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WHile the Moon sets, or keeps beneath the Hori∣zon, not a Dog offers once to bark at her; it is her shininig onely that opens their venemous mouths: So while his Royal Majesty was traversing the te∣dious
Road of a twelve years Affliction, being all that time debarred the Possession of his proper Birth-right and King∣doms, few then snarled at him or seemed to express their pre∣judice, or Currish Nature against him, because they deemed him then low enough; as low indeed as possibly his greatest Enemies could have wisht him, on this side the Grave. But when by Gods especial providence there was room made in the Hearts of his Subjects for him to ascend the Royal Throne of his Ancestors, then behold how viperously do several of his Treacherous Subjects (conscious to themselves of a more then common guilt) in Scandalous and Invective Libels five out against him, and his constant and suffering Friends; en∣deavouring to disparage his great and honourable Actions, and fly-blow his Princely Designes and Intentions, Being not ashamed, to these their Lawless and Rebellious Devices, to add Treasonable Threats not onely against some Honou∣rable Personages by name, but the Government also. Which Malicious and Chimaerical Designes of theirs, I shall demon∣stratively prove, had not the least ground, save in their En∣thusiastick Brains; and that they are onely meer, empty and idle Conceits, such as will ever be without that effect they wish; yet of such unhappy consequence and import, that will most certainly, if long embraced and cherished, sink the Ship of the Promoters thereof, and then both may perish together.
Sic ego torrentem qua nil obstabat ennti Lenius, & madico strepitu decurrere vidi. At quacun{que} trabes, obstructaq: saxa jacebunt, spumeus &fervens, & ab apice savior that.
Thus Englished by one:
I have sometimes a stream of water seen, With little noise, and gently, gliding on, Where no Obstruction in their way hath been But where by Dams of Timber and of stone Their passage was deny'd, they in disdain of being barr'd, swell'd, foam'd, and rag'd amain.
Behold with what a Princely Countenance the Heavens smiled that minute his present Sacred Majesty Was proclaim∣ed, by order of this present Parliament; and then consider, oh ye wilful, obstinate, yet ignorant Creatures, how vain and unsuccessful, yea, and dangerous, it must needs be for you to fight against the Decrees of the Almighty, as they are legibly written in the Heavens.
In this Figure, we have the Regal Signe Leo ascending on the Eastern Finitor, and the Royal fixed Star 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Heart of the Lyon, Secundum Longitudinem, arising therewith; it being the Degree of the Horoscope of his late Majesty of blessed memory and the very opposite Degree of the Ascendent is 〈…〉〈…〉 of the long Parliaments first convening, Novemb•• 3. 1640. The Moon is in the Asce∣dent, in Conjunction of that Fortunate and Benevolent Star
Jupiter, between the Sextiles of Saturn and Venus, and apply∣ing to a Sextile of Mars, of whom she disposes in the House of Friendship.
All which Testimonies, plainly portend a happy, pleasant and durable Reign into his Sacred Majesty, (or indeed to a∣ny King) being at so happy and suspicious a time proclaim∣ed, notwithstanding all the publick Endeavours, or Clande∣stine Conspiracies and Conservances of his known or secret Enemies used to the contrary; and absolute impossibility of the long Parliament or Rumps returning, which divers wish, and pray aloud for; and a certain frustration of all those Chimaeras and Enthusiastick, and Fanatick Fancies and Delusions, with which the Fifth Monarchy Saints do so vainly solace and please themselves.
At si quando ascendens fuerit signum fixum, & Lundin bono loco Figurae Dominum longo tempore durabit, maxime si fuerit in Leone, vel in ejustriplicitate: If at the time of proclaiming a King the Horoscope shall be fixed, and the Moon in a good place of the Figure, (i.e.) Fortunate in an Angle, or a suc∣cedent House, it portends that his Kingdom or Dominion shall remain a long time; chiefly, if Leo shall ascend, (which in this Figure it doth) or a signe of the same Triplicity. Haly de jud. Astr.fol. 334. He goeth on — Etiam si fuerit in Ascendente fortuna, significat bonitatem illius Regis, & bonos mores, & bona facta, Haly ut supra. And if (faith he) a for∣tunate Star shall be in the Ascendent, it signifies Goodness, Clemency, Worth and Justice of the King so proclaimed, and intimates him also to be active and freely forward in good things. I shall spare to Comment upon these most full Texts, because I would not be esteemed a Flatterer: But were I minded to be as free in my writing for his Majesty, as his si∣newless enemies are proud in being liberal against him, I could hence take occasion to speak such things, (and not go beyond the limits prescribed a Writer) that the reading thereof should make the Adversaries to the Peace of this (of late bleeding, but now flourishing) Kingdom, hang down their heads, and blush at their Adust zeal, and Cholerick Con∣fidence.
—Pone Ascendens Leonem, sit{que} Sol tunc in Tauro in de∣cima ab Ascendente, sit etiam Luna in primo juncta Veneri aut Jovi, &c. faith Guido Bonatus, pars 3. fol. 480. When you would proclaim a King, (faith he) place Leo upon the Ascen∣dent, and let the Sun be in Taurus, in the tenth from the as∣cendent, and posire the Moon in the first house, joyned ei∣ther to Jupiter or Venus, &c. And here in this figure, You see the Rules in each Circumstance there of fulfilled so exact∣ly, as if Heaven had strove to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Election of the most Loyal Artist upon Earth. Ergo, it must be a most happy and propitious time for the proclaimig of a King.
Hear Haly yet again, — Si Jupiter fuerit in Ascendente, &c. When Jupiter is posited in the Ascendent of such a Figure, (here he is so, and is in Conjunction of Luna also) he portends the King or Prince that is then proclaimed, to be just, prudent, and desirous of the good of his Subjects. And that as he is honoured with Victory, so will he be a great Cherisher and Preserver of the Laws, and a Lover of all Acts of Clemency and Justice.
The Sun (faith the Learned Cardan) hath signification of Kings, and the Moon of Subjects; in this Figure both being fortunately placed, beyond peradventure, happiness, from this so happy and glorious Turn among us, must emerge both to King and People. The Sun, the grand Significator of So∣veraignty, Rule and Dignity, is Nobly fixed in the Angle of Dignity, in the House of the benevolent Planet Venus, and Exaltation of the Moon; whence it is apparent that this great Conversion and Change, will not onely be for his Majesties happy and peaceable Reign, but the Peoples joy and delight: so happy an Intertexture is it, that in the general, both Prince and People should endeavour each others safety. Away with those Erratique Brains from among us, that wander onely to do mischief.
— Grextotus, in Agris Unius scabie cadit; & porrigine porci, ••a{que} conspecta liverem ducit ab ••va.
—One scabb'd sheep will spoile A whole some Flock; thus Swine their Friends desile: And sickly Grapes by lodging near the sound, Force them partake of their ne'er-curing wound.
