FONS SANITATIS: Or the HEALING SPRING AT WILLOWBRIDGE IN Stafford-shire. Found out by the Right Honourable the Lady JANE GERARD Baroness of BROMLEY. Published for the Common Good, By SAMVEL GILBERT, Chaplain to Her Honour, and Rector of Quatt. The WELL having been of Happy Consequence to all its Neighbouring Diseased Persons, and many Strangers, to whom Its Infant Fame hath (but yet) lisped its Virtues. With Allowance. LONDON, Printed for the Author, Anno Dom. 1676. The Epistle to the READER. Reader. IF the Noise of these Waters have not sounded in your Ears, the following Catalogue of some few of the many Cures done by it, are withal truth and integrity made public, many amazing effects of it being lost through the neglect of enquiring the Persons, Names and Places, where they Live: And though this Excellent Water be but in its infancy, being but lately discovered; yet 'tis found a Physician, not inferior to many that have taken their degree: And as good a Chirurgeon and Oculist, as those tha● have served an Apprenticeship: As also a Farrier, which my love to that Species of Creatures makes me insert, fo● Curing several Maladies in Horses. To show how universally Restorative these Waters are to Debilitated Limbs, it hath been often experimented, that they not only extend the contraction, but contract and comfort the relaxation of feeble Nerves and Sinews, even to admiration. And in an Incredible short time; which is performed by Drinking and Bathing, although it be a Cold-Water, against which some may object; yet methinks 'tis no● unreasonable to answer; That tha● temper improves this virtue in it, b●lcent'ring the natural heat, which makes it return to the extreme part● with greater vigour, and so to procure an equal circulation of th● Bood, And 'tis believed they wil● hardly fail, where repletion is no● wanting. It Heals all Foul Scabs, and Ulcers, Scald-heads, the Kings-evil, Scales Bones; and heals by Extracting, and Cleansing the humours that cause the Malady. And is an incomparable Remedy for Swell in any part; and gives immediate Ease to Aches and Pains, and Palsies. And by Drinking and Bathing, Cures Scorbutic and Dropecal Distempers, the Stone, the Colic and the Rickets; yet of flowing not mercenary administrations. I have heard 'tis a Maxim: That no Mineral lies single, but certainly this may pretend to come from a singular composition of them, by its Sanative operations: So excelling all I have heard of. And it is hoped, and believed, there is no cause to fear it should lose its Virtue, it being not a lean barren Spring, as most other Medicinal Waters, but a Stream so plentiful as it is enough to turn a Mill. But although I shall not pretend to Determine whether it be armed to encounter and subdue Diseases, by running through Iron and Steel, or what other Minerals: For I assure you 'tis no Philosopher Writes to you; yet able to give you this truest and best reason for their virtues, viz. Because the great Preserver hath given to the gift of Healing, to whom be Eternal Praise. 'Tis farther added for the Inforformation of the Reader. Reader. THe Fame that is spread abroad of this Well, by those that have had the fortune to use it, is not unknown to many, nor the Malice neither of some Persons to all Mankind but themselves; no marvel then if exercised against the reputation of this Water that is so much for their benefit: I wish such have not occasion to make use of it, as some of the like stamp have done, that have cried it down in public, and for the Curing of their own Distempers make use of it in private; with such success as to perform what all their Choicest-Medicaments have failed in. Like many Physicians, forbidding that to others, which they use themselves. It being indeed the Interest of the less Generous minded, both Physicians and Surgeons, to beat down the fame of Cures done by this Water, to inhanse their own Advantage, though to the utter ruin of many Diseased Persons. But we need not spend the Readers, nor our own time in vindicating this Well from the aspersion of such, or indeed of any: It is sufficiently able by the daily effects of its Virtues produce, to wash off all spatlings, and raise its own fame above all the noted Springs we have yet heard of: Of which you'll be farther satisfied by perusing the annexed and true account that we could take of some Cures performed by it, that indeed would be beyond belief, were there not good authority for them. Nor would thus much as hath been said; did not the glory of God lie buried in our silence, which of all things we ought to be most concerned for: Shall so great a mercy as this Healing Well be slighted? and his goodness not extolled? Shall we be Cured by it, and he not Praised; the way purely not by concealing his mercies in the wondrous effects of it, much less by celipsing them. As his mercies shine openly and run freely, so let our acknowledgement too, and not be clouded by derogating either from the Author, or means, by which he conveys so great a health to us. Something Concerning Water in General. Of the Original, and the Reasons of the several Virtues of Springs: With an account of the Healing Spring, in Willowbridge-Park in Stafford-Shire. AN exact Philosophical and Physical Treatise of Water in General, or in particulars; Sea, River, Rain, or Spring-Water, was never the Intention of the Writer: which though not wholly out of his road, yet out of his compass of time to perform, wanting all sorts of suitable Conveniences. But such light touches that from his own reason fell in his way to this Spring, ftands in yours to the account of some Cures it hath performed, giving encouragement to some Pen more ingenuously Industrious to give better satisfaction, of the admirable Virtues of this Well. Hypocrates (that great Master of reason, and Prince of Physicians, (as some term him, not unworthily) affirms that Water and Fire are the two Principles of life; giving (as well he may) water the pre-eminence, understanding thereby our Radical Moisture, which is of such absolute necessity, that neither sensative or vegitive creatures subsistence can be propped without it: For by its deprivation, the one presently grows Hectical, the other Withers and decays. And is fitly placed before Fire, Aire, or Earth, for it extinguishes the first, changes the second into its self, and devoureth the last. The most mundane beings running the race of nature without Fire, but none without Water. As we are abundantly beholding to that Element in