Enquire within upon everything

1729. Imitate the Dutch. It were well if the lower classes of the inhabitants of Great Britain would imitate their neighbours the Dutch in their assiduity in cleansing their streets, houses, &c. 1730. No Excuse. Water, indeed, is easily obtained in Holland; but the situation of most towns in Great Britain is more favourable to cleanliness. 1731. Good Impression. Nothing can be more agreeable to the senses, more to the honour of the inhabitants, or conducive to their health, than a clean town; nor does anything impress a stranger sooner with a disrespectful idea of any people than its opposite. 1732. Cleanliness in Religion. It is remarkable that, in most eastern countries, cleanliness makes a great part of their religion. The Mahometan, as well as the Jewish religion, enjoins various bathings, washings, and purifications. No doubt these were designed to represent inward purity; but they are at the same time calculated for the preservation of health. 1733. Not Only Ceremonial. However whimsical these washings may appear to some, few things would seem more to prevent diseases than a proper attention to many of them. 1734. Wash Your Hands. Were every person, for example, after handling a dead body, visiting the sick, &c., to wash before he went into company, or sat down to meat, he would run less hazard either of catching the infection himself, or communicating it to others. 1735. Frequent Washing. Frequent washing not only removes the filth which adheres to the skin, but likewise promotes the perspiration, braces the body, and enlivens the spirits.