[...], OR, HYPERPHYSICALL DIRECTIONS IN TIME OF PLAGUE.

Collected out of the Sole-au­thentick Dispensatory of the chief Physitian both of Soule and Body,

And Disposed more particularly (though not without some alteration and addition) according to the method of those Physicall Directions Printed by Com­mand of the Lords of the Councell at OXFORD 1644. and very re­quisite to be used with them.

Also, certain Aphorismes, premised, and conclusions from them deduced, concerning the Plague, necessary to be known and observed of all, that would either prevent it, or get it cured.

By LIONELL GATFORD, Bachelor in Divinity-Physick.

In his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the Physitians.
2 Chron. 16. 12.

OXFORD, Printed by H. Hall. 1644.

To the Right Honourable the Lords of the Councell, and others His MAJESTIES Commissioners for the Government of the City of OXFORD, Lionell Gatford wisheth in­crease of honour, and the blessing of Peace, Temporall and Eternall.

BEing unjustly forced from that Cure, whereunto God had called me, as the most of my▪ Profession are, that will not turne Mountebancks and poyson the Peo­ple) and not suffered▪ upon His Majesties gracious Exchange, (after seaventeene months impri­sonment in London, without any cause shewen in all that time) either to returne to that Care or to practise any where else with safety (though licensed for all parts of this Kingdome) I was necessitated to repair to this City made happy in the midst of miseries by your Vigilancy & Gods blessing thereupon. I had not beene long here, but I saw and partooke (praysed be the Lord for it) of one of the greatest mercies (let others value it as they please) that ever this City was blessed with: A vast, and in their owne opinion, an invincible Army surrounded [Page 2] us,2 King 18. and 19. as sometimes the Assyrians did Jerusalem: Their Tartaris, their Rabsarises and their Rabsakehs opened their mouths wide both against our religious Hezekiah, and against all his loyall Subjects then attending his sa­cred Person, thinking (as their own bloudy Pamphlets did intimate) instantly to have devoured them all. And without doubt, If the Lord himselfe had not been on our side. Psal. 124. If the Lord himselfe had not beene on our side, when those men thus rose up against us, they had swallowed us up quick when they were so wrathfully displeased at us: But bles­sed be the Lord, he did not give us up as a prey unto their teeth; but put his hooke in their nose, 2 Kings 19▪ 28. and his bridle in their lips, and turned them back by the way, not by which they came, but by which they became the object of their Sove­raign's tender mercy and compassionate pitty, whom they then pursued with their Rebellious malice and mercilesse cruelty. This unspeakable mercy of God to this City, or rather to this whole Nation, was attended upon (whether for our unthankfullnesse, or for our o­ther sinnes, or for both! with that formidable judge­ment of Plague. Upon the increasing and spreading whereof, observing, that your Honours, in your extra­ordinary care of this place, had commanded certaine Physicall directions in time of Plague to be published, I was encouraged to beleeve, that Hyper-physicall directi­ons for such a time could not want your patronage, And therefore finding none other of my calling, though farre more able, to have prevented me, I pre­sumed to present you with these: Knowing withall, that without your helpe and assistance, both Physicall and Hyper-physicall prescripts, how excellent soever, will be but of little benefit or profit to the most of men; all [Page 3] men being naturally prone to reject, at least to neglect that advise which would do them most good: and un­lesse the Magistrates make them know that they beare not the sword in vaine, but will proceed to severe correction where wholsome instructions are despised, the Divine and Physitian both may prescribe till they are weary, and all to no purpose.Numb. 16▪ 46. We reade of an Aaron needing a calling upon from Moses to do what belonged to him in the time of a Plague. Numb, 25. 8. But as the Plague may be (and, for ought any man knowes to the contrary, this Plague may be such) the Magistrates actuall exercising their power in the execution of justice upon some pro­voking Offenders may be so necessarily required, that the raging contagion will not cease without it. This I am confident of, and not without good grounds: That would your Honours be pleased but to revive the execution of some of your owne Lawes against that one horrid crying sinne of swearing and blaspheming Gods name, which so raignes in our streets and houses, the Plague of God would not rage so much in them, as now it doth.Exod. 20. 7. The Lord (saith the Commandement) will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine 'Tis swearing (saith one of the Prophets) that brings the flying rowle of the curse into mens houses, Zach. 5. v. 3, 4. and makes it to remaine there, till it have consumed both them and the very timber and stones thereof. And 'tis for swearing amongst other foule crimes (saith another Prophet) that the Land mournes. Hose 2 4, v. 2, 3. As therefore ye tender particu­lar mens persons, that have jeoparded their lives, for you, as ye regard the welfare of this City, wherein God hath preserved you, and as ye love this whole Land, wherein God hath highly honoured you, suffer not the [Page 4] sacred Name of that gracious and glorious God, who hath wrought these and other infinite mercies for you, to be dishonoured and profaned so as it is by cursed Oathes and blasphemous Cursings. Let some sharpe mulcts against Cursing and Swearing be duly inflicted and required, that if the dread of that Name do not ter­rifie men from so abusing it, yet the feare of that Power wherewith God hath intrusted you, and their owne just punishment for disregarding both, may make them affraid to use that Name in vaine, which you have found by so often experiment not to be in vaine to those that honour and rely upon it: so shall your names be preci­ous in Gods account, your freinds and servants that fly hither for succour be solaced and confirmed in their expectation thereof, your enemies mouthes be stopped in one of their lowdest clamours, and all both freinds and foes, that visit this City, be constrained to acknowledge, that the streets and ordinary places of concourse, under your Government are sweeter and better kept, then the Churches and Pulpits under the Rebells Tyranny. Pardon me (I humbly beseech you) for Pleading thus earnestly in this cause. The King's, your Honours, and this whole Kingdomes hopes of deli­verance from those sore judgements, under which they still groane, (as well as those miraculous deliverances that have beene vouchsafed us) depend wholly upon that great Name. And therefore if not my zeale to Gods glory, yet my loyalty to my Soveraigne, my duty to your Honours, and my love to my Nation, may ex­cuse my boldnesse in minding you of a speedy vindi­cation of the honour of that Name. I know there are many other crimes amongst us, that cry alowde for [Page 5] your more then ordinary care and diligence, zeale and courage,Hom. 3. ad pop [...] Antioch. in chastening and correcting the daring a­ctors of them: but (as Chrysostome once-spake) I con­ceive this to be the best way of correction, [...]. to beginne first with one part of the Law, and see that that be observed, and then to go on to the rest. And with what part should ye begin first, if not with that, which is most transgressed, and (if it be rightly considered) easiest to be amended: Ʋp, then in the name of God, and sanctify the People by purging out from them this spreading sinne of cursing and swearing; Joshus. 7. v. 13 and proove the Lord whether he will not,Malach. 3. 10. upon your banishing the Plague of God, and other rash curses and oathes out of mens mouthes, banish that Judg­ment of the Plague it selfe and other Judgements from this City; The forementioned Father was bold to in­gage his word & credit to the Citizens of Antioch, that upon their abstaining from swearing God would free them from that great Calamitie which was then upon them. [...], &c. I dare not undertake so farre; but it were well if you would please to make tryall, whether God would do so much, or not. This you may be assured of, for you have Gods owne word and promise for it, whe­ther the Plague shall thereupon be removed from o­thers dwellings or not,Hom 3. ad Pop. Antioch. That love of yours to his name shall keepe you and your owne dwellings safe.Psal. 69. 36. & Psal. 91. As for your Honours observing these Directions your selves, it were too presumptuous a thought in me to expect, that any advise of mine should be hearkened unto by you who have so many learned and renowned Doctors to consult upon all occasions: yet where you find that I speake home to the purpose and God himselfe speakes the same, though not for my sake, yet for his, daigne [Page 6] it the hearing, I and the following too, if you love your owne safety. Howsoever if you shall but tolerate and approve these Directions so farre, that others under your present charge, who cannot, many of them have accesse to those that are more learned and better able to counsell them, or rather are affraid or ashamed to appeare to such, how willing or ready soever to re­ceive them, may by that your toleration and approba­tion (the Reverend Doctors not dissenting be fully satis­fied, that there is nothing herein prescribed, but what is good and wholesome, and will, through Gods bles­sing, conduce much to their health and preservation, this will be ample honour and encouragement to

Your Honours most humbly devoted Servant L. G.

Certaine Aphorismes and conclu­sions from them deduced, concerning the Plague, necessary to be knowne of all that would either prevent it, or get it cured.

AS there is a Corporall or Bodily Plague; which is by Physitians defined to be, A Com­mon Epidemicall disease, most acute, contagi­ous, and pernicious, that with its secret or close-lurking malignity, and Spiritfull poison invades and infects the heart and vitall spirits with all other parts of the body, suddainly and speedily over­throwing them by causing extreame putridnesse and raging di­stempers therein; shewing it selfe at the last, and for the most part, in spots, sores, or Carbuncles, together with other dange­rous and deadly Symptomes. So there is also a Spirituall or Soule-Plague1 Kings: 8, 38., called Sinne, which according to Divines, is a transgression of Gods Law1 Iohn. c. 3 v. 4. Rom. 7. v. 7, 8. cap. 4. v. 15. causing deathRom. 7. v. 9, 10, 11. cap. 5. 12, Deut. 30. Ezek. 18. temporall and eternall; and may, for its neare resemblance to the other Plague, be further described in the same termes with it: viz. An universallRom. 3. v. 9, 10, 11. 12, 19. [...]3. 1 Iohn. c. 1. v. 8. 10. or epidemicall diseaseEz. k. 34. v. 4. Math. 8. v. 17., most acuteGen. 6 5 Ps. 19. 1 [...]., conta­giousIsa [...]h [...]. 6. cap 24. 5. Psal. 106. 35. Re­vel 18. 4., and perniciousLevit. 26. Deut. 28. Rom. 6. 23. 1 Cor. 6. v 9, 10., that with its secret or close-lurkingPsal. 19. 12. Rom. 7. 23. malignity and spiritfull poisonDeut. 32. v. 33. Psal. 140. 3 James 3. v. 6. 8. invades and infects, &c.

