An history of the wonderful things of nature set forth in ten severall classes wherein are contained I. The wonders of the heavens, II. Of the elements, III. Of meteors, IV. Of minerals, V. Of plants, VI. Of birds, VII. Of four-footed beasts, VIII. Of insects, and things wanting blood, IX. Of fishes, X. Of man / written by Johannes Jonstonus, and now rendred into English by a person of quality.

OF THE DESCRIPTION Of Naturall VVonders. (Book 1)

The First Classis. Wherein are contain'd the Wonders of the Heavens. (Book 1)

ABove there are vast spaces, and the mind is admitted into the possession of them: But so, if it bring no corporeall thing with it, if it scour off all sordid matter, and be quick agil, and seem content with what is moderate,

Seneca natur. quaest. l. 1. Praefat.

CHAP. I. Of the World.

Article 1. Of the Creation of the World.

PYthagoras calls this whole Consistence of bodies 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and the Latines from its beauty call it Mundus. Ocellus saith, it was from eternity, de universo Aristotel. l. 8. Phys. and some others. We affirm, that it was created at the beginning by the glo∣rious Trinity; and by faith we understand, that the world was Made. The History is in the Scripture, but the perfect description in Moses's Works, Gen. 1. Nor can the censorious rod of Galen, or of the memory of the Apostles, whereof mention is made by Bishop Turribius, detract any thing from it. The dictates of the Holy Ghost cannot be false,

the knowledge of God is free from errour. The eternity of Cardan drawn from the salt of the Sea, lib. de subtil. is as easily rejected as propounded. It is a weak proof, that all pure things were made at first; I adde, and a false one. Chrysippus apud Laertium amongst the Stoicks, speaks boldly: If there be any thing, that can do that, which a man with his reason cannot do, that thing is greater, stronger and wiser than man; but a man cannot make heavenly things: Therefore he that made them excells man in Art, Counsel, Prudence and Power. What therefore can that be but God? All that is, was made of nothing, and by the Word let it be made. Empedocles is false, concerning the concourse of Atoms; (of matter and quantity co-eternal) also that is false in Plu∣tarch, That the essence and matter whereof the World was made, was not first created, but was alwayes ready for the Workmaster, and was fit to be com∣pounded and digested, and made, as far as possible it might be to his own like∣nesse. But nothing was with God, before he made it, that was not God himself. He it is, that calls things that are not, as though they were. Hermes in Pimander, The Workmaster made the whole World, not by hands, but by his Word. Moses writes, that all things were made in six dayes; Some think this was onely for order sake, and for our instruction. Augustine thinks, all things were made together in a mo∣ment. Philo writes acutely of the making of the World. Moses saith, The World was made in six dayes; not that God the Maker of it needed time to do it, (for God is not onely thought to work by com∣manding, but by contemplating) but because it was needfull that things should be created in some order: and this is a proper number for order; and six amongst all numbers is fittest for generation, for it is the first perfect number after a Unite, consisting of parts whereof it is made; of three that is one half of it; and two a third part, and one a sixth part, being of a masculine and feminine nature. As for the time, it is supposed to be Autumn, as it is collected from the Feast of gathering in of fruits in the end of the year, and from the moneth Tisri, which answers to September, Bartolin. c. ult. gener. Phys. Some say, the Spring: Ambrosius in Hexametro: Thence it behoved the World to begin, where there was a Spring-like temper fit for all things. Whence it is that the year sets forth the Image of the World at first beginning, and after winter cold, and frost and mists, the clearer brightnesse of the Spring shines forth more than ordinary. Macianus Scotus puts the Lords Day on the 15th of the Calends of April. Macrobius describes the Generation. His words are; In the making of the World, Aries was in the middle of the Heavens; the Moon in Cancer; the Sun rose with Leo; Virgo with Mer∣cury; Libra with Venus; Mars with Scorpio; Jupiter was in Sagit∣tarius; Saturn in Capricorn. We shall say with Firmicus, The Day it was made upon, is uncertain. For the time is different in places; nor was there any then. For all secular things began with the World. If you look at the end, it is the glory of God, and the good of Man. Look which way I will, I see exquisite marks of Gods Wisdome, Goodnesse, and Power. Contraries are here parted, and yet coupled by bands in the mediums. Hence his wisdom appears; The actions

have recourse in order; hence appears unity: there is neither old age, nor change, nor wearinesse; thence his power is manifest: every thing had a sufficient perfection given to it, and is content with it; thence we see his goodnesse. They are all from God, and they tend unto God; thence is glory.

Article 2. Of the Parts of the World, and the disposing of them.

WEe need not be over-curious for the matter of it. It contains the Heaven with the Stars; the Elements, Meteors in the Ayr, Fishes in the Waters, Minerals in the secrets of the Earth, Plants, Animals and Man are in the upper surface. They are all mate∣riall and corporeal things, which wise men include in it, and they are all realities. Heaven is thought to be uncompounded, the Elements serve for composition, Meteors are imperfectly mixt; Minerals per∣fectly, but without life; Plants with life, but without sense; Beasts with life and sense, but without reason: Man with life, sense and reason, is the compendium of all, a little world in the great world. The perfection is as great as the matter could bear; the Workmaster could give more, but the Matter was not capable of it, Scalig. Exerc. 243. s. 3. The goodnesse is confirmed by the decree of God: Gen. 1. vers. ult. He saw, and behold, all things were good. The manner of or∣dering them in this great Engine, Zeno in Laertius amongst the Phi∣losophers hath declared; That God at first, whilest he was alone, changed all essence by Ayr into Water; and as in the birth the seed is contain'd; so God who is the seminal cause of the World, left such a seed in the moysture, that should afford an easie and fit matter for this work; for the generation of things afterwards. Then he first produced the four Elements, Fire, Water, Ayr, Earth, &c. Trismegistus in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, speaks true; There was, saith he, infi∣nite darknesse in the deep, and the water, and an intelligible spirit were by Divine vertue, existing in the Chaos; wherefore the holy light was taken away, and the Elements were congealed and fastned beneath of a moyst sub∣stance, and all these embraced, and were in love with a seminall nature. And when all things were undivided, and not set in order; they were parted; and things that were leight, chose the uppermost place; heavy, the lowest; moyst, the dry Land: all of them being divided by the Fire, and hanging in the Ayr, and carried by it. And the Heaven appeared in 7. circles, and the gods appearing in the Aspects of the Stars, with all their signs, and the whole circumference was distinguished, and with the gods that are in it was circum∣scribed with the circumambient Ayr, and carried by a moving Divine spirit. And every God by his own vertue produced what he was commanded, and there were brought forth four-footed beasts, creeping things, Fishes, Birds, and every seminall plant: and grasse and flowers, and every herb, contain'd in them∣selves seeds of regeneration: and the Generations of men were for the know∣ledge of Divine things, &c. But Moses sets it down most truly, Gen. Chap. 1.

Heaven and Earth, and Light, the first day are: The Firmament dividing Waters second were. The third, the waters parted, Plants, the Earth: The fourth to Sun and Moon and Stars gives birth. The fifth gives Fishes, and all kind of Birds: The sixth brought Cattell, all made by Gods Words: Then Man was made; the seventh rest affords. Danaeus in Phys. Christiana.

Artic. 3. Of Unity, Figure, and Soul of the World.

