defluxion of a sharp se­rous, or waterish humour.

Claret, is fit for meals; being a good stomach Wine, for the roughness and gen­tle astriction that is in it; which is plea­sing to the stomach.

The Greek Wine, Muskadell, Tent, and such like nourishing Wines; being lusci­ous, generous, and rich in spirit; are to be used as cordials, and restauratives, and not for common drinking.

Having declared the nature, and right use of Wine: we proceed now to other liquors, used as Drink; but of a lower and inferiour rank, made also of Fruit; which is Cyder, and Perry.

Cyder, is the juice of Apples; which by Fermentation, and due ordering, is made fit for keeping; and then for Drink.

This sort of liquor is better or worse; as the fruit is, of which it is made; and from the skill, and care of the maker; which contributes not a little to its goodness: but if it be made of pickt fruit; of the best sort (not mingled Apples) it produceth a choice drink, when ripe and fit for drink­ing; coming near to Wine in goodness; being strong, brisk, and clear.

Cyder, for a diversion and change (not a [Page 116]common and constant drink) may well be used; and is very wholesom and good: especially, for hot, dry and costive Bodies: and for such, it is proper Physick; to cool, moisten, and relax the Belly that is bound up: but for cold constitutions; phlegma­tick, windy, and waterish stomachs; that are too laxative, and weak in body; for such, it is not convenient, but rather in­jurious.

Perry, is produced of Pears, after the same manner, as Cyder of Apples; and is very like in qualities, if it be of the best fruit, and well made; and will serve for the same purposes, and require the same cautions; that I need not repeat.

But the common and most usual drinks with us; are Beer and Ale.

Beer, made of water, malt, and hops, is very various: and in several Countries and Places here in England, the Beer hath a dif­ferent tast, one from the other; as if they were not made of the same ingredients. And this does proceed; sometimes from the difference of water; or the malt; or goodness of the hops; or different quan­tity; or Age of the Drink; or the Cask; or from the Art, and management of the Brewer.

Which being subject to all these casualties [Page 117]and variations from thence; we must in reason imagine, and conclude; that our Bodies do likewise receive impressions and alterations from thence also: Drink being of a diffusive nature, soon spreads, and is communicated to all parts of the Body; and does tincture them with such properties, and qualities it is pregnant with; whether better, or worse.

It is not then of mean concernment, what drink we accustom our selves to; and how choice we ought to be in our Drink: for, bad Drink is not only the disgust upon our Palate, and a displeasure at present in drink­ing; but it hath influence upon our Bodies for the future; to alienate and pervert the fermenting and transmuting powers of the digestions; and to introduce an unsound state of Body; if the Drink be not pure and wholesome, free from any smatch of ill.

But how oft you are injured upon this account, you little know; at least take little notice, and regard; but wonder at every appearance of a disease, or discompo­sedness; as if you had never been under the procuring causes of any distemper, or morbifick change in the Body.

Hence it is that the water-drinkers, have the advantage of all good fellows; the [Page 118]strong Beer, and the Ale drinkers: but this by the way.

But supposing Beer to be well brewed; all the ingredients good; and of a fit age to drink: when all these happen together (which is but sometimes) then Beer dis­creetly used may be good, and wholesom for the Body.

To make up therefore the goodness of Beer; these conditions are requisite.

It ought to be well boil'd, and well hop'd: clear, and well setled: not stale; for that is injurious; but tasting of the hop: not strong, for common drinking; but at other times, to refresh the Stomach, and chear the Heart, strong Beer may sup­ply the place of Wine.

Ale though made of the same ingredi­ents as Beer; yet differs, (having a less quantity of Hops) being more sweet, smooth, and pleasing to the Palate.

Ale in general, is not so wholesom as Beer; for that it is not so well boiled, nor hop'd; and will not keep so long, but soon changeth and grows four: yet in some parts of England, as in the North; the Ale is much better, more pleasant, and wholesomer brewed, than in the Southern parts.

Ale is subject to the same casualties, and [Page 119]abuse, as Beer; that what hath been said before, may also be applied here.

Metheglin, is a drink made of water, honey, some herbs and spice boiled; and then set to ferment: which being varied, according to the will of the maker (and no certain rule) I cannot so well determine upon it; but being well ordered, a good drink may be made, for variety to please; a little sometimes.

Meath, is something like to Metheglin; being made of water, but a less quantity of honey; and is not so strong, nor so much compounded; but a simple, innocent, good Summer drink: being abstersive, and cool­ing; provokes urine, and keeps the body soluble.

Mum, if it be right Brunswick; is a hearty strengthning liquor; and may safely be used sometimes, by such as require strong drink; whose bodies do like, and agree well with it. But our English Mum is not comparable to it; and disparageth the o­ther, being too often sold for Brunswick.

Coffee, is a Drink now much in use, and therefore 'tis seasonable to say something; for whom it is good; at least not prejudi­cial; and for whom it is injurious.

Coffee excites and raiseth the animal spi­rits, that are dull or inactive, and puts them [Page 120]upon motion: and is helpful to such as must be watchful; for it prevents drowzi­ness and heaviness: and makes them more brisk in business: the very scent of Coffee Powder, affects the spirits so, as to agitate and move them. But then on the other hand; most Coffee drinkers, are smoakers; that what advantage they gain by Coffee, is lost by Tobacco; for this by a narcotick property, disposeth to sleep, and rest; and most people are dull and heavy after it: but for the nature, and effects of tobacco, my Tract of the Scurvey will inform you.

The frequent and constant use of Coffee does make lean: therefore proper for fat and corpulent people; that would abate of their flesh; and that are inactive and slothful: but injurious to spare, slender people: and to them that are too watch­ful; and make but short sleeps in the night: also to such as are affected with a tremor, a shaking and trembling of the head, or hands; or that are vertiginous. An enemy to hot, and cholerick Constitutions; and whose bloud is depraved by adust melan­choly; Coffee then promotes it: nor is Coffee a friend to Venus; but rather dis­ables.

Brandy, is another drink in fashion of [Page 121]late years: and some love Ʋsquehath; and to keep doing, Aqua vitae sometimes sup­plies their wants, to sip on: others tipple to excess of these spirits. But these are per­nicious Drinks to use commonly, and in the way of good fellowship: for they de­stroy the natural heat, and change the cra­ses of the parts; and leave the Body chill and cold; always requiring their constant help to warm the stomach: which must needs be destructive to Health, and oppo­site to long Life.

But in cases of necessity; upon fainting or sudden weakness, or oppression of spi­rits; a fullness, nauseousness, or crude wa­tering of the stomach: upon such emergen­cies, you may have recourse to these helps; and blameless; if you have no better to serve your need.

Accustom youth and strong stomachs, to small drink: but stronger drink, and Wine, may be allowed to the infirm, weakly, and aged: for that it chears the spirits, quick­ens the appetite, and helps digestion, mo­derately taken; and this sometimes as oc­casion requires.

Drink, whether it be wholesomer warm­ed than cold, is much controverted; some stiffly contending for the one, and some for the other: I shall rather chuse the middle [Page 122]way, with limitation and distinction; than impose it upon all, as a rule to be obser­ved under the penalty of forfeiting their health; the observation of the one, or the other.

There are three sorts of persons; one cannot drink cold Beer; the other cannot drink warm; the third, either: You that cannot drink cold Beer, to you it is hurt­ful; cools the stomach, and checks it much; therefore keep to warm drink as a wholesom custom: you that cannot drink warm Beer; that is, find no refreshment, nor thirst satisfied by it; you may drink it cold, nor is it injurious to you: you that are indifferent and can drink either; drink yours cold, until your stomach alters, and requires it to be warm.

Therefore as there is variety in Palates, and Stomachs, liking and agreeing best with such kind of meats and drinks, which to others are utterly disgustful, disagreeing and injurious, though good in themselves; so, is it in Drink warmed or cold: what one finds a benefit in, the other receives a prejudice from; at least does not find that satisfaction and refreshment, under such a qualification; because of the various na­tures, particular appetitions, and idiosyn­cratical properties of several bodies; one [Page 123]thing will not agree with all: Therefore he that cannot drink warm, let him take it cold, and it is well to him; but he that drinks it warm, does better: And this is to be understood in frosty Winter; when the extremity of cold hath congelated and fixed the spirits of the Liquor in a torpid inactivity; which by a gentle warmth are unfettered, volatile and brisk; whereby the drink is more agreeable and grateful to the stomachs fermenting heat, being so prepa­ted, than to be made so by it.

Having set forth the several sorts of Drink used; and therein shewed their na­ture and qualities, and qualifications: I come now to regulate the Quantity, as most conducing to Health and Longevity.

There are three sorts of Drinkers: one drinks to satisfie Nature, and to support his body; without which he cannot well subsist, and requires it as necessary to his Being. Another drinks a degree beyond this man, and takes a larger dose; with this intention, to exhilarate and chear his mind, to banish cares and trouble, and help him to sleep the better: and these two are lawful drinkers. A third, drinks neither for the good of the body, or the mind; but to stu­pifie and drown both; by exceeding the former bounds, and running into excess; [Page 124]frustrating those ends for which drink was appointed by Nature; converting this sup­port of life and health; making it a procu­rer of sickness and untimely death.

Some, to excuse this intemperance, hold it as good Physick, to be drunk once a month; and plead for that liberty as a wholesom custom; and quote the autho­rity of a famous Physician for it.

But whether this Opinion be allowable, and to be admitted in the due Regiment for preservation of health; is fit to be exa­mined.