That the Government thus founded shall remain fixed and immoveable, is seen by the fixation of the Angles, the prime points of the Figure; but chiefly of the fixed position of the Sun.—Si ☉ fuerit in fixis, significat durabilitatem & firmitatem longum tempus. (i.e.) If the Sun shall be posited in a fixed Signe, he portends the Government and honor there∣of to continue firm and durable a long time. But besides his being located in a fixed Signe, and the chief Angle of Heaven, he is in partile Sextile of Mars, the Patron of Vi∣ctory and Conquest, who is posited in the eleventh House; which is an eminent Argument, and most clear Testimony, That his Majesty cannot want assistance and support (should he (which I dare be confident he never will) stand in need) even from the very best of men: (i. e.) from those that are most active, powerful and skilful in Arms. Nor should he be any manner of way less respected from those of the meaner Rank, Quality and Degree: Is not Luna in Sextile of Venus, who is Lady or Governess of the Medium Coeli? Is not Mercury Lord of the eleventh and second Houses, in Gemi∣ni in the tenth, and he simply most strong in the Figure? I know some may be apt to urge a backsliding in Friends from Mercuries Retrogradation, and the Position of Mars in the eleventh House; but let such know, that the Retrogradation of a Planet is no Essential, but Accidental Debility: nor are the Planets retrograde per se, but per Accidens, as Dr.Wilkins hath learnedly and acurately demonstrated, Vide Nem Planet, &c. Lib. 2. Cap. 10. p. 226. Ergo, Retrogradation is no such eminent affliction as some esteem it; chiefly, if a Planet be essentially dignified, as in this Scheme Mercury is Nor is the Position of Mars in the eleventh House the prodromus of any dangers, he being in Sextile of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Besides were it not that there was that happy Radi••tion between the Sun
and Mars, yet the injury his single position portends, is alle∣viated by the benign presence of Venus in the same house, she being in perfect Amity with the Moon: for it is a known Rule among Astrologers, Quicquid ligat Mars, Solvit ve∣nus: Whatsoever Mars by his ill influence, harms; Venus by her benevolent Rays, helps. Therefore neither Mars his position in the Angle of Friendship or Mercury's Retrogra∣dation, can have any evil signification that is not otherways over-balanced. Yet I will not deny, but the Platique Squares of the Moon and Mereury, and of Saturn and Mars also, may so far operate upon the over-heated brains of some, and those somewhat religious too, (is not Mars Lord of the ninth?) that their Actions may render them most unfit to be either trusted, or connived at: yet I aver, those that are the most desitous, and most powerful to do or act anything a∣gainst this most happy, and (to England) natural Govern∣ment established, will in their Actions & Doings be most sud∣dainly discovered, let them in the management thereof weare what kind of Vizards they please. Having therefore, answer∣ed the Objection, I re-assume what was built upon the a••ore∣said Arguments, That his Royal Majesty shall be assited and supported from and by Person of Power, and those also of the most inferiour Classis, viz. the Multitude.
And must not that Prince needs be happy, and reign ho∣nourably and prosperously, whom the Heavens bless, and ho∣nour with the Assistance not onely of those that are of a su∣periour degree, but the Multitude also? I should think that the enemies to his sacred Majesty (were they not blind) might read their inevitable Ruine in the concurrent Affecti∣ons of the People at his Majesties proclaiming, and Recep∣tion! Who ever either saw, read, or heard of a more gene∣ral Unanimity and consent of Hearts and Judgements of all forts of people, then there was at the proclaiming and co∣ming in of our dread Soveraign? If Vox Populi, be Vox Dei; if the Voice of the People upon be the Voice of Gods, how dare any sort of people, upon the Cynical Cinceits or Humours, turn Separatists and cant the downfal of that hap∣py and blessed Edifice: which is built nor onely upon the
Suffrages of the major part of the People, but of Heaven it self? The Learned Strafford by experience found, (and it was his dying expression) That the breath of the People were the Organs of Destiny. And certainly, that which hath power to abate of the Majesty and Greatness of the one, hath Potency also to make another Mighty.
Let me add yet a little further, (for I presume I may, and that rationally too, while I have Authority for my support.) The Arabians in these manner of Judgements, did make use of several parts, as the parts of Fortune; Victory and Nobi∣lity, which (you may see) are all placed in the foregoing Fi∣gure, Aspice ad partem fortunae, & ad partem Nobilitatis, quae accipitur in die a gradu Solis in gradum ipsius Exaltatio∣nis — & projicitur ab Ascendente. Aspice etiam partem Regni & victoria, quae accipitur in die & nocte a gradu Solis in gra∣dum Lunae, & projicitur a gradu Medii Caeli. (Id est) In the Figure of the proclaiming of a King, you should have re∣gard to the Part of Fortune, and to the part of Nobility, which by day is gained by substracting the Degree of the Suns place, from the Degree of his Exalation, and projecting it from the Ascendent. Behold also the part of the Kingdom, and of Victory, which both day and night you must take from the Degree of the Sun, to the degree of the Moon, and then project it from the Degree of the Mid-heaven. Then for the use of those Parts, examining the same learned Author, he tells us — Si quando he paries venerint in bonis locis & fortu∣natis,& cum fortunis, significat magnam nobilitatem & hono∣rem illi domino, &c. (i. e.) If when any or all of these Parts happen to be placed fortunately in the Figure, and with the Fortunes also, they portend great Nobility and Honour to that Prince then proclaimed, &c. — Here you see these seve∣ral Princely parts are posited in the chief places of the Figure, and the Part of Nobility near the body of Venus: beside, they are all near eminent fixed Stars, viz. the part of For∣tune near Cor Scorpit in the fourth House; and the part of Victory, &c. near Cor Leonis, in the Ascendent or first house; and the part of Nobility in Cancer, nearly in Conjunction of Ras-Algense, a splendid, shiming, fixed Stat in the eleventh
house: therefore I pronounce the Aphorism to take full effect It is no mean Argument of lasting honour and happiness, in which the fixed stars are so eminently concerned: For, ac∣cording to Ptolomy, Stella fix a mirabiles & ultra rationem faelicitates tribuunt &c. The fixed Stars do designe most ad∣mirable Felicity and honour, &c.prol. Cent. Aphoris.29.
The Reader must pardon my repetition, for I cannot a∣void it here; besides, I have a warrant from Cardan for so doing, Seg.4. Aphor. 85. Repetitio neocssaria est, in hac scientia, vel ob difficultatem, vel ob necessitatem, velob utilitatem ingen∣tem, vel obcontradictionem. Repetition is necessary in this Science, either by reason of difficulty, necessity, exceeding benefit, or else to avoid contradiction. I must therefore (un∣less I should rob those weighty Arguments of their Conclusi∣ons which are drawn from those parts before mentioned) here again affirm, That hence also is portended a happy con∣tinuation, and convenient duration of his Majesties reign, and the Government of these Nations, maugre the most malig∣nant and subtile Designes of the most inveterate Opposers thereof.