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The Plague of the Soule is the originall or principall cause of the plague of the body Levit. 26 v. 23. 25. Deut. 28. v. 15 21. Jerem. 29. v. 18, 19. Ezek, 14. v. 23. 19. Numb. 12. v. 4. 33. cap. 16. v. 41. 46.. And therefore without all di­spute the best and surest, if not the onely course for avoiding or expelling the Plague of the body, is to avoid or expell the Plague of the soule 1 Kings: 8. v 37, 38, 39. Ezek. 9. v. 4, 5, 6..No disease, say Physitians, can be ta­ken away, unlesse the cause be taken away; and the cause being removed, say the Naturalists, the effect removes [Page 8] with it; and the onely way that the Scriptures prescribe to get quit of any judgement, is first to get quit of SinneJerem. 18. v. 8. Ezek. 18. 30 Hosea: 6. v. 1. Luke: 13. v. 3, 5..

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As the Plague of the body (according to Physitians in their Physicall way) is caused either by externall causes, such as the consuption of the aire, the contagious touch of some bo­dies or things, &c. or else by internall causes, such as the putrefaction of the bloud or humours, &c. So the Plague of the Soule (according to Divines in their Theologicall way) is caused either by externall temptations and provo­cations, and those principally of the sensesGenes. 3. v. 6, 17. cap. 6. 2. 2 Sam, 11. 2. Prov. 6. v. 24, 25. cap. 7. 21., to some where­of the poison of the temptation is conveyed by the aire, to others by some contagious touchProv. 6. 29. cap. 7. 13. 2 Co. 6 17.; or else by internall cor­ruptionRom. 7. v. 20, 21, 23, 24. Genes. 6 5. Matth. 15. 19., the seed whereof is derived unto us from our ParentsPsal. 52. 5. Rom. 5. 12. Ezek. 16. 3.. And therefore if we would be preserved from the one plague as well as the other, we must provide and furnish our selves with such antidotes and preservatives, such cordialls and other approved remedies, as are good and pro­per for the resisting and expelling of both sorts of corrupti­on and putrefaction, as well externall, as internall. And such you shall finde by and by prescribed in their due order.

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Not onely the Body-Plague Levit 26. 25, Deut. 28, 21. Numb. 1 [...] 33. cap. 16. 46. 2 Sam. 24. 15. Amos 4 10. it selfe, but also all the na­turall or physicall causes thereof, are themselves caused by God, as the supreme and hyperphysicall cause Psal. 38. v. 3, 7. Deut. 28. v. 22, 61. Psal. 74. v. 17. Job. cap. 37, & 38. Amos 3. 6.. And therefore as we endeavour by Physicall preservatives to keepe and de­fend our selves against the naturall and second causes of that disease before it seize upon us; and as we apply to our selves physicall medicines to cure us of it, when it hath taken hold on us: So we must not faile to addresse and apply our selves by hyperphysicall meanes and wayes to the supreme and first cause 1 Kings: 8. 37, 38. 2 Sam. 24 v. 17, 18, 21. 2 Kings: 20, v. 2, 3. 7. Hosea 6. 1. 2 Chr. 16. 12., who disposeth and ordereth both that disease it selfe and all its causes as he pleasethDeut. 32. 39. Psal. 135. 6..

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It is acknowledged by the best of Physitians (as a learned Doctor in that faculty Mathias Ʋntzer Lib. 2. delue pestif [...] ­ra. informes me) That although there are many excellent medicines found out, and by reason, use, and experience of the wisest approved to be very happy and successefull, both for the preventing and cu­ring the Plague of the body; yet it was never said, written, read, nor heard (they are the Authors owne words) that a­ny mortall man, of all those that have beene, or are, could truly assume so much glory to himselfe, as to say that God had shewne and revealed to him any true certaine Antidote or Medicine against it, either to preserve man from it, or to expell it from man; but God reserves that skill to himselfe; and that, (as some Physitians as well as Divines conceive) because God would not have men to know any sure defence against that his just scourge of Sinne, but onely in him and from him. And therefore though we doe and ought to make use of such preservatives and medicines 2 Kings. 20, 7. in time of Plague, as GodJob. 5. 28. James 1. 17. 1 Cor, 12. 9. hath by learned and experienced Physitians Coloss 4. 14. impar­ted unto us; giving him thankes for themEphes. 5 20.: Yet we can­not and ought not to rely upon them: but we must submit all to the Lord and rest upon himDeut. 32. 39. Psal. 121. v. 1, 2. and Psal. 107, v. 18, 19, 20. Luk. 8. 43, 44.. And if we so doe, and re­pent truly of our sinnes, and doe that which is just and right; although the Physitian can prescribe no certaine infallible re­medy for it; yet the Divine can, so farre as to assure thee that it shall not hurt thee. For thy so doing (I meane thy re­penting truly of all thy sinnes, and relying wholly upon God in and through the merits and mediation of Christ,) will undoubtedly preserve theeEzek. 18. 30. Psal. 1▪ 9 1 and Psal. 31. 19., if not from its stroke, from its venime and poison; so that, if it kill thee, yet it shall do thee no harme; for that he will be the death of its death, or the plague to its death for theeJohn: 11 25, 26, 1 Cor. 15. v. 55, 56, 57: Hos. 13. v. 14.; and thy death shall be an advantage to theePhilip. 1. 21..

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Whatsoever we take or make use of to prevent or expell [Page 10] the Plague either of Body or Soule, must be taken or used speedily, without the least delayNumb. 16. 45. 46. 2 Sam. 24 15, Joel. 2. 12. Psal. 95. v. 7, 8. Isaiah 55. 6. Prov. 1. v. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.: for the poyson of both Plagues is so subtill and spiritfull, that it both infects and kills in a very short time; oftentimes in a few houres.

These Aphorismes and conclusions being premised, I hope the following Directions will prove the more benefi­ciall, provided that these two cautions be observed.

First, That these Directions be look't upon directly as they are, not as the originall prescripts of a Divine, for then there had beene lesse of the Physitian in them, but as the oc­casionall meditations of a Divine upon the originall pre­scripts of a Physitian, and so there is a kinde of necessity, that they should favour the more both of the Physitians [...] and his [...] to, his medicinall confections and his medicinall expressions.

Secondly, That whereas the Director keeping close to the Allegory makes use of Physicall termes to expresse Theo­logicall graces, the Reader be not so gracelesse as to abuse those expressions to the venting of his owne rudenesse and prophanesse.

HYPERPHYSICALL DIRECTI­ons in time of PLAGUE, &c.

THe first and most generall preservative against this infection is not named by the Author of the Physicall directions; for that (as I suppose) he thought it more dangerous to fly from this City, as the case then was, then to abide in it: it being better to fall into the hands of God, who in wrath remembers mercy; then into the hands of such mercilesse bloody men, as then did, and still doe lye in waite to de­vour us: howsoever I shall be bold to mention it, as being altogether requisite in that case that I shall apply it unto. The Preservative that I meane, is the flying from such Persons and places as are infected. 'Tis approved of in the Letter concerning the Body-Plague; provided, that they who would make use of that meanes have no publique or private bond upon them to the contrary, and that they doe not take that course, as an occasion to save their purses from contributing to the releife and support of those who stay behind them, and are in want; as also, that they do not trust too much upon their flight, as thinking themselves secur­ed thereby. But in the Allegory as it concernes the Soule Plague, the flying from Persons and plates infected, is not only a prescript of Councell but of Command; and the con­tagion cannot well be avoyded without itNumb. 16. 26. Jerem 51. 6. Rev. 18. 4. Tit. 3. 10. 1 Cor. 5. 11. 2 Cor. 6. 17. Prov. 5. 8. and cap. 24. 21..

Whether men fly or not, let as many, as have not done it before, set their houses in Order, and settle their estates2 Kings 20, 1. making the best provision they are able for their Wives and Children 1 Tim. 5. 8., and not forgetting the Poore Prov. 19. 17. and cap. 21, 13. Psal. 41. v. 1, 2, 3. Dan. 4. 27..

Have a care what Strangers thou receivest and entertain­est in thy house. To entertaine strangers especially in times [Page 12] of distresse, is an excellent meanes of preservation to a whole family, for thereby some have entertained Angels unawaresHeb. 13. 2., and those such Angells as have preserved them and theirs from the universall destruction of that City wherein they have livedGen. 19.: and 'tis a most acceptable thing both to God and Christ to entertaine some strangers Deutr 10. v. 18, 19. Job: 31. v: 32. Mat. 25. v: 35, 40. 3 E­pist John v: 5. Isaiah 58. 7. 8., and the excluding or neglecting them most distastfullMat: 25. 43, 45.. Yet 'tis good to be­ware whom thou entertainest, lest otherwise thou chance to entertaine Devils in the forme of Angels. In particular beware of false Prophets, or false Teachers, who privily bring in damnable heresies, where e're they come, causing the way of truth by their pernicious wayes to be evill spoken of, and with their fained words make merchandise of mens soules2 Pet: 2. v 1, 2, 3., you shall know them by those markes, by which Saint Peter describes them, such as the despising of govern­ment, carrying themselves presumptuously and selfe-will'dly; speaking evill of dignities2 P [...]t: 2. from v: 10, to v: 20., &c. If any such come unto you, or any other that bring any other doctrine then what is consonant to the doctrine of Christ and his Apostles, receive them not into your house, neither bid them God speed2 Epist: John v: 10.. Be­ware also of all such as use to creep into houses, and lead Captive silly women, whether they be Prophets, or not2 Tim: 3. 6., you shall know them also by those markes which Saint Paul sets them out by2 Tim: 3. v: 3, 4, 5., if you be but carefull to observe them. And because you will say 'tis impossible to know whether strangers be such, or not, I would advise you to be the more carefull, that those strangers whom you do entertaine be able to shew you some way or other either by the re­port of othersAct: 10. 22. and cap. 22. 12. Heb: 11. 39. 3 Epist: John v: 3, 6., or by their owne deportmentJames 2. 18. and cap: 3. v: 12, 13. Mat. 7. 16., some good testimoniall of their being free from all such infection or con­tagion. But if they cannot do that for the present. Not­withstanding use them humanely and intreat them kindly, so long as thou knowest nothing to the contrary, but that they are cleare and free, and that for his sake who shewed such kindnesse and compassion to thee, when thou wast a stranger to him and stript of all thou hadst that good was, and wounded and cast out into the high way ready to perish, [Page 13] those that knew thee, passing by thee, neither willing nor able to helpe thee. I meane Jesus Christ himselfe, who tells thee this of himselfe in a parableLuke 10. v: 30, 31. &c., and bids thee do the likeI [...]: v 37.. Nay further; If thou suspect them or know them not to be free from infection, yet if they be in extreme want, make the best provision for them that thou canst with safety to thy selfe and family. And that still for his sake who entertained thee when thou wert a stranger to him and to all worth and goodnesse that might any wayes deserve the least kindnesse from himEphes: 2. v: 12, 13, &c:, viz. their Lord and thine; they being his crea­turesEzek: 18. 4. Mala: 2. 10. and bearing his imageGen: 9 6., as well as thy selfe, and stand­ing and falling only to himRom: 14. 4.. And so I passe on to the preser­vatives prescribed in the Physicall Directions.