DEmocritus and Empedocles supposed, that other worlds were made successively of some indivisible small seeds. Hence Alexander complain'd, that he had not yet conquered one. Origines, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, said, they were infinite successively; that the Elementary world was made every 7 thousand years, and the heavenly once in 4900 years. For the Sabbath for the earth, and the yeare of Jubilee was wont to return every 7th year, and every 49, yeares. Leo Hebraeus toucheth upon this opinion, Dialog de Amore; where he saith, The inferior world by the opinion of the old divines is generated corrupted and renewd once in 7000 years. But because we see nothing moved in it confusedly, nor any thing set without it, whither shall we go out of it? Our desire is answered. For in the end of our cogitations, the same question al∣waies returns. Wherefore we say, that there is but one world, and the figure of it is plain, like to a skin stretched forth very large, saith Basilius. But Plato held, that it was like a Circumvex, pointed with many Angles. Sanchumates Berytius the most ancient writer of the affaires of Phoenicia, said it was like to an Egge, wherefore at the feasts of Bacchus they religiously adored an egg, as the emblem of the world. Some compare it to the greek letter Ω, in which the outward lineament represents the Ocean, Dalecham P. ad l. 2. Plin. hist. c. 3. But that it is made like a Globe, not only the name and consent amongst men that call it so, but every mans eyes can tell him; for it is convex, and one half, look upon it which way we will. Plato. Of which living creatures he would have all other living creatures contain'd, he framed that of such a forme, that in that one all the rest might be contain'd. The Sto••cks would have it to be a living creature, endued with sense and reason. Hence grew that description by its parts. The Starr, (saith Plutarch of the face of the Moon) are shining eyes in the face of the world, they run their race; the Sun is in place of the Heart: as this affords blood and spirit, so that sends forth heat and light; the world useth the Earth and the Sea, as a living creature doth its belly and bladder; The Moon between the Sun and the Earth is as the Liver between the heart and belly, or some soft bowel, and attenuating its respirations by some concoction, and purgation, scatters them about. Elegantly, but not true! For the world hath no known soul; if we ascribe any thing to it, all will be but a diffused force, common to all, and in proportion we may call it a soul. For what the soul is in bodies, the same is force diffused in the universe. Combach. in Phys. cap. de Mundo.

Artic. 4. Of the Duration of the World past and to come.

THe duration of the World both past and to come, is sought out by many, but no certainty is proved. The Aegyptians formerly boasted of 48000 years past, in their History; the Chaldaeans 470000; The East-Indies 700000. The Aegyptians are disproved by their disagreement: one of them reported 20000, to Solon that asked him; another 1300 to Herodotus. The Chaldaeans alleage that in 48863 there have been only 832 luminaries: But the doctrine of Astrono∣my shewes these to be trifles. If this were not, it might be; yet Dio∣dorus in Augustus his time, searched for the greatest antiquity of the Aegyptians, and found scarce 4000. Calisthenes Nephew to Aristotle by his sister, found the Chaldaeans not to be 2000; Simplicius reports it. Amongst our Chronologers, the Christian Epoche is uncertain; nor is there any beam so cleare, to discusse these Clowds. Abraham Buchol∣zerus, with Mirandula and Reusnerus, saith, it was created before the said Epoche 3970 yeares. Buntingius, 3968; Mercator, 3967; Scaliger, 3947; Beroaldus, 3929; Broughtonus, 3928; Pareus, 3927; Pavellus, 4022. Hitherto Scaliger hath been preferr'd, yet it is thought that Pavellus hath discovered his imperfection. The uncertainty concern∣ing its end is greater. Macrobius defines it by 15000 years. Orpheus by 12000, Cassander counts 30 times 6000000. Ber••sus, as Seneca saith, contends that the earth shall be burnt, when all the Starrs meet in Cancer, and a flood should be in Capricorn. Amongst Christians, Liborovius will have it to be 1666; Rossinus 1656. (Libavi∣us in declam. de comet. anni 1604). Cusanus 1700, or else the space that goes before 1734. That as after the first Adam, (they are Cusanus hi•• words) the consumption of sin came in the 34th Jubile by the waters of the flood, in the days of Noah, according to Philo; so we conjecture that after the second Adam, in the 34th Jubile shall come the consumption of sin by fire. (Nancelius cites it, in analog. Microcosm. cum Macrocosmo. l. ult.) Augusti∣nus and Lactantius define it by 6000 yeares. Alstedius holds the term to be uncertain, but it is certain, it shall not be before the yeare of Christ 2694, (in Thesauro Chronolog. c. 6. et diatrib. de mille annis). A certain friend dreams of some thousands. Napeirus is of one mind, Copernicus of another. What shall we say to this? It is not in man to declare these things, or to know them; the Angells know them not, nor yet the Son of man. God hath kept these times in his own po∣wer. Thomas speaks true, All those that undertook to determine the time of the end of the world, have been found false, and so shall all that shall under∣take the same hereafter. Be the time never so uncertain, yet certain it is, it shall have an end. The word of God saith it; The Heavens and the Earth shall passe away. Luc. 21.23. Christ, in Mathew, 23, foreshews the forerunning signs. The Stoicks set down the manner in the flood, and in the consuming by fire, and the Hebrews seem to consent. For they affirm that the Sea should ascend above the Mountains tops 40 cubits (Petrus Comestor in Nancelius). Aristotle and Plato universally de∣ny

it. It is known by the word of God to Christians, that the world perished by the flood, and the burning of it, is expected. For St. Peter saith, c. 2. and 3. but the Heavens that now are, and the earth are reserved for the fire, at the day of Judgment. But whether there shall be another world differing essentially from this, or this shall be re∣newd wherein we live, is a question. The Apostle saith, The fashion of this world passeth away: the holy Fathers, Basil, Eusebius, do imply an alteration; and Seneca, in his disputes. Every creature shall be genera∣ted anew, and a Man shall be given to the earth, that knows no wickednesse, and bred from better principles: yet he adds, Their innocence shall not last longer then while they are first bred; for wickednesse will soon break in. He differs from us, because he makes eternal innovations; which we ad∣mit not. The censure of Tatianus against the Gentiles. Doth any man determin God to be a Body? I think, He is without a Body. Do's he think the world incorruptible? I think, It is corruptible. That it shall be burnt by degrees? I think it shall be but once for ever.

Artic. 5. Of the hidden qualities of natural bodies.

I Said, that natural bodies were containd in the world; now I say that they are so ordered that they have their peculiar vertues, and in some things they are partakers. Every one hath its nature, they are containd in place, measur'd by time, defined by number, they begin, they perish, they move, augment, diminish, they act, and suffer. Amongst the rest hidden qualities are admirable according to which there is either consent in things, or jarring and discord; Philosophers call this sympathy and antipathy. The first and se∣cond qualities are no causes of these things; examples of them are spred through the whole field of Nature. The raging Elephant growes calme if he see a Ram; and if he see a Rhinoreros, he is angry. The tender flesh of sheep bitten by a Wolfe, and the wooll woven also, will breed Worms. Cattel almost dead, and men faint, are revived by the smell of bread. Pencerus de divin. sect. de Astrolog. Porphyrio a bird will dye if it look on a Whore. Woodpeckers will, with grasse, drive out wedges. A Stag draws out Arrows with dittany. The venome of the Tarantula is driven away by the sound of Musick and dancing by measure, Alexander ab Alexan. l. 2. genial. dier. Many will sweat if a Cat be present. Quercetan in diaetetica, and make water at the sound of the harp. Scalig. excerc. 344. s. 6. One was driven from a feast at the sight of Apples, if we credit Quercetan. A boy's lips swell∣ed by eating of eggs, and his face was spotted with black spots. Marcel. A Monk, saith Lusitanus, swounded at the smell of a Rose. Another hated bread and flesh, and lived only upon eggs. One es∣pied an old woman at a feast and could not endure her, and when he was forced to stay, he was carried forth dead. One swounded with the combing of his hair. Demohon the builder of Alexandria was cold in the Sun or a hot Bath, and hot in the shade. The same is said, of a certain Idiot that clothed himself with skins in Summer, but went

naked in Winter. Pontanus his dog would eat no Cocks flesh; but Scholtzius his, would houl lamentably when the strings of a Lute were wound higher. But when they were tuned as they should be, and sounded harmoniously, he was quiet. I say no more. Libavius de Antipathia rerum. The cause of all these things is hid; But it is cer∣tain that the most eminent of them arise from those qualities, that both agree with their forms, and are moved by the force of them. The knowledg of secret forces appertaine to natural magick, wherein we had need of a wonderfull caution. Alvernius lib. de universo writes that Turnsoil will make men invisible, and that quicksilver put between two reeds will hinder witchcraft; That Rue taken away by stealth, & Basil planted with a feast will grow the more abundantly, saith Trievius de Daemon. decep. and he adds that 7 grains of a certain hearb cast amongst the guests at a drinking feast, will make them fight up to the eares in Blood. These are fooleries, and confuted by propounding them, Delrius l. 1. disquis. Magic. c. 3.

Artic. 6. Of Gods Providence in the World.