It is a Canon established upon good rea­son; That every thing, exceeding its just bounds, and golden mediocrity, is hurtful to Nature. The best of things are not excep­ted in this general rule; but are restrain­ed and limited here to a due proportion. The necessary supports of life; may prove the procurers of death; if not qualified and made wholesom by this corrective▪

Drink exceeding its measure to excess; is no longer a refreshment, to irrigate and water the thirsty body; nor a preserva­tive; but makes an inundation to drown, and suffocate the vital powers; and is the cause of sickness: It puts a man out of the state of health, and represents him in such a degenerate condition, both in respect of [Page 125] body and mind; that we may look upon the man, as going out of the World; be­cause he is already gone out of himself; and strangely metamorphosed from what he was.

I never knew sickness or a Disease, to be good preventing Physick; and to be drunk, is no other than an unsound state, and the whole body out of frame by this great change. What difference is there between sickness and drunkenness? Truly I cannot distinguish them otherwise, than as genus and species: Drunkenness being a raging Distemper, denominated and distinguished from other sicknesses, by its procatartick or procuring cause, Drink.

That Drunkenness is a Disease, or sick­ness; will appear, in that it hath all the requisites to constitute a Disease, and is far distant from a state of health: for, if Health be the free and regular discharge of all the functions of the body and mind; and sick­ness, when the functions are not performed, or weakly and depravedly: then Ebriety may properly be said to be a Disease or Sickness; because it hath the symptoms and diagnostick signs, of an acute and great Dis­ease: for, during the time of drunkenness, and some time after; few of the facul­ties perform their offices rightly, but [Page 126]very depravedly and preternaturally.

If we examine the intellectual faculties; we shall find the reason gone, the memory lost or much abated, and the will strangely perverted.

If we look into the sensitive faculties; they are disordered, and their functions im­pedited, or performed very deficiently: the eyes do not see well, nor the ears hear well, nor the palate rellish, &c. The speech faulters and is imperfect; the stomach per­haps vomits or nauseates; the legs fail: In­deed if we look through the whole man, we shall see all the faculties depraved, and their functions either not executed, or very disorderly and with much defici­ency.

Now according to these symptoms in o­ther sicknesses, we judge a man not likely to live long; and that it is very hard he should recover; the danger is so great from the many threatning symptoms that attend this sickness, and prognosticate a bad event: here is nothing appears salutary; but from head to foot, the Disease is prevalent in every part; which being collated, the syn­drom is lethal, and judgment to be given so. Surely then Drunkenness is a very great Disease for the time; but because it is not usually mortal, nor lasts long; therefore it [Page 127]is slighted, and lookt upon as a trivial mat­ter that will cure it self.

But now the question may be asked; Why is not Drunkenness usually mortal? since the same signs in other Diseases, are accounted mortal, and the event proves it so.

To which I answer; All the hopes we have that a man drunk should live, is; First, From common experience that it is not deadly: Secondly, From the nature of the primitive or procuring Cause, strong Drink, or Wine; which although it rage, and strangely discompose the man for a time, yet it lasts not long, nor is commonly mor­tal. The inebriating spirits of the liquor, flowing in so fast, and joining with the spirits of mans body, make so high a tide, that overflows all the banks and bounds of order: For, the spirits of mans body, those agents in each faculty, act smoothly, regu­larly and constantly, with a moderate sup­ply; but being over-charged, and forced out of their natural course, and exercise of their duty, by the large addition of fu­rious spirits; spurs the functions into strange disorders, as if Nature were conflicting with death and dissolution; but yet it proves not mortal.

And this; first, because these adventi­tious [Page 128]spirits are amicable and friendly to our bodies in their own nature; and therefore not so deadly injurious, as that which is not so familiar; or noxious.

Secondly, Because they are very volatile, light, and active; Nature therefore does much sooner recover her self, transpires and sends forth the overplus received; than if the morbifick matter were more solid, pon­derous and fixed; the gravamen from thence would be much worse, and longer in removing: as, an over-charge of Meat, Bread, Fruit, or such like substances not spirituous; but dull and heavy (comparati­vè) is therefore of more difficult digestion, and layes a greater and more dangerous load upon the faculties; having not such volatile, brisk spirits to assist Nature; nor of so liquid a fine substance, of quick and easy digestion, as strong drink: So that the symptoms from such food, are much more dangerous, than those peracute distempers, arising from Liquors.

And farther; those bad symptoms in o­ther Diseases, are more to be feared and accounted mortal, (than the like arising from drunkenness) because those perhaps depend upon malignant causes; or such as by time are radicated in the body; or from the defection of some principal part: but [Page 129]the storm and discomposure arising from drunkenness, as it is suddenly raised; so commonly it soon falls; depending upon benign causes, (if the drink be sound) and a spirituous matter, that lays not so great an oppression; but inebriates the spirits so, that they act very disorderly and unwon­tedly; or, by their soporiferous vertue, stu­pefies them for a time, until they recover their agility, and regularity again.

But all this while, I do not see, that to be drunk once a month, should prove good Physick: all I think that can be said in this behalf, is; that by over-charging the sto­mach, vomiting is procured; and so carries off something that was lodged there, which might breed Diseases.

This is a bad excuse for good fellows, and a poor plea for drunkenness: that for the gaining of one supposed benefit (which might be obtained otherwise) introduceth twenty inconveniences by it. I do not like the preventing of one Disease that may be; by procuring of one at the present certainly, and many hereafter most probably. Indeed if the Disease feared, or, that may be; could be prevented no otherwise, but by this drunken means; then that might tolerate and allow it: but there are other ways better and safer, to cleanse the body either [Page 130] upwards or downwards, than by over-charg­ing it with strong drink, and making the man to unman himself; the evil conse­quents of which are many, and the benefit hoped for, but pretended; or if any, but very small and inconsiderable.

And although, as I said before, the drun­ken fit is not mortal, and the danger per­haps not great for the present; yet those drunken bouts being repeated; the relicts do accumulate; do debilitate Nature, and lay the foundation of many chronick disea­ses. Nor can it be expected otherwise; but you may justly conclude from the ma­nifest irregular actions which appear to us externally; that the functions within also, and their motions are strangely disordered: for, the outward madness, and unwonted actions, proceed from the internal impul­ses, and disordered motions of the facul­ties: which general disturbance and dis­composure (being frequent) must needs subvert the oeconomy and government of hu­mane Nature; and consequently ruine the Fabrick of mans body.

The ill effects, and more eminent pro­ducts of ebriety, are; first, A changing of the natural tone of the stomach, and aliena­ting the digestive faculty; That instead of a good transmutation of food, a degene­rate [Page 131]Chyle is produced. Common experi­ence tells, that after a drunken debauch, the stomach loseth its appetite, and acuteness of digestion; and this, belching, thirst, dis­relish, nauseating, do certainly testifie: yet to support nature, (as supposed) and con­tinue the custom of eating; some food is received: but we cannot expect from such a stomach, that a good digestion should fol­low; and it will be some days before the stomach recover its eucrasy again, and per­form its office well: And if these miscar­riages happen but seldom; the injury is the less, and sooner recompenced; but by the frequent repetition of these ruinous practi­ces, the stomach is overthrown and alie­nated from its integrity.

Secondly; An unwholsom corpulency and cachectick plenitude of body does follow: or a degenerate macilency, and a decayed con­sumptive constitution. Great Drinkers that continue it long; few of them escape, but fall into one of these conditions and habit of body; A Cacotrophy, or Atrophy: for, if the Stomach discharge not its office a­right; the subsequent digestions will also be defective.

So great a consent and dependence is there upon the stomach; that other parts cannot perform their duty, if this leading [Page 132] principal part be perverted and debauched: nor can it be expected otherwise; for, from this Laboratory and prime office of digesti­on, all the parts must receive their sup­ply; which being not suteable but depra­ved; are drawn into debauchery also, and a degenerate state; and the whole body fed with a vitious alimentary succus.

Now that different products, or habits of body, should arise from the same kind of debauchery, happens upon this score. As there are different properties and condi­tions of bodies; so the result from the same procuring causes shall be much different and various: Quicquid recipitur, recipitur per modum recipientis. One puffs up, fills, and grows hydropical; another pines away, and falls Consumptive, from excess in drink­ing; and this proceeds from the different disposition of parts: for, in some persons, al­though the stomach be vitiated, yet the strength of the subsequent digestions is so great, from the integrity and vigour, of those parts destinated to such offices; that they act strenuously, though their object mat­ter be transmitted to them imperfect and degenerate; and therefore do keep the body plump and full; although the juices be foul, and of a depraved nature.

Others ê contra; whose parts are not so [Page 133]firm and vigorous; that will not act upon any score, but with their proper object; does not endeavour a transmutation of such a­liene matter, but receiving it with a nice reluctance, does transmit it to be evacuated, and sent forth by the next convenient ducture, or emunctory: and from hence the body is frustrated of nutrition, and falls away: So that the pouring in of much liquor (although it be good in sua natura) does not beget much aliment, but wash­eth through the body, and is not assimi­lated.

But here some may object and think; That washing of the body through with good Liquor, should cleanse the body, and make it fit for nourishment, and be like good Physick for a foul body: But the effect proves the contrary; and it is but reason it should be so: for, suppose the Liquor (whether Wine, or other) be pure and good; yet when the spirit is drawn off from it, the remain­der is but dead, flat, thick, and a muddy flegm. As we find in the destillation of Wine, or other Liquors; so it is in mans body: the spirit is drawn off first, and all the parts of mans body are ready Recei­vers, and do imbibe that limpid congenerous enlivener, freely and readily: but the re­mainder, of greatest proportion; that [Page 134]heavy, dull, phlegmy part, and of a narco­tick quality; lies long fluctuating upon the digestions, and passeth but slowly; turns sowr, and vitiates the Crases of the parts: So that this great inundation, and supposed washing of the body, does but drown the faculties, stupefie or choak the spirits, and defile all the parts; not purifie and cleanse: And although the more subtile and thinner portion, passeth away in some persons pretty freely by Ʋrine; yet the grosser and worse part stays behind, and clogs in the percolation.