Dwelling houses are to be kept cleane, free from filth and ill smells; In particular, from usury and perjury Deu: 23 19. Psal. 15. 5 Ezek: 18. 13. cap. 22. 12. Prov. 28. 8. Zach. 5. 4. Mal. 3. 5., from coveteou­ousnesse, and Idolatry Prov. 28. 16. Luke 12 15. Psal. 10. 3. 1 Tim. 6. 10. Ephes. 5. 5. Deut. 7. 26. Exod. 20. 4. 5. Deut. 27. 15., from fornication and adultery Prov. 6. 26, 27, 28, 29, &c. 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10. cap. 10, 8. Heb. 13. 4., from rioting and drunkenesse Isaiah 5. 11, 12, 22. cap. 22. 12, 13, 14. Prov. 23. 20. 21, 29, 30, 31. &c. Hos. 4. 11. 1 Cor: 6. 10. Rom: 13. 13. Galat. 5. 21., from chambering and wantonnesse Rom: 13. 13., from diceing and gameing Exod: 32. 6. Ephes [...] 5. 15, 16. Colos: 4, 5., from strife and envying Prov: 14. 30. Rom. 13. 13. James 3. 14. 15. Galat. 5. 21, from false weights and false wares Deut: 25. 13. Prov: 20, 10, 23. Amos 8. 6. Micah 6. 11., from false measures and false ballances Amos 8. 5. Micah 6. 10. Prov. 20. 10, 23., from the goods of the poore laid to pledge, and goods stollen or otherwise ill gotten Deut: 24 12, 13. Exod: 22. 26, 27. Zach: 5. 4. Micah 6 10. Prov. 16. 8. cap. 20. 17. cap: 21 6. Hab: 2. 6.; from the wages and hire of ser­vants and labourers unjustly detained and kept backe Levit. 19. 13. Deut: 24. 14. 15. Jerem: 22. 13. James 5. 4., from pride and excesse in ornaments of the body, or furniture of the house Prov. 15. 25. cap. 16. 5, 18. 1 Pet. 3. 3. Isa. 3. 18, 19, &c. 2 Kings 20. 13, 17. Nahum 2. 9., from sloth and Idlenesse Prov. 20. 4, 13. cap. 21. 25. Ezek. 16. 49. Prov. 31. 27. 1 Tim. 5. 13., from swearers and prophane persons Exod. 20 7. Levit. 19. 12. Hos. 4. 2, 3. Zach. 5. 3. Mat. 5. 34, 35. &c. Jam. [...]. 12. 1 Tim. 6. 20. Heb. 12. 15. 16., from lyars and slaunders Psal. 101. 5, 7. Prov. 12. 22. cap. 13. 5. John 8. 44. Ephes. 4. 25. Prov. 4. 24. James 4. 11. Rom. 1. 29. 30., from flatterrers and tale­carriers Prov. 29. 5. cap. 26. 20, 22, 24, 25. cap. 18, 8 Levit. 19. 16., and from whatsoever else may bring the wrath of God upon thee or thineEphes. 5. 6.. And I advise thee also to looke to thy out-houses, as thy barnes and grainaries, that there be not found therein either corne hoarded up to make a dearth Prov. 11. 26., [Page 14] or Tithes with-held from these to whom they are due Malac. 3. 8, 9, 10, 11.. And in case thou build thy house or inlarge either it or the borders thereof, (I meane thy Gardens, walkes, and the like, have an e­speciall care that it be done without oppression or wrong to a­ny, least the violence and injustice done that way pull such plagues and vengeance upon thy house, as will never leave it, till it, or thee, if not thine after thee, be utterly rui­nedIsa. 5. 8, 9. Jerem. 2. 2. 13. Hab. 2. 9, 20, 11. Micah. 2. 2. 1 King. 2. Exo. 20. 17.

If thou live neere to any infected or suspected houses (such as are all where-houses and play-houses Prov. 2. 18, 19. c. 7. 27. c. 9. 18. c. 3. 33. c. 14. 9. 13. Ecstes. 7. 4. Ephes. 5. 4., the most Tavernes and Tippling-houses Prov. 20 1. cap. 23. 20, 29. 30. Isa, 5. 11, 12, Isa. 28. 8. and, as thou mayest certainely conclude all such houses as abound with much of that filthinesse and un­cleanesse but now mentioned) keepe thy Windowes Jerem. 9. 21. and thy doores Genes: 4. 7. Exod: 12. 22, 23. towards those places especially, close shut, so close that no ayre infected or corrupted with the putrid and poy­sonous malignity of such places get into thy house. And give a strict charge to thy family, that none of them pre­sume either to gaze much out of thy Windowes Job: 31. 1. M [...]: 5. 28. 2 Sam: 11. 2. 2 Kings 9. 30., or to sit long or often at thy doores Prov: 7. 11. 12. cap: 9. 18, 14.; but let every one of them, as well as thy selfe, retire often to their chambers and other the most private places of thy house, and there fill their eyes with teares, their hearts with groanes, and their mouthes with pray­ers and strong cries Isa: 26, 20, 21. Mat: 6. 6..

In houses farther off from infection, thou mayest use more Liberty and set open both windowes and doores more freely, yet not without observing how the winde stands; for though the Southerly windes of ease and prosperity do most please the most of men; yet the Northerly blasts of trouble and adversity are most wholsome: the former generating corruption and putrifaction, or at least disposing thereunto, the latter helping both to preserve and keepe from it, as also to purge and cleanse itDeut. 6. 10, 11, 12, cap 8. 10, 11, 12, &c. cap: 32. 15. Psal: 78. 34. Psal. 106. and 107. Job: 21. from v: 7. 10 v 16. Psal: 73. from v: 3, 10 v: 15. Hos: 5. 15. cap. 6. 1. Psal: 119. 67, 71. Heb: 12, from v. 6. to v: 12..

Fires are to be made in houses infected and the neighbouring houses, and in Churches as times of publike prayers and preach­ing, and at all publike meetings, not in the chimnies of houses only, but in moveable pannes. &c. But of all fires in houses the fire of love and charity Psal: 133. 1. 1 Cor 23. from v: 1, to v: 9. Mat. 22. 37, 39, 40. cap: 5. 44, 45. John 13. 34. 35. Rom: 13. 9. 10. 1 Epist: John a. v: 10, 11. cap: 3. 14. 18. cap: 4. 12, 20 Luk: 7. 47. Ephe. 5. 25, 33. Rom. 12. 9 1 Pet: 1. 22. Exod. 32. 32. Rom. 9. 3., the fire of Zeale for Gods wor­ship [Page 15] and gloryPsal. 69. 9. Psal. 119. 139. Psal. 39. 4. Jerem. 20. 9. [...]. 32. 32. Rome. 9. 30. Num. 25. 7, 8. 2 King. 23. from v. 1. to v. 26. Revel, 3. 15. 16., fire of fervency in prayerJames 5. 16. Rom: 12. 12, Colos: 4 2. 1 Pet: 4 7. 1 Cor. 14, 15. Rom. 12. 11. Exod, 14. 15. Jonah 3. 8. Heb 5. 7. Luke 18. 1. 2, &c., the fire of holy indignation against sinne and uncleanesseExod. 32. 19. Num. 25. v. 7, 8. Deut. 13. v. 6, 8, 9. 2 King. 23. Psal. 101. v. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8. Jer. 20. 9 Psal. 39. 4. and 119, v. 158. &, 139. v 21. 22. Pro. 8. v. 13., are incomparably the best, and proper for moveable pannes, the breasts and hearts of men. The same fires are also the best that can be used in our Churches, and in all our other publike meetings at season­able opportunities, but beware of strange fire in Gods house, 'tis most perniciousLevit. 10 v. 1, 2.. The principall thing whereof these fires are to be made, is the heart of thy best Oake, thy selfe Pro. 23. 26. Deut. 6. 5 Ps. 66. v. 8. Jer. 20. 9 Psal. 39. 3. Psal. 108. 1 Zach. 11. 2., well dryed, from it's corrupt sap and moysture Psal, 66. 18 Pro. 11, 20. cap. 6. 18. 1 Tim. 1. 5. James 4. 8., by the peirc­ing beames of the Sunne of righteousnesse Malaki. 4. 2.: Some strange smelling herbs, or Aromaticall plants gathered out of Gods owne Garden Cant, 4. v. 12, 13, 14, 16., and cast into those fires when they are fla­ming or burning, will make an admirable perfume, and adde much to thy safety. There mayest thou also have such sweet waters Cant. 4. 15., as are not to be matcht for vertue and efficacy, by the richest distillations or extractions that art can boast of; and if thou drinke them, or sprinkle them on thy burning heart, thou wilt finde thy animal and vitali spirits exceeding­ly recreated and refreshed, and so wonderfully strengthened and corroborated in their withstanding and repelling all ve­nime and putrefaction. Fayle not of perfuming thy house, chamber or closet▪ or all of them twice or thrice every day [...]: (as much oftner as thou pleasest, or seeft causeLuke 21, 36. Eph. 6. 18. 1 Thes. 5 17.) with the incense of prayer Psal. 141. 2 Numb. 16 46., and, if thou be so well stored, with a few drops of penitent teares Psal. 39. 12. If. 38. 5. Heb. 5. 7. cast thereon.

Besides all this, the richer sort if they regard their health, should make themselves fuming candles or cakes of mercy, and almes to the poore. Nothing not already prescribed, burnes or smels better either to rich mens comfort and secu­rity, or to poore mens refreshment and preservation a and [...] better Antidot can scarce be usedDeut. 15. v. 7. 8, 10. Pro. 14. 21 31. cap. 19. 17. cap. 28. v. 27. Psal 41, v. 2, 2, 3, Dan. 4. 27. Mat. 19 21. Acts, 10. 31. Is. 58 7. 8 9 10. Phil. 4. 18..