GOd was not pleased onely to make all these things, but he would have them all under his Government, and Providence. Hence comes the preservation of the beings and vertues of things; and the disposing of them all after the freedom of his will, the wise ordering of all things. In this are the ends set orderly, the means to these ends are exquisitely disposed, and being disposed, are most wisely direct∣ed. This Providence was so often and forcibly maintain'd by the Stoicks, that they became a sport and a jest to their adversaries, who call'd this, The fatall old Wife of the Stoicks that foretold future things. Epictetus in Arrianus, speaks admirably; What concerns the gods, some deny there is any God. Some say there is, but an idle carelesse Deity, that pro∣vides for nothing. There is a third sort, that maintain there is a God, and that his Providence governs, yet onely in great and heavenly matters, but in no earthly thing. A fourth sort say, That he takes care for heavenly and earthly things, but in generall onely, not for particulars, and for every one severally. But there are a fifth sort, wherein Ulysses and Socrates, who af∣firm, That I cannot, O God, be hid or deceive thee in the smallest motion. There is here no place for fortune, nor for casual and needless violence, That Eternal Light spreads his beams every way, and at the same instant he pierceth into all the windings and depths of the Heavens, Earth, and Seas; nor is his Divine Nature onely President over all these things, but is in them all.

CHAP. II. Of Heaven.

THe Wisemen ascribed the first place amongst bodies to the Hea∣vens; both because it is simple, and also is set in the highest place as principall. Some write, that it is of the same nature with sublunary things, and not amisse; for the Scripture writes, Psal. 102. that it shall wax old like a garment. Also the generation of new Stars seems to intimate as much: All the space in these that reacheth to the fixt Stars, is filled with ayr; and it is so much the more pure, light, and hot, as it comes nearer unto them, &c. If you consider the magnitude, the Heavens are the greatest body; the Earth is but a point in comparison to it. The number is but one; yet Astronomers have distinguished it into divers orbs▪ Eudoxus into 23. Calippus into 30. Aristotle 47. Ptolomy 31: Regiomontanus 33. The common opinion is, that there be Ten; to which if you adde the Heaven of heavens, (Aquiba call'd it, the marble Table of the World, Maimon. l. 1. per∣plex). they will be eleven. The consideration of the Tenth amongst them is wonderfull; For they say, it is ten times greater than the eighth sphere, and than the earth 1960; and they say, that in 24 hours it goes 469562845 miles, Bodin. l. 5. Theatr. The Miracles of the 9th are not small. The Antients say, it proceeded one degree in one hundred years; the Neotericks have observed 44 minutes. The period of its motion is 49000 years, if we credit Alphonsus; but Copernicus saith, 25816. This period is call'd, the great and Plato∣nick year. It is a wonderfull Engine, and all the great works of men compared with it, are lesse than nothing. Plato l. 10. de Repub. imagined a certain spindle, as bright as a Diamond, contain'd in 8 wheels; and he makes the Heaven to hang by that, lest it should fall. But alas poor man, why so? There is a God that supports it; who gave it a power to stand fast at first, when he made it: yet this shall go into smoke, and shews us, that nothing is stable contain'd in this World.

CHAP. III. Of the Stars.

Artic. 1. Of the Force of the Stars, and Nutriment of them.

MAhomet said, That the Stars hang in the Ayr by golden chains: That the Workmaster set them in the Heavens, bright & round, we religiously acknowledge; that they were made for signs and sea∣sons; All men know, that they shine and communicate their vertue to sublunary things; which is done, by sending forth their beams: the

will of man, and works of Artificers, are out of this account. There is in these no mixture of new qualities; but onely an accidentall spe∣cies is induced to a body ready made. The mind is free from the Elements; if it suffer any thing, it is by the mediation of the Instru∣ments of the body, the temperament whereof Mens manners easily follow. Hence you may see an errour; That the characters were formed by a certain position of the Heavens, and are moved by a stronger power from the Heavens. Plato saith false, That the Souls before they come into the bo∣dies were made subject to some Star. These are toyes, That Stars are ap∣pointed for every one of us, bright Stars for rich men; little ones for poor men; dark ones for defects; and some for every mans condition, Pliny l. 2. Histor. Natur. c. 8. There is not so great Society between Heaven and us, that for our destiny the brightnesse of the Stars should be mortal. Our chance is in Gods hand: It is false, That Jacob read his sons destinies in the Tables of the Heavens.

More writes elegantly of one White, in an Epigram:

White in the Stars did oft his Wife behold, That she was chaste and good he all men told; He look't to find her in the Stars once more, And then he did proclaim her for a Whore. But that thy Wife was common, though thou see Through all the Stars, not one declares to thee.

Cleomedes in lib. de 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, speaks something of the nutriment of the Stars, as Dalechampius cites it, and the Stoicks observed the same. Laertius (in Lipsius in Manuduct. ad Physiol. Stoicam.) saith, That these fiery Stars are fed and nourished, (the Sun and Moon, and the rest) the Sun by the great Sea, as being the great Torch, and a kind of burning endued with un∣derstanding: But the Moon, by fresh waters, and such as may be drunk because it is mingled with the Ayr, and is near to the Earth. Wherefore Macrobius in Somnium Scipionis ascribes it to providence, that the Ocean was placed under the torrid Zone. That all that space which the Sun and the rest of the Planets and the Moon wander up and down in, on this side and that side of the Eccliptick, may have moysture for their nourishment. The opinion seems absurd at first; yet Ambrosius l. 2. Hex. c. 3. thought so; nor doth Libavius l. 5. de origin. rerum, seem to deny it. Lucianus saith, there shall be a common bone-fire for the world. Whence shall this burning be, but that moysture must fail? and that cannot fail, but for nutriment. Yet see that you make not a combustion amongst the Stars, by assuming an aetherial spirit into the nature of the Stars.

Artic. 2. Of the light of the fixt Starrs, with their magnitude and motion.

THe 8th sphere contains the fixt Starrs, and those in number numberlesse. Alongtime men observed 1022, which the Phoeni∣cians reduced to constellations. Braheus added 74, Houtmannus 14, about the Antartick pole. Bartholin. de Coelo. c. 3. Also they are of di∣vers magnitudes, yet all greater than the Earth, except the sixt mag∣nitude. The magnitude will give you the vast distance: we see them like sparks of fire, yet Astronomers reckon 14000 diameters of the earth. They have their own natural light which shines to men in the night, not that it is put out in the day by the Sun beams, but that the medium being enlightned admits of the more forcible species, the lesser and weaker is carried through the medium unperceived. Scalig. exerc. 6.2. Historians observe that they have been seen in the day∣time, and not without some token. In Commodus his times they were seen a whole day, some were drawn forth at length, as though they were fastned in the Ayre. The slaughter of the Parthians fol∣lowed, civill warrs, and the killing of five Emperours in one year. The same thing was seen in the raign of Constantius, from Sun rising till noon, about Sun set the Sun first appeared with crooked horns, and then but halfe, some suppose it was an Eclipse. Cardanus saw two at Millan, l. 14. de varietat. rer. c. 70. One Anno 1511, and the French were driven out of Italy: another 1535, and the death of Francis Sfor••ia followed, and because he died childless, the Prince was changed, Charls took the Government. Lastly the 9th of June, this yeare there was one seen in England before noon, when a solemn thanksgiving was made to God for the birth of the Prince of Wales. we were certified that some French men saw the same at Diep the same time. There is a wonderfull matter in their motion. Besides their own, which is made from North to South upon the poles of Aries and Libra, they are said to be drawn by the 9th sphere from west to east. Hence it comes that they are all moved from their places. Braheus saith in a hundred yeares they are drawn back, one degree, 25 minuts. Meto, who florished in the 130th yeare after Thales, ob∣served the Starr of Aries to be in the Equinoctiall. Timochares, that it gain'd two degrees, Hipparchus four and nine minuts, Ptolomy 6, and 40 minuts, Albategnius 18, and 12 minuts, Alphonsus 23, and 48 minutes, Vernerus 26, and 54 minutes, Bodinus 28 and 20 minuts; The bright one in the utmost tayle of the little dog, which is for the pole Starr, Hipparchus observed to be 12 degrees distant from the pole of the world, we see it but almost three now adays. Cardan saith, that the heads of the motions of this Orbe will be not only in contrary places, in the year 1800, but the motion will be contrary also, and he collects from thence that there will be strange alterations in the Christian religion, de varietat. rer. l. 2. c. 3.

CHAP. IV. Of the Five Planets.

