Insomuch that there are but few that can judg, and distinguish rightly
of either, and no wonder therefore that in their reasonings they
commit more absurd mistakes, or Paralogisms then in any other Art
whatsoever, and censure Physicians by the success alone. Which my Lord
Verulam accounts the great unhappiness both of the States-man and the
Physician, both being alike censured by those that know not the bottom
and rise of their Actions and Counsels. For how can any man in either
make a sound Judgment without a full knowledge of the business it
self; and of all the circumstances thereunto belonging; nor in Physic
without the concurrent knowledg of the sick mans habit, disease,
cause, remedies, and many other particulars necessary to make a clear
judgment upon the success? Yet notwithstanding, many will censure and
grumble at the actions of the States-men, though their proceedings
have been never so wise, and prudent, and oft-times from muttering and
whispering, fall to down-right distast, and mutiny against their
Superiors. So that the good success, in State-affairs, of rash and
imprudent undertakers, have been extolled and preferred before the
wary, and prudent management, and guidance of the soberest and wisest
States-men. The same likewise happens between the bold Empiric, and
learnedst Physician. But in this way of censuring, the States-man hath
this advantage above the Physician, that 'tis possible he may meet
with a series of Business so circumstantiated, as seldom or never to
miscarry, especially having a greater power over subordinate persons
then Physicians have. But the irreversible statute of Heaven forbids
us to expect a constant recovery of our Patients, for 'tis appointed,
that all men must die. 'Tis sufficient therefore for us, to employ
those remedies God hath given to the Sons of men, to the utmost vertue
the Creator hath endowed them withal: since his eternal decree hath
limited their efficacy from making man immortal. Now since (if men
judg by the success alone) it cannot be otherwise, but that the most