A third injury, and common, manifest prejudice from intemperate drinking, is; An imbecillity of the Nerves; which is pro­cured from the disorderly motions of the Animal Spirits; being impulsed and agita­ted preternaturally by the inebriating spi­rits of strong Liquors: which vibration be­ing frequent; begets a habit, and causeth a trepidation of Members.

Thus you see the inconveniences, and mischief, that follows intemperate drink­ing: but to promote this irregularity and great folly; the rare Invention of Healths, contributes not a little, to the pouring down of strong liquor; and makes them so earnest in remembring the health of o­thers, that they quite forget their own; [Page 135]and are then very active to destroy it: quite forgetting; that drinking of Healths, and healthful drinking; are two things, and inconsistent.

But drinking together, is the signal of Friendship: and to be made Drunk; is the Character and Memento, of a generous and hearty entertainment: for most com­monly, drinking concludes the Feast: when nature hath been tempted with varieties; and perhaps over-charged therewith; to add yet more weight, the next folly is to fall upon drinking; to inebriate and disturb the spirits; to vitiate the fermentation, and precipitate the meat out of the stomach, be­fore digestion be finished, by a Floud of liquor; that if you have escaped a surfeit of eating; you shall not go away without a mischief by Drinking: and thus your good Dinner is spoil'd; and instead of be­ing bettered by it, you are the worse; and your Friends kindness, proves your preju­dice.

Thus to the necessary uses of Drink, ap­pointed by nature; we have invented o­ther designments, and made Drink to serve for pleasure, profit, wantonness and debau­chery: so that Drink which should help to support, nourish, and maintain the strength and vigour of nature; is made an unhappy [Page 136] instrument, to abuse and injure the Body, by perverting, and disordering the regular oeconomy thereof.

But instead of satisfying thirst, and re­freshing of nature, some pour in a flood of liquor, to drown the faculties, and ex­tinguish vitality; and many their are that account it a pleasure, to sop their souls in drink; and some have drowned them­selves by such intemperance. The Cattle drink to satisfie thirst; and then leave of drinking: some men indeed do not drink like beasts; but make themselves Beasts by drinking; for, being thereby deprived of their reason, they act like to Brutes.

But of Drinking, and Drunkenness, we have reckoned up the evils: we will not be so partial, to smother the benefits; but take all with you.

Drinking, advanceth the revenue of ex­cise, and custom. It makes Barly to bear a good price; and helps the Farmer to pay his rent. It keeps the Physician, and Apo­thecary in employment: and doubtless it adds considerably to their business. Lastly, It maintains a tap trade, and too many live well by it.

Now whether Drinking, ought to be promoted; to forward these advantages, and answer such ends, with the destruction [Page 137]of Health; abbreviation of Life, and de­bauching the People; I leave you to judge.

Drink for necessity, not for bad fellow­ship; especially soon after meat; which hinders the due fermentation of the sto­mach, and washeth down before digestion be finished: but after the first concoction, if you have a hot stomach, a dry or costive body; you may drink more freely than others; or, if thirst importunes you at any time; to satisfie with a moderate draught, is not amiss.

THat Exercise and due Motion, season­ably used, contributes to the pre­servation of Health, and prolongation of Life; will appear, if we consider the great benefits that are procured by it.

First, In general; exercise raiseth the [Page 138]spirits, and puts them upon vigorous acti­on in all the Faculties.

Secondly; It empties the stomach, and promotes the appetite for the next meal: the remainders after digestion, that accu­mulate to clog the stomach; are moved by Exercise, and excited to pass away; and being thus discharged of those relicts; the appetite grows sharp, and craves food very strongly.

Thirdly; Exercise provokes expulsion of Excrements, and suffers not any superflu­ous matter to lodge in the body: For, by the turgid motion of the spirits, the com­mon ductures and conveyances are dilated and expanded; which together with the agitation of the body, gives a ready and free passage, to any feculent or excremen­tal matter, that ought not long to be re­tained.

Fourthly, Exercise opens the Pores, and gives a free transpiration; which otherwise by too much rest are occluded and shut up; contrary to the intention of Nature; ha­ving appointed these vents, and secret ways of evacuation, to ventilate and cleanse the habit of the body; which in a short time would be very foul and impure, by conge­stion of superfluous humours; if not puri­fied and transpired by these exhaling Ports.

Fifthly; Exercise promotes, and adds much towards the nutrition of the body. For this we find generally; that active stirring people, are more fresh in counte­nance; more vegete and lively in spirit; more firm and solid in flesh, and stronger in their limbs; than other persons that live a sedentary, idle, and sluggish life. And that it should be so, there is good reason; in as much as exercise gives a free passage for nutriment, to arrive at every member and part of the body; and also excites the Archeus or ruling principle in each, for a more vigorous assimilation; and likewise does expedite and send away, the superflui­ties of every digestion; all which promotes and sets forward a good nutrition.

Exercises are various, and commonly chosen, as each person phansies, or the Company invites; as Dancing, Running, Ringing, Tennis, Hand-Ball, Foot-Ball, Ri­ding, Fencing, Bowling; with many others: some whereof are purely pastime, as those named; others are necessary labours; as Digging Sawing, and such like.

Exercise is to be chosen, such as sutes best with the Nature of each persons body: Some require exercising of upper parts most, others of the lower parts, and some equally both: those Exercises which generally are [Page 140]advantagious, in using and stretching all the parts, and which I prefer before others; are Tennis, Hand-Ball, Fencing and Ring­ing. Yet I would not impose upon any con­trary to their inclination; for in these ca­ses, that which is most delightful, will pro­bably prove most beneficial.

Observations and Cautions to be remem­bred in exercising, are such as these.

• 1. Exercise daily, in the Morning chiefly; with an empty stomach always; and after excremental evacuation; if you can pro­cure it.
• 2. Vary exercise according to the condi­tion of your body, and season of the year: the stronger, phlegmatick bodies, and in cold Weather, admit of stronger and swift­er motions: Cholerick hot bodies, weak, and the Summer season; more mild and gentle.
• 3. Be not violent in exercise; nor conti­nue it longer beyond a pleasure; but desist with refreshment, not a lassitude and wea­riness.
• 4. Put on some loose garment, until your body be cool, and setled in its natural heat and temper; the Pores being opened by exercise, the cold is more apt to enter; from whence a greater prejudice, than you could expect benefit, from your labour, or pastime.
• [Page 141]5. Walk gently after Exercise, and settle by degrees; no sudden changes, are sute­able or profitable to Nature.
• 6. Eat not, until you be fully reduced to that temper and moderate heat, as when you began; and when the spirits are reti­red to their proper stations.

By this rational course the advantages that will accrue to you are these.

Exercise rouseth dull inactive spirits; gives ventilation, opens obstructions by the motion, attenuation and penetration of the subtile spirits; agitates and volatiseth feculent subsiding humours; abates super­fluous moisture; increaseth natural heat; promotes concoction, distribution and con­veyance of aliment, through the narrow Channels and Passages unto the several parts of the body; procures excremental evacuations; strengthens all the Members, and preserves Nature long in her vigour and verdure.

Having set out the times for Exercise and Motion; the remainder is allotted for Rest and Ease; with such refections and repast as Nature requires. Quod caret alterna re­quie durabile non est. Ovid.

Rest is as necessary to preserve Health, and continue mans body in strength and vigour, as Exercise: These two, although [Page 142]much opposite in themselves, yet both in their order and seasons, are very suteable and agreeable to humane Nature; and both contribute to the being, and long be­ing of Man. Nothing constant is liking and congruous with our Nature; but vicissitude is most acceptable and delight­ful.

When the body is wearied with Labour, then rest is refreshing, and renews its strength; but when satiated with rest, does then thirst after motion and pleasant exer­cise. Rest is a burthen if forced upon Na­ture, longer than Nature does require; and that is but for a short space. Interdum quies inquieta est; quoties nos male habet inertia sui impatiens. Sen. So that the due time­ing of Rest and Motion, and limiting them to their hours and seasons, most agreeable and delightful to humane Nature; is that which preserves him in Health, and pro­longs his Being.

Avoid idleness, and a sluggish sedentary life: for want of due action and whole­som motion; the body, like standing Wa­ters, degenerates and corrupts. If Rest ex­ceeds, the vigour of Nature is abated; digestion not so good; distribution of ali­ment to the several parts retarded and im­pedited, by reason of an obstructed foul [Page 143]body: excrementitious superfluities not freely transmitted, and emitted; the spirits dulled, and all the faculties of the body and mind, heavy and slow to action. Ig­navia corpus hebetat, labor firmat.

THE Life of Man being conversant in vicissitudes; spends its whole course in these two different states, Sleep and Watching: the one appointed for Rest and Ease; the other for Action and Labour. If he were constant in the first, his life were but the shadow of Death, not worth the naming: Nemo dum dormit, alicujus est pretii, non magis quam si non viveret. Qui­dam. If in the latter, he could not hold out long, but be tired and worn out.

Therefore Nature hath wisely contri­ved, that man should not continue long in either; but should be transient from one to the other, and weave out his life by these short intervals and changes: Watch­ing, [Page 144]Action and Motion: Sleep, Rest and Cessation; these are equally requisite for our well-being: So that these two varia­tions, relieving one another; both become a defence, and support of humane life.

Sleep, is a placid state of body and mind; bringing refreshment and ease to both. Sleep takes off the Body from action; and the Mind from care, thought and business; and gives a cessation and quiet interval from their Labour.

That sleep may prove most advantagi­ous; answering the intentions and design­ment of Nature; it must be regulated in these four particulars: the Time when; and the Limits how long: the Place where; and the Manner how.