An especially care must be had of thy wearing clothes, for that they being of a loose porous spongie substance, are ve [...]y apt to receive and retaine contagion. And we are told by good Authors that have written of the Plague, that some­times [Page 16] the poyson thereof hath layen in clothes, and other things of that nature, which have beene layed aside before they have beene well ayred, not onely divers monthes, but yeares, and then infected all that have medled with them: the experience of divers amongst us can witnesse much in this particular. And 'tis further to be noted, that the poyso­nous seed of this contagion being in a garment, doth passe from thence, not onely into the living bodyes of men, but also into things without life; as namely, from one garment into another, and doth sometimes so lurke in garments, that it hurteth not him in whose garment it is, and yet infects and kils others that come neere it. It behoveth every one then to be very carefull of his wearing apparell; as they were of old commanded to be, when the Plague of Leprousie Levit. cap. 13. & 14. was in any place, or other foule diseasesLevit. cap. 15., And to that purpose be ad­vised to avoyd all fantasticall affected fashions of garments Zeph 1. 8. Is. 3. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. the contagion thereof being very catching. The fashion of open breasts, how common soever amongst women, is very infectious, and some men may with more safety come neere breasts full of Plague-spots, then such breasts: for the uncovering of the breasts, is, for the most part, a symptome of excesse of lustfull heate in the body: and the laying open to common view that reserved repose of modest lovePro. 5. 19., is a strong temptation to immodest desires to take up their lodg­ing thereHos. 2, v. 2., as supposing those breasts not unwilling to be bruisedEzech. 23. v. 3. 8., that are willing so to be exposed. Neither is this all the danger; (though it be danger enough, one would thinke, to hazard the losse of thine owne, and others soules, by thy fond and wanton attiring thy body) but thou hast cause to feare, lest thy making naked, and discovering those parts, which thou shouldst not, provoke God to strip thee of all thy apparell and ornaments, and leave thee naked and bare to thy shame and confusion here, as well as to thy con­demnation hereafterIs. 3. 17, 18. Ezek. 16. v. 37. 39. cap. 23 v. 26▪ 28, 29, 34. Hos. 2, v. 3.. Blacke spots and patches, and other paintings and pargetings of the face, as constantly worne by some as any other dresse or attire, are most fouly contagious, & although now (the more is the pity) they are become the [Page 17] weare of some honest and honourable personages, yet they are suspected to have had their first originall from that pestilentiall disease, called luet venerea, a very sore infe­ctions Plague: and notwithstanding that they are by some re­puted to render faces the fayrer, yet the more sober and chast judge such faces, and their whole bodyes not alitle the fouler for them1 King. 9. v. 30. Pro. 7. 13. Je [...]. 3. v. 3 cap. 4. v. 30. Nalt. 3. 5. Hos, 3. 2 sower [...] that place thus. Let her put away her for­nications from her face &c.: and let such faces take heed they doe not one day gather other blacknesseNahu. 2, 10. Lam. 4. 9.; therefore weare no more on thy face, then thou wilt be willing to appeare with before the face of thy judge. Superfluity and excesse in apparell is also exceeding dangerous, especially in times of Gods, wrath. We reade of men threatned to be cut off for it, and that (as 'tis thought by divers of good judgement) not onely for being effeminate themselves, as too many Phanta­stickes use to be in their unmanly habits and fancies, but for suffering and maintaining their wives and children in that their folly and vanityIs. 3. from v. 16. 10 26. 1 Pet. 3. v. 3 4, 5. 1 Tim. 2, v. 9.. There is no little danger likewise at such times, and more particularly on dayes of publique hu­miliation, to weare soft rayments or costly apparell, which may be worne by such as are of place and dignity, on other dayes and at other times. Our best clothes are then our worst, and our worst, even sackecloth, is then our best 1 Chron. 21. 16. If. 22. 12. cap. 32. 11. Joel. 1, 13. Jonah. 3. v. 5, 6.. Garments polluted with blood, though but in the very skirts thereofJ [...]. 2. 34. Lamen. 4. 13., or foyled with vomits Heb. 2, 15 16. Pro, 23. 20., or bespotted with the flesh Epist. Jud. 23., or o­therwise defiled with any uncleannesse, are not to be toucht or come neere to with safety, Whatsoever garments thou put on, let them be perfumed with some of that myrrhe, aloes and Cassia, whereof our Saviours Garments are sayed to smellPsal. 45. v. 8., that is, with humiliation 2 Pet. 5. v. 5., mortification Rom. 8. 13., righteous­nesse Job. 29. v. 14., and other Graces Colos 3. 12. wherewith his humane nature was filled and abounded, and of which fulnesse we have all recei­ved grace for graceJohn 1. 14. 16..

When thou goost abroad, it is good to lay thy hand on thy mouth till thou have an opportunity of opening it to some good purposeEccles. 3. v. 7. Amo. 5, 13. Pro 31. v. 8. 9. Jer. 20. 9 Psal. 39. 1. 2. Pro. 10. 8. 19. 21., and then when thou doest open it, be sure there be salt in thy mouth, mixt with some herbe of grace Colos. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 4. 11. Ephes. 4. 29., Spices also are very good to hold in thy mouth, so that they [Page 18] be some of those which growe in that inclosed Garden be­fore-namedCant: 4. 12. 13, 14, 16.. Some rootes are excellent to chew on; but there is no roote that thou mayest confide in, save the roote of Jesse Rom. 15. 12. and that I advise thee above all things to trust in; for it never fayled any that trusted in itNahum: 1. 7. Rom. 10. 11, H. b: 13. 5, 6.. In thy hand I approve of a spunge dipped in vineger; so that it minde thee of him, who for thy sake had a spunge filled with vineger given him to drinkeMat. 27. 48.. A toast of the bread of sorrows Psal: 1 27. 2. so they be not worldly sorrowes, called by one (though I approve not that apellation) browne bread, dipped in teares, and held patiently to the nose, proves very often an excellent preservative James 1. 2, 3, 4.. A littleMark: 12, 42, 43, 44. penny-royall in thy hand, or if need require, and thou have itAct 3. 6. 2 Cor: 8. 12., a pretty quantity of the best Mint fresh gatheredJames 5. 3., is admirable good; when thou meetest with some poore people, or comest neare an Hospitall or Almes-house, to cast amongst them: it helpes to preserve both them and thy selfeProv: 11. 24. 2 Cor. 9. from 6. 10 14 Psal. 4 [...]. 1, 2, 3..

Persons of better ranke shall do well to use more of theseMark, 12, 41. 2 Cor. 9. 6. when they stirre abroad; but better then these I know not any: the richest Pomanders made of Lodanum, Benzoin, San­ders, Storax, Myrrhe, Saffron, Amber, Camphyre, Muske, &c. though excellent in their kinde, are not to be named with them.

Enter not into the path, and goe not in the way, where in thou knowest any infected or suspected persons use to walke, but avoyde it, passe not neare it, turne from it, and passe awayProv: 4. 14. 15.: more particularly and specially, be carefull to avoyd and not to come neare, the way of the RebellNumb. 16. 24. E­pist. Jud: 11. Prov. 24 21., the way of the whereProv. 2. 18, 19, c. 5. 5, 6, 8. c. 7. 25, 26, 27., the way of blood-thirstyEpist. Jud: 11. Prov. 1. 11, 15., the way of the cove­teousEpist. Jud. 11. Prov. 1, 19. and the way of the IdolaterDeut. 13. 6. 8, 2 Cor. 6. 16, 17..

Be no lesse carefull to shunne an infected and suspected, houses, such as thou wert before advertised of: And if thou happen to come neere any such ere thou art aware, or upon necessary occasion; and in thy passing by heare any singing and roaring, or (as they call it) making merry therein, be thou truly sorry for them, and let fall a teare or sigh at the least in their behalfe, as for men in a desperate condition: for [Page 19] besides that such behaviour at such a timeIsa: 22. 12, 13. Ezek. 21. 10. and in such a place strongly argues that a strange raving giddinesse or light-headednesse hath possessed them, a notorious symptome that the poyson or infection hath gotten into their braines; such carriage is usually accompanied, or followed at the heeles, with a deep lethargicall senselessenesse, another dead­ly symptome of the Plague, from which very few recover.

If thou passe by any house that hath a red crosse, or The Lord have mercie upon us on the doore: be ashamed that any doore should be better furnished then thy heart: and there­fore let the sight thereof minde thee of getting the doore posts of thy heart marked with the bloud of the Lambe, that so the destroying Angell, which smote that house, may passe over thineExod. 12, 21, 22, 23. John 1, 29., and pray thou heartily, what thou findest written on such a doore customarily, that the Lord would have mercy upon all that remaine alive within itJames 5. 15..

If the Magistrates shall obance to forget or neglect their duty and the publike safety so farre as to tolerate any une­cessary publique meetings or concourse of people, such as Wakes, Feasts, Theatricall sports, Campings, or Football­playes, Dauncings, or the like pastimes: have a care thou do not forget or neglect thine owne duty and safety so farre, as to be present at any of them, or to approach neer them, unlesse it be to reprove themEphes. 5. 11..

The forsaking or absenting thy selfe from the publike As­semblies in the house of God, as the manner of some is, I can in no wise approveHeb. 10, 25. Psal, 84.. but rather I counsell thee to frequent them the oftener; provided that thou goe prepared with some inward and outward Antidotes and preservatives before and after prescribed, taking with thee thy Bible in thy hand, and something in thy purse or pocket for the poore. For be­sides that God hath promised his owne especiall presence at such meetings at all timesMat, 18. 20.; he hath also declared more then ordinary acceptance of such prayers and other religious performances as are presented to him in that place in a Plague-time 2 Sam. 24. 18, 25. 1 Kings, c. 8. 37, 38. 39.. And, which is worth our inquiring into, ve­ry few, if any, of those who have beene infected with the [Page 20] Plague, either in this or in any other contagious time, could say, and say truly, and upon certainty, that they caught the infection, or the infection them, by frequenting the house of God, either to pray unto him, or to heare his word preacht unto them.

Go not forth early in the morning: to be sure, not before thou have offered up thy morning sacrifice of prayer and praise to God Psal: 5. v: 3., both in thy Closet Math: 6. 6., and with thy family, if thou hast anyJosh 12 24, 15. Genes: 18. 19. Psal: 101. 1, 2. Acts: 10. 2.. And whensoever thou goest forth, 'tis dangerous to goe out fasting, but what I would advise thee to eate, thou shalt heare by and by, when I come to speake of thy dyet.

