SInce I finished my last Booke , intituled , De morbo gallico , the which I presented vnto all the true professors of Chirurgerie , in Anno 1585. It was giuen me to vnderstand , that a new Impression of my Booke was presently to passe : then I wayed with my selfe , it would be very hard for me to accomplish all things that mine intent did leade me vnto , for the correcting and enlarging of the same Booke in so short a time , ( wherein I knowe are diuers faults escaped ) but I promised heereafter , if God did permit me life and health , I would to my power supply all wants . So I willed the Printer to proceede , according to my former collection , for that I did suppose the matter sufficient , and the wants tollerable , if it were rightly censured by men of learning and skill in the Arte. But as for the scornefull scanners , their commendations I disdayne , for I knowe they are frosen in the dregs of their owne corrupt iudgements , and therefore whilest they should speake well of me , I might be thought like vnto them : but if it shall please any good man , that is ( I say ) learned in the Arte , who doth espye the wants and imperfections of my Booke , that he will vouchsafe to publish an other worke of his owne collection or translation intreating of the same matter , then truely I will my selfe not onely yeeld him his due commendations , but also be thankefull to God that it hath pleased him to make my simple Booke the cause of the publishing of any learned worke . Which will be no doubt a benefite vnto our Countrey and common wealth , notwithstanding the gaynesaying of some , who continually spit foorth poyson out of their noysome and vnsauorie mouthes , against diuers godly learned , and wel disposed persons , who haue with long and tedious labours published diuers Bookes of Physick and Chirurgery in English . For say these malitious men in derision and scornefull manner , Behold , these be our late London english Writers . In deede it is sayd , that Demosthenes himselfe , being a great Infallible signes of their vild dispositions . learned man , could not auoyde the snares of those that enuyed his diligence in the writing of his Bookes , which is so much the lesse greefe vnto me . But I answere these our backbiters , I meane , such as are gilty in this case , by desiring , that it will please them at their leisures , with a good conscience to walke vprightly heerin , and to examine most of the Works of our late London English Writers , and then I trust they shall finde no wincking at abuses , nor holding of candles before the eyes of them that are starke blinde , they haue so zealous a care vnto sinceritie , and also that our young plants may be well and sufficiently watered with learning , and knowledge in the Arte. And this they haue truely , and faithfully published in English , according vnto that measure of knowledge , which God of his great goodnesse hath bestowed vpon them . Thus you may playnely perceiue the goodnesse of the tree by the fruite , but what is that , which enuy hath not defamed , or malice hath not defiled ? for enuy and malice is a most mischeuous trap or snare , wherein many heedlesse men do fall . Now followeth another sort of domesticall enemies , and these ( I thinke ) are leapt out of Carons Boate , and haue wilfully drowned themselues in the whirlepoole of slanderous reports . And these paragons will needs treade bypaths , to seeke strange noueltyes . Yet if they were better aduised , it would not be impertinent vnto their credits , but they do account it odious to be reproued , or to suffer themselues and their abuses to be spoken of : and do most idiotlike behaue themselues against Hypocrates and Galen , and all Galenists , whose worthy Workes being extant to the view of all men , haue purchased to their Authors amongst the good , eternall prayses and credit for euer . Neuerthelesse , you may easily perceiue what spirits they carrie , that thus wound the dead with speeches of defame , and yet themselues in respect , ignorant in the Arte. And some of them are scarce able to write and reade true English , but doe brag without Too foule or impudent a fault in challengers or ●auillers measure ( vpon a very sudden ) of their excellent cunning , which happely they had stolne out of the beggerly budgets , of some counterfeite stale Peracelsian Quack saluer , or Mountibancke , and yet moreouer do challenge , to be the true Disciples of Peracelsus , but God knowes , they are not worthy to serue vnder his regiment for pyonors : for they missinterprete Paracelsus whome truely they vnderstand not , and condemne Hipocrates and Galen whome they neuer read . I would no man should thinke I go heere abouts to speake against the thing that is good , neyther do I seeme to mayntayne the thing that is euill , neyther will I reward any good man with euill reports for benefits and knowledge receyued , for truth is truth from whome so euer it come , be it from Hipocrates , Galen , Paracellus , or any other learned men . And therefore I say vnto such aforesayd , let not the Paynter goe beyond his pensill , nor the Shoomaker beyond his Shoo , for so his pride may haue a fall , and all his honor lye in the dust .