our composition and subsistence (having chiefest regard to the grandest power, God Almighty in the formation and upholding of all things.) So for the rectifying of the motions of the internal Machines' of our Microcosmus', and the repairing those breaches in the walls thereof that our irregularities have made. Witness the advantage we have by Water in general, but more by many particular Springs, whose use is excellent for particular Distempers: but mostly for this Spring, the occasion of what is hear made public, since God hath been pleased so to bless it, and us with having the advantage of it, as to enforce it with such virtues, as to be a Catholicon (if rightly used) for most (if not all) Diseases in Man, or Beast. This Spring was first taken notice of, and several experiments tried with it, by the most Ingenious and true vertuosa, that Right Honourable Lady Jane Gerard, Baroness of Bromley, of Sandon in Stafford-shire, whose Charitable care and charge, in damning it out from the common Water, into which it delivered itself, (a large Pool through which the River Terne runs, taking its beginning about half a mile above it,) causing it to be divided into two large Baths; the one for Men, the other for Horses. In both which the Spring rises with great force in several places. And building a fair foursquare Stone Conduit at the head of the Springs to preserve water pure and clear for Drinking: Intending also to build a Row of Rooms for the conveniency of poor people to lodge in; and an Undressing Room for persons of Higher Ranks that shall have occasion for Bathing there, declaring the Nobleness of her Spirit, in such her concern for the Public benefit of all Diseased persons, without the least glance on self-interest: But the satisfaction of being useful to others. This well is distant a quarter of a mile from Willowbridge Lodge (the finest seated, and best compacted house of that nature) in the parish of Ashely, two miles and a half off that famous house of Bromley in Stafford-Shire (both possessed by that Honourable Lady before mentioned, the Inheritance of her incomparable Son: The Right Honourable Digby Lord Gerard, Baron of Gerard's Bromley, Lord of Dutton of most noble parts as well as large fortunes.) Three miles from Drayton in Shrop-Shire, five miles from Newcastle underline, six miles from Eccleshall, seven miles from Namtwich, nine miles from Newport, nine miles from Stone, eleven miles from Stafford, all Market Towns of Note; and is Eastwardly from the Lodge, in a valley surrounded by several rises of ground. The River turn on the North, and Willowbridge Park on the South, on the same side lies Ashley-Heath about a mile distant, which hath been reputed by the ablest Artist's in King Jame's time (the Learned Cambden) to be the highest ground in England, and from whence 'tis supposed this Spring comes flowing through at its break out, or off the face of a large Bed of good and hard Building Stone. Before we come to the wondrous effects of this Spring, 'twill be satisfactory to some less knowing, to be informed of the original of all Springs; for whose satisfaction I declare in short, (without mentioning the many opinions about it; and their Author's Discourses Pro, and Con, merely to show their mastery of mysterious words.) That all Springs undoubtedly come from the Sea, through Meandring veins and porositous passages of the Earth, forced through them even to or over the tops of Mountains, and to their break out in so many places by that great weight of water that lies behind them, pressing them forward; and are clarified from the Sea Saltness in their passage: Good * Lord Bacon. authority affirming, that pits dug near the Sea, the water that soaks into them, by that means becomes fresh. Now the nature of the Spring, is suitable to the Qualities of that Earth, or Minerals through which by its many turn and wind in its passage through the bowels of the Earth it runs; carrying with it either faculty, or substance, or both. Some Springs (as this we treat of) out of the subteraneal substances attract faculties to each other, as those substances they pass through. Which solves the Question of the Curious enquirer, why the same Spring should Cure divers Diseases, and they contrary, or having but small kin to each other; as 〈◊〉 any simples compounded together of nature's repugnant to each other, having had their due fermentation, working so upon one another, as to become incorporated, with a concatenation of their virtues; may occasion the same Question, yet produce in its effects a rare Medicine for most Diseases. and as it is most powerful against those for which there was a greater quantity of suitable Simples in the composition. So is each Spring of the greater force and quicker dispatch in the Curing those Distempers, for which those Minerals it last and most run through his, proper. The virtues this Spring last participated, is conceived to be Sulphur and Nitre by its Coldness, and driving out an internal Malady to the extreme parts of the body, and its Balsamic virtue in healing it, and all sorts of Soa●s whatever, that it with its virtues can reach either Internal, or External. The Taste of this Water is extremely pleasant to most, near to that of new milk mixed with common Spring water. But can give no pleusible reason of the contrary and bitter relish it hath left on the Pallets of some few, that have given mean account thereof. This Water is free from any manner of Tincture, but of a Crystal clearness, some whereof standing but a little time in a clear Glass, which I often for satisfaction tried, left a thick Oily feceses all over the Glass. A quantity of it being exhaled over the fire, there hath remained a substance of the thickness and colour of Honey; but we were debilirated for making Chemical experiments of it for want of suitable Utensils: would but an Artist bestow some pains upon it, 'twould certainly require his pains, and he thereby find out the reasons of, and confirm those that (are not eye witnesses) may doubt its virtues. What this Water performs, you are informed in the Epistle to Reader, by a Right Honourable, and though Female, yet a Pen of more than a Masculine strain and vivacity, proceeding from so ready a Phaucis at all times, that the richness thereof flows as much faster than she can write (though an incredible swift hand) as this Spring outdoes the belief of many. Therefore the dull account I might have given, would have seemed like flatest Water after the