Now, as we have spoken of (and we have satisfactorily de∣monstrated) the glory and happiness, and the happy continu∣ance of this Heaven-favouring Return of our gracious Sove∣raign, and Monarchical Government into these (of late) confused Islands; so give me leave to add a word or two concerning all those that shall set themselves against his Ma∣jesty by reason of his happy Restauration; or against the Government of these Nations as it is now established.
The Enemies of his Majesty, and of Englands peace, are signified by Saturn: Ergo, they are envious, malitious, co∣vetous, jealous, timorous, suspitious, sluggish, sordid and mistrustful. This is the true Character of the inclinations and dispositions of those persons signified by Saturn When he is ill dignified, as now in this Figure. Origanus de effecti∣bus, fol.590. when Saturn and Mars both are concerned (as here they are) in the descriptions of any kind of Persons,
he tells us they are Turbulentos, Seditiosos, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, im∣misericordes, implacabilcs, inftatos, gloriasos, ventosos, frandu∣lentos, tyrannicos, austeros, improbos, inhumanos, fallaces sub∣dolos, &c. And a little, further the same Author tells us, That if those Planets be ill beholding, (as in our Figure) then they signifie persons that are—Raptores, grassatores, maleficos, con∣tumeliosos, insidiatores, furaces, sacrilegos, sepulchrorum viola∣tores & speliatores, per juros, omris humanitatis violatores, vo∣races, &c, Ishall not English these words, because I would not have the world be any more commonly acquainted with such a Generation of Miscreants, or that there are such Crea∣tures any where, save in Hell. We in England have had our share of the Company of such a Race, for many years toge∣ther; many Ages will not weare out the memory of their Actions: They have made greater Impressions upon the Happiness and Peace of Englands flourishing Kingdom, then ever the surious Planet Mars by his being Promittor in a fiery Signe, could make by that loathsome Disease termed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the face of a beautiful Virgin. But I re∣turn to Saturn again, and to his significations, as he is placed in our Figure, because he is Lord of the seventh house, and placed in the third in Scorpio.
The Learned Haly in this manner of Judgements, seems to decipher the Enemies of a King, and their conditions also, by the Infortunes at large, as appears by this Aphorism of his: Siquando infortumium fuerit cadens &:c sub terra maxime, sig∣nificat debilitatem, inimieqrum; & depressionem, & vilem, eorum estimationem, &c. which sonnds to this purpose in English: If when the. Infortunes shall at the proclaiming of a King be cadent, it fignifies the Depression and Debility of hi Ene∣mies; portnends their Credit and Estimation to be vile, not onely in it self, but in the eyes of men; ancf this shall hap∣pen chiefly when they are cadent under the earth; as in this Figure. Hence it is as clear as the Son. in his Meridian Glo∣ry, that all those who shall appear to be Enemies, (I would not be misnniderstood; I mean onely Domestick Enemies; for. by this Figure I have to do with no other; but from o∣ther cause I dare also include Forragin Enemies, but dare
not do it here) I say, who shall appear enemies unto this Kingdoms Peaces, will also prove such unto their own Happi∣nese and Quietude. For let their Designes be what they will, they are appointed to fall and fail under them; and by prosecuting their cruel (nay, I may add, accursed) Purposes and Designes, they will never Feable to bring the Brat their Brains have conceived, and begin to grow big of, unto a perfect birth: The Midwise Time become, and will conti∣nue their absolute Enemy and Hater. This very Position of Saturn in Scorpio, in Square of Mars, will discover their weakness and folly, and so far befool them in their con∣trivances, that when they think to be at the most likely and probable point of attaining to the Haven of their Wishes, they will meet their own destruction, and sufferr such a sad Catastrophe, that will not onely ruine and destroy them∣selves but eclipse the Credit Fame and Estimation of their Posterities for many Ages to come. Saturn you see is in Quartile of Mars his Enemy; hear what Bethem says to such a Position, Aph. 10. Quando Tlanetaest in aspectu sui host is, est ut vix timens hostem sunm: A Planet in Aspect of his Ene∣my, is as a man fearing tosuffer, or be endamaged by him. And in the 31 Aph. he sith, Planeta in domo inimici sui, est, nt vir in domo alterins, inter quos fame advenit odium & ira: A Planet in the House of his Enemy, is as a man in another house subject to the Ire and Hatred of those among whom he is. Saturn is not onely in Quartile of Mars, but dispo∣sed of by him also. Ergo, these Rules are the more to be heeded.
Let me perswade all you that are the pofessed and avow∣ed Enemies to this Nations Peace and Happiness, to change your evil purposes, and to turn the, destructive current of your Treacherous Inclinations; unless you have a desire to meet your Misery and Ruine in prosecuting the ill grounded Theam of your insuling and reasonless prejudice; which is (I unrefeignedly protest) most plainly to be read in the Heavens; and you your selves may also perceive it by the divers positive Authorities I cite.
I scorn and abominate to substitute my own Opinion in
the room of Art; or to wrack and torture the Science I study, with unwarrantable Devices, to force and compel it to speak what the, Heavens do not intend or intimate. It is sufficiently known I have made it my designe all along to detect and dis∣cover the Errours, Forgeries and Vanities of the highest A∣busers of this noble Science in our Age. And should I attempt any such thing, or wilfully suffer my Pen to walk either con∣trary to, or besides the Rules of my Art, I should then be as bad as he, who pretending to abhor Idols, was not ashamed to commit Sacrilege.
Perhaps these my serious and seasonable Premonitions, be∣cause they are deduced ex Artis from the Stars, maybe contemned, neglected and slighted; and my self for the same derided, if not detruded, by those who are mostly concerned in them, and ought chiefly to consider and observe them. It is a practise among the ignorantly resolute in shawing a Fool∣hardy valour, rather to run into the Jaws of Ruine, then be wrought upon by the most gentle Perswasions to re∣form.
I know Astrology. is suffciently under Hatches at this day in England, and by tne major sort, of wise and ignorant, not onely neglected, but condemned, by reason of the Sychopin∣cy, Leidgerdemain, and Grand Jugling of that Arch-Parasite Merlinus Anglicus; who for many years together hath been felsly reputed rhe chief Astrologer among us. If f••ttery be the onely distinguishable Character to know an Artist by, the general Cry and Commendations will the more easily reach him. But if true knowledge in the Art shall take place, I here publickly.maintain, He is not guilty of the tythe of the knowledge that the people have generally believed of him. This may seem somewhat Paradoxial and strange, That a per∣son that hath born the Bell I cannot tell how many years in the common Fame of the Nation, should not be most excel∣lent in the thing he pretends unto: but it is most true, and I dare publickly aver it, That his skill is so mean in the Art he prerends unto, that he knoweth not how to calculate one Stars or Planets place: nay, I shall go further 3 he scarcely Knows how to reduce a Star truly from one Meridian to ano∣ther
It is common for the major part of the world, whose judge∣ments are unseasoned, to be taken with pretended Flourtishes of skill, whether they be certain and true, or not.