THe wandring Stars are called Planets. The Ancients accoun∣ted them to be seven; Those of our times have added four about Jupiter, and no fewer about Saturn. Each of them hath its own sphere, its nodes, epicycle, and its aequant. Their motion is more free than the rest: sometimes they are present with mortals, sometimes they depart from them. Hence arise the names of Aux, and Absis, Pere∣gaeum and Apogaeum amongst Astronomers. But so great is the diffe∣rence, that Saturn requires 30 years, Jupiter 12, Mars 2, Venus 360 dayes, and Mercury as many. Venus is a Planet, by her sirnames that stands in aemulation with the Sun and Moon. For rising before the Sun, she is called Lucifer, like another Sun hastening the day; again shining in the West, she is called Vesper, or the Evening Star, as pro∣longing the light, and standing in place of the Moon, Plin. l. 2. c. 9. The cause of their wandring motion, some ascribe to the Sun, who ei∣ther by its beams sets them forward, or removes them on one side, o•• departing from them, lets them remain in their own places.

Extraordinary influences, Medicaments, Baths, Phlebotomy, Plant∣ings, choice of businesse, change of the Ayr, are by some tyed to the hour of their position. It is observed, that the Plague growes fierce about Wittenburg, when Saturn moves in Leo or Sagittarius, and abate•• by the accesse of Mars; the same thing is threatned to them at No∣rimberg, by the signs of Gemini or Sagittarius. Those that Mars and Saturn being in the angles, assayle with a quartile aspect, are short-lived; if they passe their Infancy, it will be difficult for them to at∣tain the flower of youth; their conjunction increaseth their force.

If Mars and Venus are in conjunction when one is born, the concu∣piscible appetite is contaminated; more, if it be in Capricorn, and Mercury be present. By the concurrence of Mars, Mercury, and the Moon, men have subtile wits, Peucerus l. de divinat. s. de Astrologia▪ But this is a lesser conjunction. That is a great Conjunction, which is made by Saturn and Jupiter; one happened in the seventy year and 200 dayes. The signs of the Zodiack are run through, that at the beginning of the first meeting there may be a conjunction of the Pla∣nets; the Learned called it a revolution, Alsted. in thesauro Chronolo∣gico.

There are seven reckoned since the World was made, and constant observation hath proved, that none of them ever came without some notable alteration. All things were heroicall in the first conjunction; at the second, men despised Noah's preaching; at the third, there were great pressures in Egypt. The fourth was 17 years after, when Rome began to be built: the fifth was in the 26th year of Christ. The Bishops of Rome pretended the Donation of Pipin and Constantine, when

the sixth was. The seventh was in the sign of Sagittarius, in the year I was born in, 1603. the last was in Leo, 1623. what this shall pro∣duce, God knowes.

The City of Rome about the 800th year under its fiery sight, was thought to be renewed. At the beginning of that, happened the disper∣sing of the Jews; what if about the end of it, the calling of them again may be?

CHAP. V. Of the Sun.

Artic. 1. Of the Greatnesse and Unity of the Sun.

EPicurus thought the Sun to be an accidentall Globe, and fire, but an earthly grosse Body. Anaximander thought it was red-hot Iron, the Peruvians think it a GOD; and so did Aurelianus a Prince of old; May the gods do it, and the Sun the created god, in Vopisco. Porphyry writes, that it was adored in the East under the name of Mytra, in his Comment. de Nymph. cultu. And Macrobius shews, l. 1. Saturn. cap. 17. That all the gods of the Gentiles were extended to the Sun. After him Cluverius Polyhistor, in Germ. antiqua. So great reverence was there toward it, in the minds of the Gentiles. It is with us the Principall Planet, and the great Luminary. It is greater than the Earth 167 times; and it is distant from the Earth in its Apogaeum, 1012868 miles, Kecherm. in his Astronomy. It is but one, and where is there room for more in so great a magnitude? yet there are more also. That is but one of which we speak, the rest are but figures and draughts of this one beautifull Sun. The Philosophers call them Parelia, they have alwaies some future signification, as we frequently observe, and find it.

In 1514. there were 3. seen; in each there was a bloody sword. The Reformation followed. So, many were seen in Helvetia, in 1528: a wonderfull Famine was the sequel of it.

In 1532. at Venice they were seen with two Rainbowes opposed to the Sun; one presently vanished, but the other was seen for two hours, Cardan. l. 14. de varietat. Rer. cap. 70. The Suns themselves were transparent, the greater was Southward, the lesse Northward, increasing.

In the year 1314. before the War of Lodowick of Bavaria, and Frederick of Austria, more Suns were seen: they signified the dissenti∣ons of the Electors, and their falling to sides. Peucer. in Meteorol.

Before these troubles we saw it; a Comet with a fatall tail follow∣ed. Because the Empire of Nero had the same beginnings, the future event might easily be foreknown.

Artic. 2. Of the Suns light, and Eclips.

THe Thalmudists hold that the light of the Sun was seven times greater in the Creation, but was lost afterwards. We see it very great and ruling almost every where. For the Sun-beams enlighten and enliven all things. Cardan maintains that by the force of it, the Southern parts are pressed down lower, but whether it be so, every one may judge. And though at Rhodes or Syracuse there never be a day that the Sun is not seen in some parts of it; Plin: l. 1. Cap. 62. yet it is certain that the Suns light is often intercepted. When Constantine was blind, the Sun did not shine for 17 dayes. In Plinies time ••e was often 12. dayes, in Leo's time 4. dayes. So never seen that Marriners lost their Course Maiol, Colloq. 1. But this was only a Clouding. An Eclips is somwhat more, when the Suns beams are turned away from by in∣terposing of the Moon. Barbarians understand not this, whence Colum∣bus foretelling the Moons Eclips, won the favour of the Indians. It was a Capital crime in Plath's days to maintain that the Moon could hold the Sun beams from us. Alexander Aphrodis. Problem, 46. Some thought the Devills were the cause, and therefore ran to assist it with lighted Torches. Archelaus was so ignorant, that the day the Eclips of the Sun was, he shut up the Court, and shaved his sonne, as the custome was in time of adversity and of mourning, Senec. l. 5. de bene∣fic. C. 6.

The Eclipse of the Sun happens in the new Moon, or in the Con∣junction, nor real, but appearing so, when Sun, Moon, and our eyes are in the same right line. It it be totall, it is in a moment in respect of the parts. It was so when Scipio fought and overcome Hannibal at Carthage, Zonaras, Tom. 2. Nicephorus sayth the same happened at Au∣gustus's death, Somtimes in five yeares some are seen. Maiolus thinks they produced Warrs, Famines, and Deaths of Popes. It seemes to be certain that both of them may be Eclips'd twice in six Months, and in five Months, either of them: and that the Suns light may be twice taken from one Country in the period of seven Months, Peucer. in Astrolog: Some are of opinion their operation begins afterwards; I dispute not, but this is certaine they never appeare, but they foreshew somthing. When in the year 3343, an Eclips was seen, the most cor∣rupt state of the Kingdome of the Jews appeared. In the yeare 3350. began the 70 yeares captivity. In 3360, the Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. About the Eclips in 1619, Stars were seen at noon-day, and the Warre of Peloponesus began with the Athenians. In the yeare 360, the Sun was Eclipsed untill noon-day, and also in 592. What followed? Phocas confirmed the Popes suprema∣cy, 622, wicked Mahomet, sowed his mischief. Alsted in Thesaur Chronol: In 812, before the Death of Charls the great, a Spot of a black had appeared for seven dayes, witnesse Eginbartus. It seems to intimate, say some, the darkning of the Gospel. In 1415 the 7. of June, so horrible was the Eclipse of the Sun, that birds fell to the

Earth, At this time John Hus was burned in the Councell of Con∣stance, the 6. of July, That was supernaturall at our Saviours passi∣on. It was a totall Eclips at a full Moon, and lasted three houres. Dionysius said of it, Either the God of nature suffers, or the frame of the World dissolves. He afterwards, consulting with the Philosophers, built an Altar to the unknown God, and was converted by St. Pauls Preach∣ing. Tertullian in Apologetico saith, it was laid up amongst the pub∣like Acts of Rome, but forbidden to be published. Also there is a no∣table use of Eclipses amongst Chronologers, especially of those, which with certain circumstances of time, Yeare, Day, Month, Hour, Minuts, and of the distance from other Eclipses, were exactly taken, such as was the Eclips at Arbelia in C••rtius; or Peloponesus, in Thucydides; at Cambisia, in Ptolomy. Powel in his Consilio Chronologico. For there are certain bounds and Characters of times fastned in the Heavens, hence Calvisius commends Scaligers Chronology, because he hath ob∣served Phainomena, and Eclipses, allmost according to the years of the World, out of the Tables of the Heavenly motions, and are fitted to the same. Hence the Calyppic period, comprehended in 76, yeares; in which time all conjunctions of the Planets, new Moons, and full Moons, and Eclipses returne to the same moment of time. See the famous Chronologer Pavellus, treating accurately of these things. I hasten to other matters.

