A Brief ANATOMY OF WOMEN: Being An INVECTIVE against, and APOLOGY for THE BAD and GOOD Of that SEX.  Eccles. 7.26, 27.28. 
And I find more bitter than death, the woman whose heart is snares, and nets, and her hands as bands; who so pleaseth God, shall escape from her, but the sinner shall be taken by her.  
Behold, this have I found (saith the Preacher) counting one by one to find out the account.  
Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not; one man among a thousand have I found, but a woman among all those have I not found.  
November 30 LONDON: Printed by E. Alsop. 1653.   

To the Feminine Sex of either sort.  
YOu (whose abundant goodness and magnificent virtues sufficiently inform the world that you are not of the number of the bad) take notice that what is spoken of the generality of women (in my invective) is not to detract from your noble worth, but rather to add lustre unto your Godly Zeal and honoured virtues; for if there were not deformity how could there be beauty; and if there were not sin, how could righteousness appear. The Antipathy therefore between good and evil, is as great as the visible difference betwixt the most resplendent light and obscurest darkness. Persist then (Heroic souls) in all Godliness, moral virtues, and heavenly graces, leaving good examples unto posterity, that so (Phoenix like) the glory of your sex may revive, and continue to all Eternity.  
But you (whose corrupt natures and evil dispositions render you odious in the sight of God and Man.) Learn by your own deformities to hate vice and love virtue, to be more Godly and less profane, more humble, meek, and less proud and vain glorious, and in your lives and conversations, more constant, stayed, and less variable and dissolute. So will you gain comfort unto yourselves, adding to the number of the good (which are but few) and diminish from the bad, which are exceeding many. This is the desire of him that is,  
Your friend, so far as you are virtues, J. S.   

An INVECTIVE against BAD WOMEN.  
IF we look upon Man in his first Original (when the breath of life was breathed into his nostrils, and the work of his creation perfected) we find that there was a Rib taken out of his side, whereof Woman was framed; but whether this rib were of the more gross and terrestrial part of that substance, I shall not here controvert, seeing the almighty works, and inevitable decrees of the great Creator, are beyond the apprehension of man, and too deep for us earthly mortals to pry into: however (in all the revolutions and accidents that are incident unto us) it is most apparent, that there is an instrumental means for the effecting and bringing those things to pass: Which well may appear in this first woman, who (being deluded by the subtle serpent, that enemy of mankind) drew also Adam unto disobedience, and so reduced him unto his first principle, as part of that earthly mass from whence he came, and we all return. And if we but seriously consider the nature and qualities of the generality of that sex, even in all ages from the fall of man unto this present, we may well perceive that they have not been only extremely evil in themselves; but have also been the main instruments and immediate causes of Murder, Idolatry, and a multitude of other heinous sins, in many high and eminent men; witness the wife of Vriah whose beauty so ensnared religious King David, as that it caused him to commit fornication, and not so content, but for his surer settlement and continuance in his wished content, he directed the chief Captain of his Host to place Vriah in the forefront of the battle, that so (probably) he might not escape death, which fell out according to his desire: Also the wives and concubines of learned and wise K. Solomon, brought him unto idolatry; and Dalilah the beloved of Samson (notwithstanding his great strength) was by her overcome and betrayed unto death; likewise Potiphers wife would have alured her servant joseph to have committed wickedness, but that he had the power given him to resist her temptation. Lot's daughters, not only made their father drunk, but caused him to commit Incest; Iob's wife (when his afflictions lay sore and heavy upon him for his trial) advised him to curse God and die. jesabel (for her great pride and wickedness) received a just reward. I might have cited innumerable more of like nature, both out of divine and moral histories, but I conceive these (together with our own experience in this age) sufficient to inform us of the general inclination of these feminine creatures, I shall therefore now proceed to their more particular characters, which take as followeth.  
The golden tresses of their amorous hair (which being curiously kept suitable to their outward apparel, and according to the newest fashion) doth manifestly express the true performance of their duty to their great Lord and master Lucifer, in observing so well his livery: and that they may more really appear to be his, and their beauty seem more gloriously light to other, they parch up their visages with pieces of darkness, which are as so many seals of Satan to bind them to his pleasure and will; all which, out of their great pride and little modesty, they cover over from the eye of the world, with a sable vail, called black bags.  