I have heard of a Mustian who (with his Youth) was psaying be∣fore it great number of persons; and the Youth having ob∣tained a little superficial skill, did with the same so enchaunt the Ears of the Auditors, that they brake forth into a great Commendation of his rare skill: His Master observing this their applause, came near to the Youth, and struck him on the Ear, saying, Sirrah, If you had been true to your Notes, those misjudging-Ears could never have commended you.So, if that grand Abuser of Astrologie have been commmend∣ed in all things he hath written, it hath been by unseasoned Judgments, Persons that were not acquainced with his Wiless and lgnorance. Yet for his sake alone, hath Astrologie been hardly censured, yea, plainly abused, neglected, scorn'd and condemned.
It is not Astrologie, but Sycophancy, and arch-Villany, to turn tide & tale with every, interest. An houest Astrologer scorns to fawn, ftatter, and write for and against a Parliament for.200 and l. 100.l. per anuum. Is he an able Astrologer that shall trapan the King-of Sweden to his ruine, and yet receive from him both money and a Goid Chain? Is he not a Villain rather?. Is he an. honest Artist that shall trayterously traduce his. lawful Leige-Lord and So, veraign, and call him Titular King, Pyra∣tical Prince; threaten him with a stab, or poison? Is he a Eriend to the Scince he pretends, that for a Bribe shall (sine ra∣tione) doom the. King of Denmark to ruine, and the Prince Ele∣Etor of Beandenburgh to repent in sackeloath and ashes? Is he not a Mercenary Killain rather, that for a handful of earth shall assassinate the most splendid reputations in the world? Nor dare I esteem him other then a rancorous hearted Wretch that shall aggravate a difference between his own Prince and Sub∣jects, or that shall abuse his Royal Majesties Friends by name, as the before mentioned Merlin's Brat hath ihe Earl of Or∣mond calling him arch-Rebel, and indiscreet Earl, and threat∣ning him with inglorious death; and Prince Rupert, whom he
villanously stiles Plunder-Master-General, &c. Thus you see how Astrologie is come to be evilly spoken of, and for whose sakes also
Astrologie is too Princely a Science to be thus a bused! but by the soile and black Actions of this Proditorious Fellow, the Diamond, Lustre and Beauty of the Art, is the more ex∣cellently shadowed and set off. I abominate to threaten or terrifie any sort of men in the world with false fears, or in∣deed with any at all! Howbeit, I shall endeavour to per∣swade all those that are wilfully precipitating themselves into the Gulph of Misery, Ruine and Destruction, to avoid run∣ning the Road that leads necessarily thereunto: If the cause be taken away, the effect of course ceaseth.
And that I may use a pertinent and proper Argument to perswade with them, I shall acquaint them, and the world at large, That Astrologie is not so vain, so empty, or so idle a study, as the ignorance and villany of the beforementioned Person hath seemed to render it. There is more Worth, Truth, and certainty therein, then the weak & yeilding Brains of Men are generally able to conceive or comprehend: And that may most probably be the ground of the Right Honorable the Lord Chancellour's Caution in his Learned and Elegant Speech to the Parliament, — That we should not too much despise the influence of the Stars.
We do not (faith the Learned Dr. Brown) reject or condemn a sober and regulated Astrolo∣gie; we hold there is more truth therein, then in Astrolo∣gers; in some more, then many allow; yet in none so much as some pretend. We deny not the influences of the Stars, but often suspect the due Application thereof: Pseud. Epidem. Lib. 4. p. 194.And what man of Reason, will deny the Reason of this Learned Author? Shall we through a conceited or zealous ignorance, confound the good use of the Art with the abuse thereof, for the knavish∣ness of a known Impostor therein? Are there no Grapes ripe, or fit to be eaten, but those that are within our reach? Shall we wilfully damn and destroy all things we are not able to understand? This were ridiculous, and most unworthy
the Reason of men! Is there no sober Distinction to be made between the good Wine and the Dregs? between the skill of an honest Artist and the practise of a Sycophantique Pre∣tender? That it is unjust for any to blend or mingle the true use, with the abuse of an Art, I shall endeavour to satisfie the world, by remembring them of some few, but admirable examples, in which the true worth and certainty of this ho∣noured Science hath to the great credit thereof, been veri∣fied.
And to avoid the repetition of those famous Predictions Lucius Bellanticus, Gauricus, Cardan, Spurina, Guido, &c. (with whose worthy skill, and famous Presages, we might fill some Volumes) I shall relate here onely some few, but remarka∣ble things, forecold by the assistance of the Syderal Science, of late years, and among us also.
I spare to speak of the most fortunate, happy, and heaven-favouring Predictions that are to be found in my Ephemeris for this year, because the Book it self (and things therein con∣tained) is still fresh in each mans memory. Not is it requi∣site for me to take notice of each auspicious Prediction my Pen hath been the Author of; otherwise for one of these, I could have produced ten. But my business is onely to prove Astrologie useful and worthy; and that the Predictions thence lawfully derived, ought to be seriously and carefully heeded and considered. Shall we say that the Lute is a dull Instru∣ment, because a poor Piper cannot tell what to make thereof? Is AEsop's Jewel of no use, bacause a Cock preferred a Barly∣Corn before it? Astrologie was never yet condemned by a∣ny that understood it. And that alone preseves its honour with the ingeniously learned.
Neither let any man under pretence of opposing Astrolo∣gie to Divinity, take occasion thence to give the less credit unto it. For. —. If there be a truth therein, (as faith the a∣foresaid worthy Author) it doth not injure Divinity: If to be born under. Mercury disposeth us to be witty, under Ju∣piter to be wealthy; I do not owe a knee unto these, but unto the merciful hand that hath ordered my indifferent and uncertain Nativity unto such benevolous Aspects:Vide Re∣ligio Medici, Sect. 18. Besides, Divines themselves have been the greatest Propagators of this Science; as Junctine, Ficinus, Hartgil, Dr. Gell, Burton, Origanus, Lindholt, Reeves, Swadlin, Carpenter, &c. And can we in reason believe or conceive, that they would advance, or set up, any thing con∣trary to their own profession? Nay, most of these have af∣firmed, That Astrologie is necessary in a Divine; for he can∣not truely understand some places of Scripture without the knowledge thereof. And that was the reason that formerly in Egypt none were admitted into the Sacred Order with∣out being competently versed in the Science of the Scars.
This being now considered, I see not reasonably how the greatest Antagonists can hood-wink themselves from the knowledge of Coelestial Influences. Nor can we understan∣dingly conplude, that he which gave vertue to the Mazza∣roth (or twelve signes) the Pleiades, Arcturus, and the Stars of Orion, should refuse to enstamp an insluence proportio∣nable upon the rest of those glorious Creatures. Nor ought we in reason to. condemn, slight and neglect all Astral inslu∣ence or ponrer, for the Imposturisms of any one either pretending to or practising Astrologie, any more, then we ought to make light of the Deity, because Caligula and Lucian would nor grant any.