Art: 3. Of the Suns Motion.

THe Mahumetans fain that the Sun is carried with Horses, and sets in the Sea, and well washed rises again. Daily experience sheweth us a double motion, we see it rise every day, and set again: and every yeare it makes an Oval figure, passing to North and South. Yet so right under the Ecliptick, that it swarves not a hair from it: The complement of the motion in the Zodiack varieth with many. Hipparchus assignes to it 365 days. Ours, 6 houres lesse. Tebitius saith that there want nine minutes of the 6, houres. Henricus Mechiniensis, hath written, that all those shall err perpetually, who observe Eclipses by the Tables of Ptolomy, or Albategnius. Bodin. 5. Theatri Naturae. It is the vulgar tenent, to assigne 365 days, and 6, hours. In that oblique course, we observe the Sun to be nearer the earth, whilst he passeth through the Southern signs, and to be further off in the Northern. That is finished in 178, dayes, 21 hours, and 12 minuts. This re∣quires 186, dayes, 8 hours, 12, minutes. But because the distanc•• of the Eccentrick is variable from the centre of the World, therefore Melancthon and Origanus write, that the Sun is nearer to us now than in Ptolomies dayes, by 9900 miles, but Copernicus and Stoflerus cast it to bee 26660 miles. Alsted in Theoria Planetarum. Scaliger dislikes this, Exerc. 99. sect. 2. Nor is it probable, saith Bodin. l. 5. Theat. in so great variety of distance that the knowledge of Eclipses could be so ex∣actly preserved. The Scripture tells us that the Sun went backward miraculously in Ezechiahs dayes, as was known by the shadow on the

Diall. The History of Josuah witnesseth that it stood still, and made a day of 36, houres, Justin Martyr, in Dialog: cum Tryphon. Some think the Sun danceth when it riseth on Easter-day, and honours our Saviours Resurrection in Triumph. If that be so, it is necessary for it to dance a whole day, because it riseth the whole day. What ever this is, it must be ascribed to the Ayre, interposed betwixt, which, about the Sun rising, abounds with Vapours, and if at any time, most in the Spring, because the pores are open, and it sends forth more Va∣pours, Camer. Cent. 2. Memorab. p. 39.

Artic. 4. Of the inequality of Dayes and Nights.

WHen the Sun comes to the Horizon, the Day riseth with us; Night comes when the Sun departs. But because it moves obliquely, and is girt within the bounds of both Tropicks, it keeps equality under the Equinoctiall; it varies which side soever it de∣clines: yet the greater it is, the farther the Countries are distant from the aequator.

In Arabia, a Province of the new World, the Dayes and Nights are alwaies equall. Geographers have written the same of Peru, Ovetan, in Summa.

In a Country of Africa called Gambra, in the moneth of July, the Night is no shorter than 11. hours; The Sun riseth suddenly without dawning. The Troglodites and men of Africa have but 13. hours to their longest day, Strabo, l. 1. They that live under the Pole of the Stars in the spring-Equinox; see the Sun rising; but in the Autumnall, setting, Mela. l. 3. c. 2. Hence it is, that they have half a year day, and then half a year night. The Hollanders, at the Straights Vaigats, from the 4th. day of November, to the 24. day of January, have found but one continual Night under the degree of 71. Boetius, in the descrip∣tion of the Narrow Sea, Vaigats.

In Laponia, one Night lasts 3. moneths, and there is in that time no more light, than the Moon-shine or clear twilights afford, Zigler. in Laponia. In the farthest part of Norway the Sun is not hid in the night. In another Northern Climate, the Nights are very bright, at the Summer Solstice. Saxo Grammaticus.

The Day and Night with us are equall, when the Sun enters Aries and Libra; they are longer when he is in the Tropick of Cancer; shor∣ter in Capricorn. The moneth of June is said to contain the longest day, the shortest is assigned to the 25. of December. The more su∣perstitious are perswaded, that strange things are seen the night be∣fore. The Olive Tree, and the white Poplar, and the leaves of Wil∣lowes are said to be driven about. Macrob. l. 9. c. 7. The moisture in Trees ascends upwards from out of the root. The Apple-tree brings forth blossoms and unripe fruit. Some strings of Instruments are strook with the fingers, and the other strings sound. Suetonius l. 1. Ludicra Historia. The small livers of Mice are increased. The ker∣nells that are shut up in Apples are turned the contrary way. Cicero, lib. 2. de Divinat.

Artic. 5. Of the Four Parts of the Year.

THe motion of the Sun through the Zodiack makes a Year. Ma∣thematicians make this to be twofold. The one is the space in which the Sun goes from the Spring Equinox, and returns to the same again; and it consists of 365 dayes, five hours, 49 first minutes, 10 seconds. The other is from the time the Sun departs from the first Star in Aries, and returns to the same again; and it consists of 365, 6 hours, 9 first minutes, seconds 23. Copernicus appointed this, and he deserved great thanks for it, Of the former there are four parts, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter: Spring and Autumn make the Equinoxes; this the Winter Equinox, that the Summer. They both happen, when the Sun passeth the Line. The most certain sign of the Springs approach, is the Butterfly, being a weak creature. Pliny in histor. Natural. Cancer makes the Summer, when the Sun-beams are verticall with us. It is inflamed by the rising of the Dog-star, saith Pliny, l. 2. c. 40. yet it were more Philosophicall to say, that when the Sun repeats his Journey, he raiseth hot blasts and wind; whence our bodies partake of great heat. Truly, sometimes it is extream, if we credit Histories. I read in Livy, l. 4. Histor. That in the year of Rome 322. not onely rain from Heaven was wanting, but the Earth also wanted its inbred moysture, that the Rivers that run continually were almost dry; that many Fountains and Rivers wanted water, that the Cattel dyed for thirst.

In the year 1153 the Woods were fired with over-great heat, the fat Earth took fire, and could be extinguished with no rain. Mergerius. The German Records report, That in 1228, the heat was so great, that the Harvest was ended (I will use their own words) before the Feast of St. John Baptist. Lipsius cites it in his Epistles.

In the year 1573. the Wood of Bohemia burnt 18. Weeks. The Danube was so dryed up, that in many places one might foord it. And what is wonderfull, there was no losse in the Corn. But in 994. in the end of July, the Lakes and Waters were so hard frozen, that all the Fishes dyed, and there was great scarsity of water. Cardan thinks it is a mark of an over-hot Summer, de varietat. rer. l. 15. c. 38. if old sheep are very much given to lust in the Spring. Men write, that there was so pleasant an Autumn in the year, 1584. that the Roses and young branches flourished. It is our Winter when the Sun enters Ca∣pricorn, then all things quake, are covered with Snow, and bound up with Ice. The Sun foreshews a most bitter Winter in the Northern parts, when he hides himself in a red clowd, as a pillar of fire, and casts out his beams like fiery darts. That descending, it is turned into black. Cardan. l. 1. Or when things that use to be moist seem dryer, or drops dripping from houses fall more slowly. And sometimes the winter hath been excessive. Chronicles say, that in 1234. the win∣ter was most fierce, so that in the Adriatick Sea the Venetian Factors passed over the Ice with their charge of moneys. Zonaras reports

the like to have happened under Constantine Copronymus: so in the Pon∣tick Sea, and the Straights adjoyning. Marianus Scotus.