briskest Wine. However before we come to the Alphabetical account of the few of those many Cures it hath done since Spring was a twelvemonth: Those persons that desire to make trial of this Water, that are not able to see a Physician for better advice, are desired to follow these brief and easy rules First, Rightly to consider the nature of their Distemper, and which way the water must work to Cure them, and to take something that may prepare their Bodies for it, to facilitate its operation; though few that methodically use the water, and have time so to do, will stand in need thereof. Secondly, that they Drink two or three days before they Bath, and that in the morning, not overcharging their Stomaches at the first, but increasing▪ their draughts every morning, and using if they can, some moderate exercise (as walking) betwixt every three or four Glasses, and when they once find the water to pass freely, by urine, or Stool, they may Drink the more freely. Then whether they have any outward Distemper, or not, to Bathe the whole body; the time most proper, in the Morning? and after their drinking the water, not to Dine till they find it clearly passed, which you may know by their Urines, if it be any thing coloured when you make it, for till than it will be clear, and if chief to work that way, to take heed of provoking sweeting, which is a great hindrance of the waters passage by Urine. An 〈◊〉 of ability, to drink their two or three first Glasses mixed with White-Wine. Thirdly, for their Dyer, to be moderate, and avoid all sort of Salt Meats, and if they drink this water in the Evening, which may be done, (but not so proper as in the Morning) to eat little or no Supper, if any, that which is of light Digestion. Fourthly, that they be not too hasty in leaving this water, but rather for a settled Cure to stay two or three days longer than needs, that go on too soon; and for encouragement read this ensuing and Just account as could be taken, of some of the cures done by this Spring. Many having made use of it, that kept their Distempers as close as they did the benefit they received by it; some stealing the advantage of Bathing in it, when night had spread its sable mantle o'er the surface of our hemisphere (thinking the Stars were no Intelligencers) thereby to hinder their Distempers well as Cures coming to appear in open day. Like the ungrateful Lepers, ten Cured, but one found returning Praise. Mercies so ill returned may surely make, The Author of them a less Compass take, About their Centre; or it should him please, His overflowing Springs of Mercies cease. That you no more his favours should abuse, Since Thanks that easy Tribute you refuse. Aches. 1. A Tailor in Kemberton, near Shifnall in Shrop-shire, was so diseased in his Shoulders and Arms with extreme pain, that he could not work at his Trade, nor put on, or off his clothes without help: coming to this Well, with one with him to help him to Dress and Undress; the first night with Bathing in the water was able to do it himself: And stayed no longer, receiving in that small time a perfect Cure; being now as able to work as ever: Attested by Mrs. Frances Wildie in Church-Eaton, Stafford-shire. 2. Elizabeth Oakely of Shrewsbury, pained in her Shoulders, Arms, Legs, indeed all over; so that she had small use of her Limbs Coming to the Well on Tuesday last, the 4th. of July 1676. and there by Drinking and Bathing the remainder of the week: On the Monday following went away perfectly Cured of all her pains. 3. Marry Wood of Ridgley, in the County of Stafford, about nineteen years of Age; having pains as the former, but with a large addition of a Scabby Scurf all over her body, was in a week's time Cured of all her pains; her face and body free from her Scurse, the skin remaining smooth and soft. 4. John Hancher of Knighton in Shrop-shire, middle Aged, for many years tormented with pain in his Head, with Drinking this water, and Bathing his Head therewith sometimes, was perfectly Cured. 5. Richard Scot of Pype-Yate in Shrop-shire, Aged about 50. years, Diseased with extreme pain in his Stomach for three years' space, having made use of several Physicians, but found no help, till coming to this Well; where by Drinking and Bathing he was perfectly Cured: Attested by Mr. Thomas Cleyton OF Only in Stafford-shire. 6. Mrs. Jane Reynolds of Mucklestone, of 60. years of Age in Stafford-shire, having an extreme pain in her Shoulder, running down her Arm to her Fingers; with only Bathing it night and morning for three days in this water quite took away the pain. Taken from her own mouth by Samuel Gilbert. 7. Abraham Launder of the Parish of Muckleston, was troubled for twenty years with a pain and weakness in one of his Wrists that he could not bare the weight of a pound therewith; washing in this water three or four times, strengthened his Wrist and took away the pain, so that he was never troubled since. 8. Margery Russel of Offeley in Stafford-shire, Cured of Aches of her Bones and Contractions of Sinews. If Aches you have from Cold or Country Caus● Near seek for distant waters Yorkshire Spaw● Nor throw away your Money on each Quake, That loudly of his Skill, on Stage doth Crack. Nor on some Pettycoat Doctresses, One Medicine makes for all Diseases. That speak most honey healing words to please yo● Who of your Money not you pain will ease you. Use then this Water, keep your Coin; Your told for no one's prophet but your own. Bitings. 9 Arthur Dickson of Kendal in Westmo●land, Aged 69. years, having been bit●● with a Dog in the Calf of his Leg, so that si● holes reached the Bone, and in a small ti●● wid'ned to that breadth, so that there mig●● be two fingers buried in each of them: H●ving before that Accident had (but more increased since) a great pain in that Leg an● Knee. In three week's time at this well was released, of his pain, and his Sores Cured: Taken from his own mouth, by Samuel Gilbert July 13. 1676. Bloody Flux. 10. The Wife of Edward Hope of Mare i● Stafford-shire, Diseased with the Bloody Flu● four years: By this Water perfectly Cured; Witnessed by, Francis Daniel. Bruises. 