Will any man esteem him Wise or judicious, that like AE∣sops Dog letteth slip the substance to snatch at the shadow? Is it not a most blush-worthy fault in any that shall catch at Vanities on purpose to carp at Verities? He puts the greatest Fallacy and Cheat upon himself, and robs his Reason of its proper food, that in derision and scorn of an Art shall hug, cherish and embrace the Abuse and Imposturism thereof, on
purpose to wound the true use and worth of it. The Errour of the Artist is but the Organ of his unwary and imperfect Nature, and no impeachment to the honour of the Art at all. It would be highly unjust in any to condemn the true use of Physick, under pretence of crying out against the knavish and unwarrantable practise of Empyricks.
Astrologers seldome commit Errors, except when they (for bribes) turn Parasites, &c. Amor odium{que} ne vera eveniant judicia prohibent si quidem minunt maxima, augent minima; (i.e.) Love and Hate will occasion great Errour in judge∣ment;The one causerh the Artist to magnisie things trivial, and the other to lessen things considerable, Ptol. Cent. A∣phor. 12. The true Astrologer therefore ought to avoid running upon, either of these Rocks, as carefully as he would avoid the giving a false judgement.
But I wave this Apologetique Discourse, and would not in∣deed have spoke so much here, but that the cause is so pres∣sing; And to acquaint the world, that Asthologie is not sit to be contemned, but continued, notwithstanding the Abuses of the greatest Pretenders thereunto. I have partly procee∣ded thus far in it, to check the vain conceits of Unbelievers: and to assure them, as there is truth in starry Influences, and in rhe forementioned proofs thereof, that Englands happiness cannot be endeavoured to be undermined, but by the absolute destruction and ruine of the Undertakers and, Projectors of the same: and this without Flattery, or by-respect to any Interest, I send into the world, there to remain an Astro∣logical Truth with the rest of his Fellows, when the Au∣thor of it shall silently rest Inter Mortuos, among the Dead.
Let. us but observe the grand Harmony between the Fi∣gure before going, and-that of the Revolution of the world, viz of the Suns intrat into Aries; and we shall find, that Luna in this Figure is in Sextile to her place in that, and on the place of Jupiter also; and the Benevolent Planet Venus Lady of the tenth here, upon the place of Luna in that Scheme; and the Cusp of the eleventh of that Figure ascending here in this.
From all which auspicious Transits and Radiations, we may once more boldly affirm — That Peace and Unity is inten∣ded to these Islands by this so happy Renovation and Change a∣mong us: and that there. will be both harmony, concord and a∣greement between both Prince and people. And most wretched must that man, or those men be, that shall endeavour to disturb our long-expected, and now growing Felicity.
Thus much I have thought sit to publish upon this occasi∣on; presuming, as it may be of very good use to some, it can be of no bad consequence or import to any that love this Kingdoms Peace.
HAving an opportunity of the Press, I shall, for the ho∣nour of Astronomy, present unto the Learned in that Act an Observarion more ancient then any commonly ex∣tant, as it was made by one Mr. Knighton a Monk of Canter∣bury, An. 1170. Sept. 13. at midnight, and lately discovered by the reading of my worthy Friend Mr. J.Childry, who (to the end it might be serviceable to the Lovers of Urania, and claim their serious notice) gave me the same to publish in the very words himself met with it, viz. An. 1170. Idibus Septembris nocte media, duo Planet & it a conjungi videbaniur, ut quasi una eadem{que} stella fuissent appareret, sed illico ab invi∣cem separati sunt: In the year 1170. in the Ides of Septem∣ber about midnight, were seen two planets so nearly con∣joyned, that they seemed to appear as it were one and the same Star; but they did suddainly separate from each other.
Mr. Childry gave me also a Calculation of this Conjuncti∣on from the Tables of Mr. Vincent Wing in his Astronomia In∣staurata, by Mr. Rich. Fitz-smith, a person excellently ver∣sed in this knowledge, (by which without trouble I knew the Stars conjoyn'd near Jupiter and Mars) with which I shall present my Reader. But first I shall take the pains to try how near the Tables in my Doctrine of Nativities will an∣swer this rare appearance.
| ☉ Mid, Long. | 5 | 29 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 28 | 47 | 32 | |
| Apog. Sub. | 2 | 28 | 47 | 32 | |||||
| Anomalia. | 3 | 0 | 31 | 30 | Log. ☉. 500, 007. | ||||
| Equat. Sub. | 2 | 2 | 40 | ||||||
| ☉ true place. | 5 | 27 | 16 | 22 | ♍ | 27 d. | 16 m. | 22 s. |
| Long. ♃. | Aphel. ♃. | Node. ♃. | ||||||||||||
| si. | deg | min. | sc. | sig. | deg. | min. | sec. | sig. | deg. | min. | sec. | |||
| Mid. Long. Aph. S. | 1 | 25 | 31 | 52 | 5 | 27 | 21 | 27 | 3 | 5 | 41 | 13 | ||
| 5 | 27 | 21 | 27 | |||||||||||
| Anomalina. Equ. add | 7 | 28 | 10 | 25 | Log. ♃ | 570, 758. | ||||||||
| 4 | 52 | 42 | ParsCurt. | 4. | ||||||||||
| Ecc. place. Node Sub. | 2 | 0 | 24 | 32 | Log. Curt. | 570,754. | ||||||||
| 3 | 5 | 41 | 13 | Log. ☉. | 500,007. | |||||||||
| Arg. Lat. Reduct. add | 10 | 24 | 43 | 21 | T. A. | 11 | 6 | 929,253. | ||||||
| 0 | 28 | Add | 45 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Ecc. reduced ☉ Place. | 2 | 0 | 25 | 2 | T. C. | 56 | 6 | 9,82735. | ||||||
| 5 | 27 | 16 | 22 | T. | 58 | 26 | 10,21154. | |||||||
| Anom. Orb. ½ of it. | 3 | 26 | 51 | 20 | T. | 47 | 34 | 10,03889. | ||||||
