The history of the worthies of England who for parts and learning have been eminent in the several counties : together with an historical narrative of the native commodities and rarities in each county / endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

CHAP. II. The Real Topicks insisted on in the Respective Counties.

The Native Commodities.

NO County hath cause to complain with the Grecian * 1.1 Widdowes, that they are neglected in the daily Ministration. God hath not given all Commodities to one, to elate it with pride, and none to others to deject them with pensivenesse; but there is some kind of equality betwixt the Profits of Counties to continue com∣merce' and ballance trading in some proportion.

We have therefore in this work taken especial notice of the several cōmodities which every Shire doth produce. And indeed God himself enjoyneth us to observe the variety of the Earths productions, in this kind. For speaking of the land of * 1.2 Havilah, (where saith he) there is Gold, and the gold of that land is good, there is Bdellium, and the Onix-stone. See here how the holy spirit points at those places where God hath scattered such trea∣sure, and the best thereof in all kinds, that man (if so disposed) may know where to ga∣ther them up.

I confess England cannot boast of Gold, and precious Stones, with the land of Havilah, yet affordeth it other things, both above and beneath ground, more needful for man's being. Indeed some shires, Joseph▪like, have a better coloured coat then others; and some with Benjamin have a more bountiful messe of meat belonging unto them. Yet every County hath a Childs portion, as if God in some sort observed Gavel-kind, in

the distribution of his favours, * 1.3 O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and declare the wondrous works which he doth for the Children of men.

Know Reader, when a Commodity is general to all England, then to avoid Repetition, it is entered in that County where there was the first, or else the most and best of that kind. And we have so contrived it, that generally; Three Commodities are treated of in every County.

The Manufactures.

Some heathen have causlesly complained of nature as a step-mother to man-kind, be∣cause other creatures come into the world clothed with Feathers, furs, or fleeces &c. or armed with pawes, clawes, beaks, tusks, horns, hoofs, whilest man is exposed naked into the world. I say a causles charge, because providence having given men Hands, and Reason to use them, (two blessings denyed to other creatures,) all Clothing and fencing is emi∣nently and transcendently bestowed upon him.

It is very remarkable to see the Manufactures in England, not knowing whether more to admire the Rarity or Variety thereof. Undoubtedly the wealth of a Nation con∣sisteth in driving a native commodity through the most hands to the highest artificial perfection, whereof we have taken especial cognisance in the respective counties, yet so as (though breifly nameing) not largely handling that Manufacture whereon we have formerly insisted.

It must not be forgotten that there be some things which cannot properly be termed Natural commodities, because of their quality altered and disguised by mens industry, and yet they attain not the reputation of Manufactures. As salt, being water boyled, malt, barley dryed, Cider, Apples pressed; seeing therefore they have a mixt nature they are promiscuosly placed as suiteth best with my own conveniency.

Medicinal Waters.

The God of Nature hath not discovered himself so variously wonderful in any thing as in the waters of Fountains, Rivers, &c. England hath as large a share herein as any Country, and her springs wonderful on several accounts.

• 1. Colour, Black, Red, Yellow, &c.
• 2. Tast, Sweet, bitter, salt, acide, corroding, astringing, &c.
• 3. Odour, stinking of Sulphur, like the scouring of a gun very fowl.
• 4. Sound, beating somtimes like a March, sometimes like a Retreat on several occasions.
• 5. Heat, Luke-warm, and gradually hot even to scalding.
• 6. Weight, considerably heavier or lighter in proportion to other watters.
• 7. Motion, though many miles from the sea, sympathizing therewith eb∣ing and flowing accordingly.
• 8. Effects, some being surgeons to heale sores, others Physitians to cure diseases.

The last is proper for our pen, being the Largess of heaven to poor people who cannot go to the price of a costly cure. Of these more have been discovered by casu∣alty than industry, to evidence that therein we are not so much beholden to mans paynes as Gods providence. Many Springs formerly soveraign have since lost their vertue, yet so that other springs have found it, so that their sanative qualities may seem not taken away but removed. And as there are many mean men of great ability yet depressed in obscurity, so no doubt there are in our Land Aquae incognitae of concealed worth and vertue, in effect no whit inferior to those which in fame are far above them.