The Time most proper and fit for Sleep, and according to the appointment of Na­ture, is the Night; when most of the Crea­tures also do take their rest. At the shutting up of the day, and the Sun departed from the Horizon; the spirits are not so active and lively, but incline to a cessation; and then it is fit to give them their repose and rest, and not constrain them longer upon duty. In the morning again, at the rising of the Sun; they are fresh, brisk and agile; fit for motion and action; and then they are no longer to be chained up in somno­lent [Page 145]darkness; but to be set at liberty, and enjoy the bright light; which chears the spirits, and is a great enlivener to them.

Avoid day-sleeps as a bad custom; chiefly fat and corpulent bodies: but if your spi­rits be tired with much business and care; or by reason of old age; debility of Na­ture; extream hot weather; labour, or the like, that dissipates the spirits, and ener­vates; then a moderate sleep, restores the spirits to their vigour again, and is a good refreshment; but rather take it sitting, than lying down.

Night watching, and late sitting up; tires and wasts the animal spirits, by keeping them too long upon duty; debilitates Na­ture; changeth Youth, and a fresh florid countenance; heats and dries the body for the present: in time it abateth natural heat; breeds Rheumes and Crudities; and most injurious to thin lean bodies.

But go early to sleep, and early from sleep; that you may rise refreshed, lively and active; not dulled and stupid.

For length and continuance: Moderate sleep is best: it refresheth the spirits; forti­fies and increaseth vital heat; helps concocti­on; gives strength to the body; pacifies [Page 146] anger; calms the spirits, and gives a relax­ation to a troubled mind.

But immoderate sleep, dulls the spirits; injurious to a good wit and memory; fills the head with superfluous moisture, and clouds the brain; retains excrements be­yond their due time to be voided; and infects the body with their noxious fumes and vapours; an enemy to beauty, and changeth the fresh flower of Youth.

Concerning the place for sleeping, take these cautions: First, That you do not ex­pose your self to the open Air: for in the time of sleep, Nature is not so well able to defend the body from external injuries of the Air; but lies more open to such as­saults, being off her guard, and retired to Rest.

Know also that it is a bad custom, to sleep upon the ground; as many in the Summer season, do use to their prejudice: and those whose conditions of life necessitate them to it, (as Souldiers,) although for the pre­sent they escape the mischief; yet after­wards, most are made sensible of the in­jury, by Aches, stifness or weakness of Limbs; and many other infirmities that it pro­cures.

Sleep not in any damp place, Vault or Cellar; a ground Chamber, especially un­boarded; [Page 147]a new washt Room; or new plaistered: but chuse a high Room, dry, sweet, and well aired; free from smoke, and remote from any noise.

Let your Bed be soft, but not to sink in; which sucks from the body, exhausts and impairs strength: a Quilt upon a Feather-Bed, is both easie and wholesom.

Be careful that your Bed be clean, sweet, and well aired: for Bedding receives the va­pours and sweaty moisture, that comes forth from bodies lying in them; which if they be not purified by Air or Fire: they will contract an ill scent, and are then un­wholesom to lie in.

But if every one ought to be thus care­ful of their own Beds, they constantly lie in themselves: you may easily then ima­gine, how Travellers are exposed to the injuries of noysom Beds.

Your Chamber also, ought to be kept clean and sweet; which is conducing to your Health: I do not mean often washing it; for that brings an unwholesom damp, and ill scent into a room; especially a Bed Chamber; and the Bed-Cloths do im­bibe and receive in the moist vapour, which must do some prejudice: except it be in the heat of Summer, hot, dry, and clear weather; and the Windows opened, to [Page 148]dry it soon, and very well again: but to do this in Winter, in cold, wet or foggy weather; is an unwholesom, ill custom: but some Women are so tyed up, to their old usage and fashions; that no reason will prevail; nothing but a sic volo, and sic jubeo, will keep off the washing.

Sweeping, brushing and rubbing; and searching often all the holes and Corners; will keep a House (but chiefly Bedcham­bers) in such order, for decency and clean­ness; as will answer all the intentions of washing; and is not so offensive, nor trou­blesome. But air your Chamber daily, by opening the Windows; if the weather be dry; and not thick or foggy.

As for the manner of posture, or decum­biture; the body must lie easie, or sleep will be disturbed: the head elevated a foot and half, or two foot higher, than at the Beds feet: and from Head to feet, the Bed to lie smooth and even; and not a fall be­low the Pillow, and hollow under the back; as commonly. Compose the other parts, as best likes every person; but lie not upon the back; or constantly upon one side; but by turns; and first on the left side: and be covered according to the Climate, and Season of the Year.

The mind also must be in a good po­sture [Page 149]for sleep; well composed and setled when you are in Bed; or that will break off your sleep before due time, and defraud you of your nights rest: if you lie down with roving troubled thoughts; they com­monly will call you up before it is fit to rise; and your sleep will not be so placid and refreshing. Therefore when you lay by your cloaths; lay aside also your busi­ness, care and thoughts; and let not a wan­dring phancy prevent your rest; or awake you before due time.

ALL that the body receives is not fit to be retained; our food, though choicely pickt, and temperately used; yet all does not turn into the substance of the body; but some part is to be separated and sent forth; the rest to supply, nourish, and be assimilated. This regular course being continued, the body thrives, and is in good order; but if that which should be [Page 150] evacuated and sent forth, be retained; or that which ought to be retained, be prodi­gally wasted, and injuriously emitted; then the body suffers and decays, when the re­gular oeconomy thereof is thus subverted. Hinc ingens morborum turba.

And here we are to consider of the va­rious excretions that Nature does require, and is beneficial; and of such retentions, as are injurious.

Under this Head is comprised excretions by Stool; by Ʋrine; menstrual Purgations; Spermatick issuing; transpiration by the Pores; evacuation by the Nose, and Ears: of which, the former are of the greatest concernment; and special care to be had of them.

Excremental evacuations are various, proceeding from the several digestions; conveyed out by several Channels, and Vents of Natures fabrication: which duly eva­cuated, are no small helps to the conserva­tion of health, and are the effects of a tem­perate and regular body.

The retention of them beyond due time, argues discrasy of parts, or irregular living; and brings much detriment to the body, by their noxious impressions and putrid va­pours, that infect and disturb the body.

If the Belly be costive and bound up; if [Page 151]the Urine be supprest; the monthly Cour­ses stopt; the Pores occluded and shut up: the Soul will be stifled in the Body, and the Body polluted and corrupted with its own Excrements: and as these are so, more or less in degree, swerving from rectitude; so it fares with the body, better or worse.

And on the contrary; if the Belly let pass too soon and forceably, before the ali­mentary part be separated, sweeping down both together: if the Ʋrine flows too free­ly, and drains the body: If the Female Courses be immoderately current, and ex­haust the vital stream: If the Sperme be in­voluntarily issuing, and daily wasting: If the Texture be too lax and pervious, the Pores patent and evaporating; the damage is as great as the former, and as much to be feared, as these evacuations are more or less enormous.

So that nothing but moderation, and an even course between these two extreams, are conservative of Health, and longaevity. And that this may be so; all your actions and necessary customs, must be bounded by mediocrity: this is the Golden Chain that ties all together; one Link whereof being broken, the whole is broken and disunited; having a dependence, and mu­tual tye upon each other.

As the discharging of Nature, moderately and seasonably, in all her requisite evacua­tions, preserves the body in health and strength: so contrarily.

Immoderate evacuations, cause weak­ness, debility of Nature by exhaustion, and procure several Diseases; Cachexies, Con­sumptions, Dropsies, &c.

To keep the body soluble is very good, that at least once a day you may not miss to have a stool; else the Faeces are hardned, the body heated, the stomach molested, the appetite not so good, the head heavy, dull, and sometimes pained; some grosser matter which should go away by siege, is brought by the Urinary passage; occasion­ing obstructions, all which are very injuri­ous and destructive to Health.

Seasonable and moderate Venus, allevi­ates Nature, and helps digestion: but im­moderate, exhausts the strength by effusion of spirits; exsiccates and dries the Body, hurts the Brain and Nerves, causeth trem­blings, dulls the sight, debilitates all the fa­culties, hastens old Age, and shortens Life. But of this more at large in my Treatise of Spermatick Consumptions.

Menstrual evacuations are proper to the Female Sex; and come to them at certain years, to some at fourteen or fifteen; to others at sixteen or seventeen: and then Nature challengeth them monthly as her due; except she hath conceived, nurseth, or being grown old, Nature does not re­quire this evacuation: And this is of such concernment with them; that if this men­strual Flux be not right in the several re­quisites, according to times, quantity and quality; the whole body oftentimes is di­sturbed; but always some infirmity or com­plaint does follow: And therefore it much behoveth Women, to have a special re­gard, that this course of Nature be regular, according to each persons propriety of bo­dy; for all have them not alike, nor is it to be expected: and when it happens other­wise; a due course is to be taken to re­duce them into order, and procure them aright.

This Flux ariseth from a redundance, and is granted to Women for conception-sake; that they might both nourish the foetus in [Page 154]the Womb, and have sufficient to supply their own bodies: Therefore when there is no conception, Nature hath appointed a menstrual evacuation to spend the over-plus this way, during her capacity of having Children; and when that time is past, Na­ture takes up and makes no such provision; and then this evacuation ceaseth.

THat the Condition, Properties, and Habit of Bodies, do much differ one from the other; and also the same Body, by time, doth vary and alter much from what it was; is that which I need not insist on the proof; every one almost will confess the [...], and is convinced of this truth. But how this comes to pass, and the reasons of this difference and variation; are not una­nimously agreed upon, but great dissent­ing about the matter.