And now good Reader , seeing mine intent is not to hold my toong at abuses , I will heere a little farther decipher the rest of these exclaiming aduersaries , which haue most impudent strumpets faces , that will I thinke blush at nothing : and heere I will farther speake of an old cauelling companyon , and a maister of lyes , one , whome hecretofore I haue deciphered in my Booke De morbo gallico , he hath with reprochfull speeches returned agayne to his old humor , and spurned against Incarnatiues . But all those young Students , which are desirous to be satisfyed heerin , amongst many other worthy Authors , reade Vigo , cap. 21. fol. 175. which Booke , Maister Baker hath partly corrected , as himselfe hath there declared , or else reade the old english Booke translated by M. Traheron , fol. 111. cap. 21. so he that is but meanely read in the Arte , may by his good indeuour and diligence , easily finde and knowe the true nature and properties of Incarnatiues of diuers sorts , and therefore Incarnatiues which haue beene diuised by many graue and learned men , from succession of ages , are not to be reiected at the becks of euery such like lame schoolemaister , or ridiculous ringleader , which will needes reach out his hand , and with his Momus pen leade others to seeke a Diamont with a Lincke , which could shew it selfe in the darke : but I maruell that his disciples or followers are not ashamed of so base a champion , or else one of them ashamed of another . It is sayd , that this wisard of late dreamed he was transformed like one of Acteons whelps , and that he had coursed a Collyers Cart , onely to seeke for one that had stolne away the King of the Frogs , which Iupiter sent downe in a great lightning and thunder , which dreame , seemed to be farre more dangerous vnto him , then the strange Starre which Doleto sawe in Calabria : neuerthelesse , his naked name , and fayned forgerie of this base borne birde , I meane not further to touch : let no such bosters be your warrant what soeuer they say , for he is called an ill Fisher , that cryeth stincking Fishe .

Moreouer , a new adopted Chick of this old Cocke , and the very key of his counsell , is dropt out of dores vpon a sudden , and This fellow is so wise in his owne conceit , that he renounceth to follow the method and wayes of euring , after Hipocrates and Galen , because they were Heathen men . I aunswere with the sayings of the godly , wise , and learned , that he which 〈◊〉 a Christian , will liue as a Christian , and yet may take Physick and Surgery of a ●ew , if he haue skill . hath plunged himselfe in the bottomlesse sea , or filthy dregs of his aforesayd Grandsires caluish iudgements and opinions : and in the verie pride and glorie of his skill , he setting himselfe as it were in the chair of ignorance , ( a fit Pulpet for such a Prophet : ) did there with terrible stearne lookes , and squared speeches affirme , that indeed it was superstuous to vse Incarnatiues , which inuading mind and attempt did become him as well as a ring of golde in a sowes snoute , whose will wants wit through prodigalitie to accomplish his childish intent and purpose . But now forsooth , this was vrged and brought in by the similes of dogs toongs , and Momemyasse , a very deepe wit to vnderstande mysteries , and whose capacitie heerein , he sayth himselfe , farre passeth our reach , for his mysticall knowledge , lyeth secretly hid vnder the shadowe of Apollos gorgeous cloake , and bewtifyed in print with Esculapius golden bearde , wherein , there is neyther grosenesse , nor impurities , as there is in our Incarnatiues , &c. But the exalted essences foolosophically extracted by him , out of the egge of an Elephant , the marye of a whetstone , and the braynes of a Woodcocke , soirculate to digest in his baren head , and this is his misterium magnum , wherewith if he anoynt theyr eyes , then ye shall ( say they ) beholde certayne Spirits that inhabit or dwell in the ayre , called Nenusareni , and Aerdadi : a high matter in a lowe house , which sore troubleth the wits of these wandering Pilgrimes , which contrarie to the direct line of equitie wrong ballans the meaning of good Authors , and so thinke thereby , to patch and cloute vp theyr owne silly credits , by pulling downe and defacing of others , and thus would they roote vp that which they neuer planted . Therefore I may rightly compare this image of enuy , and such lyke , vnto the malitious man , which desired of Iupiter he might lose one of his eyes , so that another whome he hated , might lose both his , &c. but I will now blot paper , or spend time no longer to aunswere any such , for it is no conquest to beate an Asse to death .