In the year 32. of Charles the Great, there was a great and most bitter Frost, so that the Pontick Sea was frozen 100 miles in the East, where it was 50 cubits from top to bottom. In the year 1525. the winter was so cruel, that in Brabant▪ an infinite company of E••l••s by reason of the Ice went forth of the Lakes, which is a wonderfull thing, and hid themselves in Hay-ricks, and perished there with extremity of cold, Robertus de Monte. The Trees had hardly any leafs afterwards in May. Sometimes the winters are so calm too. In the year 1225. in December the Peach Tree budded▪ In 1186. in December and January, Crowes and other birds hatched their Eggs with young.

But these divers parts of the year for length and duration comes from a divers position. They that live under the Pole are 'tis proba∣ble in perpetual cold; and they are more hot that live under the Equi∣noctiall. They under the Equinoctiall have a double most pleasant winter, and a double Spring. He that would know more of this may read. Mayolus Colloqu. de proprietat: locor.

Artic. 6. Of the Sun's shadow.

TWo things chiefly are observable concerning the Suns shadow, the operation and the diversity. It can hardly be said how great it is. Men skill'd in the Opticks have described it more acurately. It shews the reason of Eclipses, the Suns magnitude, the variety of Eccentricks, the condition of time hath been demonstrated by it. Men are taught thereby to define the climates and parallells, to prove the Earth to be round, and that the Earths Globe stands exactly in the midst of the Universe, to know the Earths magnitude: &c. Exam∣ples shew the diversity; Those that dwell Northward between the Tropick of Cancer and the Arctick Circle, their Noon-shadowes are cast Northward, and to the Southern people Southward. They of Finmarch and Groenland, and that passe the degree of elevation 66, see the shadows run round about them: Gauricus in Geograph.

In Syene a Town above Alexandria, 5000 furlongs, at noon-day on the solstice, there is no shadow at all, and a pit was made to make experiment of it, and the Sun shined to every part in it. Pliny, l. 2. c. 73. And in India above the River Hispasis, the same falls out a•• the same time, as Onesicritus hath recorded.

In the Island of Merce, which is the chief of the Ethiopian Country, the shadows fail twice a year, and in Summer they are cast South∣wards; in winter toward the North. In the same, in the most famous Haven of Patales, the Sun riseth on the right hand, the shadowes fly Southward. It is lastly manifest, that in Berenice a City of the Tro∣glodytes, and from thence for 4820 furlongs in the same Country, in the Town of Ptolemais, which is built on the brink of the red Sea▪ at the first hunting of Elephants, the same thing falls out 45. dayes be∣fore

the Solstice, and as many after it, and during those 90 dayes, the shadowes are cast into the South. Plin. l. 1.

Art. 7. Of the Suns Influence on the Inferiour World.

IT was easie to observe, how powerfully this Eye of the World would work upon Inferiour bodies by his lighter and publique motion. There is nothing in the parts of the year, or dayes, or nights, or variety of shadowes, but must be ascribed to it. When the Sun ariseth, all things are enlightened; when it sets, all are in the dark. Things flourish, when he approacheth; fade, when he departeth: These are generals, and if we respect particulars, are not much lesse. It is certain, that tempests, and seasonable weather are from the Sun. About the middle of Sagittarius, and the constellation of Pisces by the help of Stars that are in them, and rise, it blowes warm to those that are under it; and, the humours that were frozen being mel∣ted, and the earth being watered with them, it produceth the fruitful Western blasts, and stirs up the force of the Pleiades and Hyades in Taurus, and of the Kids from the North, from the South or Orient that is near unto it; and of Arcturus that lyes opposite to it, which raise up Southern winds, and for some dayes do water the seed sown with continual rain. Peucer in Astrol. When the Herbs are grown and want moisture again for their just magnitude, it affords it and drawes it forth by it, coming up toward the Stars of Cancer. Pliny takes the signs of Tempests from it, l. 18. c. 35. It belongs to motion; for Sca∣liger saith, That men sail faster with the Sun. Exerc. 86. And Pliny l. 2. Histor. c. 71, writes, That the Currior Philonides ran from Sicyon to Elis, 1200 furlongs in 9. hours of the day, and came back again, oft-times, though it were down hill, at 3. a clock at night: The rea∣son was, because he ran out with the Sun, but returned against the course of the Sun.

CHAP. VI. Of the Moon.

Artic. 1. Of the Figures and light of the Moon.

THe Stoicks thought the Moon to be a dark and hairy light. Cleo∣medes supposed it was a ball, white on one side, and blew on the other. We acknowledge it to be a heavenly body, one of the two great Lights that God made. Sometimes there have been two, sometimes 3. seen, as when Cn. Domitius, and C. Fannius were Con∣suls, whom they called the Night-Suns. Pliny, l. 2. c. 82. She is lesse than the Earth, thirty times 9, or 3. times 40, if we follow Coper∣nicus. She is distant from it, 44916 German miles; or if we credit Schrechenfuchsius, whom most follow, it is 28359, She borrowes her light from the Sun. Whence it comes that she hath so many Aspects;

she is alwaies increasing or decaying, and sometimes she is crook'd with horns, sometimes she is equally divided; sometimes she is crooked, sometimes full, sometimes she is suddenly wane, and the same appears suddenly again. Pliny, l. 2. c. 9. The Ancients adored the full Moon as a type of beauty.

There is a merry Tale in Plutarch in his Symposiacks of Wiseman concerning the Moon decreasing, That the Moon asked of her Mother a Coat fit for her; and she answered, How can I do that? for sometimes thou art a full Moon, sometime a half Moon, and sometimes with two horns. In Biarmia she is never seen but with a full circle toward the surface of the Earth, of a fiery colour, and like a cole. Olaus, l. 1.

Artic. 2. Of the Spots and Eclipse of the Moon.

THe substance of the Moon is spotted: if you ask the reason, wise men have said that the parts of the Moon are unequally com∣pacted. The Poets thought she carryed a Boy with her whom she lov∣ed, who covered his face for shame. When she is deprived of the Suns light, she is Eclipsed. But that is only in a diametricall oppo∣sition, when the Moon hath no declination from the Ecliptick, or that which is lesse then 67, minuts, and so it either enters the shadow of the Earth, or cannot avoid it. The antients thought she might be drawn from Heaven by Charms, and being thrust down, she might be compelled. That she powereth forth her venome and force into the hearbs that are subject to her, which may be more succesfully used in Magick arts. Hence it was that they tinkled in Cymballs, that the Charms might not be heard. There are no Eclipses of Sun or Moon, but there follow some changes in sublunary things. There was one in the yeare, 3459. And Darius at Marathon was overthrown by the Athenians with wonderfull ruine. another was, 3782. and Perseus King of the Macedonians was conquered by consul Aemilius, and an end was put to the Kingdom of Macedonia, Alsted. in thesauro Chro∣nolog: Some observe them superstitiously: for example, Niceas of Athens (Ubbo Emmius Tom. 2. vet. Graec.) being beaten at Epipolas in Sicilia; when his Country was in danger, he should have marched away, as De∣mosthenes and Eurymedon perswaded him: When he did march, the Moon was Eclipsed. Many took that for an ill Omen: this so moved Niceas, that he said he would decree nothing, to remove his Tents, un∣till three times 9, days were over, that the Wizards had foreshew∣ed. Plin: l. 2. C. 12. He did it, and so wasted the forces of the Athenians.

To this may be referred, the ridiculous opinion of some, who think that an Asse drank up the Moon: for when the Asse drank, the Moon was seen in the water, when the Asse went away, she was covered with a Cloud, and could not be seen. Wherefore they cast the mise∣rable Asse Silenus rod on, into Prison, and cut up his belly, that they might have the Moon again, and they most cruelly took out his bo∣wells. Delrius, disquisit: Magic: l. 2. quest. 11. In the year, 1499, about setting, the moon was first changed into black; then she was di∣vided

into two parts, and the one part leapt upon the other backwards, both parts were sprinkled with red. They united afterwards, and set as one Moon. Many confederacies followed, and the Nobles, who in 1496 were confederate, opposed themselves against the King of the Romans, Linturius cited by Wolsius in Memorabil.

Artic. 3. Of the Moon's Influence on these sublunary things.