Wash thy mouth Prov: 13. 3. c: 18. 7. c: 4. 24. every morning with fountaine or spring waterProv: 18. 4. wherein Sage, that especially of Jerusalem Isa: 2, 3., hath beene infused: and so keepe it cleane from all filth, parti­cularly from swearing, lying, slandering, (whereof you were warned before) murmuring against God, or against those Rulers and Powers which are ordained by him, principally the supreame power, the King Numb: 14, 36. 37 1 Cor: 10. 10. Numb 16, 11, 41. Exod. 22 28. c. 16. 8.. And if washing thy mouth will not serve for the through cleansing of thy tongue, scrape it soundly, rather then suffer it to be foule; for death and life are in the power of the tongueProv. 18, 21.; and 'tis naturally full of dead­ly poyson, which unlesse it be well lookt to, instantly set­teth on fire the whole course of nature, and is it selfe set on fire of HellJames 3. 6, 8.. Thy teeth must not be altogether neglected; for much filth may, and usually doth stick close to themJob 16 9. Psal. 35. 16 Psal. 37. 12. Prov. 30. 14.; which happily may be one reason why men shalbe hereafter so much tormented in themMat. 8. 12., as they are not a little here.

Be not abroad too late at night; for the Pestilence it selfe walketh in darknessePsal. 91. 6.; and in the night time of all times else, the most fowly contagious use to stirre abroad1 Thes. 5. 7. Job. 24. 13, 14, 15, 16. Prov. 7. 9. seeking whom they may infect.

In the morning before thou goe out of thy house, or whe­ther thou stirre out or not, be sure to breake thy fast: but understand me aright;Concerning publike and private fasts and the observation there­of. Se afterwards in Diet. I would not have thee to breake the' publike religious Fast, if any be appointed by the supreme Magistrate, no nor thine owne private religious fast, resolv­ed on for thy selfe alone, or for thine owne family with thee; [Page 21] for so farre thy power extends; but that is the utmost ex­tent of a private fast, and they, who goe farther in appoynt­ing a Fast, incroach upon the Princes royall power, whosoe­ver they are. The taking those things which I prescribe, is no breach, I am sure, of either of these fasts, but an helpe to the better keeping of both; and, as farre as I yet apprehend, the taking of such things, as are in such times prescribed by the Physitians, or otherwise communicated for preservation, is in that respect the like; The fast, that I advise thee to breake, is that fast whereunto every man, through the aboun­dance of corruption that is in him, is most naturally inclined, viz. the absteining from all spirituall food and nourish­mentAmos. 8. 12. 1 Cor. 10 v. 3, 4., &c. and this fast thou must breake in the time of Plague especially. Thou needest not eate much in quantity: Every morning a little butter made of the sincere milke of Gods word 1 Pe [...]. 2. v. 2. Prov. 30. v. 33., with some leaves of herbe of Grace Heb. 13. v. 9. 2 Pet: 3. v. 18., or else a good draught next thy heart of that milke it selfe, warme from the teats of the Old or New Testament, mixt with faith and love 2 Tim. 1, v. 13. Heb. 4. 2., is most Soveraigne against all infection2 Tim. 3. v. 15. 16, 17. Iohn 5. 39. Math, 22. 29. Rom. 15. 4..

At meales, let thy food be such as may be easily digested; Eate no bread that is gotten by grinding of the faces of the pooreIsa. 3. 15., and let neither bread of secrecies Prov. 9. v. 17., especially that which is cut from anothers loafeProv. 2. v. 16, 17, 18, 19. cap. 6 from v. 24, to the end., nor bread of deceit Prov. 20. v. 17., nor any other bread of wickednesse Prov. 4. 17. come within thy lips. Eate nothing that is uncleane or defiled, as all meates are, that are not received with thanksgiving, & so sanctified by the word of God and prayer1 Tim. 4. v. 4, 5.. Be content with such food as God sends theePhil, 4, 12. 2. Tim, 6. 8., and lust not for otherNumb. 11, v. 4. 33.: tast not of meat that hath bloud in itGenis. 9. v. A. 5, 6.; and if thou come where dainties are, and be a man given to appetite, put thy knife to thy throat; and desire them notProv. 23. v. 1, 2, 3.. And because I would have thee know as well what to eate, as what to abstaine from, let me assure thee, that the onely bread and flesh, in which thou mayest confide, is that bread which is called the bread of God, or the bread of life, or the bread from heaven, and that flesh which is called flesh and meate indeed John 6.. This bread and flesh if thou canst feed on it by a true and a lively faith, my life for thine, no plague shall [Page 22] hurt theeIb.. Eate thereof every day more or lesse according to that provision which thou hast made; and as oft1 Cor. 11. v. 25. 26. as thou are invited; if thy appetite be good, doe but examine thy selfe, and eate freely of it at thy Lords Table 1 Cor: 11. v. 27, 28, 29. cap. 10 v. 21.. To prescribe what particular meates every man should, or should not eate, were not onely ridiculous but impossible, so different and contrary are severall mens tempers and constitutions, and so much also, upon occasionall alterations, doth the same mans temper and constitution differ from it selfe. Those meates which are wholsome for some, are little lesse then poison to others; and that which at one time nourisheth a man, may at another time helpe to destroy the same man. Wherefore I advise every wise man that regards his health and safety to consult in point of dyet that Phisitian who hath fairely taken upon him the care and cure of himMa [...]: 2, 7 Heb: 13. v. 17. 1 Pet. 5. 2. Act. 20, v. 17. 26, 27, 28. T [...]: 1. 5., or (as our Church al­lowes in such a case) if need require some other discreet lear­ned Physitian In the second ex­hortation before the Confession at the Communion., on whose skill or fidelity he more relies, For Sauce, Salt and Savery discourse is excellent condimentColos. 4. 6. Ephes. 4. 29.; but if to thy sweet meate, God send thee sowre or sharp Sauce despise it notProv: 3. v. 11, 12., for although it be unpleasing to many palats, yet 'tis und oubtedly the most wholsomeHeb. 12. v. 11.. One sort of milks I prescribed before to be taken next thy heart in the mor­ning, and that milke I here againe recommend to be taken1 Pet. 2. v. 2. Numb. 11 6. Psal: 119 v. 20. 40. at thy meales, provided still that it be mixt with faith, and that it be eaten with a good appetite without the least nausea­ting; for if it be so eaten, it neither corrupteth in the sto­macke, nor causeth any obstructions, (which are the prime reasons why Physitians inhibite milke in time of infection) but it helps to cleanseEphes. 5. 26. Psal. 119. v. 9. the Liver, and scourePsal. 119. v. 11. 104. 105. the Stomack, and keepes from all intemperate heate of the heart and other partsPsal. 119. v. 23. 51. 61. 69 157. 161., and withall is most incomparably cordiall for comfor­ting the Spirits, and strengthening the vitall partsPsal: 119. v. 50. 52. 92. 93. 111. 143.. Fish I approve of, on those daies wherein our lawes require it to be eaten2, & 3. Ed. 6. cap. 19. 5, & 6. Ed. 6. cap: 3. 5 Eliz. cap. 5. Rom. 13. 2. 1 Pet. 2, v. 13, 14, &c.; so that it be eaten in obedience to that politicall ju­dicious constitution for the maintenance of our Navy, Fisher­men, and Sea-men, and for the preservation of flesh, especial­ly of beefe and veale2, & 3. Ed 6. cap. 19. 5 Eliz. cap. 5.: and not in conformity to any super­stitious [Page 23] rules or Canons, for the maintenance of those Fisher­men belonging to the See of Rome, and for preservation of their Calves and other Cattle Ib.. But it is not safe to adven­ture upon all fish that comes to the net, no nor upon all that comes to that Angle neither. Fish that is sound and firme and fairely taken, may be eaten without danger; but fish taken in other mens waters, or troubled waters, is never suchProv. 29. 24. Zach. 5. 3, 4. Numb. 16. 42. Act. 5. v. 36. 37, Isa. 17. v. 112, 14. Zach. 14. 13.; and therefore to be utterly avoided. Fish that is taken by poiso­ning or intoxicating them1 Sam. 15, 23, Ga­lat. 3. 1., or by the Angle of deceit H [...]b: 1, 15., or by the net of hypocrisy Ib., or by the degree of violence and ra­pine Ib., (the prime wayes that those great Fishers neare Lon­don upon the bankes of Thames use in these times) may per­chance be sweet in the mouth, but either they prove very ill of digestion, or being digested, generate onely putrid and corrupt humours, which dispose and expose the eaters there­of to all manner of plagues and diseasesSee the places now cited for every parti­cular.. Some Fruits are of admirable virtue against all infection, as fruits worthy of repen­tance Math: 3. v. 8:, the fruit of wisedome Prov. 8. v. 19., the fruit of righteousnesse Philip: 1, 11., and all the other fruits of the Spirit Galat. 5. v. 22, 23.: Other fruits are as deadly poisonous, as the fruit of the wicked Prov: 10. 16., the fruit of our owne way Prov: 1, v. 31., and all the fruits of the flesh, commonly called, the workes of the flesh Gal. 5. v. 19, 20, 21.. Thou canst not then be too carefull in choosing thy fruits, remembring what the eating but a little fruit that was forbidden, cost thy first parents and their po­sterity downe to thy very selfeGenes: 3., as also what super-excellent fruit is to be had, if care be had in the choosing itEzek: 47, 12. Revel. 22. 2.. Strong wines or strong drinke, unlesse very moderately taken, is ex­ceeding dangerousProv: 20 v. 1.; but excesse in drinke or meate much moreProv: 23. v. 20, 21. 29, 30, &c. Eph. 5. 18.. Some kind of emptinesse is very bad, and therefore the contrary is prescribedCol. 1. 9. Eph 5. 18.: nay'tis not safe to appeare empty-handed before the Lord Exod: 23, 15. cap. 34 20. Deu 16, v. 16.. But the avoiding all such emptinesse both of heart and hand is most consistent with such fasting as the time of Plague calls for and God accepts; And therefore though I allow not emptinesse, yet I cannot but magnify fasting as one of the best courses that can be taken either to prevent or expell the Plague, if it be observed ac­cording to the following prescript. When a Publique Fast [Page 20] is proclaimed or called by the Supreame Magistrate, (which in this Kingdome is the King (and the King onely, to whom the constituting and appointing of a fast solely apperteinesChro [...]: 20 v. 3. Jonah 3. v. 7. Ez. 8. 21. 1 S [...]m 7 v. 5. 6.; faile not to keepe it with all due observation, abstaining from all meate and drinke Dan. 10. v. 3., except what in case of necessity is pre­scribed by the Physitian, as also from all pleasure and daily la­bour Isa, 58. V. 3.; powring out more then ordinary prayers and supplica­tions Jod: 1. 13 c. 2. 17., rending thy heart Jo [...]l: 2. v. 13., and watering thy cheekes with thy teares Joel: 2. v. 11., loosing the bands of wickednesse, and shewing mer­cy to the poore Isa: 58. v. 6, 7.: For such a fast is most acceptable to God, and prevalent with himIs [...]: 58. v. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Joe [...]: 2. from. v. 12, 10 v. 28.. But when a Publique Fast is ei­ther appointed by such as have not the Supreame power, (like that of Jezebell appointed in the Kings name1 King: 21., and as such fasts commonly are) for the better colour of murdering the innocent, and taking possession of their inheritanceIb., or else is observed onely for debate and strife, and to smile with the sist of wickednesse Isa, 58. 4., and not according to those necessary conditions of a truly religious fast but now named; Such a fast, instead of pacifying Gods wrath, doth much more in­cense itIb: v. 3, 4, 5.. And O my Soule come not thou into their secret: unto their Assembly mine honour be not thou united G [...]n [...]: 49. 6.. Private fast­ing by thy selfe alone or with thy family is of singular vertueNehem. 1. 4. Esther: 4. 16. Psal. 35 [...] 13. Dan. 9 3. 1 King: 21 v. 27, 29. Luk: 2 37. Mat: 6. v. 17, 18. Mark: 9. 29., though not of like force with the publicke 2 Chr: 20. Jonah: 3. 1 Sam: 7 Isa: 58. 10. 2.: but be sure thy private fasting be private, otherwise it looseth all it's vertue, and thou all benefit by itMat: 6 v. 16..

