Catastrophe Galliæ, & Hiberniæ restitutio an impartial judgement, denoting the reduction of Ireland. This revolution, 90. ending March the 10th 1691. Also the conquering of proud Lewis, and abasing France. By Their present Majesties William and Mary, King and Queen of England, Defenders of the Faith, &c. Prophetically deduced from the characters of heaven. Also the planets attributes, according to the doctrine of Hermes. With a philosophical discourse of the four elements, and powerful influences of the heavenly bodies. Likewise, a modest defence of prophecy, demonstrated from the ten sybils, and of their wonderful prophecies of our Blessed Saviour, long before his birth. To which is added, Scutica Gadburiana, or, a whip for that scorpion Gadbury. By Richard Kirby, philo astrologus & medicus.

Catastrophe Galliae, & Hiberniae Restitutio: OR, An Impartial Judgment on the Coelestial Motions; DENOTING A Signal Conquest over the Late King James, and the Irish Rebels, this Revolution in Ireland.

INTRODUCTION.

THE All-Powerful GOD never intended either Good or Evil towards the Sons of Men, but He always shew'd his Signs and Tokens in the Firmament, of His unalterable Will and Pleasure; witness the Holy Writ, as well as the Writings of the most Ancient and Sage Authors; and it is mani∣fested by All, for an undoubted Truth, That under the Conjunctional Influence of the Two Superiors, viz. Saturn and Jupiter, in the Fiery Trygon, (which hath been seven times repeated since the Cre∣ation) strange and wonderful Alterations hath happened on this Globe of Earth; and all for the preservation of the Church of God: Instance the Universal Deluge, by the keeping and preserving of Noah, and his subjected Animals in the Ark: And their last Conjunction was their Sabatical Return, under whose Influence God hath delive∣red His Church and People, by the Coming-in of His Servants, Our Sovereign Lord and Lady, King William and Queen Mary; whom God grant long to Sway the Scepter in Peace and Unity amongst us.

But to avoid Prolixity, and immediately push forward to our in∣tended Subject, I think it convenient to give some probable Con∣jectures upon

The Sun's Vernal Ingress into Aries.

[illustration] astrological chart

Figura Mundi: Or, Sol enters Aries, March the 10th. 3 Hours, 25 Min. Mane.

☽ a △ ☉, ad ✶ ♂ □ ♄.

☿	a	☌	☉
♀	a	△	♄
♃	a	△	♄
♂	a	☌	♃
☿	a	☌	♀
☿	a	☌	♃	2
☿	a	△	♄	2

Saturn goes to the Mundane Parallel of Mars, by the motion of the Primum Mo∣bile, from active Parts of Heaven.

NOW, he that looks upon this Figure (only) with the bare glance of an Eye, at the first sight, it may seem to him as a Painted Fire, or the Effigies of a Serpent drawn upon a Wall, which can neither burn nor sting: But if it be seriously viewed, we shall find it a Figure of great consequence; for there are no less than Five of the Seven Erraticks subterranean, and Four of them in the 2d. House, and Three beholding Saturn in the 9th. by a benevolent Trine. Oh! let the great God of Heaven give a double Portion of His Blessings unto their Effects; for they denote great Counsels now on Foot, and those seriously carried on, for the Glory and

Grandeur of England, and our neighbouring Nations; and that chiefly for the settlement of Affairs, as to the Rights and Privi∣ledges of Church and State; and all to make the hearts and spi∣rits of a disatisfied People easie; and this particularly in our own Nation, where there is the greatest necessity for it, because of the many differences of Opinion, who are often in an uproar, like Sea∣men in a storm. The War-like Planet Mars, passeth through the Sign Gemini, London's Ascendant, which, according to Authors, de∣notes the frequent breakings-out of Fire, also Pestilential Diseases, (the which I pray God divert) but since he is in Quadrat of Mer∣cury, and hasts to a malevolent Square of Jupiter and Saturn, to his Mun∣dane Parallel, by the motion of the Primum Mobile, I rather think he threatens breaking of Houses, Rapines and Murthers; also many discontents amongst the people, as Plotting, Contriving, and striving to raise mutinies and disturbances in the Government, only on pur∣pose for some intended Rebellion; and yet Religion and Conscience is still their pretence. Thus moves mans misguided Orb of Ambition on this swinging Globe; but those black crimes will not be long hid, for about that time as the Sun comes to touch the place of Mars, there may be a discovery made of some of their villanous Conspiracies; for at the same time, Mercury and Venus comes to a Conjunction in Gemini; for Mercury can keep counsel no longer, but must of necessity reveal it to some Woman: Then let such Rascals know, that an Ax, or a Hempen-string, will be their just reward (or some thing equivalent,) for the Heavens bends down their powerful frowns upon such Vi∣lains, for the very Steeds of Day seem to blush at their Actions. One would have thought, we had clipt the wings of Rome's black Tribe ere now, but I know it's impossible to lade the Sea dry (or to pen out the Fresh Rivers;) yet we may endeavour to keep these within the bounds and measure of order; and in so doing, we shall ever be as free from the Curse of Popery, as we are from Arbitrary Goverment. At the end of April the Sun toucheth the opposite place of Saturn, in this Vernal Figure, at which time you will hear of a great deal of Trea∣chery; also mischevious offences committed amongst the people in Ire∣land, causing many discontents, frights and fears: But let the Teagueland