11. Richard Scot of Pype-Yate in Shrop-shire, about 50. years of Age, being croping a Tree, received a blow on the Calf of his Leg, that so bruised it, that it became a Sore, that no Chirurgeon was able to Cure, though he made use of the best he could get; and lying long under their hands. But a short time Drinking and Bathing in this water, his Leg was perfectly restored to the soundness of the other, and as well able to make use of it as ever. Witnessed by Mr. Thomas Cleyton, of Only. 12. A Servant man of Abraham Launders of Pool-hall, near Oar in Shrop-shire, that followed his Wagon, the Wheel thereof bearing above twenty hundred weight going over his Foot, so crushed it, that he lay under the Surgeon's hands seven weeks with no other hopes of saving his Leg, but by cutting off his Foot: Till Bathing in this water three weeks; was perfectly Cured, and again able to follow the Wagon as formerly. Attested by his Master and Thomas Tildesly of Bromley What greater crush can there be given, To man, than lose his hopes of Heaven? And pressed down to deeps below; Where Torments are in hottest glow. What greater comfort after this, Than be assured of lasting bliss. Though the old Serpent bruised each heel, On his own head the pain will feel. Let's trample there, with mind and body too, No surer way our health for to renew. The Serpent's bruises take from off the soul, This Water makes the body's bruises whole▪ Though we here than be crushed to greatest pain; This Water Comforts, Heals, gives ease again. With praise to God, Curtail the Serpents tread, Lest we trip but on's heel, he on our head. Burns. 13. Samuel Jackson of Middle-wich in Cheshire, having very sorely burnt the bottom of his foot, accidentally treading with his bare foot on a red hot Heater of a Smoothing Iron, which burned near the thickness of it into his Foot: but no Salve being able to heal it for three months' time, but rather making it worse. But coming to this Well, and Bathing in the water about ten days; 'tis so healed by it, that some persons it hath been shown to, are scarce able to discover, where it was burnt. Taken from his own mouth and by the sight of Samuel Gilbert. 14. A Daughter of John Clarks of Aston in Stafford-shire▪ five years of Age; the fire catchgin in her Aporn and clothes, most lamentably burnt her Belly and one of her Thighs, which could not by any means be healed for a year and halfs time, till Bathed about a dozen times with water fetched from this Well. This Attested by her Father to Samuel Gilbert. If outward burning here do painful feel, And proving Soars as difficult to heal, What are the dangerous flames penned up within, Still fed with the vast fuel of our sin? Which if not quenched here, will ever burn, And we as they, and ne'er to ashes turn: Seek Cure for both, for their are Springs will do't, Unto the first, apply this water to't. For th' next, I hope already understood, Bath in the never failing Spring Christ's Blood. Colic. 51. Edward Bate of Bloor in Drayton Parish under Hales, John North of Ashley, William Gardiner of Mare, John Twyford of Aston by Stone; all in the County of Stafford, by this water Cured of the Wind Colic. 16. Edward Snep of Mucklestone, Robert Cross of Winnington; both in the County of Stafford, Cured by this water of the Stone Colic, witnessed by Mr. Thomas Tildesly. Thus hath this water these Diseases Cured, Let those that make not use of't be inur'd. Wilfully to such their distempring pain, Whose virtues they'll not try, but will disdain. That power that turned water into wine, Makes this more worth than richest juice from Vine. For to this waters turned each Medicine. Consumptions. 17. Sarah Plimly of the Parish of Drayton in Shrop-shire; having been (as judged) in a Consumption for twenty years and more, by Drinking this water, and Bathing, was perfectly Cured: Attested by Rohet Plimly her Father, living in the Parish and County aforesaid. 18. Mr. William Plimly of Norton in Shrop-shire about forty years of Age; being so far entered into a Consumption, that his Stomach digested nothing that it received, accompanied with a tormenting Stitch on his left side, occasioned at Sea; the Vessel in which he was being run on the Sands, he continued long wet by being forced to wade to save his life. For his Distemper he could receive no benefit from many Doctors of Physic that he applied himself to; who all gave him over as irrecoverable. But coming to this Well last Spring, Drinking thereof, and Bathing only the pained side, it removed the Stitch to the other side; which he Bathing and continuing the Drinking of it, it occasioned much Vomiting, sometime gently purging by Stool, but most by Urine, each night taking a Bottle home with him, which he used as before mentioned, so many days as but to fill up three weeks: It cleared him of his Stitch, regained his Stomach, and restored him to as good a state for health as ever. Attested by himself and Robert Plimly in Drayton Parish in Stafford-shire. Great wheedler of poor men to death; Mistaking quite thy whispering breath. That such deluding thoughts dost give, 'Twixt hope and fear thinks still to live. Till of a sudden, hopeless they, Remove into their beds of clay. If you from this consumption cheat, Would live, and be in health replete. Consume those vices that control, The health of Body and of Soul▪ Let th' Grace's hand you to this Spring; For health, praise to the Author bring. Fail not of that unless most basely rude, There's no Disease like to Ingratitude. 19 Mrs. Joan Maudley of Ashburn in the County of Derby: Being Lame of one of her Legs, that she could not without help get in or out of her Bed, by reason of her great pain and contraction of Sinews: being brought to this Well the. 4th. of July 1676. and but by Bathing till the 11th. of the same month, could go so well as to have scarce a discernible halting. vide. the Contractions Cured in the Leprosies, in the third of Lameness. Relaxation of Sinews. 20. A Boy whose name we cannot learn; his Legs hanging as if held together by threads, by reason of the weakness and laxed Ligaments and Sinews not being able to use them: In a short time were strengthened sufficiently to support his body, by Drinking and Bathing at this Well. Attested by Mr. and Mrs. Wildie. Dropsies. 21. Margaret Tingle of Bloor in Stafford-shire, having her Legs much swelled with the Dropsy, by Drinking of the water but once, and three or four times Bathing, quite Cured. Attested by Francis Daniel of Bromley. 22. Lawrence Key of the Parish of Stoak upon Trent a ground Collier, being extremely Hydropical, the humour so fell down into his Legs as to swell them to a great bulk: But putting them into this water the first time, he took them out; there came from all parts of them little Worms, about the bigness of Pins heads, very numerous; after them issued little drops of water: But by often Bathing brought down the swelling, stopped those little issues, and perfectly Cured him. Taken from his own mouth. 