The Galenists do comprise the diversity of bodies under four Constitutions; San­guine, [Page 155]Phlegmatick, Cholerick and Melancho­lick. And this they will have to arise from the difference of bodies in mixtion; ac­cording to the different proportions they receive of the four Elements, participating more of some, than the other.

The Chymical Philosophers; some of them will have the difference of bodies to as­surge out of three Principles; Sal, Sulphur, and Mercury: Others increase that num­ber, and will have them five; Spirit, Salt, Sulphur, Water and Earth. But I must not now ingage in the controversie between the Chymists and Galenists; or make ano­ther party to oppose both; but reserve that as more proper for a Polemical Tract: This Work being not intended controversal, but Canonical; I therefore pass on to state the Matter.

These four terms of Sanguine, Cholerick, &c. although I do not adhere to them in the common acceptation, and in every point as the Galenists use them; yet they being so familiar, and well known to such for whom chiefly this work is intended; I shall retain these names, with distinction and limitation, to serve our present pur­pose; rather than impose new words upon you, not so well understood.

I do not therefore understand by Phlegm, [Page 156]Choler, &c. that every body is composed of these four humours, as their constitutive parts; resulting from proportionate, and dis­proportionate mixture, and combination of the four Elements: But that persons may participate of, or abound with a degene­rate humour; and that the succulencies of the body, may incline to such a condition, affine and analogous; or having such pro­perties; as that which is assigned to, and called Phlegm, Choler, &c. may well be asserted; and we may call them by such names.

But you must also take notice, that the degenerate matter in mans body is so vari­ous, that you must not think to reduce all such depraved Juices exactly to these three heads; of Choler, Phlegm, and Melancholy; and if you add twice three more; the num­ber would not be sufficient: But since there are not peculiar appellations to distinguish all precisely by; better have some general terms than none.

The variation of bodies, in relation to Temperament, Habit, and Constitution; does arise immediatè from the variation of dige­stions, and the different products from thence: so that one and the same person shall by time be of different constituti­ons; according as the functions of the [Page 157]body are performed, well or ill.

The changing or establishing of Consti­tutions procatarcticè does depend upon subjection and obedience to the Diaetetick Rules. As every one is ordered prudently and regularly, or negligently and incon­gruously, shall be disposed to this or that Constitution. If a man live idle, plentifully feeding, indulging himself in raw Fruits, and sleeps much; this disposeth him to be Phlegmatick: that is, his digestions shall not be so good; and there will be crude relicts abounding, such as are called Phlegm.

If a man be of an active cogitative spirit, eager in business, giving himself little rest; accustomed to Wine, and high seasoned Meats: This manner of life fires and heats the body; the Juices then will not be so mild, temperate, and balsamick: but acrid, hot and sharp; and this person then may be said to be, of a cholerick constitution, or condition of body.

If a fresh sanguine person, of a pure wholesom body; be oppressed with care and grief; live a sedentary life; or too much given to study and serious contempla­tion, and feed grosly: This course of life shall change and alter the best constitution: the sanguine brisk airy person shall by these means, be of a dull heavy disposition, and [Page 158]sad mind; the body also shall degenerate from its purity, and the humours become more fixed and feculent.

The Soul being the great Spring or Wheel, that keeps all the functions in motion, up­on which they do depend, primò & prin­cipaliter, as the Fountain of all Vital Acti­ons: If this be dejected and taken off its speed; the functions are then performed very heavily, as if weights and clogs were hung upon them; and then the elaboration of food is not well performed, nor a pure alimentary Juice produced; but a dege­nerate succus of a heavy oppressing nature not duly fermented by the Spleen; (dys­crasyed by the preceding Causes) from whence a melancholy constitution is begot­ten, and may so be denominated for di­stinction.

The diversity of Constitutions being thus understood; we may make use of, and re­tain these distinguishing terms, at this time to serve the business in hand; since they are so familiar by use, and easie to be apprehended, by such for whom this is in­tended. But although I can close with them, in relation to this purpose I am now upon; to order and appoint a Diaetetick Regiment for different bodies; yet I think them not of that concernment, for a Phy­sician [Page 159]to tye himself strictly to their obser­vance, in the designment of Cures; these notions being too superficial and remote from the quiddity, essence and spring of the Disease; are but Characteristical and Signal, to note how, and which way the vital Powers do deviate and swerve from their integrity; are but the Producta Morbi; the Products and Effects, separable, and the Disease may remain behind.

Wherefore I cannot allow them, as they are severally injoined in the Methodus Me­dendi for indications, to sute Purgatives electivè, and other Medicines to, by pecu­liar appropriations; nor concur with some Hypotheses that are founded upon this Do­ctrine by the Galenists to steer them in their Therapeuticks; which indeed runs them upon great errors in the Cure of most Diseases; being so nice in temperaments, hu­mours and qualities, and eying them so much; that they neglect the spring from whence they do arise, and where the greatest stress of Cures do lie. Morbi in initiis vitalibus radicem habent.

And although I have distinguished food for several constitutions or conditions of body, as most proper and fit for them; and commonly most agreeable and appetible; yet I do not thereby strictly enjoin, or re­strain [Page 160]any one of a dissenting appetite, from some things greatly coveted and suteable by experience; although appointed for another person of a different constitution: but that every person seeing the general Rule, may something be guided thereby; and examining his peculiar propriety of Body, undiscernable to others; whether it will comply freely, or with reluctance. In such case where there is a refusal of this or that, as not suting, but disgustful; you are not to impose upon your Nature forci­bly, though injoined by the general Rule: But where you are at a stand in things in­different, what to chuse when either will comply and sute your appetite, then follow the Rule as advantagious. Moreover the strong robust bodies, active and laborious; are not so strictly enjoined to observance, as tender weak bodies; which soon are dis­composed and altered by ill diet; or that is incongruous for their condition of body.

If a person have a cold, waterish, Phleg­matick Stomach; those Meats, and Drinks, and Sauces, are not so agreeable and requi­site for him, as will well agree and sute with a Cholerick, hot, and dry parching Sto­mach. A Phlegmatick man, most common­ly takes no delight, in Milk and Whey, cold [Page 161]Meats, and cooling Drinks, or cooling Sauces: but he loves seasoned hot Meats, strong Drinks, Spices, and hot Herbs; to make his Meat savoury and acceptable to his Stomach: But the Cholerick Man shall delight in the other; and they shall sute best with him, being temperately and dis­creetly used.

So that a Diaetetick Regiment, well ap­pointed and observed; is physical to dis­crasyed and distempered bodies; to con­temperate and allay the luxuriance of some predominant Humour; and something dis­pose the faculties to produce the alimenta­ry Juices of another nature: which by time will alter and change the constitution, or condition of Body, from what it was; and reduce it nearer, to what it ought to be.

THis Constitution does result from the integrity of the faculties, and due Crases of the Parts, performing their offices rightly: When Food is well elaborated and transmuted in such manner as is proper for each digestion; then a good constitution and good habit of body is established. The Mass of blood then hath its pure tincture; and all the liquors of the body their pecu­liar properties, suteable to the intentions of Nature: But if the Crases of the Parts be perverted, by a spontaneous defection and imbecillity of the faculties; or otherwise procured to irregularity; by bad food, in­temperance, and the Diaetetick Rules not observed; then the alimentary Juices do degenerate from their purity; the mass of Blood, and nervous liquor are depraved; the constitution and whole habit of body altered and changed for the worse.

The sanguine person enjoys the best state and condition of body; does not abound, [Page 163]or is molested with crude, Phlegmatick or acrid Cholerick Juices, or otherwise dege­nerate; but hath the succulencies of body, in their right and proper natures; as is most fit for every Vessel and part of the body: hence it is, that this person is more fresh, temperate, lively, and florid; of a more pleasant mind, and good disposition; having pure blood, and other good Juices to supply the Body; from whence the spi­rits are generated both plentifully, and of a good extraction.

This State and Constitution of Body, is best preserved and continued so from de­generation, by a good Diaetetick Regiment; disposing all the requisite supports of Life, Customs and Actions whatsoever; that they be moderate, seasonable and suteable to such Natures; contributing their assistance wholly, and not being any ways detrimen­tal, by their ill management.

The Sanguine Person will continue long in that condition and good state of Body; by a due observance of Dyet, Exercise and Rest, Sleep and Watching, Excretions and Retentions, passions of Mind: For any of these irregular and unsuteable, will alter and change the best tempered body, into some other depraved condition, answerable to their Causes: as the intemperate Air [Page 164]of a hot Climate, or sudden change of Wea­ther not regarded; violent and unseasonable Exercise, night-watchings, ill-dyet, &c. in­troduce a depraved alteration and dege­neration of the blood: and therefore most commonly sickness soon follows such inju­rious Courses. I might here forbid the smoaking of Tabaco; the common Pur­gatives falsly denominated, but rather and more properly Corruptives; which stamp an ill impression upon the parts, and viti­ate alimentary Juyces of the Body: but the injuries procured from Tabaco, and these Drugs, are declared at large in my Tract of the Scurvy; Therefore I need not re­peat here.

For the Election and Choice of Food; for quantities, and due times in Eating and Drinking; for the choice of Air, and place of Abode; for Exercise, Sleep, &c. conso­nant and most agreeable to this constitu­tion and best state of Body; are to be sought in the general Hygiastick Rules be­fore-mentioned; which are most proper and applicable to this state and condition of Body; as being the Rule or Standard to measure others by: And by how much, others vary from this temperature and good condition of Body: by so much are they to be accounted intemperate and deviating [Page 165]from integrity; and do therefore require some particular Rules or Exemptions from the general, to regulate them apart; be­cause bodies in a right and good state, are not to be governed by the same strictness of Law; but must have some allowance and exceptions; which shall be observed in the particular constitutions following.