Rebellious party know, that they most certainly will pay dear for their unheard-of outrages, committed upon those innocent souls; for the opposition of Saturn and Mars, begins now to operate to purpose; for on the 28th. of April, the Sun toucheth the place of Mars, at the time of their opposition; therefore now, my hearts of Gold, take Courage, and stand to it; fear not; God's on your sides, and the Stars of Heaven, in their course, fights for you; your Guardian Angels stands by you, with their Swords drawn in their Hands, and will drive the Enemy, like Chaff, before the Wind, and tumble them to and fro, with many rouling fears. There are Four Planets with the Dra∣gons Head in the 2d. in Trine to Saturn, Lord of the Ascendant, and the Moon defluxes from a Trine of the Sun, to a Sextile of Mars, the God of Battle, and Lord of England's Ascendant; all which do promise our Souldiers Moneys & Ammunition, sufficient to oppose those (Idolizing) bold Pretenders; they being the true instruments of War: But let our Enemies know, that they will be necessitated ex∣treamly, though they be proud and haughty; as he that hath but half an Eye may plainly discern, by the application of Mars to the male∣volent Quartile of Mercury, Lord of their House of Substance, who is both in detriment and fall, and also retrograde. And thus let Ireland know from me, that they will most certainly be Reduced, ere this years Actions be over; as it doth more evidently appear, by the po∣sition of the Heavenly Bodies, at the Suns Ingress into Cancer and Li∣bra; which two Figures of Heaven I have consulted, though not here inserted: And so I conclude with these following words;

If Fate there be not, what can we foresee; And how can we avoid it, if there be? If by Free-will, in our own Sphear, we move, How are we bounded by Decrees above? Whether we drive, or whether we are driven, If bad, they're Ours; if good, the Acts of Heaven: Thus good and bad's the Fate attends all men, All things return f••••m whence they first began.

Thus I have given my probable Conjectures of the Influence of the Heavenly Bodies, from their Position, at the Sun's Vernal Ingress: I shall now proceed to present you with some Philosophical Demonstra∣tions, of their powerful operating Qualities upon all Sublunaries.

Philosophical Demonstrations.

IT's well observ'd by Commenius, That Stars are fiery Globes, full of Light and Heat, with which the Sky glitters on every side; for the Ornament of the World required this, that hanging Lamps should not be wanting in so lofty a Pallace; as also the necessity of the inferior World, concerning which is the following Aphorism: Now we reckon Stars in the rank of Concretes, because it is certain they are made of Matter and Light; also they were produced in so vast a number, upon very great necessity, (1.) To heat the Earth with a various Temperature. (2.) To make the various Harmony of Times. (3.) To inspire a various Form into the Creatures; for so great Variety could not be Induced into the lower World, with∣out such Variety in Coelestial Things. For they are Certain, Inde∣terminate, and Universal Causes to Specificks, and Individual Ef∣fects; if so, they are determinated for the Truth, to whom they are visible, and of nearest cause: As the Sun makes Wax soft, Clay hard, a Worm white, the Skin of Man black; with a Man he begets a Man, with a Lyon a Lyon. Then the Stars cannot be Signs of Effect, unless they be the Causes also: For they act according to their Situation and Parallax, upon the Bodies by which they pass; yet they do not act upon Inferiors, according to the true and real Intention, and Extention of the Light, which they have in them∣selves; but only according to their appearing, when they come to those Bodies that are subject unto them.