Where there is fulnesse or corruption of bloud in any; as, in such a plentifull peaceable land, as this lately was, the most mens blouds are too ranke, and too high, too suddainly rising up­on small or no occasion, and too often boyling, too much tain­ted with ease and idlenesse, and divers other wayes foulely cor­rupted; In such a case letting bloud is fit and necessaryRom: 13. v. 4. Gen. 9. 6. Deut 13. Num. 25, 8. Levit. 26. v. 25. Psa: 78. 34.: but care must he had that too much be not taken away; for that suddainly ruines the parties that are so dealt with, and brings the guilt of bloud upon them that so deale with them. The bleeding by horseleeches I like not, for that they cry allwayes give, give; that is, give us more bloud, give us more bloud, or that which is valued by some as their bloud Prov. 30, 15.; take heed [Page 25] therefore that thou suffer not these to fasten on thee. And if thou make use of a Physitian or Chirurgion to let thee bloud, beware of those new-upstart Quacks at London, notorious­ly infamous for bloud-letting throughout the Christian worldNahu. 3. 1. Is. 1. 21. Zeph. 3. v. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Ezek, 22. v. 25, 27. Macah. 3. v. 10, 11..

Where the humours are corrupted, and where they much abound, and so are neere to corruption (as who can say he hath not such humors in himPro. 20. 9. Job. 15. v. 15, 16 1 Epist. Jo. 1. 8, 10.) there purging Physicke is ve­ry necessary2 Cor 7. 1. Ezek. 24. 13., so that it be not too strong and violent. A pret­ty quantity of Rubarb of Patience, infused in wine of cheer­fulnesse on the fire of Tryall, is approvedly good for the purgeing of all cholericke and melancholy humors Pro. 15. 18. Heb. 10, v. 34 36, Rom. 5. 3, 4. J [...]. 1. v. 2, 3, 4 Heb. 12 v. 1. Colos. 1, 11, 1 Pe. 2. 20. cap. 1. 7.; or (where they are to be had) the Quintessence of the one, and the extract of the other, made into such pilles as may well be swallowed, are admirable. Aloes of sorrow for sin taken in conserve of amendment of life, is excellent for purge­ing both those and all other ill humors whatsoeverEz [...]k. 18. v. 21, 22, 27, 28, 30. 2 Cor. 7. 10. Acts 3. 19.. Not to perplex thee with multitude of purgations. Take the Spi­rit of the feare of the Lord Is. 11. 2. Pro. 1. 7. cap. 10, 27. cap, 14. 27. Holy-thistle of compunctions Act. 2, 37 Ps. 51. 17. If. 66. 2. 2. Cor. 7 10, 11., A­loes of confession Ps. 51. 3. Ps. 32. 5. Pro 28. v. 13. 1. Epis. John 1. 9., wormewood of bitter hatred of sinne Pro. 8. 15. Ps. 97. v. 10. Ps [...]9, 104, 128., stampt or beaten together in the mortar of Conscience Rom. 2, 15. 1 Joh. 3 v. 20., then put to them the roote of faith Heb. 11., infused in the blood of the true Vine John 15. 1. 1 John 1 v.7, on the fire of Gods love to thee Rom 8 37, 39. 1 John 4. 9, 10., and thy love to God and thy brother John 14. v. 21, 23. 1 Epist. John 4. from v. 7. to the end.: and so mixing them all together with the Spirit of grace and supplication Zach. 12. 10., and some sugar or honey of Gods promises Ps. 119. v. 103. 2 Cor. 7. 1. drinke a sound draught next thy heart, till the teares stand in thy eyesJoel. 2. v. 12. 13., and be confident it will purge thee abundantly.

Issues or fontinels in the remoter parts of the body, made by some cauterie of externall troubles and afflictions, are ve­ry good for keeping the poyson fr [...]m the more principall partsRom. 8, 28. Heb. 12 11, Psal. 119. v. 67. 71., but there is so much danger in the returning of the humors upon the stopping of such issues, and the corrupti­on that is purged out by them, without inward purgations, [Page 26] is so littlePsal. 78. v. 32, 34, 36, 37, 40, 41. 42. Amos. 4. from v. 6. to the 12. If. 1. 5. 2 Pet. 2. v. 22., that I advise you by all meanes to keepe to those inward purgatives now mentioned,Pag. prae. whether any outward issues be made or not.

Vomiting, if there be cause, is very necessary, As if any have swallowed ought, that he cannot well digest: or though his stomacke be such that he can digest it for the present, as he thinkes well enough: yet 'tis knowne to be such, as if it be not cast up againe, it will trouble the sto­mack a long while after, and perhaps corrupt his very bloud, and that to his Childrens Children, as all things that are un­justly gotten or wrongfully detained will do, more or lessePro. 28. 8. ca. 13. 22. Eccles. 5. from v. 13. 10 v. 18 Ja. 5 1 2, 3 4.

In such a case, if thou have swallowed any such thing, never suffer thy selfe to rest till thou have vomited it up a­gaine; or else be sure God will either make thee to vo­mit it up and thy Children that have eaten of it with thee, or else, if he suffer it to remaine with thee and them, it shall be to bring a curse and a consumption on bothIb. & Job. 20 from v. 10. to the end. Job. 1. cap. 27. v. 13. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Zach 5. 3, 4. Now to procure vomit in such a case, If the oile of love to God and obedience to his Commandement, will not worke with thee as to turne thy stomacke Luke 19. v. 8. Jo. 14 v. 21 23.; take the extract of severall dreadfull sentences in sacred writ denounced against those who swallowe such things such as those new cited let I and K., mixed with the bitter water of the curse Deut. 27. 26. cap. 28. from v. 15. to the end Zach 5. 3., and some of the Spirit of the feare of the Lord before prescribed, boyled together in thy Conscience, heate with the sense of Gods wrath Pro. 18. 14. Ps. 2 12., and of thine own appearing before the tribunall 2 Cor. 5. v. 10 11., and so drinke it off as hot as thou canst well endure it; and if this do not make thee cast it up, I know not what will.

Exercise with moderation is most healthfull; as the ex­ercising thy selfe in thy calling, by stirring up that gift which God hath given thee for the enabling thee therein1 Cor. 7. 20, 24. 2 [...]. 1, 6. Exod. 35. 30, 31, 32, &c. Rom. 12, 6, 7, 8, 11.. This ex­ercise will keepe both thy body and minde from a world of corruption, which would otherwise through idlenesse or bad employment growe upon theeEzek, 16. 49. Pr. 31. 27. 2 Sam. 11. 2. 1 Ti. 5. 13.. But the prime exercise of all, is to exercise thy selfe unto Godlynesse 1 Tim. 4. 7, 8., so as to have al­wayes a conscience voide of offence towards God and towards men Acts 24. 16.. And if the Plague should feise upon thee whilst thou art thus exercising thy selfe, happy will it be for thee to be [Page 27] found so doing Mat. 24. 46., whereas to be found idle or ill employed at such a timeMat. 24, 48, 49, 50, 51., gives the Plague the more power over thee, as finding more corruption in thee to lay hold onPro. 24. 30, 31., and thee out of that way wherein God hath promised to protect and keepe theePsa. 91. 9, 1, 11, Psal. 33, 18, 19. Psal, 144, 20..

