Au. Because Fish-eating, by its corrupt Humours, renders the Body liable to a great many Diseases, that it can't subserve the Spirit as it should do.
Ch. To what Diseases?
Au. Gouts, Fevers, Leprosies, the King's-Evil.
Ch. How do you know?
Au. I believe Physicians. I had rather do so than try the Experiment.
Ch. Perhaps that happens to a few.
Au. Indeed I believe to a great many; besides, in as much as the Mind acts by the material Organs of the Body, which are affected with good or bad Humours, the Instruments being vitiated, it can't exert its Power as it would.
Ch. I know Doctors do very much find Fault with the eating of Fish; but our Ancestors thought otherwise, and it is our Duty to obey them.
Au. It was a Piece of Religion formerly not to break the Sabbath; but for all that, it was more eligible to save a Man on the Sabbath-Day.
Ch. Every one consults his own Health.