Now, God hath placed the greatest number of Stars in the highest Heaven, round about, that they might eradiate the Earth on every side, and carry about their Sphear with a rapid motion of Heat: Now the Numerable Stars are found by us to be 1022; but the great God knows the number of the Innumerable; therefore as we know but in part, we are (nor ought) not to be positive in our Con∣jectures of their Influences, &c. Now, there is a very great por∣tion of most ardent Light conglobated in the Sun, so that it may seem the only Fountain of Light and Heat; for were it not for the

Sun, we should have perpetual Night, notwithstanding the rest of the Stars: For as much as at high Noon, we are presently in Darkness, if the Sun be but covered. Now, as touching the Sun, these following Axioms are to be noted; (1) That it was so great, as might suffice both to Illustrate the whole World, and to Heat and Vapourate the whole Earth. (2) That it is such a distance Elevated from the Earth, as might serve, so as neither to burn it, nor leave it destitute of Heat. Psal. 19. v. 7. And, (3) That it may serve all sides of the Earth with its Light and Heat, to wit, by turns; that Radiation is not made simply through the midst of the World, under the Aequa∣tor; but under the Zodiack, bending to the North on this side, to the South on that side; whence comes the division of the Year into Four Parts, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. And because it was not convenient the Sun and Stars should always operate after one and the same manner (for variety is both pleasing and profitable to all Nature) there were six other wandring Stars added over and be∣sides, which running under the same Zodiack, and by certain turns entering into Conjunction and Aspect one with another, and with the Sun, might variously temper his Operation upon Inferiour things: These wandering Stars are called Planets, of which there are Seven, reckoning the Sun for one; the other six Planets therefore are the Sun's Coadjutors in Governing the World, which differ in Sight, Course, Magnitude, Motion, Light. The higher Planets do observe the Sun; that approaching nigh unto him, they betake themselves into the highest place, going from the Sun they sink lower towards the Earth; and for this cause both their Magnitude and their Mo∣tion vary in our Eyes; for when they are nearer to the Earth, they seem greater, but more remote, less. As for their Light, Mars is very Fiery and Calefactive; Saturn is Pale, and very Frigifactive; Jupiter and Venus are of a pleasant Light; Mercury changable and Sparkling; and because the Moon was to rule the Night, a weak Light, and that but borrowed, was given her; and by reason she was appointed to shew lesser times (as Months,) a Motion different from the Sun was given her; that, by her departure from the Sun, and other Stars, and by her returning again, she might design the progress of the

Months, and bring down their good and evil Influence unto We Mortals on Earth; and that it might be done more evidently, she was placed below the Sun, that she might appear to us with her Face enlightned after divers manners. Now, God ordained Eclipses also, (1.) That we might understand that our Light is from the Sun; (2.) That the Magnitude of the Luminaries, and of the Earth, might be found out; (3.) To find the true Longitude of Countries: And lastly, To denote Firtility and Stirrility, also Mundane Affairs, as well as by the motion and position of the other wandring Stars, and the appearance of Comets, &c. Now, Comets are accessary Stars, which sometimes shine, and go out again, for the most part with Tayls, or Bushes of Hair. We reckon Comets to the Heavens and Stars, not to the Air and Meteors; because they are not generated in Sublunary Places, (as Aristotle thought) but in the highest Hea∣ven, even above the Sun: Comets are not Vapours kindled, but a Reflexion of the Sun's Light, in Vapours so far Elevated. The first is easily proved; for if a Comet were a Vapour kindled, it could not last half an Hour. (For nothing can be kindled, but a Sulphureous Matter, and that is consumed in a Moment, as it appears in Gun∣powder, Lightning, a Chasme, or Falling Star, &c.) But Histories relate, that Comets have lasted three Years. The Second is shewed, because Comets (First) Cast a Tayl from the Sun, as the Moon doth a shadow (for those dry Vapours are not an opacious Body, like to the Moon, but Semidiaphanous.) Secondly, They are Eclipsed (as Campanella testifies) by the shadow of the Earth, as well as the Moon; which would not be, if they burn'd with their own Fire. The ends of Comets are, that it may appear; First, That the whole Heavens moves, not the Stars only. Secondly, That it is Liquid and Transmeable; not hard, like Chrystal. Thirdly, That Vapours ascend so high, and that there are Mutations every where in this visible World. But it is not my Business at this time to dispute that, but as near as may be, by the Permission of the Highest, endeavour to Interpret the Meaning of those Comets and Apparitions, which hath been visibly seen with us since 79; also Conjunctions and As∣pects of the Superiour Stars; likewise Eclipses, to this very Year