Also , I meane to vnfolde the strange euents that succeeded after the taking of a certayne pernitious pill , which pill , as it is sayd , was sprinckled abroade by an odde birde of the same neast afore rehearsed . This Pill of his , was shadowed vnder the vale or title of Turbith mineralis , and it is no such thing .

Moreouer , it was sayd to be a Paracelsion Pill , but I am not of that opinion , for I suppose , no good or godly Paracelsion would haue giuen it to a dog . The composition of the same vile Pill Mayster Reade hath discouered in his Booke of Arceus lately Translated , and by him published , as a caueat for all good people to beware of that Pill . And in my simple iudgement , Such abuse is neuer wincked at , but when idiots ruleth the rost , there the iust may be oppressed , and many a good cause troden vnder foote . no good man ought to countenance , allowe , excuse , smother , or conceale so perillous a medicine , sith it hath left behinde it so foule and filthy broade scarres , that touched the liues of foure persons , fyrst , Iohn Butler , Mayster of a Shippe , a Barbar surgeons seruant of London , a Ropemakers boy in Rowsey , and one Master Washborne a Marchant , that dyed also in Rowsey . This cruell Pill was ministred vnto these foure persons by two simple fellowes , who were Surgeons of two Ships , which sayde , they were deluded by this crow brightfast companion , which did write it downe its their booke of secrets , with his owne hand , for a pretious iewell , and there recorded it to be good for all diseases . a bad pollicie , and verie ill deuised , but how needfull it is for all good men to beware of this Pill , let euery man iudge which hath care of his owne health , yet I do not malice the person of the man , but his filthy Pill , There is no friendship to be had with such honest men . although to see to , he is more fitter to be made a turnebroche , or a Scullien of a Kitchen , then to be admitted to be eyther Physition or Surgeon , but it is sayde of a learned man , if such kinde of knaues might be well punished for example sake , by the handes of the Magistrate for such offences , so should the young Students in the Arte be lesse deceyued . I do not heere rehearse a tale of a tub , which requireth no longer remembrance , than the view , or looking on ; but a matter of such moment , which ought to be eternized in thy minde , and although I knowe he dangereth his owne welfare , that reproueth euill mens faults , Not. 1. and shall lye open to slaunder and reproch , yet I suppose it better to be maligned of such , then to conceale so great a mischiefe , that might otherwise ensue by the farther spreading of so vile a medicin , and therefore I must crane pardon , for I do meane heereafter in this whole discourse , not to shun any such rotten rootes as they come or chaunce to lye in my way .

Heere I am I say farther prest and vrged to vnmaske another of the same neast of young Snakes , or rather old suttle Serpents , who I trust in God , partly by me , and also heereafter , by the helpe of others more learned , they shall be all ferited ( which way soeuer they goe ) from their wicked buries , mosses , and starting holes : and farther , I would haue followed their abuses at this time , and also the abuses of others vnspoken of , but that I haue beene preuented by some speciall causes , troubles , and lets , but if heereafter they do not amend , I will discouer them to their shame , and their names . And therefore curteous and friendly Reader , note my sayings which I will openly publish , and iudge with discretion . It is not long since that a subtile deluder verie craftely , hauing vpon set purpose his brokers or espials abroade , vsing sundry secret drifts to allure many , as did the Syrens by their sweet Sonets and melody seduce Mariners to make them their pray , so did his brokers or espials deceiue many , in proclayming and sounding out his same abroade from house to house , as those vse to do which crye Mistresse , haue you any worke for the Tincker , at the length , they heard of one that was tormented with a quartaine , then in all post haste this bad man was brought vnto the sick patient by their craftie meanes , and so forth , without any tariance , he did compound for fifteene pound , to rid him within three fits of his Agew , and to make him as whole as a sish of all diseases : So alittle afore his fit was at hand , he called vnto the Wife of the patient to bring him an apple of the biggest size , and then with a pinne writte in the rinde of the apple Abracadabra , and such like , and perswaded him to take it presently in the beginning of his sit , for there was ( sayth he ) a secret in these words . To be short , the patient being hungry of his health , followed his counsell , and deuoured all and euery peece of the apple . So soone as it was receyued , nature left the disease to digest the apple , which was too hard to do , for at length , he fill to vomiting , then the core kept such a sturre in his throate , that where to fore his Feuer was ill , now much worse , a malo ad peius , out of the fryingpan , into the fire : presently there were Physitions sent for vnto the sick patient , or else his fifteene pound had beene gone , with a more pretious Iewell , but this lewde fellow is better knowne at Newgate then I will heere declare . Such counterfeite Charmers , with Figures and Caracters , Tagaltius doth condemne , as absurd and erronious , which wicked practises he sayth becommeth no honest artist to vse , or to exercise .