The last meanes of preservation according to the com­mon prescrips of Physicians, is that which ought to be the first and chiefest in the care and practise of every wise man. Namely, the fortifying and defending the heart and vitall parts by Cordials, against the venime and poyson of that perni­cious disease. For although there be no member, no entrall, no part or particle of the whole body of man, which doth not feele the insulting cruelty and rageing tyranny of this acute destroying disease; yet of all the rest the heart is the most infected, corrupted, tortured and afflicted with its pe­stiferous venome; because the heart is the magazine of a­ctive heat, the royall fort of life, and the fountaine of all the vitall Spirits; which being once vanquished and taken, the victory over all the other parts of man is most easie and ex­pedite: and it is the nature and property of all poyson, e­specially of this most subtle and deadly poyson, chiefely and principally to assault and invade, and so to wast and ruine the native heat, and vitall spirits, and in them life it selfe. It may, and doth make its way to the heart by, or through o­ther parts of the body, and so perhaps shewes it selfe in them first: but 'tis the surprising and overcomming the heart which it principally aimes, and drives at. Take this either literally of the Body-Plague, or Allegorically of the Soule-Plague; you will finde it most true of both. The heart is the principall subject of the Plague of the body; so Physitians; The heart, (that is, the understanding, will, and affections) is the principall subject of the Plague of the soule, so the Scriptures 1 K. 8. 38. Gen. 6. 5. Mat. 15. 19. Eccle. 8. 11. Deut. 29. 18. 19. Jer. 11. 8. cap. 17. 9.. Above all things then have a care to preserve thy heart Pro. 4. 23. Deu. 11 [...] 16, 18., Which is to be done chiefly these two wayes. 1 By purgatives. 2 By Cordials. For purga­tives I can prescribe no better then those before advised. And for Cordials, because there are so many excellent ones, [Page 28] and particular mens, tempers and cases are so different. I ad­vise every one to make his addresse (as before in point of diet) to some discreet learned expert Divine-Physitian of knowne honesty and integrity; and unlesse there be some very good reason to the contrary, rather to his own Physici­an that hath undertaken the care of him, and best knowes his state, then to any otherSc Dyet. let. F. G.: and to be counselled by him, so farre as he shall finde his Counsell agreeable to God, revea­led in his word1 John. 4. 1. Is. 8. 20. Ma. 16. 6. cap. 23. v. 2, 3. Act. 17. 11.. But in case thou be any danger more then ordinary, and canst not have recourse to any such Phy­sitian. Take the Spirit of wisedome and the feare of the Lord Is. 1 [...]. 2., as before, the Spirit of obedience to Gods commands 1 Sam. 15 22. Deu. 28. from v. 1. to v. 15., the Spirit of truth righteousnesse and mercy Pro. 3. v. 3, 4. cap. 11. 4, 6. cap. 16. 6. cap. 20. 28. Zach. 8. 16. c. 7. v. 9., the Spirit of promise E [...]h [...]s 1. 13,, the Spirit of love and a sound minde 2 Tim. 1. 7., the Spirit of meekenesse and humility Is. 57. 15. cap. 66, 2, 1 Pet. 3. 4. Mat. 5. 5., the Spirit of temperance and sobri­ety Galat. 5. 23. 1 Pet. 5. 8. Tit. 2. 12. 1 Thes. 5. v. 6, 8., the Spirit of prayer and fasting Zach. 12, 10. Joel. 2. 12. 2 K, 20. v. 2, 5., the Spirit of zeale Num. 25. 7, 8., the Spirit of discretion Pro. 2, 11., the Roote of Faith, Hope and Cha­rity 1 Cor. 13. James. 2.,v. 14. 15, 16, 17, &c. the seed of Gods Word Luke. 8. 11., the flowre of the Lilly of purity Ma. 5. 8. 1 Ti. 1. 51 c. 2. 8.. Conserve of Roses of Chastity and modesty 1 Pe. 3 2. Ti. 2. 5. Mat. 5. 28., two hands full of bounty and liberality to the poore D [...]ut. 15. 7, 8 pr [...]. 11, 25. cap. 28. v. 27. 2 Cor. 9. 6.. the Elixar of patience Heb. to 34, 36. Rom. 5. v. 3 4 Jam. 1. v. 2, 3, 4., the powder of contempt of the world Philip. 3. v. 7, 8. 1 John 2. 15. 16., Sale of good Speech Col [...]s. 4. 6, the tincture of the meditation of Death Eccles. 11. v. 8. Judgement Eccles. 11. v 9, cap. 12. 14, 2 Pet. 3. v. 10. 11. and hell Mat. 5. 29 30, ca. 10. v. 28., and with all these that which is the Aurum potabile, Bezoar, Methridate, Diascordium, Tria­cle, Quintessence of Pearle, of all ingredieuts that can be thought on, viz [...] sanguis Christi, the blood of Christ 1 John.1. v. 7. cap. 2. v. 2 John 6. v. 54, 55, 56. Rom. 3. 25. cap. 5. v. 9. Eph. 1. 7. Colos. 1. 20. 1 Pet 1. v. 18. 19. Heb. 9. 14,. Mix all these in the wine of Cheerfulnesse Rom. 14. 17. cap. 15 13. Philip. 4. v. 4., and the water of true repentance Acts▪ 2. v. 38. cap. 3 19 Ezek. 18: v. 21. 27, 30., and take of it dayly more or lesse according as there is cause. It never fayled any.

If for want of taking and making use of these preserva­tives mentioned, thou finde all these or any of these dange­rous Symptomes following, As first, A payne in thy head, that it is a trouble to thee to lift up thine eyes to heavenPsal, 123, v. 1. 2. John 11. 41 Mat. 13. 15, Psal. 17, 11., or to incline thine eares to wholesome instructionJer, 7. 24, 26, cap. 11. 8. cap. 17. 23., or to bow [Page 29] thy head to God2 Chron. 29. 30. ▪ or to thy superiourGenes. 43. 28. 1 Sa. 24 8.. 2 A swimming or dizinesse in thy head, Genes. 24. v. 26. Exo, 12, 27. that thou knowest not or regardest not what, or of whom, or to whom thou speakestPro. 10. v. 19. cap.; and thinkest that other things move out of course, when the fault is onely in thine own brainesIude v. 10. 16. Nu. 16. 3 Overmuch waking when thou shouldest sleepe, 13. 3. cap. 16. 23. c. 18 7. cap. 17 27. Ja. 1. 19. Iude v. 8. 10. either to doe mischiefe to othersPro. 4. 16., or to scrape together wealth for thy selfePsal. 127. 2 Eccles. 4. 8. cap. 5. 12., or to commit any other iniquity. 4 Overmuch drousinesse and sleepinesse, ei­ther when thou shouldest be prayingMar. 26. 40, 41., or hearing the word of GodActs 20 9.; or when thou shouldest be about the workes of thy callingPro. 6. 9, 10 [...] 11.. 5 Fainting or swooning, whether it be at others tribulationsEphes. 3. 13., of under thine owne chastisement and corre­ctionPro. 3. 11 H [...]b. 12. 3; whether it be in beleivingLuke 22. 32. or prayingLuke 18. 1.; or any kind of well-doing2 Thes 3. 13.. 6 Vomiting or pronenesse thereunto, especially upon the eating of wholesome foodNum. 21. 5. Ioh 6.. 7 Wearinesse without cause, as with well-doingGalat. 6. 9., or in suffering for Christs sake, or thine owne chastisementPro. 3 11. Heb. 12, 3. 12.. 8 Losse of appetite; to that which is goodIs. 26, 8. 1 Pet. 2. 2. Mat. 5. v. 6.. 9 Much thirsting after earthly thingsExod 17. 3. Pr. 21. 26. Eccles. 4. 8.. 10 Extraordinary loosenesse, either of body or minde1 Pet. 4. v., 3. 4. Rom.. Upon the finding of any of these Symptomes, v. 58 and v. 60 Ps. 50 17, Is. 30. v. 10. Jere: 20, 8 cap. 43. 1, 2. especially divers of them concurring betake thee to thy preservatives prescribed both evacuative and Cordiall; Amos 7. 10. as thou lovest thy life: And upon the taking thereof, if thou sweat well, though thou labour under it the more for the present, it will very much conduce to thy ease afterwards, and to thy preservationMat. 11. 28.. It cost him that tooke thy infirmity and bare thy sicknesse Mat. 8. 17. a terrible sweat, Luke 22. 44. and unlesse the thought of that sweat, the sense of thine owne condition and of Gods wrath, together with the virtue and strength of thy Physicke doe provoke some sweas in thee,1. 21, 1 Tim. 6, 5. I conceive thee to be in a very ill case, little better then desperate.2 Tim. 3. 8. 1 Pet. 1. But in thy sweating observe these rules.13. Jam. 1. 8. cap. 4. 8. I Consider that 'tis not the violent or long sweating, so as to weaken thee, or oppresse thy Spirits overmuch, that will do thee good; but the kinde free sweating according to thy strengthEvery one that is sensible both of his own sin and Gods wrath, cannot make his let swim, nor doth not feele the wrath of God so hot and so heavy upon him, as some doe, Ps 6. Ps. 22, Ps. 38. Ps. 42. Ps. 88.. 2 Doe not thinke all the danger over, upon once [Page 30] or twice sweating; for the subtetly of the disease is such, that being once or twice (sometimes oftner) repelled from the heart and vitall parts, it still lurkes in some secret angle of the body, and will returne againeDeut. 9. from v. 7. to the end. Psal: 78. unlesse it be more strongly opposed; and therefore be sure to continue thy pre­servatives after thy sweats John 8. 31. c. 15. 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 16.. 3 Take heed of sleeping too soone after a sweat, for it is very dangerousMat. 26. 40, 41., 4 Have a care of cooling thy selfe, and be content to have it done as the great Physitian thinkes fitMat. 26. 38, 39, 42 compared with Luke 22, 44..1 Epist John 2. 24. Lastly, take of thy Cordiall be­fore prescribed,Co [...]os. 4 2, 1 Cor. 15. 58. 2 Cor. 5. 6. lest otherwise thy strength fayle thee, and indanger thee that wayPsal. 27. 13, 14..Eph [...]s. 5. 20. Philip.

Thus have I shewen thee the best meanes for preservation that I could recall for the present.4 4. Acts. 24. 16. 1 Pet. 5. 9. And if any Doctor, Batch­elor, or other Practitioner in Divinity Physick, can shew me any errour in any of these prescripts,Deut. 16. 15. 1 Cor. 16. 13. Ephes. 6. 18. 1 Pet. 5. 8. I shall willingly cor­rect it: Or if he shall prescribe any, that are more accurate, I shall amongst others most humbly thanke him for it.