1690. And, if I thought I should not offend, I would give some pro∣bable Conjectures (at this time) of the present Affairs of some parts of Europe, (but more especially of France and Ireland) and how it will go with them; the which I hope will prejudice no man; and if it doth, it will be the contrary Parties, and therefore I am the less concern'd: For Religion in this Kingdom of England, I hope, now will Flourish like a fruitful Vine, that brings forth her Grapes by Clusters; that it may smell sweet in the Nostrils of the Lord, like the Cedars of Lebanon. Let us look back to the Year 79, and consider the manifold Mercies the Lord hath been pleased to bestow upon us, and how He hath shewed us Signs and Tokens in the Heavens of His Love, signifying what He would do for us, as well as the Preservation of His Church, if we would but amend our Lives and Ways (that is, in keeping His Command∣ments and Statutes sure;) and if not, how we must expect to incur his heavy Displeasure. First, by His setting up his Prodigious Fiery Beacon tn the Heavens, in the Year 80, in the Sign Capricorn, the House of Saturn, and Exaltation of Mars, extending its Tayl almost 60 Degrees, to the Astonishment of most part of the Christian World: Such a one appeared before the Birth of our Blessed Saviour, in Caesar Augustus his Reign; at which Time the Sybils were very expert in the Knowledg of the Coelestial Science; for one Sybil, a Ti∣burnian, told the Emperor, It pointed out a Child to be Born of a Vir∣gin, which should be greater than he; therefore she exhorted him to Wor∣ship Him. And then the Church of God was preserved in the highest degree, as I hope it will be now, &c. Secondly. The Triple Con∣junction of Saturn and Jupiter, in the Regal Sign Leo, part of the Fiery Trygon; besides, the Appearance of a Comet in the said Constellation; also the Conjunction of Saturn and Mars, Jupiter and Mars, and all in the Year 1682. which did much aggravate their Effects: Besides many strange Apparitions, Eclipses, Mock-Suns and Moons, to this very Time: Moreover, the double Square of Saturn and Jupiter, in 88, and 89; also the Opposition of Saturn and Mars on the 5th. of August, from Taurus and Scorpio; likewise their Opposition in September from the said Constellations. Taurus is the Ascendant of Ireland, and Scorpio is its opposite Sign: All which

do usually and very frequently point out to Mankind, throughout the whole Macrocosme, many Calamities; as Plague, Pestilence, Blood-shed, Wars, Famine, Depopulation, Alterations of Laws and Priviledges, Change of Government, setting up and pulling down Kings, (sometimes change of Religion) also Inundations, Earth∣quakes, &c. stirring up strange Heats and Passions in Men, prompt∣ing them upon slender occasions to destroy each other; and this by their Influences (and the Permission of the Great Creator of all things, to whom all Causes are but Subordinate:) All which generally happens to those Kingdoms and Countries, where those Apparitions are seen; likewise to those places under the Influence of the Signs wherein they appear; also, to those places where they extend their Rays; the same by the Eclipses, and meetings of the Supe∣riour Bodies, whether Corporally or by Aspect; that is, where they cast their Squares or Oppositions, also smq. ssq. or Parallels: But thrice happy are those Nations and People, where they send their favourable and smiling Aspects; for to Them they promise Plenty, much Happiness, and safe Deliverance from Bondage and Captivity, from Tyrannical and Arbitrary Government, &c. as this our English Nation hath been very lately freed from: All which the aforesaid Apparitions, and triple Conjunctions of the two Supe∣riours in Leo, did pre-note, as is demonstrable according to Starry Dialect, &c. Thus moves the dreadful Wheels of the Astral Orbs, whirling themselves round by a most swift Motion, to fix the reeling Spirits of the People, and settle the loose Liberties of most Nations; more especially France, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Turkey, Tartaria, &c. Leo is the Ascendant of Rome, Scorpio of Turkey, Aries of England, Virgo of France, Taurus of Ireland: Saturn de∣notes the Roman Clergy, and all their Seminaries of Learning; and Jupiter, the Orthodox Principles of the English Church. The Wise knows what I mean; and the Learned in the Coelestial Science, is able to discern a total Subversion of the Triple Crown, with the downfal of Popery, in a few Years: For the Stars in their course Fights against them, as they did against Sisera; for which see my Vates Astrologicus, Printed in 83. Also, in my 82's Almanack you will find these Verses:

Twice topping Rome, now, fears she must decline, Her Glory is departing; she doth shine But dimly; ere few Years we shall have proof, That she'll extinguish like a stinking snuff.