| 1 | 28 | 25 | 40 | |||||||||||
| Tang. ad Elong ☉. S. | 1 | 17 | 34 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 3 | 15 | 59 | 40 | |||||||||||
| ♃ true place | 2 | 11 | 16 | 42 | II 11 deg. 16 min.. 42 sec. |
| Tagent of Inclination. | 837656 |
| Sine Elogation | 998284 |
| Sine Arg. Latitude | 976164 |
| S. C. Arith. Anno Orbe | 4955 |
| Tangent of Latitude South | 817059 |
| 0 d. 51 m. |
| Long. ♂ | Aphel. ♂ | Node. ♂ | ||||||||||||
| si. | deg | min. | sc. | sig. | deg. | min. | sec. | sig. | deg. | min. | sec. | |||
| Midd. Long. Aphel. Sub. | 0 | 20 | 29 | 25 | 4 | 19 | 34 | 41 | 1. | 9. | 59. | 38. | ||
| 4 | 19 | 34 | 41 | |||||||||||
| Anomalia. Equat. add | 8 | 0 | 54 | 44 | Log. ♂ | 516. | 591. | |||||||
| 9 | 45 | 22 | Curt.P. | 1. | ||||||||||
| Ecc. place. Node Subst. | 1 | 0 | 14 | 47 | Log. Curt | 516, 590. | ||||||||
| 1 | 9 | 59 | 38 | Log. ☉. | 500,007. | |||||||||
| Arg. Lat. Reduct.add | 11 | 20 | 15 | 9 | T.A. | 34.19. | 983417. | |||||||
| 0 | 18 | Add | 45.0 | |||||||||||
| Eclipt.place ☉ place | 1 | 0 | 15 | 5 | T.C. | 79.19. | 927565 | |||||||
| 5 | 27 | 16 | 22 | T. | 73.31. | 1052885. | ||||||||
| Anom. Otb. ½ of it. | 4 | 27 | 1 | 17 | T. | 32.31 | 980450. | |||||||
| 2 | 13 | 30 | 38 | |||||||||||
| Tang. add Elong.☉.s. | 1 | 2 | 31 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 3 | 16 | 1 | 38 | |||||||||||
| ♂ true place. | 2 | 11 | 14 | 44 | II 11 deg. 14 min. 44 sec. |
| Tangent of Inclination | 850946 |
| Sine of Elongation | 998276 |
| Sine Arg. Latitude | 922878 |
| S.C. Arith. Anom. orbe | 26409 |
| - | |
| Tang. Lat. 0 deg.34 min.South | 798509 |
| Long. | Lat. | ||||||||
| So the places of them both in Longitude and Latitude are | ♃ | 2 | 11 | 16 | 42 | 0 | 51 | South. D. | |
| ♂ | 2 | 11 | 14 | 44 | 0 | 34 | |||
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 58 | 0 | 17 |
And their difference in Longitude, I min. 58 sec. in Lati∣tude 17 min. a thing inconsiderable both ways; and remar∣kably proves the exactness of the beforementioned Tables in my Doctrine of Nativities, which are founded upon the Hy∣pothesis of the Learned Bullialdus.
In the next place, I shall present you with the pains of Mr. Fitz-smith on this admirable Conjunction from Mr. Wing's Astronomia Instaurata; which, as it was delivered me, take as followeth.
| si. | de. | m. | sec | |
| The middle Motion of ☉ | 5 | 29 | 19 | 28 |
| The Apogaeeon of ☉ S. | 2 | 28 | 21 | 30 |
| The Anomalia remains | 3 | 0 | 57 | 58 |
| The Equation of ☉ Eccentrick substract | 2 | 2 | 56 | |
| The ☉ true place | 5 | 27 | 16 | 32 |
viz. in nz 27 deg. 16 min. 32 sec.
| Jupiter. | Mars. | ||||||||
| sig. | deg. | min. | sec | sig. | deg. | min. | sec | ||
| Middle Motion | 1 | 25 | 34 | 2 | 0 | 20 | 28 | 33 | |
| Aphelion ♃ | 5 | 28 | 17 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 17 | 31 | |
| Node ascending | 3 | 5 | 22 | 43 | 1 | 11 | 20 | 42 | |
| Equation of the Eccentrick to be added | 0 | 4 | 46 | 5 | 9 | 42 | 35 | ||
| Place of ♃ from ☉ in his Orbite | 2 | 0 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 8 | |
| Reduction add | 0 | 27 | 0 | 22 | |||||
| Ecliptique place of ♃ from ☉ | 2 | 0 | 20 | 34 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 30 | |
| Parallax of the Orb from the earth add | 0 | 10 | 55 | 15 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 26 | |
| Longitude of ♃ is | 2 | 11 | 15 | 49 | 2 | 11 | 11 | 56 | |
| Latitude South | 50 | 51 | 83 | 12 |
Hence their places in Longitude and Latitude, is —
| d. | m. | s. | |
| Long ♃ ♂ II | 11 | 15 | 49 |
| 11 | 11 | 56 |
| m. | s. | ||
| Latitude | 50 | 51 | South. |
| 38 | 12 |
Their Difference in both, od. 3 m. 53 s. — 22 39.
I shall in the last place present you with a Calculation of this so famous Conjunction from the Tables of my worthy Friend Mr. Wing in his Harmonicon Coeleste, which differ very little from the Calculation thereof by the Tables in my Trea∣tise of Nativities.
| Time given. | Long. ☉. | Apog. ☉. | ||||||||
| si. | deg. | min. | sec. | sig. | deg. | min. | sec. | |||
| 1101 | 9 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 2 | 27 | 9 | 54 | ||
| 60 | 0 | 26 | 56 | 1 | 1 | 38 | ||||
| 9 | 11 | 29 | 49 | 15 | 9 | 15 | ||||
| Sept. | 7 | 29 | 30 | 44 | 42 | |||||
| D. 13 | 12 | 48 | 48 | 0 | ||||||
| H. 12 | 29 | 34 | ||||||||
| Middle Longitude Apogae••on | 5 | 29 | 19 | 28 | 2 | 28 | 21 | 30 | ||
| 2 | 28 | 21 | 30 | |||||||
| Anomalia Remaining Equation Substract The Suns true place | 3 | 0 | 57 | 59 | Logarithm of ☉ — 100001. | |||||
| 2 | 2 | 55 | ||||||||
| 5 | 27 | 16 | 33 | ♍ 27 d. 16 m. 33 s |
| Time given. | Long ♃. | Aphel.♃. | Node ♃. | ||||||||||||
| si. | deg. | min. | se. | si. | deg. | min. | sec | sig. | deg. | min. | sec. | ||||
| 1101 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 30 | 5 | 29 | 33 | 30 | 3 | 3 | 37 | 38 | |||
| 60 | 21 | 47 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 13 | 0 | ||||||
| 9 | 9 | 3 | 14 | 48 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 57 | |||||||
| Sept. | 20 | 12 | 2 | 42 | 8 | ||||||||||
| D.13 | 1 | 4 | 50 | ||||||||||||
| H.12 | 2 | 30 | |||||||||||||
| Mid. Lon. ♃ Aphel. Sub. | 1 | 25 | 32 | 40 | 6 | 0 | 43 | 19 | 3 | 3 | 52 | 43 | |||
| 6 | 0 | 43 | 19 | Dist. ♃ à ☉ | 508565 | ||||||||||
| Anomalia Equat. add | 7 | 24 | 45 | 21 | Curt. Pars | 47 | |||||||||
| 4 | 40 | 24 | Dist. curtated. | 501518 | |||||||||||
| Ecc. place Node Ascen | 2 | 0 | 18 | 4 | Dist. ☉ à terra, | 100001 | |||||||||
| 3 | 3 | 52 | 43 | Sum | 6015019 | ||||||||||
