18. That 'tis good to be drunk once a moneth, is a common flattery of sensuality, supporting it self upon Physick, and the healthful effects of inebriation. This indeed seems plainly affirmed by _Avicenna_, a Physitian of great authority, and whose religion prohibiting Wine, could less extenuate ebriety. But _Averroes_ a man of his own faith was of another belief; restraining his ebriety unto hilarity, and in effect making no more thereof than _Seneca_ commendeth, and was allowable in _Cato_; that is, a sober incalescence and regulated æstuation from wine; or what may be conceived between _Joseph_ and his brethren, when the text expresseth they were merry, or drank largely, and whereby indeed the commodities set down by _Avicenna_, that is, alleviation of spirits, resolution of superfluities, provocation of sweat and urine may also ensue. But as for dementation, sopition of reason, and the diviner particle from drink; though _American_ religion approve, and _Pagan_ piety of old hath practised it, even at their sacrifices; Christian morality and the doctrine of Christ will not allow. And surely that religion which excuseth the fact of _Noah_, in the aged surprizal of six hundred years, and unexpected inebriation from the unknown effects of wine, will neither acquit ebriosity nor ebriety, in their known and intended perversions. And indeed, although sometimes effects succeed which may relieve the body, yet if they carry mischief or peril unto the soul, we are therein restrainable by Divinity, which circumscribeth Physick, and circumstantially determines the use thereof. From natural considerations, Physick commendeth the use of venery; and happily, incest, adultery, or stupration may prove as Physically advantagious, as conjugal copulation; which notwithstanding must not be drawn into practise. And truly effects, consequents, or events which we commend, arise oft-times from wayes which we all condemn. Thus from the fact of _Lot_, we derive the generation of _Ruth_, and blessed Nativity of our Saviour; which notwithstanding did not extenuate the incestuous ebriety of the generator. And if, as is commonly urged, we think to extenuate ebriety from the benefit of vomit oft succeeding, _Egyptian_ sobriety will condemn us, which purged both wayes twice a moneth, without this perturbation: and we foolishly contemn the liberal hand of God, and ample field of medicines which sobriety produce that action. [Sidenote: _Why the devil is commonly said to appear with a cloven foot._]