And that I think, is as near coming to pass now, in this Kingdom of England, as the Men of Benjamin could throw a Stone, (and that was to an Hairs breadth;) notwithstanding all the Plots, Counter-plots, and Contrivances, of Romes Wicked, Black, Jugling Tribe, (those Prophane or Abominable Idolaters,) who are not Rulers for God, but Rulers against God, to their Power; also destructive to all that are good, and all that tends thereunto: For Religion, Laws and Liber∣ties, must not so much as be nam'd to such, except their own; for all others, that pretends to any else, are Hereticks with them. Thus, you see, when a Rent is made in a Government, Religion, and its true Professors, are sure to suffer deeply. Examples of this within these few Years, in this Kingdom, and also at this present in France, Ireland, &c. but, I hope, God will deliver them in his due Time, as he hath done us: For let the Papists know, it is not an easie Matter to change a whole Kingdoms Established Religion in a Moment; be∣sides, the same God that delivered the Israelites out of the Hand of wicked Pharoah, and the Aegyptian Slavery, is also able to deliver the Protestants out of the Hands of the Late King James, and the Irish Rebels: And this let the Roman Catholicks know from me, ex∣cept the Stars fail in their Influence, and God by his Word turn the Course of Nature (the which He is able to do in less than a moment) they will never set their Feet on English Ground again. And tho the French King joyns with them, yet all is in vain; for on the 23d. of November, 1690. will be Celebrated a Famous Conjunction of the two Malevolents, viz. Saturn and Mars, in Scorpio, the French King's Horoscope: therefore, expect in a short time, the Power of France to be brought very low, and all their wicked Designs end in Confusion; for God at present tries him, to see what he will do; and therefore,

hath given the Devil the length of his Chain, that they might walk Hand in Hand together, filling his Heart full of Pride and Tyranny; being a lying Spirit in him, as he was in the Mouths of wicked Ahab's Prophets, when they perswaded him to go up to Ramoth Gilead, and Prosper! And thus the Devil leads him on, till he hath done by him, as the Eagle doth by the Coco-Nut, sore with it a great heighth, and so lets it fall, and breaks the Shell, that she might the easier come at the Kernel. Let none admire what is here Written; for God re∣gards bad Kings no more than silly Shepherds; for are they not cast in the same common Mould, as we are? Doth not their Spirits move with the same Springs and Wards, as ours do? And doth they not (as we do) Hear, and Smell, with the Organs of Na∣ture, and Breathe in one Vital Air? If so, Mortal; and if Mortal, Subject to Accidents and Misfortunes, as we are: And, if I am not mistaken, France, at this time, is at Enmity with all the World; the Turk excepted, who is a common Enemy to all Christendom. Thus Men katch at any thing, when they are falling: Oh! what a Degree of Boldness, is France amounted to? But it will suddenly find an Alteration, to the Glory of God, and the Comfort of his People; because that Tyrant, who at present is Ruler thereof, hath trodden down all that is most Holy, and Acceptable in the sight of God, viz. the poor Protestants, even his own Subjects; when he ought to have been a Nursing Father, and Tender Governour; Ruling his People with Moderation and Affability, and not with Tyranny and Barba∣rism; shewing ill Examples to his Neighbour Nations; especially, the Kingdom of England: But France, must expect to smart for it, in a short time: Also, the Bloody Irish; for how can they think, but God will punish them, and suffer great part of their Walls to be laid waste, for spilling the Blood of Innocent Babes, that sprawled aloft, upon the Souldiers Spears in 41? Can they think, that the shrieks of their Robbed, and Ravished Mothers, did not pierce the Skies? O! Ba∣barous and Wicked Men! Can they expect otherwise, than to drink deep of the Cup of Affliction; for they are threatned with Famine, or at leastwise, a great want of Provision; besides, Wars and Pe∣stilential Diseases. Thus the Eternal Stars, so fiercely rowling over us with all the Circulation of the Heavenly Orbs, looks as if they