However the gift which nature holdeth forth may be doubled in the goodnesse thereof, if the hand of Art do but help to receive it, and the patients be prepared with Physick in the using of such water, otherwise fons vitae, may be fons mortis, if diet, due time, and quantity be not observed.

Some will say that our English waters must needs be raw, because so far from the fire, whilest those are better boyled, which lying more south are neerer the sun. But experience avow's the contrary, that England affordeth most sanative waters for English

bodies, if men were as judicious in taking, as Nature is bountiful in tendering them.

As for the Proprietaries of such (or rather of the ground surrounding such) Medi∣cinal waters, as I would not have them detrimented in the least degree by the conflux of people unto them: so it is injurious in my judgement for them to set them to sale and make gain of Gods free gift therein. I confess water was commonly sold in the land of Canaan proved by that passage in the* 1.4 Prophet, H•…•… every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no money &c. Yea so churlish were the Edomites to the Israelites that they would not give, that is afford them* 1.5 water for mony. But it is considerable, Well-w ater in those hot Countries, was acquired with vast pains and expence, it being dearer to sink a well then build an house, besides many frustrations in that kind before their indeavous found full effect, which made it the more equal for the owners, by such sales to make profit, or rather to make up their reparations. But no such cost be∣ing expended in the case in hand, it may be accounted a kind of Simonie, in such as sell ease and help to poor people, though they may lawfully buy it, as passive and necessitated thereunto.

The Wonders.

Of these England affordeth many, which by several authors are variously reckoned up. One reckoneth foure as most remarkable,* 1.6 another accounted six, a third bringeth then up to* 1.7 thirteen, which since some have increased. Indeed if so many men, had all agreed in one Number, that had been a Wonder indeed.

But under this Title we compre hend all rarityes, which are out of the ordinary Road of nature, the illustration whereof may minister unto us matter of profitable discourse. Of these wonders, some were transient, lasting onely for a time, (like extraordi∣nary Ambassadors imployed on some great affair,) others Liegers and Permanent, the most proper for our Pen to observe. And to prevent vacuitie in some Counties (that this Topicke of wonders might be invested with some matter) some Artificial Rarities are (but very sparingly) inserted, such as transcend the standard of ordinary performance, But thse are cast in as over weight, the former being onely our proper subject.

Our great design herein is that men may pay the Tribute of their admiration, where the same is due, to God himself, who, as David observeth* 1.8 only doth great wonders. Only, exclusively of men and Angels. Doth, that is really solidly and substanti∣ally, Iuglers doe shew not doe, whose pretty workes are not Praestationes, but Praestigiae. Great Wonders, called in Scripture MAGNALIA, and if the Latin alloweth the word, we could grant the Divel his Parvalia doing of petty feats, greatened into wonders by his cun∣ning, and our credulity.

Wel let our admiration be given to God, seeing Deliberate Wondering (when the soul is not suddenly surprised) being raised up to an height is part of adoration, and cannot be given to any creature without some sacrile•…•…ge. Such wondring consists of Reverence and ig norance, which best becometh even the wisest of men, in their searches after God his wayes. As for that unkind wondring, which melts not man's heart like wax into the praysing of God, but clay like hardneth it unto stupefaction, Behold you despi∣sers and wonder* 1.9 and perish, God keep all good men from being guilty thereof.

A secondary end I have herein to shew that England fals not short of forraign Coun∣tries in wonderful sights the same in kind though not in degree. Italy hath her Grotta dela Sibilla, we in Summerset-shire our Wockley Hole. Spain her Anas, we our Mole, &c. Bnt wonders like prophets are not without honour save in their own Country, where constancy (or at least Commonnesse of Converse) with them abateth their respect and reputation.

The Buildings.

Next* 1.10 we take notice of the signal structures which each County doth afford. In∣deed the Italians do account all English to be Gothish Buildings, onely vast, (and greatnesse, must have something of coarsnes therein) however abating for their advantage above us in Materialls, Marble, Pophery &c. their pallaces may admire the art in some English fabricks, and in our Churches especially.