It is also sayd , that in Archadia , a Woman began to cure with wicked Charmes , without the applying of any medicines , which beeing knowne in Athens , she was condemned by the Senate to be stoned to death : a iust reward for such vngodly practises .

I reade likewise of another lewde Woman , which was accused of Witchcraft , the cause was , for that she did commonly take vpon her to cure Men , Women , Children , and Beasts , by a certayne Charme , the which , they say , she would do , onely for a penny in money , and a loafe of bread . This thing was misliked of many good men in the Countrey where she did dwell , and for that cause , she was vpon suspition of Sorcery and Witchcraft , brought to the Assises , and there Arrayned for it . The simplicity of the old Woman was somewhat considered of by the whole bench , then the Iudges and the Iustices graunted her this fauour , that if she would truely declare vnto them What manner of Charme it was she vsed , she should be deliuered : and beeyng in great feare , and doubt of her life , forthwith in the presence of them all , declared it to be as followeth .

First ( sayd she ) after I had receyued the penny in money , and the loafe of bread , then my Charme was this .

Immediatly after , the Iudges with the rest perceiued it to be meere deceit , & cousenage : then they did straightly charge her , vpon payne of great punishment , to leaue off her delusions , and cosening of the people , & so she was discharged , as it is there said .

I could speake of many other abusers of Physick and Surgerie , but what redresse would be had , I knowe not , and yet I do not meane to speake of the old Woman at Newington , beyond Saint Georges feelds , vnto whome , the people do resort , as vnto an Oracle : neyther will I speake of the Woman on the Bancke side , who is as cunning , as the Horsse at the Crosse keyes , nor yet of the cunning Woman in Seacole Lane , who hath more skill in her Colebasket , then iudgement in Vrine , or knowledge in Phisick or Surgery . But I could discouer many others , which practise Physick and Chirurgery , with the bit in their mouthes , and the raynes in their necks , which do not only thereby deceiue the simple people , but oftentimes the wisest men , and these are as hurtfull , as mothes in cloaths , or cancker rust in Iron .

There are many other abusers about this City of London lurcking in corners , and sometimes they do raunge and wander astray from towne to towne , from countrey to countrey both farre and neere , by sea and land , and these I suppose to be the very spawne and frye of that Rogish route , which practised Chirurgery at Muttrell , in the time of that famous Prince King Henry the eyght , which fraternitie , and brotherhood of abusers of the Arte , good Maister Gale hath discouered in his Booke of the office of a Chirurgion , who sayth , that they were all banished the Campe , and if they had not auoyded with speede , they had been all hanged as theeues and murtherers .