THE Phlegmatick Person is such whose nature is not so vigorous and acute in the digestive faculties; and makes a transmutation of food not so perfect as the Sanguine, but something crude and raw. This Constitution abounding with super­fluous moisture, and being cooler in tempe­rature, (except upon occasions distempered, and the Archeus disturbed) commonly hath a slower Pulse; not so lively, active and brisk as the Sanguine person; prone to sleep and ease; of colour paler; by hot things benefited, by cold things prejudiced. [Page 166]And thus it is; by reason the vital powers are remiss and sluggish, or perverted, and the several functions of the body not per­formed vigorously and compleatly: which ariseth from an innate disability; or irre­gularity, and disregard to the Diaetetick rules.

Now this Constitution of body being fallen a degree from the integrity of Na­ture; and swerving from the best condi­tion and state of body, which is the San­guine, and finding by these Characters how Nature is defective, and which way decli­ning: You ought so to order all your acti­ons and customs, as may tend to the recti­fying of this deficiency, and be auxiliary for a reduction to the best state; at least prevent what may succeed worse, and stop the increase. And herein it will be no small advantage, to know what is assisting and helpful to Nature is this case; and what is injurious.

Meats agreeable and convenient for this condition of body; are such as be light and digest well▪ because the Stomachs fer­ment is not so acute; yet if the Stomach covets what is not of facil digestion, let it be made savoury and seasoned: And then a Phlegmatick raw stomach may better ven­ture upon such. But Brawn, Pig, Goose, [Page 167]Duck, Water-fowl, and such like, are not agreeable to a Phlegmatick Stomach: Also Eeles, fresh Herrings, Makerel, Lobster, fresh Salmon, Sturgeon, are injurious and diffi­cult to be digested. But if you must please your palate, drink Wine with these meats for a corrective.

Let your dyet be warm Meats, oftner roast than boyled.

Butter, Oyl, and Honey is good for you; Mustard, Salt and Spices are necessary for your use: especially with meats of slow di­gestion; and that abound with much moi­sture, and are apt to clog the Stomach.

Refuse Milk and Milk Meats; Curds, new Cheese, Butter-milk and Whey.

Olives, Capers, Broom buds, Sampire, are good Sauce; also Garlick, Onions, Leeks in Broths, seasonings or Sauces, for a re­lish, but not raw.

Refrain cold Herbs and Sallads; as Let­tuce, Purslan, Violet-leaves, &c. except Sor­rel, which although cold, yet a sharpner of the appetite: but freely use Mint, Sage, Rosemary, Time, Marjerome, Parsley, Penny­royal, and such hot Herbs.

Abstain from raw Fruits; Apples, Pears, Plums, Cucumbers, Mellons, Pumptions, &c. But you may eat new Wall-nuts, Fil­berds, Almonds blanched, Ches-nuts, Fi­stick-nuts, [Page 168]Dates, Figs, Rasins.

Drink strong Beer more frequently than small; and sometimes Sack. Not French Wine if you be Rheumatick.

Indulge not your self in lying long in Bed; or Afternoon-sleeps; and too much Rest and Ease: they dull the spirits, in­crease flegm, and superfluous moisture.

But frequent Exercise; and moderate abstinence in Meat and Drink; are great preservatives of your Health.

Chuse a warm Air and dry Soil; remote from Waters; the best place for your A­bode.

Hot Baths are profitable; seasonable and moderate Venus a friend: the former che­risheth the spirits, opens the pores for a transpiration and emission of superfluous moisture: the latter suscitates and raiseth the spirits, alleviates nature, and helps Concoction.

THE Cholerick Person is more hot and dry than the Phlegmatick; eager and precipitate in action; froward, hasty and angry; lean of body and slender: the Veins big, a hard Pulse, and quick: of co­lour pale or swarthy; propense to waking and short sleeps; subject to Feavers, or fe­brile aestuation upon small occasions.

That some bodies are in this state and condition, is apparent and certain: but whe­ther by innate Principles so disposed, or otherwise procured and adventitious; we will not controvert here: but shall proceed as granted, that a Diaetetick Regiment, well or ill managed; shall make this person or condition of body, better or worse. Where­fore I advise such to these observations.

Use a cool and moistning dyet; most frequently boyled meats, rather than rost or baked; but fryed or broiled meats never.

Eat Broths often made with cooling Herbs; Rice-milk, Cock-broth, or Barly-broths [Page 170]with Rasins, Currans and Prunes.

For flesh, chuse young tender and juicy; as young Beef, Veal, Mutton, Lamb, Kid, Pork, Green-geese, Turkie, Capon, Chickens, and such like.

Observe fish dayes as good dyet: and then you may eat fresh Salmon, Lobster, fresh Herrings, Crabs, Prauns, fresh Cod, Thorn­back, Soles, Plaise, Whiting, Smelt, Oisters, Pike, Trout, Tench, and other fresh fish; Eeles not excepted which are unwholesom to others.

But refrain salt Meats, and dryed; as Bacon, old Ling, Haberdine, salt Cod, pick­led or red Herrings; pickled Scalops, Oi­sters, Anchoves, Sturgeon, hang'd Beef, dry­ed Tongues, and such like.

Milk and Milk meats are pleasant and good; as Custard, White-pots, new Cheese, fresh Cheese and Cream.

For your Sauces; use Verjuce, Sorrel, Orange, Lemmon, Apples, Gooseberries, Cur­rans, Prunes, pickled Cucumbers: as boy­led Veal and Greene-sauce; rost Veal and O­range; boyled Mutton with Verjuce and its own juice; rost Mutton and Cucumbers; green-Geese and Gooseberries; Stubble Goose and Apples; Pig and Currants; Pork and green-sauce; boiled Chickens with Gooseberries or Sorrel-sops; Calves feet [Page 171]stewed with Currans and Prunes: And your meat thus Cook'd, is both food and Physick.

Take a lawful freedom, and please your self with these Fruits; Citrons, Pomegra­nats, Oranges, Lemmons, quince, Pear­mains, Pippins, Cherries, Mulberries, Grapes, Damsins, Bullaces, Prunellaes, Respass, Cur­rans, Barberries, Strawberries: they cool and quench thirst, contemperate and as­swage hot cholerick humours, and give a great refreshment to the parched spi­rits.

Eat Sallads of Lettuce, Sorrel, Purslane, Spinage, and Violet-leaves; they are medi­camental aliment; but be sparing in Mu­stard, Salt and Spices.

Butter-milk, Whey and Cider allay pre­ternatural heat; check the effrenation of Choler, and are refreshing to you.

Refuse the fat, and brown out-side of meat: also the crust of Bread: and be spa­ring in Butter and Oyl.

Drink Wine, Spirits, and strong Liquors, but as Physick; to refresh and assist a weak stomach, and not otherwise.

Fast not, but satisfie the Stomach, when it vellicates and calls for meat; biting cho­ler must have something to feed on, or it will disturb the body.

Cherish and indulge sleep, it cools and moistens; but let it not exceed in length; which puts Nature by her due times for ne­cessary evacuations.

Be not too eager and constant in study; nor use late sitting up: both exasperate this condition of body, and make it worse.

Use very gentle Exercise; and be not laborious or toyling, but take your ease; avoid violent motion; for it fires the spi­rits, and heats the body, which is very in­jurious to this Constitution.

Frequent Venus is most pernicious.

Cold Baths are profitable, and refresh much; by cooling the blood, allaying the spirits, and concentring them.

Banish anger, immoderate care, peevish­ness and fretting; which discompose the spirits, heat and waste them; augment Choler, dry the body, and hasten old Age.

Refrain Tabaco as a very injurious cu­stom; it exasperates Choler by heating, drying, and evacuating dulcid Phlegm; which contemperates, bridles and checks the fury of acrid bilious humours.

BY Melancholy Constitution; I here un­derstand such a condition of body; as is procured, and most commonly is the consequent of habituated Melancholy; or a melancholy heavy Soul, and a discrasied Spleen.

To pass by the controversies that might arise here from the distinction of melan­choly by the Galenists, as one of the four constituent humours: I shall take for gran­ted on both sides, as well Chymists, as them; that the aforesaid causes do beget such a constitution or condition of body, as may well require a peculiar Diaetetick Regiment; as an allay or mitigation of those preterna­tural Symptoms, that necessarily follow such Causes: at least that they may not be aggravated by an injurious course of li­ving.

A melancholy, studious and sedentary life, does much abate and suspend the emanative vigour and activity of the Soul; equally di­stributed (geometricè) amongst the several [Page 174] faculties, as the spring of their motion and actions: from which abatement and de­pression of their power, the functions are not discharged so exactly, vigorously and unblamably; but more or less, according to the aggravation, or intention and remis­sion of those Causes. Now as the Spleen is more eminently the seat of that passion; and commonly a part most apparently injured, leading the rest into disorder; We shall appoint such a government, or prudent election and modification of such things, comprised in the Diaetetick part of Phy­sick; as may best sute with such a condition of body.

The melancholy splenetick person; whose digestive faculties are debilitated, must feed more tenderly and nicely than ano­ther; else, that flatulency and oppression (which commonly does attend this condi­tion of body) will be aggravated and much more molesting: For by a gross and plen­tiful feeding, are those evils increased.

Let not your common dyet be of such Meats, as are hard and difficult to digest; that lie long upon the stomach, and re­quire a strong incising ferment for separa­tion and transmutation: as Meats long sal­ted, dryed, fryed, or broyled. &c. but keep to such as are light and of facil digestion; [Page 175]that soon yield in fermentation, and are transmuted, without great labour and trou­ble. Meats thus distinguished, you will find set down in the 54, 55, and 56. pa­ges preceding▪ where you may make E­lection.