Their rolling eyes, like shining pearl, seem to be the baits that ensnare men in their love, whose fruit is destruction,  
Their ears delight to entertain frivolous discourses, especially if it relate to their praise and commendation, which is to them a thing most plausable. Their tongue (that stirring and active member, both defensive and offensive) defensive in vindicating and upholding their own supposed credit and good name, though ever so bad; offensive in scolding, abusing, and detracting from their neighbours, though ever so good.  
Their Lips are the Posterns from whence issueth lying, deceit, and all manner of dissimulation.  
Their neck and breasts are left bare unto the open view of the world to signify that nature hath fairly acted her part without, although there remain no grace within.  
Their Arms and Hands are ever ready to perform their respective duties unto the other parts of the body, whether good or evil: Their body itself is a magazine of corrupt and ill humours, which hath continual recourse to all the rest of the members: Their Thighs are the ascent unto this frail fabric of corruption, their legs the supporters, and their feet swift guides to the ways of vanity; so that from the crown of their head to the sole of the foot, there is not a good member, no not one.  
Notwithstanding it is undeniable but that they are generally useful; for there is nothing so bad, that hath not some virtue in it, neither was there any thing created but that is good; and they being a creature it must consequently follow that they are so too; but for what, there is the main point of the discovery, and a thing much to be controverted: that they are a help unto man is indisputable, but in what sense, to exhaust his estate, divulge his secrets, and be a continual trouble and vexation to his spirit all the days of his life.  
It we look upon their outward beauty, we shall find it like those Indian Apples which are seemingly fair without but poison within; if upon their carriage and behaviour, we shall find that as far distant from their inward nature and conditions as the East is from the West.  
And if we but observe their actions and undertake, it will manifestly appear that they are fickle, changeable, and various as the weathercock, constant in nothing but inconstancy, and humane creatures merely metamorphosed, seeming to be that which truly and really they are not, and in a word, it is most apparent that they only are the greatest and most powerful temptations to evil of all other, the very gulf where man's reason, governance, and discretion is often swallowed up, and the Adamantine Rocks whereon many have been shipwracked.  
Neither is there any thing (except Satan itself) that captivates man's senses, or predominates more over his understanding and will, than they by their subtle fallacies, and bewitching illusions, which hath been sufficiently manifested, not only in former ages, but also in this present, and that of late years by men of no mean degree and quality, that have deeply suffered by those causes.  
But I shall not insist on these particulars, (neither proceed to a further relation and discovery of those many evils and inconveniences that men are drawn into by the attractive power of women) but rather with care and diligence seek to eschew and prevent them, advising others, as they find cause, to endeavour to do the like; for as man is incident unto many and divers temptations in this life, even so also is there several means given him, and ways of resistance, which we ought vigilently to observe and put in practice.  
But alas, when I consider how the flesh overcometh the spirit, I cannot but admire at man's frailty and weakness: and again when I consider that the tree is known by his fruit, and that man is the fruit of that corruptible tree, my admiration is soon taken off.  
I therefore conclude, that man, in this his depraved condition, is not able of himself to speak a good word, think a good thought, and much less perform any good action, without the immediate and effectual working of the divine Creator in his heart, which gives us an assurance that although our natures are weak and indisposed, yet there is a spirit of power and strength to assist and direct us. It now remains that we humbly and earnestly desire of the Almighty, that he would be pleased to confer upon us some portion of this his spirit, that thereby we may be enabled to withstand the temptations of this world, amongst which, that of women appears to be none of the least.  

An Apology for good Women.  
HAving briefly laid open the evils and discommodities that proceed from, and attend bad women; it now remains that I say something in commendation of the good: and although the number of the one so far exceed the other, yet in all ages there hath been some, whose Godly zeal and virtuous piety (together with their names) ought to be had in memorial to all posterity.  