23. Marry Vicars of Knightly, Cured of a Dropsy. Attested by Samuel Rhodes. 24. John Plimly of Madely in Stafford-shire, of middle Age, cruelly Diseased with the Dropsy, his Belly swelled bigger than a woman with child at her full time, and his Legs to the bigness of a reasonable man's middle and of a strange colour; brought to this Well in March last on a Tuesday, and by the Friday following, with Drinking and Bathing tok down the swelling, both of his Belly and Legs; and in nine day's time Cured him that he was able to follow his work after his usual manner. Attested by Mrs. Jean Reynald's of Muckleston in Stafford-shire, whose Workman he was, and still is. Was ever man delivered so from fear, Of Children many, as there's days i'th' year! His Belly should contain, being grown so big; 'Twas past his power to see, or feel a Leg. His Belly like unto the great world seeming, Of strange productions ready to be teeming. His upper parts with arm on Kembo set, Looked like the top of great Dutch jugge; but yet His moving Legs and Feet Antipodes, Altered my thoughts, that it was none of these. But that it was Copernicus' world, In which Perepaticks late were hurled. Who suitable unto their lives, might have, When past the straits of death, a walking grave. Yet by this Water to the view of men, Was changed into a little world again. 'Twas little less than miracle each thought, A man to Bed of a great Belly brought. The quick dispatch of Cure, sure done to show, What likeless means can with God's blessing do. Kings-Evil. 29. Marry Ratcliff of Vttoxiter in Stafford-shire, of middle Age; having had the Kings-Evil for twenty years, in her Face, Shoulders, Arms and Legs; Drank of the water, and Bathed in it but for nine day's time, in April last, was Cured of that Disease in all the parts before mentioned: But the Issues made in hopes to help her long before, (and nature having some recourse that way) the water too hastily healed up for want of her regular Drinking of it; occasioned some Breaking's out, which the water afterwards rectified by three or four days Drinking, and once or twice Bathing. Attested by Mr. Charles Cotton. 26. Mr. Richard Nevil, of Richards-Court near Stafford a Lawyer, having a considerable swelling under his Chin, and by the date of it thought it the Kings-Evil, coming by the Well as he was to journey about twenty Miles farther, dipped his Pocket Hancherchief in it, and applied it as he road to the grieved place, which occasioned him so much ease, that he repeated it when he came back, taking one Quart of it home with him, the use of it perfectly Cured him: Affirmed by himself to Mr. Thomas Tilsdesley. 27. A Daughter of Goodman Brooks in Oorelane in Shrop-shire, Aged about sixteen, Disiased with the Kings-Evil, having a swelling on her Breast of long continuance: Bathing in it but three times dispersed the Humour, and so perfectly Cured her, that she hath had no symptoms thereof since. The first Cure that was publicly noticed. Attested by William Shaw a neighbour to the Well. 28. Two Daughters of Mr. Brassingtons' of Karsey in Stafford-shire; one had the Kings-Evil in her Foot, so that she could not wear any Shoe, but go with it leapt about with clothes, and scarceable to go then: with Drinking and Bathing nine days was Cured. The other being suspected to have the same Distemper in her Knees, having some swell there, stayed the same time, and both made dance by their Father at their going away, with as much agility as if never distempered. Attested by Charles Cotton. April 1676. 29. Anne the Daughter of William Brucks, of Oore in the Parish of Muckleston in the County of Salop, Aged about fifteen; Diseased with the Kings-Evil, especially in her Breast which was swelled as big as two Breasts, yet Cured at three times Bathing. Taken from her own mouth by Mr. Andrew Dorrington of Stillinghurst in Shrop-shire. 30. Joan Grimes of Aston by Stone, being to the apprehension of others as well as herself, blinded by the King's Evil: This water hath recovered her sight and Cured her of the Kings-Evil. Attested by Mr. Thomas Tildesly of Bromly. 31. Elizabeth Cliff of Maxfield in Cheshire, having been blind with the Kings-Evil near two years. In six week's time Cured of the Evil; and is now able to see to follow her Trade of Button making as formerly. Attested by Walter Wilson. 32. William Rowland of Bakewell in Derbyshire, Cured of the like Distemper. 33. John Knowles of Bridgworth in Shrop-shire, Cured of the like Distemper. Attested by William Shaw. 'Mongst our Physicians there are none, The Curing this Disease will own. They as often tried, as often failed, But never any yet assailed. To Conquer it with water here, But with few wounds got th' victory clear. Though lamely they the on set made, Looked pale and wan as if afraid. Yet marched away with nimble paces, And flying colours in their faces. Thus English Mastiffe's fight hold, No force, can their closed teeth unfold. Till in their mouths one water threw, The Combatents they strait with drew. So man with this Disease being joined. Their flesh away in battle pined. This water thrown, within, without; Loses their hold, drives th' evil out. French-Pox. 43. A Gentle Woman on the edge of Cheshire, whose name I forbear to mention, had the French-pox given her by her Husband; which so seized her secret parts that she could scarce go, and on her Throat and palate of her mouth that she could not well be understood what she spoke, bringing her body to a very low ebb of health, very pale and lean: but having been at this well Bathing and Drinking for three weeks, hath so recovered her health as to have a ruddy Complexion, plumpness and strength of body, with great amendment of Speech. This if occasion offered, will be verified by Mr. Andrew Dorrington of Sillinghurst in Shropshire. Farewell Cornelius Tub be gone, Here's cleanlier Cure for every one, Thou makes men look like parboiled flesh, But this doth make you clear and fresh. No Pills of Turpentine you need, All medicines this doth far exceed. Yet you will find repentant tears, The soul of all diseases clears, Then wash with both, since best for each, Experience may discretion teach. For he that knows the fire will burn, Doth reason Topsie turvy turn. That hath been scorched by its flame, Will venture't play an after game Head Scald. 