INnumerable are the operations of the Moon on sublunary things. If you would run over all the field of nature, Plants, Animals and mens bodyes are subject to the Moons Government. Palladius reports, (Cardan de varietat: l. 2. c. 13,) If Garlick be set when the Moon is un∣der the Earth, and be pulled up again when the Moon is under the Earth, it will lose its strong smel. So they say that Basil bruised in the new Moon, and put into a new Pot, at the full Moon it will send forth flowers at one end; and if it be set under the Earth twice as long time, it ingenders Scorpions. Vines in the day time are nourished by drawing moisture to them, and in the night they increase, and grow. Lillies and Roses open their buttons only in the night. Keckerman disp: Phys: 3. coroll: 11. Of all that beare head, only the Onion is aug∣mented when the moon increaseth; when it growes new it fades, as if it hated the course of that Planet. Lucilius. Wherefore the Aegyptians at Pelusium hate to eate it. Gellius, Lib. 20. C. 7. As for living Creatures, Savanarola writes that in the Leap-yeare, living Creatures are barren, Cardan, l. c. It is observed that in the full Moon all Oysters, Perwinkles, and all shell fish increase, and their bodies decrease with the Moon. Also the more industrious have found out, that the fibres of Rats answer to the dayes of the Moon: and that the little Creature, the Ant, is sensible of this Planets force, and alwaies rests in the Conjunction of the Moon. Pliny, Lib. 2. Cap. 41. The skins of the Sea-Calves and Sobles are stiffe, and the haires stand upright, when the Moon increas∣eth, and they sink down when the Moon decreaseth, and grow weak, Keckerman, l. c. As for Mankind, if the Moon come to the Sun passing thorow Aries or Scorpio, when any one is born, it so afflicts the brain of him that is borne, that when he comes to be a young man, he shall be troubled with melancholly. Things bred in the Conjuncti∣on of the Moon, are frequently dry, and are encumbred with a sharp heat, and have all their limbs especially affected, Peucerus de divinat. They that sleep under the Moon-beams, are troubled with heavinesse of their heads and defluxions. Camerar. Memorab. Cap. 9. Art. 85. For by the Moon beams, the moisture of the braines of those that sleep is melted, which being restrained in the head, the internall heat being not active enough to expell it outward, it breeds Catarrhs. The Epi∣leps is exasperated in the full Moon. For the abundance of moysture hinders the sharpnesse of Vapours, and the putrefaction that they can∣not breath forth. A smaller quantity doth more easily corrupt, and the heat acting upon it, makes sharper Vapours according to its pro∣portion, Libavius, tom. 3. Singul, lib. 3. cap. 18. At the same time

dropsie people are grievously tormented, and therefore they all dye almost about the full Moon. Truly, in March, 1629. when we writ this, it took away that Reverend man, D. Martin Gratianu•• the super∣intendent of the Reformed Churches in the greater Poland, who was the Chariot and Horsemen of Israel. Let his memory be blessed.

When the Moon is opposite to the Sun, mad-men rage most. They that are troubled with a disease of the brain from too much plenty of brain, are choked in the full Moon. Hence it is that the Britans on the 14. day of the Moon whip mad folks. Bodin. l. 5. Theatr. Better therefore it is to give a medicament against the Epilepsie the day af∣ter, than in the opposition of the Luminaries. For in the hour of conjunction the Moon is calm, nor are there propensions to either side, of advantages; the next time after it, she begins to work in the hu∣mours, and to augment them. Libav. Epist. 15. to S••hnitz••r.

CHAP. VII. Of New Stars.

WEe have spoken of those things that ordinarily are done by Nature in Heaven. I will now adde some things which the right hand of God hath produced above nature. I mean new Stars, which have appeared, and not being of long continuance, have shortly disappear'd again, and vanish'd from our sight. The Star at our Saviours birth is the chief, which (Fulgentius saith) had no place in the Firmament, nor in the Ayr. It went forward with an uncertain motion, sometimes it shewed it self, and sometimes it was hid. Da∣mascenus, l. 2. Orthodox. fidei. Chalcides the Platonist, speaks thus of it, upon Timaeus of Plato; There is also a more holy and more venerable History that relates, that by the rising of a Star that was unusual, not Death and Diseases were foreshewed, but the venerable descending of God, for man's salvation, and in favour of mortall things, which men testifie to have been observed by the Chaldaeans, who adored God with gifts, who was newly born. Whence they learned the knowledge of its apparition, is shewed in the Books of Balaam the Southsayer, wherein are many fa∣bulous things.

The other is that which appeared in the year 1572. This is that year, wherein that Bartholmy-slaughter was acted at Paris, in which (not excluding other places) 30000 men were slain, 100000 of ho∣nest Families were oppressed in three dayes, Widows and Orphan Children innumerable being brought to the greatest beggery or want. Prisbach. in Respons••. ad oration. habitam apud Helvetios. The summe was so great, that the wiser sort that were no wayes addicted to the Protestant side, when they were come to themselves, and considered the sad condition of things at that time, and disavowed the Act, and sought out curiously the causes of it, and excuses for it, they judged that there was no such Example of cruelty to be found in all Anti∣quity▪ should their Chroni••les be searched into. Thuan. l. 53. Histor.

That that appeared the 6th. of the Ides of November, under the Con∣stellation of Cassiopaea; some men said, it was in the Firmament it self amongst the heavenly spheres. It had neither Tail nor hair, but like the other Stars, it sent forth beams equally. The Diameter of it contained the Diameter of the Earth 7. times and ½ part; and it was greater than the Earth 361 times and ½, it was bigger than the Sun twice and 2/•• parts. Tycho Brache 1. part, Progymnas. Astronom. Yet this Eminency of greatnesse and light decreased afterwards by degrees, untill it vanished quite away. It had no motion, except that which it had common with the fixed Stars, it alwayes held the same Position to the neighbouring Stars in Cassiopaea. It lasted 16 months. What was foreshewed by it, is variously determined by divers men. Gemma Frisius in Cosmocritica, writes, That since the birth of Christ there was hardly any apparition to be compared with it, whether we consider the height of the sign, or the rarity, or the long continuance of it. The Britans ascribed it to the lamentable death of Mary. An Oxford Astrologer was Authour of this opinion, who by Cassiopaea, the Sister to King Cepheus, said, That some Queen in the North must be noted out by it; and by its 16 moneths continuance he foreshewed, (I know not according to what calculation of the Arabians, and the ascending of the Star into the upper parts,) That that Northern Queen after 16 years should ascend up into heaven. The event made good his praediction. Thuan. l. 5▪ 4 Molerus seemed to expect a new Prophet by it, in the year, 1590, and the conquest of the Gospel over all through the World.

Liborovius foretold, but falsly, War, in 1619, and the banish∣ment of the chief Prince in Germany, in 1620; the restoring of him again by the Eastern Countries, in 1627, and many such like things.

There is extant concerning this Star a godly and excellent Copy of Verses of a certain famous Writer, which I here set down:

Whether that Comet without blazing tail, That shines as clear as do the fixed Stars, Shall in succeeding times so far prevail, As to raise Dearths or Plagues, or bloody Wars; God onely knowes, and after-times will shew. But if Man's Wit can any thing foretell, 'Tis not amisse to search such signs are new, And lift our minds above this place we dwell▪ This is that Star which did the Wise-men bring From the East land, to Bethleem, and there In David's City, born was the great King. It now foreshewes again, and doth declare, That God is coming: cruel Herod fear! Good Men rejoyce, your Redemption drawes near.