If you have a hot and dry costive bo­dy; use Barley-broths, with Prunes, Rasins and Currans: and you may eat sometimes Pippins, Pearmains, Cherries, Respas, Straw­berries, and such like good fruits to cool and moisten.

Take not a full meal at Supper, nor late; but eat sparingly: And if that be too much, as may easily be discovered; then forbear Suppers wholly.

Capers, Broom-buds and Sampire, are good Sauce; they please the Palate, quick­en the Appetite, open Obstructions, and help Digestion: all which are profitable for this condition of body.

Also Borrage, Bugloss, Endive, Cichory, Baum, Fumitory, Mary-gold-flowers, Vio­lets, Clove-gilliflowers and Saffron, are of good use.

Drink Cider sometimes, and small White-Wine; also Whey, if your stomach agrees with it.

Keep the body soluble; your Head will be more free from pains, fumes, and heavi­ness: [Page 176]Also the lower Region of the Body will not so frequently be disturbed with flatulent rumblings, distention and windy eruptions.

Cherish Sleep; it refresheth the spirits, pacifies a troubled mind, banisheth cares, and strengthens all the faculties: but tire­some waking in the night, is a great Enemy to a melancholy person.

Fly Idleness, the Nurse of Melancholy; but exercise often, and follow business, or recreations.

Walk in the green Fields, Orchards, Gardens, Parks, by Rivers, and variety of places.

Change of Air is very good.

Avoid solitariness, and keep merry Com­pany.

Be frequent at Musick, Sports and Games.

Recreate the spirits with sweet, fragrant and delightful smells.

Banish all passions as much as in you lies; fear, grief, despair, revenge, desire, jealousie, emulation, and such like.

Opus est te Animo valere, ut Corpore possis.

Give not your self to much study, nor night-watchings; two great Enemies to a melancholy person.

Refrain Tabacco, though a seeming plea­sant [Page 177]Companion; the phancy is pleased but for a short time; and the ill effects are du­rable.

MAN is made up of two grand parts, Soul and Body: the one Active, ruling and governing; the other Passive, obeying and instrumental: The one hath its ferenity, tranquillity, and placidness: The other due organization, and fabrication: But both Soul and Body, are subject to disorder, discomposure, and inaptitude; for the regular performance of their Acti­ons and Offices.

Great discoveries have been made of that Part of Man, which presents it self to the eye: We have viewed his Fabrick; and I may say exactly; Witness the excellent Anatomical pieces that are extant; where­in are discovered and laid open, all the contrivances of this rare Machine: But the Spring that sets all on work; the intrinsick [Page 178]mover, the Soul, lies much in darkness; and acts as it were, behind the Curtain; Whose deficiencies and aberrations are lit­tle taken notice of, except in the irregu­larities of passion; and then only in relation to divine and moral rectitude: And there­fore in our Physical Discourses, I find the Body to be accused of infirmity and fail­ing, throughout the Catalogue of Diseases; and that the indisposition of Organs to act, is the sole or main cause of the irregularity, and deficiency of the Functions: And that the hability of the Soul to act ad extra; does depend wholly upon the capacity, and aptitude of the instrumental parts.

But I am otherwise perswaded to be­lieve, and from no small reasons; That as there is great difference of Souls in divine and moral goodness; why not then in na­tural abilities and integrity; relating to health and sickness? And therefore it is very rational to assert; that many defects or disorders in the Functions, and ruinous decays of the Body; does arise and spring forth, from the pravity, and debility of the Soul, by its lapsid nature: And that the first motions, ab intra, or emanations of the Soul; are, and may be infirm and vitious, when the Organs are in their rectitude and aptitude for regular motions. But to clear [Page 179]this out, and prosecute it to the full; I must ravel into the whole Doctrine de Ani­ma, and assert contrary to the old Philoso­phy, (which will be found very erroneous) but that will take up a whole Tract, too big for this place; and must be the work of another time. Therefore I pass on.

Passions of mind may be considered; either in relation to what is divine, moral, or natural. Passions respecting the two first; are either good or evil, as their object does distinguish them: but in the latter they are ill, and produce bad effects; as they are in degree, more or less turbulent, violent, and durable. What concerns the Passions in the two former respects, is not our business in hand; but as they stand in relation to Health and Sickness; what dis­orders they produce in the regular oecono­my of the Body, how the Functions are de­praved, debilitated or suspended by them, is our task now.

The Diseases, or infirmities of the Soul most visible, are the perturbations and passi­ons; wherein, the Soul is put by her ge­nuine state of sanity, placidness and sere­nity; and that aequanimous distribution of her energy into the Members, and Parts of the Body; and from thence much al­tered, disordered, and disproportioned. [Page 180] Passions draw off the Soul, from exercising and executing the functions of the Body: For, whereas the power of the Soul, is e­qually or proportionably divided into all the faculties, in her natural placid state of go­vernment: On the contrary, when Passion is predominant; much of that power is drawn away, and expended in the prose­cution and support of this Passion.

Passions put the spirits upon several mo­tions: sometimes contract them, as in Grief, Fear, or Despair: Sometimes dilate them as in Joy, Love, and Desire: Sometimes drives them furiously, as in Anger: where­in also the humours are fluctuating some­times this way, and sometimes that way; according to the nature of the Passion, which hath its peculiar motion and current. And as other Diseases have their Diagno­stick Signs to distinguish them, and where­by they may be known: So likewise the Passions have their peculiar Characters of distinction; that it is not difficult to know under what passion a man labours. We judge of other sicknesses very much by the Face, what alteration there: So by the Countenance we may know what Passion is predominant; each putting on a different aspect, and presenting it self in another shape and visage.

Passion in excess, although it be the per­turbation and sickness of the mind; yet it is not confined there, but is communicated to the Body, which partakes and shares in the morbous effect. If the Mind be distem­pered and discomposed, the Body cannot continue in health. The Soul and Body are so interwoven with each other, and con­junct in their Operations; that they act to­gether, enjoy, and suffer together: They are so linked and conjoined, as Partners of each others ill and welfare, that the one is not affected, but the other is drawn into consent; mutually acting, enjoying and suffering until death. Hence it is; a disea­sed Body, makes a heavy drooping mind; and a wounded, disturbed or restless mind; makes a youthful healthy body, to decay and languish. Who therefore desires the health and welfare of the body; must procure Ease, Rest, and Tranquillity of mind.

That you may the better know, and rightly understand how passions of the mind, redound and reflect upon the body, to the decay and ruine of it, and abbrevi­ating mans life.

First; Consider that the Body without [Page 182]the Souls energy, is dead, and moves not at all: by vertue of the Souls conjunction with it, and informing power; the Body acts with various motions and operations; and according to the activity of the Soul, with organical aptitude and fitness of the Body; is the exquisiteness and perfection of their operations: The Soul then is A­gent; the Body passive, receiving the influx virtue and power from the Soul, who is Rectrix and Gubernatrix, to whom the Rule and Government belong.

It is evident therefore, since the Body cannot act any thing of it self for its conser­vation, without the energy and assistance from the Soul, whose care is for the regu­lating and moderating the Body in all acti­ons external and internal; than the distra­ctions, inactivity, wandrings, and neglects of the Soul, do tend to the subversion of this due order and government; and con­sequently the ruine and dissolution of the body; which requires a constant supply of daily reparation, and a regular tuition for its support and maintenance.

Now the Soul transported by passion, from its genuine order and mode, of pla­cidness and tranquillity; and reduced into a turbulent, unquiet and distempered state; is a condition of incapacity, and unfitness [Page 183]for government, for that time being; and many damages arise thereby, as in each pas­sion particularly hereafter will appear.

In a threefold manner, the Soul is put besides her self, in the regularity of recto­ry, and is incurious of the welfare of the Body.

First, The Soul is either carried away by some delightful object; as for something vehemently desired; and deserting, as it were, the body, to follow after that thing desired and coveted; extending her power and strength out of the body; to lay hold, if possibly to obtain, and bring within the Sphere and Circle of her enjoyment; as in the Passion of Love.

Or secondly, The Soul is in fury and dis­quieted within, by the apprehension of something assaulting and disturbing; to which the Soul hath a contrariety and anti­pathy against: as in the passions of Fear, Hatred, Revenge, Anger: And this disquie­tude and disturbance is continued, by re­presentations of their causes in the phan­tasie; which still present themselves to the Soul, by way of a fresh assault, which feeds the Passion, and continues the Di­stemper.

Or thirdly; The Soul is languishing, heavy and inactive; altogether indisposed [Page 184]to the government and tuition of the bo­dy; and perhaps desirous to be discharged and shake it off, being weary of the bur­then; taking no delight in their partner­ship and society, as in melancholy despair and grief. In all which cases you shall find the Body to suffer great prejudice and de­triment.

In the first Case: When the Soul alie­nates her self, wanders away with a vehe­ment desire, to procure and obtain any thing most agreeable and delightful; the Soul, as it were, contracts her self, and unites all her force; stands at full bent after this be­loved; dischargeth all her thoughts upon it, and spends her strength in desire and longing; until at last she pines away with a tedious and starving expectation, if the beloved thing be not obtained. In the in­terim, the oeconomy and government of her own mansion, the Body is neglected; the spirits, which are accounted the Souls im­mediate Instruments in every Faculty, at least a considerable part; are inticed away, and called off from their proper and pecu­liar works and duty; perhaps to enlarge and increase the vigour of some other fa­culty, more immediately subvervient, and at­tending the Souls new design and business; preferred far before a good digestion, due [Page 185] excretion, nutrition, seasonable rest, or what else; and those spirits remaining which have the burthen of these duties incumbent on them, have so small and inconsiderable support and supply of influence from the Soul, to direct and back them in their per­formance; that the functions are executed weakly and depravedly, to the great preju­dice and damage of the Body.