35. Two Children of Morgan Shanbrooks in Shelton and over St. Chads, Salop, Cured of very grievous Scald-heads, by Drinking and Washing their Heads therewith. Attested by Mr. Tho. Tildesly. 36. Thomas Ward of Ehelmarton in Blackewell Parish in Derbyshire, and his Brother Edward Ward. 37. Henry Elisson and Elen his Sister of Stockholms in Cheshire, in Kunckorne Parish, all in near abouts three week's time, by Drinking and Bathing perfectly Cured of very Sore Scald-heads. Attested by Samuel Gilbert, etc. 38. Many more of this nature, which cannot here be set down, through neglect in taking their names at their going away from the Well. Lameness. 39 Grace Hollenshead of Worsworth in the County of Derby, Cured in few days of a Lameness of her Limbs, and Weakness of Body Attested by Mr. Andrew Dorrington of Stillinghurst in Shropshire.▪ 40. A Stranger, whose name could not be known, brought to the Well in a Cart, so Lame that he had no use of his lower parts, the water so recovered him, that he left his Cart behind him, and went away from the Well on foot perfectly Cured to the eye of all persons then there Attested by. Mr. and Mrs. Widlie than of Willowbridge. Marry Phillips of Prees Parish in Shropshire Lamed of both her Legs, her Arms and Hands, and such a contraction of her Sinews in her hands, that they were kept clutched by it, having the use of neither Arms, Hands, nor Legs, not able to help herself: In a week's time Drinking and Bathing, she could not only go, but run; and in a fortnight's time Cured both Legs, Arms and Hands, of which she hath now the perfect use. Come make a halt then at this Spring, Your Lameness you may thither bring. But if you use the water right, You'll find, ease profit and delight. Better than strong drink will this water, Make you to dance and cut a caper. Enabled then to show your honour, Make a whole leg unto the Donor. What miracles doth from it flow, Makes Blind to see, the Lame to go. A medicine sure this Age will please, When drinking Cureth the disease. Off with your Glass, nay twenty more, 'Tis for your health, ne'er give it o'er▪ The greatest Tiplers here make known, Though to others health they drink their own. Drink freely than, there's none that grutges, 'Twil make you fling away your Crutches. Leprosy. 42. Joseph genning's of Crannage in Cheshire, Aged twenty years, Diseased seven of them with a Leprous breaking out all over his Body, from top to toe, not able to go, or scarce stir, the Sinews of his Fingers Tucked up that he had small use of any of them. Drinking and Bathing at this Well a weeks time was able to go half a mile, or more to his lodging, too and fro from the Well; and all his Scabs shield off, except some few upon his Feet. Eye witnessed by Samuel Gilbert, etc. About nine days after the same person went thence perfectly clear of his Leprosy, his Fingers extended, and his Body in health. 43. Edmund Hulme of Licksrith in Stafford-shire, Diseased after the same manner as the former, but that he had the use of his Limbs; in three day's time, Drinking and Bathing, so freed him from Scabs, and killed the Distemper, that he would not be persuaded to stay three or four days longer, but went away the fourth day after his coming thither, taken from his own mouth, and eye witness by Samuel Gilbert. Lepers Armed Cap apee in Scales▪ Whose dreadful fight with horror quales. This water penetrats, and in Piece meles brings off to the naked skin. Make them as sound as th' ever were. With child-like-softness, smooth and clear. Fits of the Mother. 44. Mrs. Dorothy Cotton of Apen in Stafford-shire, being much troubled with the above named Distemper, was Cured by Drinking four Glasses of this water at the Well, and taking one or two quart Bottles home with her for that use, and was never troubled since in that kind. Attested by her neighbour Mrs. Wildie. Palsy. 45. Richard Edward's a Blacksmith in Mere-lane-end in Stafford-shire, brought to Willowbridge in March last, so Diseased by the Palsy all over his Body, that he was not able to go thence to the Well without being Lead and supported by two men, under three hours' time; having been there about three weeks, Drinking and Bathing, his Palsy was so abated, as to walk it in as short a time as most in health, without support, or resting. Attested by Mr. Charles Cotton, and Mr. and Mrs. Wildie, then living at Willowbridge. Rickets. 46. A Child of William Lingard's three years old, troubled with the Rickets that it could never go a step, having been Bathed in, and Drank of this Water but three days, the fourth day could use its Legs, and go three or four yards without holding; in the sight of Samuel Gilbert and many others at the Well. 47. A Son of goring, or Golling of Callow-hill in Stafford-shire, Esq that would by no means hear talk of any more than ordinary virtue this Well had, especially of doing his Son any good, that was much weakened with the Rickets, and a great faltering of Speech: was extraordinarily amended in both by some bottles privately sent for of this water, by his mother, with which he was Bathed and of which he Drank: Which his Father marvailing at, altered his opinion of this Well, and fears not to be perfect now publicly by this Water, what was so happily, though against his consent, and privately begun. We have had many informations of this Disease being Cured in many Children, but till we are assured of the truth, we forbear to mention them. Scurvy. 48. Mrs. Prudence Crompton of Miswich in the County of Stafford, a Gentlewoman of good Quality (being as willing to declare, as others, to conceal the mercies of God in this Wells Curing their Distempers) affirms, that she had the Scurvy in that height that it occasioned her a sore Leg with four great holes in it, of dangerous consequence. That her Stomach had almost wholly lost its, digestive faculty, and that for thirty five years she Drank nothing but warm Drink, yet the Drinking of this very Cold water no way offended, but rather proved as a Cordial to her weak Stomach, recalling its lost digestion, and by Drinking and Bathing about a week's time with this water, cleared her of her Scurvy, and Cured her Leg. 49. Edward Whitfoot of Cundever in Shropshire, near Shrewsbury, being sorely handled with the Scurvy, which occasioned Scabs and Ulcers for 7 years all over his body; Drinking of, and Bathing in the water of this Spring somewhat about a fortnight's time, the latter end of June, and beginning of July, perfectly Cured him. 50. Thomas Howel, Husbandman Aged 70. living in Drayton near