had a pattent to take an Account of every Man's Actions in this low∣er World; for as they were established, from before all Ages, to be for Signs and for Seasons, for Days and for Years; so will they con∣tinue their Influence over Mortals, to the end of Time, and never rest till the Universal Peace extends her Wing; the which, must not be expected, whilst we have our Natural being; but I hope we shall see the Golden Age return, where every Man is Master of his own, and live at Peace in a Free patent Government. Thus when King and People do agree, and live secure, all Rankor, Malice, and Ambition will Ex∣tinguish, and Princes and Nobles be Reverenced, true Vertue and Learning be highly esteemed, Religion and Laws be practised in their Right Forms, and Principals, and the Kingdom flourish; yet the Ene∣my will push hard at her: Thus Men strive to leap at Fate, and hurl their Fortune head-long at the Stars: Such is Man's misguided Orb of Ambition, every one strives to be as great as Caesar! But let them behold the Game that laughing Fortune plays, who dooms them to either Axe, or Halter; and tells them, by the Stars, they may as well stop the Eternal Sun, and drive him back, as think of entring. Therefore I shall conclude with Saint Paul; Si Deus nobiseum, quis contra nos? If God be for us, who can be against us? And the great God direct our Superiours, in the Management of those weighty Affairs that are before them; Preserve their most Sacred Majesties, and give them the Hearts of their People, that every Soul may be Subject to the Higher Powers: And this is the Hearty wish of him, who is a Loyal Subject to their Majesties, and his Countries Friend.

Remarks upon King William's Access to the Throne, and of his speedy Conquest of France. With a Treatise, of the Two Superiors, for the Four ensuing Years.

SInce the great God of Justice, hath been so Graciously pleased, to admit a Monarch to the Throne of England, whose Prudence and Courage (no doubt) will soon allay the hot Spirits of Antichrist, and moderate a stubborn and dissaffected People, fearing not to Unsheath his Sword, against the fiercest Dragon in Nature; but, like a Second St. George, will venture Life and Fortune, to preserve his

People, whom God hath committed to his Charge and Care; and we need not doubt, but (in the end) will come off like an Imperial Conqueror, to the Honour, and Glory of the great Creator, his own Renown, and the happy Tranquility of a flourishing Nation, and that to the final Extirpation of Popery, and Arbitrary Government, in Great Britain (Besides, I dare almost be positive, he will in a short time, enter the great Metropolis of France, conquer proud Lewis, and trample him under (with all his Pride and Tyranny) as little David did great Goliah, whom he slew with a Sling-stone, for defying the Hosts of the living God; and it's my stedfast belief, that the Omnipotent Creator (in Mercy looking down upon these sinful Na∣tions) sent him amongst us, as a second Moses, to stand in the Gap, and deliver these Four Kingdoms out of the Hands of Tyrants, who, like hungry and enraged Lyons, with open Jaws, would eagerly have swallowed up.) How then, ought the People of these King∣doms by the good Examples of the Holy Saints, who are gone into Everlasting Rest, to Honour and Glorifie the Lord their Maker, and sing forth his Praise both Night and Day, with loud Acclama∣tions of Spiritual Songs, lifting up their Hands and Hearts to the Throne of God, for all these Mercies received in so wonderful, and unheard of a Preservation? And in so doing, no doubt, but he will give them a double portion of his Blessings hereafter.

One Word or Two have I to say, concerning the double Trine of Saturn and Jupiter, which fell July the 7th. 89. from Libra and Aqua∣rius; and March the 7th. 89/90. from Scorpio and Pisces; also, of the Triple Oppositions of the said Two Superiors, which happens June the 12th. 1692. in Six Degrees of Gemini and Sagittarius; December the 3d. 1693. in Fourteen Degrees of Gemini and Sagittarius; and April the 22d. 1694. in Two Degrees of Gemini and Sagittarius. London, thou wilt dearly pay for these Oppositions; therefore look to it, for the People will expect to have Justice done them.

I dislike nothing in these Trines, but Saturn's passing the place of Mars, and the Cusp of the Twelefth House in their middle Con∣junction: Scorpio is a Treacherous Sign; Mens Fancies are not yet

settled: Here is still striving one against another; yet we have a glimpse of a better Satisfaction among our selves, and things begin to appear more plain to the Eye, and we begin to Smile, though we have no strong Confidence of being quite cured of our Di∣stempers; for there many times appears a Wolf in Sheeps Clothing; and the Puppy of an old Fox, knows how to betray and cozen those which are Innocent, &c.