Elisha beholding Hasael, wept by way of prophecie foreseeing that (amongst other

many mischeifs) he would set fire on the strong* 1.11 Cities (and by consequence on the Fair Houses) in Israel. But well may we weep when looking back on our late Civil war, remembring how many beautiful Buildings were ruined thereby, though indeed we have Cause to be thankful to God that so many are left standing in the Land.

But what said our Saviour to his Disciples, when transported with wonder at the good¦ly stones in the Temple,* 1.12 are these the things you looke upon? such transitory buildings are unworthy of a Christians admiration. And let it be our care that when the fairest and firmest Fabricks fall to the ground, yea when our earthly house be dissolved, we may have an house not made with hands, but eternal in the* 1.13 Heavens.

Local Proverbs.

A PROVERB is much matter decocted into few words. Hear what a learned* 1.14 Critick saith of them; Argutae hae brevesque loquendi formulae, quamvis è trivio petitae et plebi fre∣quentatae suas habent Veneres, et genium cujusque gentis penes quam celebrantur, atque acumen ostendunt.

Some will have a Proverb so called from Verbum a word and Pro (as in Proavus) signifying Before, being a speech which time out of mind hath had peaceable possession in the mouths of many people. Others deduce it from Verbum a word, and pro for Vice (as in Propraeses) in stead of, because it is not to be taken in the literal sence, one thing being put for an other.

Six esentials are required to the compleating of a perfect Proverb, Namely that it be.

• 1. Short.
• 2. Playn.
• 3. Common.
• 4. Figurative.
• 5. Antient.
• 6. True.

Otherwise it is no Proverb but a.

• 1. Oration.
• 2. Riddle.
• 3. Secret.
• 4. Sentence.
• 5. Upstart.
• 6. Libel.

I have only insisted on such local Proverbs in their respective Counties, wherein some proper Place or Person, is mentioned, such as suggest unto us some Historical •…•…int and the interpretation thereof afford some considerable information, and conduce to the illust∣ration of those Counties wherein they are used.

Herein I have neglected such narrow and restrictive Proverbs as never travelled be∣yond the smoke of the chimneys of that town wherein they were made, and though perchance significant in themselves, are unknown to the neibouring Counties, so far they are from acquiring a National reception. Besides. I have declined all such which are Frivolous, Scurrilous, Scandalous, confining our selves onely to such whose expound∣ing may contribute to the understanding of those shires wherein they are in fashion.

Objection.

It is more proper for a person of your profession to imploy himself in reading of, and commenting on the Proverbs of Solomon* 1.15 to know wisdome and instruction to perceive the words of understanding. Whereas you now are busied in what may be pleasant, not profita∣ble, yea, what may inform the fleshly not edifie the inward man.

Answer.

Let not our fellow servants be more harsh unto us then our Master himself, we serve not so severe a Lord, but that he alloweth us sawce with our meat, and recreation with our vocation.

Secondly, God himself besides such as I may call Supernatural Proverbs (as divine∣ly Inspired) taketh notice and maketh use of the natural or Native Proverbs of the Coun∣try, praysing, approving, and applying some,* 1.16 Physitian cure thy self,* 1.17 The Dog is re∣turned to his Vomit, and the Swine which was washed to her wallowing in the mire; D•…•…slik∣ing and condemning others, and commanding* 1.18 them to be abolished. The Fathers have eaten sowre Grapes, and the Childrens teeth are set on edge. Now seeing Antiquity with∣out Verity is no just Plea that any thing should be continued; On this Warrant, I have in these our Country-Proverbs alledged more than I allow, branding some with a Note of Infamy, as fit to be banished out of our discourse.

Lastly, besides Information much good may redound to the Reader hereby; It was the Councel which a Wise gave to a Great man, Read Histories that thou dost not become a History. So may we say, Read Proverbs that thou beest not made a Proverb, as God threatned the sinful people of* 1.19 Israel. Sure I am that David by minding of a Country, (no Canonical Proverb) viz. [* 1.20 Wickednesse proceedeth from the wicked] was thereby dis∣fwaded from offering any violence to the person of Saul then placed in his power, whereby he procured much Tranquillity to his own conscience.