| Arg. Lat. Reduct. add | 10 | 26 | 20 | 21 | Difference | 401517 | |||||||||
| 0 | 27 | As Sum | 3,77913 | ||||||||||||
| Ecc. reduced ☉ place. | 2 | 0 | 13 | 31 | To Difference. | 3,60357 | |||||||||
| 5 | 27 | 16 | 33 | So T. 58 d. 32 m. | 10,21324 | ||||||||||
| Anom. Com Half Sum. Parallax Orb | 3 | 27 | 3 | 2 | To Tan. 47 d. | 13,81681 | |||||||||
| 1 | 28 | 31 | 31 | 10,02758 | |||||||||||
| 11 | 4 | 0 | Sum 106.0 Angle Elongation. | ||||||||||||
| Differ. 11.4 Parallax earths Orb | |||||||||||||||
| ♃ place. | 2 | 11 | 17 | 31 | II 11 d. 17m. 31 sec. |
| As Sine Elongation, 74 d. o m. | 9,982841 |
| To Sine Angle Comitat. 62 d. 57 m. | 9,9496987 |
| so Cotangent Iclination, 0 d. 46 m. | 11,873490 |
| - | |
| 21823177 | |
| To Cotangent of Latitude sonth 0 d. 59 m | 11,840336 |
| Time given. | Long. ♂. | Aphel. ♂. | Node ♂. | ||||||||||||
| sig. | deg. | m. | sec | sig. | deg. | min. | sec. | sig. | deg. | min. | sec. | ||||
| 1101 | 11 | 28 | 25 | 54 | 4 | 18 | 52 | 29 | 1 | 10 | 40 | 4 | |||
| 60 | 10 | 24 | 59 | 54 | 1 | 12 | 54 | 0 | 43 | 36 | |||||
| 9 | 9 | 12 | 37 | 8 | 10 | 56 | 6 | 33 | |||||||
| Sept. | 4 | 7 | 20 | 57 | 49 | 28 | |||||||||
| D. 13 | 6 | 48 | 46 | ||||||||||||
| H. 12 | 15 | 43 | |||||||||||||
| Midd. Long. Aphel. Sub. | 0 | 20 | 28 | 22 | 4 | 20 | 17 | 8 | 1. | 11. | 30. | 41. | |||
| 4 | 20 | 17 | 8 | Dist. ♂ à ☉ | 146270 | ||||||||||
| Anomalia. Equat. add | 8 | 0 | 11 | 14 | Pars Curtration | 4 | |||||||||
| 9 | 43 | 49 | Dist. curtated | 146266 | |||||||||||
| Ecc. place Node Subst. | 1 | 0 | 12 | 11 | Log. ☉. | 100001 | |||||||||
| 1 | 11 | 30 | 41 | Sum | 246267 | ||||||||||
| Arg. Lat. Reduct. add | 11 | 18 | 41 | 30 | Difference | 646265 | |||||||||
| 0 | 21 | As Sum | 3,39128 | ||||||||||||
| Ecc. reduced ☉ place | 1 | 0 | 12 | 32 | To Difference. | 2,66464 | |||||||||
| 5 | 27 | 16 | 33 | So T. 73 d. 32 m. | 10,52932 | ||||||||||
| Anom. Com. Half Sum Parallax Orb. | 4 | 27 | 4 | 1 | To Tang. 32 d. 25 m. | 13,19396 | |||||||||
| 2 | 13 | 32 | 0 | 9,80268 | |||||||||||
| 1 | 11 | 7 | 0 | Sum is 105.57 Angle Elongat. | |||||||||||
| Differ. 41.7 Parallax Earths Orb. | |||||||||||||||
| ♂ true place. | 2 | 11 | 19 | 32 | II 11 deg. 19 min. 21 sec. |
| As Sine Elongation, 74 deg. 3. min. | 9,982950 |
| To Sine Angle Comutation, 32. 56. | 9,735329 |
| So Cotangent Inclinat. 0. 22. | 12,193845 |
| - | |
| 21,929174 | |
| To Cotangent Latitude South, o deg. 39 min. | 11,946224 |
| d. | m. | sec. | d. | m. | ||||
| Hence, the Lon-gitude of ♃ is II | 11 | 17 | 31 | Lati∣tude | 0 | 50 | South | |
| Hence, the Lon-gitude of ♂ is II | 11 | 19 | 32 | Lati∣tude | 0 | 39 | South | |
| Their Difference | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 11 |
I hope the Noble Students in this Study, will consider of what worthy advantage this choice Observation may be, and not grutch their pains hereon, if hereby (as I believe)they may rectifie Astronomy; since it is Price enough for the pains of the true Filius Artis, if he have but the honour of elevating Art a minute nearer the truth then at the present it stands. And of what Emolument it might prove to this Coe∣Iestial Study, if all Learned persons would follow the steps of this Reverend Church-man, and communicate all their Ob∣servations of this kind, that in their reading they shall have the good hap to meet with, I need not inculcate. This one Example will (I hope) prove an encouragement sufficient to irritate the more able Endeavours of the most knowing in this. Science, toward a Restauration of what the ignorant world admires, viz.The Motions of the Planets.
HAving been of late most unworthily taxed by that known. Traducer Mr. William Lilly, (a common scan∣dalizer of Kings and Kingdoms) and by his means in several squirting Pamphlets untruly charged as guilty of that deformed and foul Crime of Ingratitude; He pre∣tending himself (though falsly) my Tutor in Astrologie; I having had the great unhappiness as well as many others) to be, to my cost, formerly acquainted with him: upon which acquaintance, he protends to ground his Scandals. And my being neglective of his S••omma's, and a mild for bearing to respond unto any of his Nefarious Forgeries against me, hath partly perswaded many persons into a belief of his wicked In∣sinuations. Which to correct with the Soveraign Antidote of Truth, I hold it requisite to acquaint the world, how I came first to study Astrologie, and unto whose memory I owe my knowledge therein. Which make as followeth.—
In the year 1652. going into Oxfordshire, in the way of a grateful Visit to my honoured Grandfather Sir.J.Curson, who out of his Nobleness was at the charge of my Education; I took with me some Pamphets as, The Copies of the Times Humours, to present him with. And among the rest, Mr. Wharton's Hemerosc. for that year: upon fight of which, he was very well pleased, and began to enter into a Discourse with me touching Astrologie. And (although my knowledge then was but mean therein) I answered his Demands accor∣ding
to the best of my skill. In brief, he was so well pleased with my mean Returns, that he not onely commended my poor industry, but gave me somewhat to encourage me fur∣ther; and withal, expressed a greater respect and affection to the Art, then Gentlemen in this Age commonly do; And advised me (for attaining perfection therein) to the Study of Astronomy; acquainting me, that (which I since found as true as the Oracle) he who was ignorant of the Motions of the Stars, must be so also in their effects.