And what shall be sayd to some , which not long since haue beene commanded to prepare themselues , and with all speede to serue her Maiesty in the Warres , then presently with many solemne circumstances , did desire to be excused , protesting , that they had no knowledge in Surgery , but onely , for the drawing , and stopping of a tooth , letting of bloud , or for the cure of the french Rocks , and thus they did playnely throw all their skill in Surgery flat to the ground , which a little before shined most brightly in the eyes of many . But this I say is well knowne , let the seruice be once furnished with sufficient Surgeons , which oftentimes is very hard to do , then they begin to shake their chaines , The greatest barkers are not the best biters . and keepe a stirre , that they can cure that which all the best Chirurgions in London or elsewhere do forsake , but what manner of curing they vse , I may not speake that I knowe . I could rehearse diuers of this stye , but they would say my Booke were seditious : but this may suffice for a caueat . Therefore these to say the troth , may fitly be compared vnto a certaine boasting bragger dwelling beyond the Seas , which did attempt to the great admiration of the standers by , to deck on with a ciment for the Truth can neuer so well appeare , as when it is compared with deceite and falsehood . nonce , a mans eare that was cleane cut off from his head , yet his glory was but short , for within two dayes , the ●arerotted , and fell off againe , and he became a poynting stock to the whole Towne and Countrey . I would no man should heere misconstrue me , or to thinke I vrge any thing in this my whole discourse , against any good or honest artist , for my meaning is not against any such , who haue beene , and are , in the Arte , right diligent and studious for the good of our countrey & common wealth , but against such , as Vesalius , Tagaltius , Vigo , Arceus , Maister Gale , Maister Hall , Maister Bannester , and such as these good men , do disalow , who haue in all their whole discourses and writings , neuer sought for vaine glory , promotion , or reward , but only by their vertues , and laudable studies , to make knowne the vndiscret , and vaineglorious brags , friuolous vantings , peeuish practises , and wicked dealings , of a sort of abusers of the arte and good artists . And I suppose no honest man else , which is a true artist , but doth , and will also detest and hate all such caterpillers , which suck the sap and eate the bread out of the mouthes of many a good Surgeon , who haue been very much decaied by reason of such ill persons , to the great impouerishment , not only of themselues , but likewise of their poore Wiues and children . Which men are well known , if ability were answerable to their willingnes and skill , to doo her Maiesty very good seruice in the Arte , wherein they haue beene trayned , and spent themselues a long time in trauell and studie for the attayning of the same .

Now time calleth me to an end of this Epistle to the Reader , and of a part of the generall discourses of abuses and abusers of the Arte , and all good artists , and I will conclude with the last and the very worst of all sorts , and they are those , that with The more ignorant they are , the more bolder they are , and yet hate to be ●eproued . open mouth stand vpon their tiptoe , saying with many puissant and forcible reasons , Away with all these bookes , and bookemen , for they haue made our Arte too common . I perceiue , it was not without great cause , that Plinie complayned , and sayd , Lyke as there is no light without a shadow , no more is vertue without enuy , but by Gods good grace , I will returne their speeches vpon their owne heads . Chilo the learned Philosopher sayd , That in Bookes you shall finde written the veritie and truth of things secret and vnknowne , the which time can neuer consume , nor fortune destroy , happy is that man which escapeth such Ciclops dens , without danger of the fluxe of their foule mouth , but I say vnto them whatsoeuer they be , that onely their naked experience which they so The foolish perswasion of naked experience , hath deceyued a great many . brag of , without learning in the Arte , may sitly be compared to a tree without fruite . The first beginners of their sect of bussardly Empricks , I reade was Philinus Cous. Acro . Agrigentinus , and Alexandreus , with others . And farther it is sayd , that their experience is nothing worth , that is not grounded vpon reason , the mother of all Artes and Sciences , and reason and knowledge is gotten and made ripe by reading and weighing the well obserued practises , and meditated rules of the generations of learned men , and diligent artists in time , gone before vs , heereunto ( I say ) ioyning our owne practise , we get vs the m●re prompt and excellent vnderstanding , how to put things in profitable execution ▪ and thus both reason and experience matched togethers , maketh a perfect artist , and he that denieth this , hath neither wit , arte , good experience , nor honestie ▪ and so I conclude , that the reading of good Authors , is the schoole of wise men , for learning , and knowledge , is the most rare gift of God , which maketh men become famous vpon earth : for example , as approoued Historyes do report , Plato , and Socrates , were well knowne to be two famous Philosophers , though they were the sonnes of two poore Citizens of Athens , for their well occupied minds in learning and knowledge aduanced them to great honor , as it may appeare by their great renowme , large volumes , and infinite labours , remayning still vnto posterities , and therefore it is as possible for an Owle to encounter with an Eagle , or a Wren with a Faucon , as for such boysterous blockheads , with their wodden practises , grounded onely vpon experience , the schoolemistresse to fooles , who with vnequall comparisons , do challenge men of reason and knowledge in the Arte , with their beaderowles of infamy , folaryes , fables , and old wiues tales , long bred and nousled vp in the storehouse of abuses , but it is a most true saying , and it is in these dayes come to passe , that euery peeuish Pan will compare with learned Apollo , but with spite and hatred in their harts , euery Momus will assayle Minerua , with rayling priuely behinde mens backs , and euery Zoylus will barke at Cicero , with open iniurie in their deedes .

