JANUARY 9
Observe all the time the greatest exactness in your regimen or manner of living. Abstain from all mixed or high-seasoned food. Use plain diet easy of digestion, and this as sparingly as you can consistent with ease and strength. Drink only water if it agrees with your stomach, if not, good clear small beer. Use as much exercise daily in the open air as you can, without weariness. Sup at six or seven on the lightest food; go to bed early, and rise betimes. To preserve with steadiness in this course is often more than half the cure. Above all, add to the rest, for it is not labour lost, that old-fashioned medicine – prayer; and have faith in God.
Primitive Physic
You have your hands full of business, but it will not hurt you while your heart is free.
Letter, 1st May, 1783