Shifnal in Shropshire, having had a stoppage in his Stomach, pain in his belly for half a years time, his blood being putrified, which appeared by the Scurvy he was Diseased with, and break out. Coming to this Well, and Drinking and Bathing, stirred him not till the third day, and then it purged him; the 4th. day also, the 6th. again, after which it bond him for 3. days, and in that time drove out all his Distemper to the extreme parts of his body in a violent manner, working by Urine all the while, but continually Drinking and Bathing five weeks in the whole, till this present day July the 7th. 76. he is thought to be perfectly Cured of all Diseases but Old Age. Taken from his own mouth at the Well by Samuel Gilbert, etc. 51. The Wife of William Gratewood of Croxon of Staffordshire, having her face blistered all over (as she thought) by the Scurvy: some few times washing with this water, Cured her. Attested by William Shaw. Never so much did this Distemper reign, In all sorts and Sexes from every vein: To sad Diseases 'tis the fatal rise, Begun, continued, by our acts in vice. So never Medicine of such force did prove, As this our Epidemic ill, t'remove. Cleanse thou from sins this thy body frees, From filth 'tis great Physicians only fees. Till which thou givest, and so thy part fulfil, Scorbutic humours lurk within thee still. Soars. 52. A Girl of about 17. years of Age, named Harding of Stondon in Stafford-shire, Infirmed with very sore Legs from her Infancy occasioned by the Rickets, or the small Pox, not being by purge carried off, fell down into her Legs which occasioned her running Soars that could not be Cured, though they used the best means they could, till at the Age above named: she was brought to this Well, where Drinking of, and Bathing in it for a short time, was perfectly Cured. Attested by Mr. Greenwood Rector of High-Ofly. 53. Widow Jackson of Norton Vnderhales in Shropshire, Aged about 70. Infirmed with a dangerous sore, so that for 40. years never skinned over, nor could she wear whole shoe or Stocking for all that time: this in a short time the water perfectly Cured. Attested by Mr. John Bradly Rector of Norton, 54. Elizabeth the Wife of Peter Gilworth of Pencle, near Newcastle under Line, had a sore Leg that issued Blood for a long time: At the first Bathing took away the pain, and stopped the bleeding, and in one day's time healed it beyond belief; from her own mouth Tho. Tildesly Testis. 55 Elizabeth Alman of Laur Delft in Stoak by Newcastle under Line, having had a sore Leg with eight holes in it, for three years; by this water was perfectly Cured. 56 Edward Hanks a Tanner in Nampwitch: His man had a sore Leg swelled as big as two for two years' time; none of the Surgeons there being able to Cure him, this water performed it in a Month's time. 57 Robert Daniel of Gayburst, had a sore Leg with two issues in it for seven years, which no Chirurgeon could stop, or Cure: one quart of this water scaled the Bone, stopped the Issues, and healed the Soars. 58 Mary Nevil of Charms in the Parish of Ecleshall in the County of Stafford, her Legs being Scratched with a Briar, festered near to a Gangreen, for which she lay under the Surgeon's hands for two years, rather made worse then better by them. This water Cured her in ten day's time: These three last affirmed by Tho. Tildesly. 59 Henry Cotton, of Woodseas in the Parish of High-Ofly, had a sore Leg, with the addition of a pain in his right Arm; both which were Cured by this water, Samuel Roder Testis. 60. Dorothy the Wife of Francis Moreton of Stafford, grieved with sore Legs 16. years, Cured in one months' time, Testis Wal. Wilson. All sores this sovereign water heals, Hundreds more than this book reveals. Then throw away your daubs and Salves, Which seldom Cures you but by th' halves. With faith your unbelief control, Then 'tis but Bathing and be whole. This Spring hath such rare virtues in't, 'Tis Surgeon, plaster, probe, and lint. Swelling. 61. A young woman of Darleston near Wem in Shropshire, having for many years such a Swelling in her Hands and Feet, that neither her Fingers nor Toes could be parted, without Cletts of Wood to force them open: By this water in a short time was perfectly Cured: attested by James Higgins of Newport Confectioner. 62. Goodman Shropshire in Ecleshall Parish, living on Gratewood-heath, having a gathering on his Hand that disenabled him for doing a day's work in twenty weeks, all remedies he applied, not breaking it, until he came to the Well, and holding his hand in the water not a quarter of an hour, but off comes a white skin like a Glove, leaving one blood-red behind it; putting his hand again into the water, it presently broke it, and without any more than once Bathing, taking some of the water home with him, dipping Linin clothes in it, and applying them to his Hand, made it as perfect as ever; from his own mouth. 63. Marry Lovet 19 years of Age, Diseased five years with a swelling in her Thighs Legs, Cured by this water, Thomas Tildesly Testis. 64. Marry Charles of Bloor-heath in Stafford-shire, having her Leg and Thigh swollen extremely, that she was forced to be Carried for a twelvemonth upon all occasions. Refused both by Physicians and Surgeons as paft Cure; making use of this water by Drinking and Bathing hath thrown away ●he Crutches: and is perfectly Cured. 65 Mrs. Jean Reynolds of Mucklestone in Stafford-shire, having a great pain and swelling in her Hip, which being Bathed in this water, drove it down into her Leg with extreme pain and swelling there, and fiery redness: but then Drinking and Bathing in it for three days, it took away the pain, brought down the swelling, and reduced it to its natural colour again, perfectly Curing her. Taken from her own mouth, Samuel Gilbert. 66 Andrew Son to Thomas Powel of Drayton Shifnal in Shropshire, having his Legs swelled as big as his Middle, occasioned by its being formerly wounded under the Calf thereof with the stub of a tree, healed up by a Chirurgeon, but not to the bottom; being brought to the Well in much pain of his Leg and thigh: Few times washing, or Bathing, broke the swelling, which issued out at one great hole three inches deep, and two in breadth. In a month's time afterwards by Bathing and Drinking, brought his Leg to its just proportion, and healed the soar. Curing him also of a breaking out all over his body. Taken from his own mouth by Samuel Gilbert. 