But

But our good God , which hath euer defended vs from the rauening Beware of hypocrisie , shadowed vnder the cloke of frendship and amitie . iawes of such dangerous foes , or smiling serpents , which with stealing steps , do sowe the seeds of sedition , with the hands of Briarious , will returne all the euils which they do worke vpon their owne heads . Thus ( good Reader , ) I will through Gods assistance , proceede to the accomplishing of this small Treatise , notwithstanding their great threatnings to kill with Dagger , Sword , or Battle axe , but I little esteeme of such , sith these my labours seemed in the opinions of men , both godly , wise , and learned , not to be vnprofitable , or vnworthy to come abroade , for the benefit of all yong Students in the Art , whose Readings and practises , I wish most willingly that God may prosper . Amen .

COurteous Reader , I suppose it almost vnpossible at the first impression of any Booke , but some faultes will passe , be it neuer so carefully looked vnto , yet none heere I hope so egregious , but that I know euery honest mind will frendly weigh the cause , & consider the troubles that is had in such works . But as for the malitious quarrell pickers , whose poysoned natures is to turne nothing to good , these , I say , will not onely mislike and repine , but with their scorning lookes rather watch to finde faultes , than with honest minds to amend those , which vnwillingly haue beene committed : therefore I haue gathered this small Errate : and if in the course of your readings , it will please you with your pennes first to couer & correct the faults escaped , as it is heere declared , & also very easy to find , both the chapter , leafe , and line , then I shall thinke my self most happy , & so wish you such profit by these my labors , as your own harts doo desire , & as the matter is able to affoord , as knoweth God , who direct you in all these your studyes and labours . Amen .