Finding my self so well entertained for that mean mite of knowledge, I was resolved then to make a further progress therein, and (if possible) understand the most abstruse parts thereof. And this my inclination wanted not an ample sig∣nification in my Nativity from the Heavens. For I had then operating M.C. ad △ ♂, and this in ♍, the greatest Digni∣ties of ☿, the true Patron of Arts and Sciences. And upon the Effects thereof, I acquainted my self with that eminently Learned Mathematician and Astrologer, Dr. N. Fiske; who, in little time, had so far instructed me in the whole Art of Astrologie, and a competent part of Astronomy also, that in 1655. I was able to present my honoured Grandfather with an Almanack in Manuscript, which was afterwards printed, and hath since been annually continued. And in that year also, I, together with my Uncle Mr. T.G. began to reduce the places of all the fixed Stars in the Heavens, as an Emendati∣on of the Learned Hartgil's Tables. And these were prin∣ted and published 1656. And in the same year I published my Coelestial Ambassador. In the year 1658. I emitted in∣to the world my Doctrine of Nativities. In the year 1658 I published the King of Swedes Nativity, and Nuncius Astro∣logicus also. And in the year 1660. I published my Treatise of Prodigies.
In all which works, my Enemles themselves can't say, I have done Astrologie the least dishonour, or cast one blot up∣on the Divine Beanty of the fair Ʋrania. Howbeit, I must ingenuously acknowledge, that all these Rivulets are sprung from the source of that great Seminary of the Mathematicks, Dr. Fisk. beforementioned: for to him, and to him alone,
next unto Divine Assistance do I owe all my knowledge in Art; and can boldly aver, I never learnt the meaning of an Aphorism from any other man in the world.
I have been acquainted with the best and worst knowing in this Science in England; and must acknowledge, there are more ingenious persons study if privately, then any that pra∣ctise it publickiy. I cannot discover either more Art or Ho∣nesty in our highest Pretenders, then in the mear vulgar A∣strologer. Nor am I able to discern any material Difference between a fam'd Mountebanks pair of Dials, with a Non Co∣gunt, and the poor Bill-Posters Astra non necessitant,&c. one∣ly this, The one hath quacked under an especial Protection from the State, for a bribe of 100 l. and sometimes 200 l. per annum; and the other perhaps better deserving, for want of Clyents; is compelled to the course he otherwise hates and a∣bominates. I honour Astrologie honestly considered, but hate the Sycophantick Pretender thereunto. I was more confident when I scarcely knew a ✶ from a △, then now I dare to be after nine years study. I have written more of Art, then any man of this latter Age: yet have not preju∣diced Kingdoms or Families, or abused Kings, Princes. or mea∣ner Persons, under pretence. thereof. I have carefully en∣deavoured to escape Tacitus his Censure, who reshly con∣cludes Astrologers —Genus Hominus infiduns Princi∣pius.
I have had the happiness to read Astrological (and still do) to many ingenious persons, and that satisfactorily, as many ve∣ry well know: By which mean, I have much embettered my own understanding: For, Decendo discimus, by teaching we learn our selves.
And whereas person, as insolently, as unjustly, rearm me ungrateful, either to Litty or any other, I shall desire them, First Arguere, then Readarguers first, to prove the Crime they object against me; then, reprove me for it. I acknow∣ledge readily, that Ingratitude is the greatest of Crimes a man can be guilty of. And it is a thing so contrary to my nature, that I desire no longer to live, then to be grateful. And if I esteemed my self a drachm behiad hand with any man
in this, I would return him a pound in satisfaction. Nay; the beforementioned person that hath objected Ingratitude to me, upon my demanding his Reason, did before Mr. E.Car∣rant pronounce me (to him) the most grateful man in the world. And I am confident he cannot, neither dares he say, (unless it it be boastingly behind my back) that I ever learn∣ed a Line in Astrologie or Astronomy from him. The later of which I dare, and do here publickly maintain, he knoweth nothing of; no, not to the Calculation of one Stars place, either fixed or Erratique; both which I was sufficintly able to perform before ever my ill Fortune directed me to his ac∣quaintance: and how he should then prove my Tutor, I can∣nor in reason see. Nay, I protest freely, (and this without a∣ny boasting, or ambitious lifting up my self, for I know my knowledge is but mean) I understood more Art before ever I was acquainted with Lilly, then he was ever capable of lear∣ning in his life; notwithstanding his great Fame for (doing nothing else in truth but) deluding the world. I mention not this by reason of the Difference between him and my self; for in matter of Truth I so far devest my self from Passi∣on, that Reason might reign as King. Nor would I have a∣ny hereby think, that Labhor to learn of an Adversary; for I have always made that Adage my Companion, whicn says∣Etemin fasest, & abhoste doceri; It is both just and lawful for a man to learn of his Enemy. And I should not refuse so learn of him who hath as arrogantly as falsly stiled him∣self my Tutor, and hath taught others to cant so, if I conld perceive in him any thing by which my understanding might be bettered.
But although I shall so far submit my self to the truth; as to bow the knee of my Reason to any, and shall not refuse to stoop to the foot of a Shepherd, if Ingenuity and Reason keep Court in such a Cottage; yet I hold it the highest sla∣very in the world for any man that is discipulus ratiouis, to subjugate his Reason so far, as — Jurare in verba Lillii. I am too Masculine to believe the King of Sweden shall be greater then Charles the Great, because Mr. Lilly rantingly says so; except he give me a better Reason, then ipse
dixit; and Authority, then the Sibyls, and Mother Shipton. Or that we shall have no more Kings in England, because he Sycophantiquely, and for base Bribes, (laying aside his Art) writ so. I am too great a Disciple of Art, to betray my Reason and Knowledge therein, to the by••ssed Interest of every confident Pretender. And if to defend the honour of Art, and detect and discover the Treasons and Chea∣tisms practised under it, and lay the Persons open to the World, that thus notoriously abuse it, be to be ungrate∣ful; Sine Apologia, I desire to be ungrateful still.
And whereas Lilly hath printed it — That lay it in my power, I would swallow his Body, and spit his Soul into the Stygian Lake, I must tell him, The Fear is as scandalous as the Conceit idle and foolish: For, it must be a Grave of far larger Dimensions that must swallow his Body, had he not espoused himself to Villanies that swell him so much bigger then he naturally is. But if he mean by this Charge to set off my Hatred to him by a Sarcasm, or Hyperbole, I must return him as egregionsly mistaken in this, as he prov'd himself in the Swedish Victory, or R. Cromwel's continuance: For, I protest freely to the World, my heart is furnished with no such polluted stuff. Nay, I dare be bold to affirm, That were there an occasion offered me to try my Hatred toward him to purpose, I should prove as great a Friend to him, as he is a man, as any of his Hicks∣hall Jury did in 1654. when he was indicted there for a Cheat.
And whereas Lilly is troubled that I have at any time re∣ported him a Taylor, I here again tell the world, I do therein but call a Spade a Spade. And he knows I have not onely his own Confession, and Witnesses yet living to prove it, but good,sufficient and uncontradicted Authority in Print for so reporting him.
If Mr. Lilly have ought else to urge against me, I shall,