Digestion now is not so good, nor the Appetite so quick; the stomach calls not for a new supply; as yet not being well dis­charged, and quit of yesterdays provision: the stomach now is weary of dressing and preparing long Dinners for the Body; Len­ten and fasting days, are its vacation from trouble.

Separation now is not so good; the ex­crementitious, and nutritious part, walk hand in hand together, and pass without contradiction or due examination: the watch now is not so strict at the Ports, and privy passages, to discern what is fit to pass this way, and what the other; or what to reject and keep out; but promiscuously receive what presents it self.

Distribution now is not so good; Ali­ment tires by the way; wanting spirits to convey, and bring it to its journeys end; and exercise to jog it on through the an­gust [Page 186]Meanders, and more difficult pas­sages.

Sanguification is now degenerated and vitiated; the preceding requisites, and fit praevious dispositions, in order thereto, be­ing wanting.

Membrification or Assimilation, is now changed for a Cachectick, and depraved habit.

Excretion, and Evacuation of what is su­perfluous, and unfit longer to be retained in the body; is not sent away in due time, but stays for a Pass; the Governess is now taken up with other matters; neglects due orders, and commands to the expulsive fa­culty for their emission.

All necessary and wholesom Customs, are now neglected and disregarded: the Soul too oft is wandring and gadding abroad, and best when she is roving from home; but neglects the airing of her Cottage, and perfuming it with fresh aetherean breath. The Soul is now always restless and distur­bed; nor shall the Senses, her Attendants, take their due repose; but keeps an unquiet house at midnight.

In the second Case: The regular and due order of government in the Body is subver­ted and changed; when the Soul in the forementioned passions of Fear, Anger, Ha­tred, [Page 187]and Revenge; is disturbed and ala­rum'd by the assault, approach or appear­ance of some evil or injury: the Soul then summons the spirits together, and com­mands them from their common duties; calls them to her aid and assistance, for se­curity from danger; to repulse the violence offered, or revenge the injury; hurrying them here and there, from one part to another, in a tumultuous manner; if the assault be suddain and surprizing: some­times inward to support the heart, to give courage and resolution; which by their suddain concourse and confluence to the Center, causeth great palpitations, and al­most suffocation: or else commanding them to the out-works; into the external parts, to repel the invasion and violence of the evil presenting or approaching, or to re­venge the quarrel: the Hands and Arms then receive a double or treble strength; the Muscles being full, and distended with agile spirits, for their activity and strength in motion. The Eyes then are staring full, and stretch'd forth with a croud of infla­med spirits, darting forth their fury, and spending their strength upon the Adver­sary and Object of their trouble. The Tongue then is swelled with spirits and big words; that wanting a larger room for [Page 188]vent, tumbles out broken and imperfect speeches, and scarce can utter whole words. The Legs and Feet then have an Auxiliary supply, and double portion of spirits con­veighed into their Nerves and Sinews, to increase their agility and strength, to come on, or off. But in the mean time the Heart perhaps is almost fainting, so long being deprived of, and deserted by, those lively vigorous spirits, which did inhabit and quar­ter there for its Life-Guard, protection and support; but are now called off their Guard and common duties, imployed in Foreign Parts, commanded here and there, as the emergent occasions present, to the Governess of this Microcosm.

In the third case mentioned: the due order, government, and necessary execu­tion of offices belonging to the welfare and maintenance of the body, and preser­vation of life, are neglected and weakly per­formed.

When the Soul being darkned and over­spread with a cloud of sadness; betakes her self to a sullen incurious recumbency and retiredness; willing to resign up and cast off, the government and tuition of the bo­dy; and as a burthen, which she now de­lights not to bear about; begins to lose her hold, who before had embraced and [Page 189]clipt so close; suspending the virtue of her energy and vigorous emanations; acting faintly and coldly, those necessary mutual performances; without regard to their for­mer friendship, or their future conjunct preservation.

The Body now begins to sink with its own weight, and press towards the Earth the natural place from whence it came. That active spirit which before had buoyed it up, and took delight to sport it to and fro; is now ready to let it fall and grovel downwards, to leave it whither it must go. The wonted pleasures of their partner­ship and society, are now disgusted and re­jected: Food now hath lost its relish, and is become unsavoury: Sleep which before was pleasant, as a holy-day in the fruition of rest and ease, is now composed of no­thing but troublesome unquiet dreams; linked together with some sighing inter­vals, to measure out the weary night by. Exercise and sporting Recreations, are now accounted drudgery, and laborious toyl­ing: unwilling is the Soul to move her Yoke-fellow, farther than the enforcing Law of Nature, and necessity commands and urgeth. Their joint operations which before were duly and unanimously per­formed; are now ceased, abated or depra­ved; [Page 190]by the retraction, reluctance and in­disposed sadness of the Soul to act: the wonted vigorous emanations of the Soul, and her radiant influence upon the spirits is now suspended, subducted and called back. These ministring attending Spirits, and nimble Agents; which at a beck were always ready, agile and active, in the exe­cution of her commands; now want Com­mands to stir, and Warrants to act by: but in a torpid and somnolent indisposition; un­fit for action, and the exquisite perform­ance of their duties; and in a sympathizing complyance with the Soul, the excitrix and rectrix of their motions; they are ready to resign their Offices, and give over working; that what they now do, is faint­ly and remisly performed, with much de­ficiency and depravation. When the Soul is pleased and merry, the spirits dance and are chearful at their work; but when she droops and mourns; the spirits are dull, heavy and tired; the Functions but weakly and insufficiently executed.

From the preceding Discourse, may ea­sily be collected; that the Distempers and Alienations of the Soul from her genuine state of serenety and quietude, is of great disadvantage to Health; for as much as the necessary Functions of the Body from hence [Page 191]are disordered and insufficiently perform­ed; these perturbations also, impressing upon the Body, various preternatural ef­fects; forming the Ideas and Characters of Diseases upon the spirits; which are by them communicated, implanted, and pro­pagated in the body: likewise the morbi­fick Seeds, and secret Characters of Diseases which lay dead and inactive; are by the oeconomical disturbance, and perturbation of mind, awakened, moved, and stirred up to hostility and action; which otherwise would have layen dormant: as by grief, fear, anger; hysterical passions, swoonings, e­pilepsies, &c. are often procured: and it is evident, and commonly observed, by in­firm and diseased people; how passion ag­gravates and heightens their distempers; and according to the temper of their mind, will their bodily infirmities be aggravated, or abated.

I shall draw up this Discourse into three Corollaries; being the Epitome of what hath been asserted and aimed at.

1. There is no perturbation or passion of mind, whether little or great; but it works a real effect in the Body more or less; ac­cording to the nature and strength of the passion: and by how much the more sud­den, great, often, and of longer duration [Page 192]the passion is; by so much are the impres­sions and effects worse, more durable, and indeleble. You cannot be angry, or envi­ous, or melancholy, or give way to any such passion, but you cherish and feed an Enemy, that preys upon your life; and you may be assured, that passion makes as great, nay greater alteration within the body, than the change of your countenance appears to outward view, which is not a little; although but a shadow or reflexion of the inward distemper and disorder: And were it possible by any perspective, to see the alteration and discomposure within, made by a passionate troubled mind; the pros­pect would be strange; and much different, from that placidness and tranquillity, of an indisturbed quiet Soul.

2. Strong and vehement passions, or af­fections of the mind; too intent upon this or that object, whether desirable, and to be enjoyed; or formidable, and to be a­voided; alienate, suspend and draw off the wonted vigour, influence, and preserva­tive power of the Soul, due to the body; whereby the functions and necessary ope­rations, are not duly and sufficiently per­formed; but intempestively, remisly, and weakly: Nor is the dammage only priva­tive; but also introduceth and impresseth [Page 193]upon the spirits, a morbifick Idea, which is ens reale & seminale; producing this or that effect, according to the nature and property of the Idea received, and aptitude of the recipient subject. Phancies and Idea's are let in naked, but they streight are in­vested and cloathed in the body; have a real existence, and are entia realia; though at first conception but entia rationis: as the longing of a pregnant Woman, being but the Idea of a thing in her mind; it begets various and real distempers in her body, if not soon satisfied; and sometimes characterized upon the Embryo in the Womb. Likewise a good stomach, is taken off its meat suddenly, by the coming of some unwelcom bad news; the appetite is gone, now the oul is disquieted; and the Body really affected and altered: Let these sad tydings be contradicted, and the Soul satisfied of the truth to the contrary; it sets a new impression upon the spirits, they strait are cheared, lively and active; the sto­mach calls for meat and drink, and the fa­culties restored to their wonted operati­ons. Whereby it appears, the two passions of joy and grief; as they are opposite in their objects; so are their effects wrought in the Body, as far distant and different.

3. A cogitative, or contemplative person, [Page 194]too intent always; or unseasonably employ­ing the mind, seriously and eagerly, either in real or fictitious matters; fabricating Idea's upon the spirits; disturbs and hinders other necessary offices in the body, and operati­ons conservative of its being; enervates and weakens their performance in duty, impares Health, and hastens old Age: but those that live most incurious, and void of studious thoughts, too serious cogitations, and dis­quieting passions; preserve the strength of Nature, and integrity of all the Faculties; protract the verdure and beauty of youth, much longer from declensions and decay: for, by how much the rational faculty is o­ver-busie, disturbed and intempestively exercised; drawing the full vigour of the Soul, into the discharge of that faculty; and robbing other inferiour functions of their necessary influential supply, and ema­native power from the Soul; by so much, the other faculties, are impoverished and abated; their executions more languid and depraved: and therefore it is; a close Stu­dents life, a careful or passionate mind, dis­poseth to, and introduceth many infirmi­ties; enervates and debilitates nature, ab­breviates and shortens her course.