O London! London! In the Years 92, 93, and 94. (as I said be∣fore) Saturn and Jupiter make no less than Three Oppositions from Gemini and Sagittarius, the Signs of the First and Seventh, in their middle Conjunction; there's Transversion of Figure in the Hea∣vens, so is all Unity and Friendship amongst the Princes of Hungary, Spain, Flanders, Brabant, Dalmatia, Moravia, Arabia; the happy Sardinia, Arminia, Hircania, Mesina, Celtica; the Duke∣dom of Wertenberge, &c. quite dissolved: And what hath been obscured, ever since 78. 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and 86. now plainly appears by a large Manifesto, to all the World; and now the European Princes begin to perceive by whom, and whose means, the Troubles of this present Age were fomented, but with no due Satis∣faction, but still a Prospect of Confusion; for the Retrogadation of Saturn and Jupiter, in the middle Opposition, makes me mindful to perswade every one to bear a little, for another War, for new Com∣bustions are threatned; very great Matters are now in Agitation, all over Europe, In Oppositione duorum Superiorum strages fiunt. Reg. Lib. 1. Aph. 80.

During the Influence of an Opposition, of the Two Superiour Planets, there happens cruel Slaughters of Men, or Mankind, the Ruine of many Families, and decay of Ancient Foundations, or Buildings; therefore, it was Judiciously observed by Cardan, When thou shalt at any time, perceive an Opposition or Conjunction of the Two Superior Planets, to be either in the Fiery, or Airy Triplicity, be not hasty in delivering thy Judgment thereupon; or, when thou hast taken time, and doest pronounce it, beware thou do not men∣tion, or Predict unto the World any frivolous, or mean Contingen∣cies, to be signified thereby: For I would have thee well to under∣stand,

that these Two Triplicities are preheminent, and in Significa∣tion far exceeds the other Two; for thou must know, Things or Accidents, signified by the Fiery Trigon, excel in Greatness, Height and Glory, those Matters which in time are derived, &c. For the Influence of the Superiours, in an Airy Triplicity, have Re∣spect to profundity of Wit, sound Councels, deep Policies in Laws, Ordinances, Statutes, and such Things, as the unwearied Disposition, or Mind of Man contemplates on: Therefore, from the Effects of these Oppositions, we must expect to hear of strange and uncouth Alterations, from the East and West parts of the World; especially, Spain, Dalmatia, Hungary, Flanders, Brabant, Arminia, London, the East and West-Indies, and all Places which are under Gemini, and Sagittarius, are much herein concerned; for Opposite Aspects, or Configurations of the Planets, seem to Presage no less, than much Contention and Division to break out amongst us; for it hath been observed, Eo in Anno, nulla quies, cum Jupiter & Saturnus sunt in Oppo∣sitione, nunquam enim Mentes Hominum quiescunt, &c. In that Year there is no rest or quietness in the Minds of Men, when Saturn and Jupiter are in Opposition; for the Minds of Men at that time will never be quiet; therefore, this Opposition is the Messenger, or Fore∣teller of great Fights, and the Death or Slaughter of a number of Men, in the forementioned Places: God deliver us from a Plague! It likewise denotes the lamentable departure out of this World, of some Principle Men and Women; also portends a Dissolution of very antient Leagues, Nam a Jove Amicitiae, faedera, Religiosi, &c. Jupi∣ter having a strong Signification herein, we Predict from him great Alteration, or Controversie, about Religion, Leagues, Friendship, Civil Affairs, and further Contracts betwixt Nation and Nation, or Common-wealths. We shall also find many underhand and pernitious Transactions, agitated by the several Agents, Messengers or Embas∣sadours of Europe; and, in all probability, we may observe some secret Plot to break out, soon after this Opposition; for here is nothing but Contrivance of Mischief one against another, as it was in October, 1678. when that worthy Gentleman, Sir Edmund-Bury Godfrey was Murder'd; at which time, there was a platick Square between Saturn

and Jupiter, from Gemini and Pisces: Oh, what Contrivances was there, then, against our Metropolitan City? and suddenly after, the Plot broke out to purpose; for in the April following, there was a Sextile between Saturn and Jupiter, in Aries and Gemini: Oh! that happy Transit of Jupiter, through Aries, England's Sign, that discovered all their Villanies, and frustrated their Evil, and Devillish Designs: Therefore, if such grand Alterations did happen upon the platick Square of Saturn and Jupiter: What must we expect from this their Tripple Opposition, &c. But, if I mistake, or fail in these my Progno∣sticks; perhaps, the all-seeing Eye of God hath reserved the Ho∣nour for some more deserving Person than I am; therefore blinds my Senses, or else permits me not to see, or foretel, what these Heavenly Messengers are the Fore-runners of.