We have not confined our selves to Proverbs in the strict acception thereof, but sometimes insist on such which have onely a Proverbial Tendency or Lye (as one may say) in the Marches betwixt Proverb and Prophecie, where they afford us a fit occa∣sion to salley forth into such Discourse, as may conduce to the History of our Nation.

The Medicinal Herbs.

Some maintain this Position, That every Country cures the diseases, which it causes, and bringeth remedies, for all the maladies bred therein. An opinion which grant not true, yet may have much of Truth therein, seeing every Country, and England especially affordeth excellent Plants were it not partly for mens laziness, that they will not seek them, partly for their ignorance that they know not when they have found them, and partly for their pride and peevishnesse, because when found, they disdain to use and apply them. Indeed quod charum, charum, what is fetch'd farr, and bought dear, that onely is esteemed; otherwise were many English plants as rare as they are useful we would hug in our hands, what we now trample under our feet.

For proof hereof let not the Reader grudge to peruse these words of a grand Herba∣list, speaking of Virga Aurea, or Golden-rod, growing plentifully, but discovered lately in Middlesex.

Gerard in his Herbal. pag. 430.

It is extolled above all other Herbs, for the stopping of blood in Sanguinolent Ulcers, and bleeding Wounds, and hath in time past been had in greater estimation and regard then in these dayes; For in my remembrance I have known the dry Herb which came from beyond the Seas, sold in Bucklars-bury in London, for two shillings six pence the Ounce. But since it is found in Hamsted wood, even as it were at the Towns end, no man will give two shill•…•…ngs six pence for an hundred weight of it, which plainly sets forth our inconstancy and suddain mutability, este•…•… ming no longer of anything (how precious soever it be) then while it is strange and rare.

We may also observe that many base and barren heaths and hills, which afford the least food for beasts, yeeld the best Physick for man, One may also take notice that such places that are nearest to London, Cambridge, Oxford, Bath, or where some eminent Herbalist hath his habitation, afford us the greater variety of medicinal herbes. Not that more have growne but more are knowne there abouts, where the native plants are not better, but more happie in their vicinitie to such discoverers. And now to be always within the reach if not the touch of mine owne calling we may observe in Scrip∣ture that Gods Spirit directs men to the gathering of such Simples of his owne planting. Is there no * balme in Gilead? True in a literal sense, as well as mystically of our Saviour.

Now the reason why I have been so sparing in this Topick, and so seldome insist thereon, is because these Herbs grow equally for goodness and plenty, in all Counties, so that no one Shire can without manifest usurpation intitle it) selfe thereunto. Besides they are so Common, and Numerous, they would justle out matter of more concern∣ment. However we have noted it where the Herb is rare and very useful, and in our fol∣lowing Book (though here the Method be transposed) have placed Medicinal Herbs, next Medicinal waters, conceiving that order most Natural.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Acts 6. 1.
• * 1.2

  Gen. 2. 12.
• * 1.3

  Psal. 107. 8.
• * 1.4

  Isay 55. 1.
• * 1.5

  Deut. 2. 28.
• * 1.6

  H. Hunting∣ton.
• * 1.7

  Sir John Sidney, Samuel Beauland on Ne•…•…eius.
• * 1.8

  Psal. 136. 4.
• * 1.9

  Acts 3. 41.
• * 1.10

  Reader in our following Book we have inverted the Method, and more properly placed build∣ings next to 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.11

  King. 8. 12.
• * 1.12

  Luke 21. 6.
• * 1.13

  2 Cor. 5. 1.
• * 1.14

  Salmatius è Levino VVar∣nero.
• * 1.15

  Proverbs 1. 2
• * 1.16

  Luke 4. 23.
• * 1.17

  2 Pet. 2. 22.
• * 1.18

  Ezek. 8. •…•….
• * 1.19

  1 Kings 9. 7.
• * 1.20

  1 Sam. 24. 13.