IN writing of Bookes for the benefit of the studious , as I consider of sundry commendable courses taken by the Authors in that behalfe , so yet is there none ( in my iudgement ) more apte , either to amplify the Authors name , or else to increase the Readers knowledge , then that which is done by way of familiar examples and obseruations : for such are properly beawtifyed with these three amiable ornaments , Varietie , Perspicuitie , and Certainty whereof in seuerall , the fyrst delighteth , the second informeth , and the third assureth , but ioyntly , all concurre , to the readie ripening , and speedie preparing of the Artist to answere the expectation of his calling . When 〈◊〉 therefore , the principall of your labour ( Maister Clowes ) hath in this Booke beene , to deliuer faithfully your experiments in the curation of woundes , with such playne instances of the medicines vsed in particular cases , and historicall obseruations of their seuerall successes , ioyned with the noting of occurrences , and preuention of accidents , as may in deede ( according to your speach ) leade the young artist by the hand to do the like , I do not onely for mine owne part , finde my selfe bound to encourage and commend you , but dare also assure you , in behalfe of the bette● sort , of all thankefulnesse : Hippocrates hauing led that trace in his Epid●micis , hath therein no small estimation with the learned Physitions Amatus , Valleriola , Coiter , Arc●u● , Dod●●●●● , and Skenchius , haue agayne renewed that course , and receyued reuerent accompt for their labours . The learned Cr●to in his old age , seemeth to haue repented of nothing in that kinde so much , as that he had not reserued and written the obseruations of his practise , by which he supposed his name might more haue been commended to posterity , then by any other of his writings . I am not ignorant also , that to write obseruations of a mans practise , is a way , by which the Reader may be as much and perhaps more dangerously abused , then by any other , namely , if the Author should be vnfaithfull , or conceited in his owne priuate opinions , which by this meanes he would seeke to establish and obtrude vnto the credulous reader , but as the later of these can not be obiected against you , if the whole behauiour of your life may be taken for a testimonie , so neyther may the former be suspected by any that haue care to guide their iudgements by the rule of charitie . Adde heereunto , that beside the protestation you haue made in the word of a Christian , concerning the veritie of these things , and your sincere and vpright meaning in the penning thereof , I am able , and will be ready in sundry poynts , and namely , in your medicines and prescriptes , to testify that you haue concealed nothing from the Reader . As for the ●e●t , with those also that I speake of , if their likelihood and probabilitie may be sent among the learned and artistes of iudgement to gather their voyces , I doubt not but your side shall be full . But you say , your encouragement is greatly hindered , when you consider and call to minde , in what euill part things are nowadayes taken , that were not euill meant , and that such as would seeme wise men are become so foolish , that they can not heare the euill partes of base abusers disgraced , but by and by they must deeme themselues in like ●ort thereby defaced . I see the vlcer you appoynt me vnto , I d●●●erne it to be Cacoethes , and the malignitie thereof to be greater then any man can cure : but withall I deny , that it should be any worthy cause of your discouragement , nay rather I hold , that you are afresh to take courage agaynst it , for dyuers reasons , fyrst , for that the burthen shall not lye onely vppon your backe , but that others are charged in lyke sort with you , who will not shrinke the shoulder from you in the bearing thereof , and many handes ( you knowe ) make quicke and easy worke . My second reason is , because the Deuill entendeth thus by their meanes to vpholde hys kingdome of ignorance and wickednesse still among vs , agaynst which , if we be enemyes of hys kingdome , we must needes make warre with all our might . Thirdly , because this is an infallible truth , which you may write vppon , that no man will misiudge , or maligne your inuectiues agaynst the wicked and theyr practises , or take themselues defaced by theyr disgrace , but such as haue guylty consciences , and are priuie to themselues , eyther of the same or lyke enormities , or at least , that they do mayntayne or wincke at the same in others , when as rather by theyr places they should punish them : this latter sort ( I hope ) will be more wise , then to be found guylty of vpholding iniquitie , and if there haue been ouersightes committed heeretofore ( as the best aduised will not denye ) I trust they will become more warie for the lyke heereafter , but the former ●orte are rightly touched in the olde and common prouerb of a galde horsse backe . When a great many kicke at our dressing of two or three me●s sor●s , it is a signe that they are all infected with the lyke , and do therefore feare , least we would lay handes on them also , and then what reproche can that be to vs , when as our writings agaynst a fewe notoriously naught , shall discouer vnto the world a greater number that are in secret : as naught , they can not say we haue accused them , when as in deed their owne consciences haue fyrst condemned them , wherein , if they had stood sounde towarde their ownehearts , nothing could haue touched them , so that we see these sayings well con●y●med , A good conscience is as a brasen wall . And agayne , An euill conscience is as a thousand witnesses against a man . Of these things , if I would stand long , I could say much , that should worthely redound ●o the shame and confusion of all such , but remembring the length of an Epistle , I will shut vp the rest in this briefe . One verie aptly compared the conscience of a man , to the minor , or assumption of such Syllogismes as do conclude particularly vpon a generall charge or accusation propounded for example . The Lawe sayth , He that killeth or maymeth , must be killed or maymed , the guilty conscience then assumeth thus : But I haue killed or maymed , and so this conclusion commeth vpon hym , therefore I ought to be killed or maymed agayne , all writers in Chirurgerie do giue this proposition , All vnskilfull men do wickedly abuse this Arte , and ought to be punished , then the guilty conscience euery where maketh this assumption : But I am an vnskilfull man , now followeth the conclusion on the neck of it , Therefore I do abuse the Arte , and ought to be punished . So when any Writer describeth the properties of wicked practisers , he perhaps doth not say , this man is one , or such a man is such , but the consciences of those men , to whome such propertyes pertayne , do tell them so much in theyr bosomes . Who then ( I pray you ) is theyr accuser but themselues ? Yea , but ( will some say ) in your inuectiues agaynst abusers , you describe the men so by theyr propertyes , as euery one may knowe who you meane . I aunswere , fyrst , I haue knowne some , who thynke themselues no small men , that haue greatly stayned theyr wisedomes in misiudging such descriptions , therefore I wish men to be well aduised in theyr Interpretations . Secondly , if it be so , as they saye , that a man by hys propertyes may bee poynted out as with ones finger , my counsell is , that euery man must labour to change away hys euill qualityes for good , that so , when they shall be spoken of , they may commend hym , and not disprayse hym . And verely me thynke , it is full of reason , that they , who are so angry for hearing of theyr qualityes , should be much more ashamed to vse them .