of the ^Plague in 166^ 8cc. i j when Things came to Extremity, all Helps were called in; fb it began now to be fblely the Magiftratcs Bufinefs, how to put a Stop to this cruel Devaftation, and fave fome Part of the City at lea ft from the Grave ; firft then therefore was ap- pointed a Monthly Faft for Publick Prayers to deprecate the Anger of Heaven ; nor proved it in vain, or were their Supplica- tions altogether fruit lefs :, for if we have any Regard to the Temperature of the Seafon^ the whole Summer was refreihed with moderate Breezes, f ufficient to prevent the Air's Stagnation and Corruption, and to carry off the peftilential Steams; the Heat was likewife too mild to encourage fuch Corruption and Fermentation, as helps to taint the animal Fluids, and pervert therri from their natural State. THE Government however, to the Duty of Publick Prayers, neglected not to add what Aiiiftances might be had from Me- dicine ; to which Purpofe his Majefty, with the divine Helps, called in alio all that was humane ; and by his Royal Authority commanded the College of Phyiicians or London, jointly to write fornewhat mEnglijtt that might be a general Directory in this cak-