Now for Curation, I observe that that Reverend Physiti­an, whose method I have kept the most close to of any's, adds very little for the curing of the Plague to what he had prescribed for the preserving from it,Psal. 38. Genes. 4. 13. Mat. 27. 3, 4, 5. except it be for curing the botches, sores, or Carbuncles. And as I apprehend, he therefore doth so, first, because the same physicke, especially the Cordiall Physicke, that is good for preservation, is as good as can be thought on, in ordinary cases, for cure, only where need requires, as it doth in the most, the quantity of the ingredients must be augmented. Secondly, because mens tempers and constitutions as I before told you are so differ­ent, and in a manner contrary, and the poyson of the disease infecteth and corrupteth in such different wayes and degrees that 'tis not good, scarce safe either for Physitian or the par­ties infected to adventure upon any Physicke, without the advise (where 'tis to be had and time permits) of some able Physitian, whom they shall please to acquaint with their particular present state and condition. The like course upon the like reasons shall I observe in these my Hyperphysicall Directions. For generall curative Physicke, in generall cases, [Page 31] where any are infected, (as who can say I am cleaneProv. 20. 9. John 15. 15, 16. 1 John 1, 8 [...] 10.?) I know no better, then what I have acquainted you with, by way of preservatives: onely the quantity of the ingredients, and so of the Doses The quantity of the severall ingredients and particular doses both for preservation and curanen, I there­fore omitted because their nature is such as cannot be proporti­oned., is to be increased, as there is cause. And for particular cases I once againe, as before, advise every man that desires to deale safely for himselfe, and would have his Physitian to deale so too, by all meanes to repaire (if he have the Liberty) to some discreet learned Divine Physitian for his particular counsell concerning his particular stateSee before Diet. let. F. G., and after his prayers to God to direct his Physitian aright in his counselling, punctually to follow his counsell, so farre, as his counsell is agreable to Gods revealed willSee Cordialls let. D. And for botches and sores, when thy infection and corruption is growne to such tumors Is [...]. 1. 6, Psal. 38. 5. 7.. take for a great Onyon, strong de­testation Psal. 97. 10. Prov. 8. 13. of the filchinesse and loathsomenesse of Sinne Ez [...]k, 16. 4, 5, 6. Isa. 64. 6. 2 Pet: 2. 22. Psal: 38. 5, 7. Ezck: 24. 6. 11, 12, 13., and put into it instead of Rue, as much bitter sorrow for Sinne 2 Cor: 7. 9, 10. Ps. 38. 6, 8. Psal. 6. 6, 7., as thou canst possibly crowd it, together with some of that Treacle which is made of those vipers which Christ himselfe slew, viz, Sinne, the Divell, Death, the Grave, and Hell; 1 Cor. [...]5. 54. 55. 56. 57.; then heat it well at the fire of the sense of Gods indignation a­gainst sinne and sinners Jerem 4. 4. Isa. 66, 15. Nahum. 1. 6. and so apply it by the hand of faith Mat. 9. 22. 29. as hot as thou canst endure it to the tumour. Psal. 51. 17. Joel. 1. 13. c: 2. 12, 13. I dare warrant thee it will soone draw thy sore to an head and breake it. But then thou must be carefull that thou wash that part well,Mat: 26. 75. Luke 7. 38. wherein the sore Isa. 1. 6, 16. is, with some teares of unfeigned repen­tanceIsa. 22. 12. c: 38. 5. Joel. 2. 12., and bath it throughly in that fountaine, which is set open for sinne and uncleanesse Zach. 13. 1. John. 19. 34., and that will both cleanse and heale thy sore, be it never so foule and dangerous1 John 1. 7..

When thou art made whole, forget not to returne thanks to that great Physitian that cured thee Luke 17. 15. 16, 17, 18..Galat. 3. 11, 14. Eph. 2. 8. Rom. 14. 23. And sinne no more, left a worse thing happen to thee John 5. 14..

A Postscript of Gratitude.
To the Worshipfull Master Thomas Smith the late Loyall Major of the renowned City of Oxford.

Worthy Sir,

THese Directions published for the common good of this City, and therefore dedicated to those Superiour powers, which at this time have more then ordinary influence into the Government thereof, could not passe quietly from my hand to the presse with­out giving you some particular interest in them, both because I re­ceived (besides other kindnesses) the constant food that sustained me all the littletime wherein I was composing them (as well as be­fore and since) at your table; and so 'tis but a due returne of that fruit which your bounty and liberality help't to foster; as also, be­cause 'tis conceived by them that know you, that your good ex­ample in observing them, will be no small inducement to others, especially of your owne politie, the more readily and willingly to put them in practise. Other retribution, though none more cor­diall, shall hereafter be made you, if God make me able. Let it suf­fice for the present, that as you forget not to doe good, and to commu­nicate Sacrifices with which God is well pleased: Heb. 13. 16. So that good which you have done, and those good things whereof you have communicated, are not forgotten by all those that have par­ticipated of them. By all did I say? nay I verily beleeve by none at all, that are truly loyall, and such onely, as neare as you could, were the constant partakers of your courtesie and hospitality; for certainly, they that in such times as these dare be loyall, scorne to be ungratefull. Let this poore commemoration of your rich boun­ty to such be an earnest thereof: and what I and others of His Ma­jesties Loyall Subjects are not able to requite, without doubt, that God, for whose sake and cause you have done it, will abundantly recompence into your bosome. For which purpose Saint Pauls benediction, That he that ministreth seed to the sower, will both mi­nister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sowen, and increase the fruits of your righteousnes. 2 Cor. 9. 10.

Shall be the daily prayers of
Your much obliged L. G.

PHYSICALL DIRECTIONS IN time of Plague.

DWelling-houses are to be kept cleane, free from filth, and ill smells, the Windowes neare infected houses kept close with Glasse, or oyled, waxed paper, that light, but no infected aire, may come in. In houses farther from infection, windowes open sometimes, toward wholsome aire and wind.

Fires to be made in houses infected, and the neighbouring hou­ses, and in Churches, at times of publike Prayers and Preaching, and at all publique meetings, not in Chimnies onely, but in move­able pannes; the fires made with dry wood, Oake, Ashe, Beech, dry Vine-branches, Willow, Baytree, Rosemary sticks, &c. Juni­per, Rosemary, dryed, Bay-leaves, Angelica, Lavender, Sage, Hyssope, Marioram, Thyme, Mints, Balme, Pitch, Tarre, Rosin, Turpentine, Frankincense; some of these cast on the coales, to perfume the house.

Richer persons may have suming candles or cakes, made with Benzoin, Storax, Muske, &c. For which order shall be given by the Physitians, if any please to have them, and be not otherwise provided. Oake boughs, Ashe, Willow, Bay leaves, Hysope, Ma­rioram, Thyme, Lavander, Mints, Rosemary, Fennell, Sage, Worm­wood, Meadsweet, &c. may be laid in the Chimnies and Win­dowes.

Sometimes the fume of Vineger, Rosewater, and Rosemary, and Cloves, over the fire.

Wearing cloathes perfumed with juniper, red Sanders, or Rose­mary hurned.

Going abroad, or talking with any, it is good to hold in the Mouth, a clove or two, a peece of Nutmeg, Zedoary, Angelica, Gentian, Tormentill, or Enulacampana root; in the hand a Sponge dipped in Vineger and Rosewater, wherein Rosemary, Sage, Angelica, or Rue have beene infused, or a toast of browne bread dipped therein, tied up in a linned cloath, or the Sponge in a [Page 34] Juniper or Ivory box with holes. For persons of better ranke, Pomanders made of Ladanum, Benzoin, red and white Sanders, Storax, Myrrhe, Saffron, Amber, Camphyre, Muske, &c.

Go not forth early in the Morning, nor fasting; eate not much: Sage and butter, a Potched Egge with Vineger, or such like will suffice; be not late abroad at night. In the Morning wash the Mouth with water wherein Sage hath beene boyled or infu­sed, and rub thy teeth with the leaves.

Take a spoon full of quicke wine vineger,Cordialls. wherein worme­wood chopped hath been infused. Take Figges good and clean thirty, Wallnut kernells pilled twenty, (if to be had) greene Rue picked a good handfull, Salt one spoonfull, stampe them, and incorporate them together, take the quantity of a Prune, a child as much as a Hasell nut. More pleasing; conserve of Wood-sorrell, Borage, Sage, of each one ounce, Harts-horne a dragme, Bole-Armeniake two drams, yellow Sanders halfe a dram, Saffron the weight of 3d, syrupe of Wood-sorrell, as much as will make it into a most electuary; take as much as a good Nutmeg, twice or thrice a day. London treacle the weight of 8d. first in the morning with conserve of Roses, fasting one ho­wer after it; treacle-water two spoonfulls, with one dramme of Mithridate,Dyet. Confectio liberaus, or Electuary de Ovo. Dyet, meats of easy digestion, sauce sowre. sharpe, sorrell, Lemon, Vi­neger, Verjuyce, &c. Forbeare Milky meats, Custard, &c. Fish slimy as Eeles, &c. raw fruits, and strong Wines; excesse in meat or drinke is dangerous. Fasting, or much emptinesse is bad.

If there be fulnesse of bloud,Bleeding. letting bloud is fit, but not much, rather repeated.

If the body be bound,Purging. a Suppository with hony and salt. If ful­nesse of putrid humours, Aloes the weight of 6d, in the pappe of a roasted apple; or pilles of Ruffus a dram once a Weeke. For persons of quality, other proper purges, as the present condition shall require, potion, &c. and an Issue or fontanell, in Arme or Legge,Issue. if there be cause; and vomits proper if need be. Vo­mits easy to be had; sallet-oyle three spoonfulls, juyce of ra­dish-root one spoonfull, or oxymell of squilles two spoonfulls, oyle and posset drinke. Exercise moderate.

[Page 35] Signes of infection appearing,Infection. viz. fainting, swooning, vomi­ting, or pronenesse thereto, heavinesse, wearinesse without cause, losse of appetite, much thirst, divers of these concurring, let bloud or purge, or both, as cause requireth, the first or second day, no botch or fore appearing. Then defend the heart with Cordialls formerly prescribed. Let the party sweat with Carduus, or Ma­rigold posset-drinke, London treacle two drams, or with wood sorrell water five spoonfulls, treacle water one spoonfull, and London treacle a dram and a halfe.

If a tumor, botch or sore appeare,Botch. let the inside of the arme, thigh, or calfe of the legge be blistered with Cantharides pow­der two drammes, with vineger and leaven. Take a great Ony­on, hollow it, put into it Venice-treacle one dramme, a figge and a little Rue cut small, roast it soft, close stopped, in a wet paper under the Embers, apply it hot to the Tumour, let one lye three houres. Or a pultesse of Mallowes two handfulls, two lilly roots cut and bruised, twelve figges sliced, boyle all well in water, stampe them, put to it three spoonfulls of oyle of Lillies, apply it, and shift it thrice a day. When it is broken, take the yolke of an Egge, hony of Roses one ounce, Turpentine halfe an ounce, London treacle, or Venice, and Methridate, and Saint Johns wort oyle, each one dramme, a little meale flower, mix all together, lay it to the sore, upon leather, changing it twice a day. Or a hot loafe out of the Oven. Or three Lilly roots roasted, beaten and applyed; burne the plaisters, &c. taken off the body.

Those that escape, are to be purged before they goe abroad; those that dye, are to be buried in remote places, and deep in the ground.

FINIS.

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