67 Edward Bates of Bloor in Stafford-shire, swelled in his Body that he was not able to stoop: Four times Drinking this water, perfectly Cured him, its operation was by excessive purging as the nature of his Disease required. Attested by Francis Daniel of Gerard's Bromley. 67. Margaret Tingle of Bloor, in Stafford-shire, having her Legs excessively swelled. By Drinking the water but once, and Bathing three or four times; quite Cured her, Attested by the foregoing Francis Daniel. 68 A man whose name we have forgot came to this Well this Spring with a Leg swelled a yard about, Drinking and Bathing thereat, reduced it to the smallness of his other Leg in a small time, witnessed by Captain John Broughton of Whittington, and Mr. Lutchwood of Blake, both in the County of Stafford. Some inward cause, this outward ill produces, Nature is apt to find out many sluices To disburden her, from all ill humours, And throws them off into those swelling tumors; Which little Bathing here hath ta'en away. God's power in this water's largely shown, His Goodness, and its virtues let us own. Whose force like Esop's Ox to the Swelling Toad, Crushes the poisonous humour from abode. Worms. 69. A young Gentleman of Noble Quality, by two or three days Drinking of the water, and once Bathing, hilled the Worms, and carried them off by siege; which he had in a great quantity. Affirmed by Samuel Gilbert, etc. Many persons not mentioned, were left at the well with the strangest soar legs that were ever seen; especially one woman that lay several years under Surgeon's hands at Chester without help; several of the Kings-evil, of Consumptions, Dropsies, Scurvy, etc. That are in a fair way of being by it speedily Cured. A Table of the Contents of the Cures. Aches. page 9 Bitings 12. Bloody-slux. 12. Bruises. 13. Burnes. 14. colics. 15. Consumptions. 16. Contractions. 18 Dropsies. 18 Kings-evil. 20. French-Pox. 24. Head-scaled. 25. Lameness. 25. Leprosy. 27. Mother. 28. Palsies. 28. Relaxations. Rickets. 29. Scurvy. 29. Soars. 31. Swell. 33. Ulcers, (vizd) Soars Worms. 36. All persons that receive that receive benefit by the water of this Well, either for Internal, or external Distempers, are desired under their own hands, or by another from their own mouths, to leave at Willowbridge-Lodge an account thereof; the nature of their Distemper, how they used the Water, what time, and in what quaintity, how it operated, and what effects ensued; that there may be the better advantage made of it, from experience for the health of others, which is the only design of what is done, or Writ concerning this Well. Of Abana, and Pharphar we, No praises have, nor Jordan see. Famous for being our Saviour's Font, What sacred Writ expresses on't. The Bath and Spa seem out of date, And petties' Springs of ebber Rate. Nay even Holy-Well is crossed, Saint Magnus hath its virtues lost. As if their fate were to enforce; The power of this new found source. For here's a Well doth quickly do, What those did but pretend unto. You need not to Physicians give, Prepare your Bodies to receive. This healing spring that runneth free, The God of Mercies needs no Fee. But in this wondrous water doth, Give Medicine and Physician both. Outward and inward griefs to ease, Cures old as well as young-Disease. In any Sex, or Age more fit, For th' Authors praise then Poets Wit. You then can Hallelujahs sing, Your voices raise for this Blest-Spring. And let the Echoing Woods resound, Blessed be her that first it found. Let me further add, that it is impossible any person should receive the like advantage of this water, using it at a great distance from the Spring, as those tha● there make use of it, Because it being full of Volatile spirit which searches out, and into Distempers will 〈◊〉 Carriage evaporate, though never so carefully made up And its Sanative Oiliness, that heals them, left on th● sides of the Vessels in which it is Carried. So that a standing in need thereof (that can wi●h any conveniency) are advised to Bath in it, as well as Drink o● it fresh from the Spring, ere it lose its Spirits, or by 〈◊〉 stranding deprived of the Oyile matter that is in it. Before I take off my Pen, some who prizes those noble kind of Creatures called Horses, may have occasion to thank me for these few Lines, more scribbling in giving a short account of what Diseases this excellent water, both Cured in Horses (viz) several of the Pocky Fashions in few days. Some that have had the Stone, and could not Stolen. Many of the Riffe. All sorts of Soars, Swell, Sprains, Aches in any part. Soar Eyes near to Blindness; some in a night's space. The Names of the Owners of the Horses, or of those that affirmed it, being eye-witnesses, might (or may) be given if thought necessary. My muse of late, putting her foot in strrop, And Pegasus by this Well Cured, doth Galop. With usual speed, ne'er tiring at her rate, As others do, whose verses troth in state; Or Trammel all their words for ambling Gate. Whose muse is dated a month at least, The slowest motion's from the greatest beast. Who strikes at all things, that is not his own; Back Vulpans voice, but a face Spanial tone. But let such wenching Cattle private stick, Lest public they appear, have kick for kick, Though wine a little harmless Galloway, Whose work assords no Oats, but lives on Hay. Is ready saddled; 'tis but up and ride, Yet hath some fancy too in every stride. But if unruly grown without a Strap, You may soon quiet him, with gentle clap. For his small heats were for to let you know, From this rare healing Spring what good doth flow. To man, or beast, both ready to befriend, And runneth free, whose Virtues know no End. 'Tis thought convenient to avoid Adulteration, or abuse of the Water of this Well, by any means that may be used by many that fetch it thence to sell it, (and as we here at very dear Rates.) Lest their covetousness should entice them to put a cheat upon any, by selling them either mixed, or common water for that of this Spring. We give notice that there is no price taken for any quantities at the Well: and that the Right Honourable the Lady thereof, is so careful for persons that cannot come to the Well, to have it without being Sophisticated; that she will for the future, cause that no water shall be fetched thence, but upon the Bottle, or Vessels: shall be in Wax when Corked up, this Seal impressed. A Saltier ☓ two Crowned Lions for Supporters, the Crest a Maremeset. The proper Coat of Arms of her most Hopeful and Lovely Son: The Right Honourable Digby Lord Gerard, Baron of Geh ards Bromley, FINIS.