The fifth month after the Starre disappeared▪ Charles died of a bloo∣dy

flux. The third was seen in the yeare, 1577. in November, and which the following yeare vanished, Jannuary the 26, Mestlinus pla∣ceth this in the sphere of Venus. Tycho writes that the head was 308 Germain miles diameter. Dantzick was then besieged, and 1578, the Warre of Moscovia began. It was supposed to portend the Death of great Men. In that yeare (Thuan. l. 65.) after a desperate sight in Africa, Sebastian King of Portugall died, and Melchus Chorisius King of Morisco Trigitana, whom he came to subdue. And Mahomet that caused the Warre was drown'd. 8000, Christians were slain, and as many taken Captives, allmost all the Nobility of Portugal fell into the hands of the Mores. That was done in one day. Portingal came ne••t under the Government of Philip. Then in 1604, about the beginning of October, a fourth new Starr appeared in the 17. degree of Sagittarius, and was from the Ecliptick, but 37 minutes. Astronomers say, it was be∣tween Saturn and the 8. Sphere; yet that seems absurd. Keckerman in his consultation concerning the Starre in the year, 1604. Thes. 53. Al∣so because it had its own proper motion, distinct from the Sphere of Saturn, and the fixed Starrs; and the Starrs move in and with their Orbs, but that had none. Crabbius saith directly, that it was from the Center of the Earth 22267636 miles, and from the superficies of the Earth, 22266777 miles. disput. de Comet: Thes: And hence he con∣cludes it was greater than the Earth, 91 times; and hence he proves it was above Saturn, being from the Earth 1007250 miles. It shined full four Months: and after that was to be seen from the 28 of No∣vember with Saturn, from the 29. with Sol, and from the 13 of Decem∣ber with Mercury in Conjunctions; and with Mercury, Mars, Sol, in oppositions, the May following, which was supposed to p••rtend great consultations, confederacies, and changes in France, Spain, the Low Countries, England. Thuan. lib. 131. But the opposition that fell out on the 6, of June, was held to be Ominous, and men conjectured that this Starr would cause Warrs and calamities to many Countries, and chiefly to Germany in point of Religion. An excellent Mathematici∣an Keplerus writ concerning it, and who was no whit guilty of Astro∣logicall superstition, by the testimony of Thuanus. See him. I call these apparitions Starrs, not that I am ignorant, that they are refer∣red to Comets, but because I find that in the Skye they are placed a∣mongst the second moveables, and are call'd celestiall, which is not agreeing to Planets: and I think it more fit to call them Starrs, than by naming them Comets, to overthrow the doctrine of Meteors re∣ceived from the Antients.

CHAP. VIII. Of Astrologicall Praedictions.

COncerning Astrologicall Praedictions many men have many minds. Some magnifie them, others reject them as idle vanities. It is certain that natural actions, as the changes of dayes; night••, yeares,

seasons, because they have determinate causes in the position of the Starrs, may be foretold by them. Yet because the matter of the ele∣ments is mutable and flitting, many particular causes overthrow gene∣ral causes, and many Starrs in both motions are yet unknown; and some of them somtimes are opposite to the others forces: also most ex∣perienced Artists are few: and lastly there is a vast distance in placing the beginning and ends of the Houses, and proprieties, and therefore it is no wonder if error creep in. Bartholin de caelo. And if we ob∣serve particular and individuall actions, the errour will be the grea∣ter, for beside the generall influence of the Starrs, there is a special in∣fluence which ariseth from the speciall complexion. The indisposi∣tion of the matter hinders the good influence of Heaven; and the goodnesse of the temper derived from the Parents, keeps off the bad in∣fluence. We know that Jacob and Esau were born at the same time, in respect of the Heavens position, yet was their fortune most different. In civil actions the Starrs have nothing to do. It is an elegant saying of Bodinus. Lib. 4. de Repub. Cap, 3. There is but one Rule, saith he, of all Philosophers, even of those that idly dispute of what is done in the Heavens; that a wiseman is not under the affection and power of the Starrs, but only those who like beasts are ruled by their appetites and desires, and will not be subject to reason and good lawes, whom Solomon, the Master of wisdome, threatned sharply with punishment of the rack: yet many have adventur∣ed to make triall. The Caldeans by mens actions collected the day of a mans Birth, and from the day of a mans Birth, the fortune of his whole life; And that men should not reject them, they boasted they had spent 470, thousand yeares in the experience of this Art. And so bold they were, that they vaunted that it was a thing as necessary to be known, how the position of the Starrs and the force of the Hea∣vens were, when a man would build a house, or make, sow, or put on his Cloths, as to know how they were disposed when Children were new born. Lucius Tarutius Firmianus, by the acts of Romulus, his Life, and Death, found that he was born in the first yeare of the second Olympiad, the 23, day of the Month; Peucer de divinat. sect. de Astrolog: and born in the 21, day of the month Toth, about Sun rising. And hence he found out the first day that Rome was built, and that it began when the Moon was in Libra, the Sun with Mercury and Venus in Taurus, Jupiter in Pisces, and Saturn with Mars in Scorpio. To this pur∣pose we may refer him, who by the first day of Jannuary, would fore∣tell all events.

If that a Rain-bow in the Sky appeare, God is well pleas'd with man, they need not fear. If burning Meteors from the Heavens shine, Of great long during heats they are the signe. If Thunder Rore, or Rivers overflow, This foreshews Tempests as all seamen know. But if the Earth be stird and seem to quake, This showes Religion will be brought to'th stake.

If Rivers freez, it then portends great joy, Each woman shall conceive and beare a Boy.

Mayol. Colloq. 1. Canicular. Of such, this is true: These Mathemati∣tians by a false interpretation concerning the Starrs, and by their lyes, cast a mist before those that are light and foollish witted, for their own advantage; Valer. Maxim. l. We have examples of their fraud in Nice∣tas Chronias, otherwise a prudent Historiographer. In our times (saith he) the Emperours do nothing but by advice of Astrologers, and they make choice of dayes and nights to do their businesse, as the Starrs shall dictate unto them. Therefore Alexius the Emperour, desired long to know when he might seasonably return to Blacherna; at last the day and houre were chosen according to the Starrs. He return∣ed, and that so happily, that the Earth opened very deep before him, and he escaped, but his Son in law Alexius, and many of his Nobles fell into the pit, and were hurt, and one Eunuchus that was a favorite perished. That of Manuel is more ridiculous: when he was Empe∣rour, they of Sicily and Italy had possessed themselves of the Sea neere Constantinople; he had somtimes sent out a Fleet, but with ill successe. Wherefore the Mathematicians were consulted to assigne a more prosperous time▪ Constantinus a famous man prepares himself, but he was once more called back again; because the Prince had found, that the inquiry was not so certainly and wisely made as it ought to be, and there had been some errour. The Scheme was therefore set once more, and Constantinus was sent forth on the day chosen: He was scarce got to Sea, but he and all his forces were taken; Lips. in monit. polit. A brave art; yet I wonder, since I read of some that were sel∣dome frustrate of their ends. Nigidius Figulus, foretold to Augustus, that he should be Emperour, (Xiphilinus). Thrasyllus foresaw the Em∣pire of Tiberius, and his own danger when he was on the Tower with the Prince, and should have been cast down headlong; Sueton. in Octavio. Largius Proculus gave notice of the day that Domitian should dye; Ascletarius foretold the kind: and being required of him to answer what kind of death, he himself should dye, he said he should be eaten with Doggs: and so it was. For though Domitian to disprove him, commanded that he should be burnt, and he was then burning, yet a tempest rose suddenly, and put out the fire. The spectators ran a∣way, and the Doggs came and devoured him, Sueton. in Domitian. Josephus that wrote the Antiquities of the Jews, saith, that he foretold to the Emperour Vespasian, and to his Son Titus, that they should be Emperours. We know it was so. Petrus Leontius, a Physitian of Spoletanum foresaid, that he himself was in danger of drowning. And he was found afterwards drownd in a pit, Jovius, Elog. 35. The Arch-Bishop of Pisa consulted Astrologers concerning his destiny: they told he should be hanged; Annal. Florentin. It seemed incredible when he was in so great honour; yet it proved to be true. For in the sediti∣on of Pope Sixtus the fourth in a sudden uprore he was hanged. Richar∣dus Cervinus had foretold to his son Marcellus that he should come to

great dignity in the Church. Hence he conceiving hope of it, when he was invited by his Mother Cassandra Benna, to marry, refused it stoutly; saying, He would not with the bands of Matrimony bind himself from a greater fortune that the Stars foreshew'd unto him, living single and unmarried: Thuan. l. 15. It so came to passe. Lucius Gauricus delive∣red this in his Book of Nativities. Which Book, (and it is a very wonderfull thing) saith Thuan. l. 1. was published at Venice three years by Curtius Trojanus, before Cervinus was proclaimed Pope. This was that Pope, who when the Reader, as the manner is, read the Scriptures, or Writings of the Fathers at dinner time, said, He could not perceive how those that held so high a Place, could provide for their own salvation.

These are Examples of Predictions made good by the Events, Lip∣sius, l. 1. Monitor. ascribes some to inspiration: Delrius refers some to compacts with the Devill, l. 4. Disquisit. Magic. cap. 3. quaest. 2. Certain it is, that God sometimes suffers them for a punishment to those that are so bold, and that they are true but by accident onely. See Delrius, who handles this Argument largely.

The End of the First Classis.