For if we consider (how man's fall from that estate of grace and innocency wherein he was first placed, was acted and brought to pass by woman) we also find that the heavenly Creator (out of his infinite and unsearchable wisdom) so ordained that man's salvation proceeded from woman also; so that by them came death, & by them likewise we were restored to life: what creature can be more excellent than that whom God hath made an instrument to act so great a work. If we search the Scriptures we may plainly see how great, how good and excellent performances have been put in practice by some women, tending to the worship of God, the good of his Church, and benefit of his people. As namely Qu. Esther, who (after the decree was passed for the destruction of the Jews) besought the Lord (three days by fasting & prayer) for their preservation, which afterward was accomplished, she finding favour in the sight of K. Ahasuerus, who not only repealed that decree, but also caused the proud and wicked contriver thereof to be executed, and Mordecay (from a mean and low condition) to be promoted to great honot and dignity; by means whereof the whole nation of the Jews (the then reputed people of God) obtained more liberty and freedom than ever.  
And also judith (when the City of Bethulia was besieged by Holosernes and his Host, and the inhabitants thereof (by reason of their fins driven into great miseries and extremities) she I say, by a worthy and notable stratagem, raised the siege, and freed that City from utter ruin and destruction,  
And of late years, Queen Elizabeth (of famous memory) who so long ruled this realm of England in quiet peace and tranquillity: with divers others before and since, whose worthy deeds, and renowned virtues, are never to be forgotten, but remain as due trophies of honour to that sex to the world's end.  
But my pen is not of virtue, or words of force to express their just praise and commendation, neither is there any earthly blessing so great (either in prosperity, or adversity, sickness or health) as for a man to enjoy a good and virtuous woman. In regard therefore they are so helpful, comfortable, and generally useful unto man, as that without them the world would be at a period; how then can we sufficiently love, respect, and reverence the virtuous. But some (perhaps) may object and say, that in this age there are very few of those, and they hard to be found out, to which, I answer that as indeed they are not many, that may be an argument, their virtue and goodness may be the more; for we find (by sure and infallible arguments) that the number of the righteous are but few, and the wicked very numerous. And we must also acknowledge that women (in their natural inclinations) are all in extremes, for they that are good are really good indeed, and they that are bad are usually extremely evil. Neither is man's weakness more apparent then in his choice betwixt good and evil, for oftentimes he takes the one for the other, which is the cause that we all fall into so many evils and inconveniences; for prevention whereof, we ought carefully and advisedly to look upon the real substance, and not upon the seeming show or shadow, upon the inward grace and perfection, and not upon the outward beauty and deceitful appearance. But above all, upon true faith and Godliness, without which we cannot attain to any good or perfect gift, tending to our comfort and consolation, whilst we remain in this life, or that which is to come,  
And thus (gentle Reader) I have in some brief measure anatomised the feminine sex in general, and also in some particulars, which I refer to thy favourable censure, and good construction, that so, whatsoever is therein am slay may be by thee corrected, and that which is worth observation more enlarged and amended, it being a matter of general concernment, and a subject in itself commendable, profitable unto all, and hurtful unto none: but the completing thereof would require some labour as well as time, and also employ many sheets of paper; in regard therefore I may not exceed one (being confined within those narrow limits by some considerations at this time) I am forced to desist from that enterprise and must now conclude by way of exhortation (unto all sorts of men) which is.  
That those who enjoy a Godly, virtuous and loving wife, esteem of her accordingly, prising her as a most rate, precious, and inestimable jewel, rendering most humble and hearty thanks unto the God of Heaven, for so great a blessing upon earth.  
And those who are made partakers of so great an evil and discommodity as to possess a lewd and wicked woman; let them endeavour to arm themselves with all possible patience, earnestly craving aid and assistance from above, that so they may be the better enabled to undergo that heavy punishment here below; which their own inconsiderate rashness hath drawn them too.  
But those who lead single lives (and have not yet made choice of either) let not such, I say, in their actions and performances, be also guided by single judgements, but rather take advice from others; which (being seasoned by their own experience) may give them a further knowledge what it is to make a choice of that nature; it being the greatest and most material action of our whole lives, and that wherein we yield our bodies in bondage to good or evil, until death makes a final separation.    
FINIS.