The Planets Attributes, according to the Doctrine of Hermes, or the Hermetick-Philosophy.

AND now, Courteous Reader, let me tell thee, He says nothing in Phylosophical Matters, that proves nothing; and he proves nothing, that doth not so demonstrate it, that you cannot contradict it. Therefore, I cease to perswade, and begin to demonstrate; cease to believe, and begin to know; cease to dispute, and begin to spe∣culate; for that Aristotellical maxim, Discipulum oportet credere, A Learner must believe, is as Tyrannical, as Dangerous; therefore, let no Man be compell'd to Swear to his Masters Words, but let the things them∣selves constrain the Intellect; nor let a Master have any more credit given him, than he can demonstrate, &c. Then let Ʋrania be pro∣pitious to me, in this great Mystery; to declare a Work of Truth, and Permanency, concerning the Philosophical part of the Astral Science; also the Four Elements.

There are Four Elements, and Original Grounds of all Corporal things, (viz.) Fire, Earth, Air, and Water, of which all Elemen∣tated inferiour Bodies are compounded, not by way of heaping them up together, but by Transmutation, and Union; and when they are destroyed, they are dissolved into Elements that is pure; but they are more or less mixt, and apt to be changed one into the other; even as Earth becomes Dirty, and being dissolved, becomes Water; and the same being made thick and hard, becomes Earth again; (even so amongst the Coelestial Bodies, Venus being in Con∣junction, Aspect, or Parallel with Saturn, participates of his Nature, and is wholly an Infortune; but being separated, acts by the power of her own Nature: It is an Aphorism of Bethem's, A Fortune, with an Infortune, strengthens the Infortune, but abates the worth of his own.) Now, Earth being evaporated through heat, passeth into Air, and that being kindled, passeth into Fire; and this being ex∣tinguished, returns back again into Air; but being cooled again af∣ter its burning, becomes Earth, or Stone, or Sulphur; and this is manifested by Lightning: And it is the Opinion of the best Philoso∣phers, or the more subtler sort of them, That Earth is not changed, but relented and mixed with other Elements which do dissolve it, and that it returns back into it self again: Now every one of the Elements hath two special qualities; the former whereof, it retains as proper to it self; in the other, as a mean, it agrees with that which comes next after it; so are the Stars by their tracing through the Signs, and touching each others Body, or Aspects; and that ac∣cording to their Natures; as we know fire to be hot and dry; the Earth cold and dry; the Water cold and moist; the Air hot and moist: And thus you see, that after this manner, the Elements, ac∣cording to contrary qualities, are contrary one to the other; as Fire to Water, and Earth to Air. Moreover, the Elements, are upon another Account, opposite one to the other; for some are heavy, as Earth and Water; and others are light, as Air and Fire; the two first being Passive, and the latter Active. Besides, every one of them are distinguished after another manner, and have assigned to each of them three qualities, viz. to the Fire, Brightness, Thinness,

and Motion; but to the Earth, Darkness, Thickness, and Quiet∣ness. Now, according to these qualities, the Elements of Fire and Earth are contrary; so is Saturn and Sol; but the other Elements borrow their qualities from these, so that the Air receives two quali∣ties of the Fire, Thinness and Motion; and one of the Earth, viz. Darkness: In like manner, Water receives two qualities of the Earth, as Darkness and Thickness, and one of the Fire, viz. Motion; but Fire is twice more Thinner than Air, thrice more Movable, and four times more Bright: And the Air is twice more Bright, thrice more Thin, and four times more Moveable than Water: Wherefore, Water is twice more Bright, thrice more Thin, and four times more moveable than Earth; therefore, as the Fire is to the Air, so is the Air to the Water, and the Water to the Earth: And again, as the Earth is to the Water, so is the Water to the Air, and the Air to the Fire. Now, this is the Root and Foundation of all Bo∣dies, Natures, Vertues, and wonderful Works; and he which shall know these qualities of the Elements, and their intermixions, shall easily bring to pass such things that are wonderfull and astonishing, and shall also be perfect in Starry Dialect; being capable to read the Language of the Stars, and distinctly know their Voices. Now, this is quite out of the Common Astrologers way, for it appears as a new Doctrine to them, tho' it's the old and plain; for ask them the Reason, why the Sun is Exalted in Aries, or the Moon in Taurus? and why Saturn was not Exalted there, he being the first Planet, and Aries the first Sign? and why Mercury should have such a priviledge above all the other Pla∣nets, as to have an Exaltation and house in one and the same sign? and why the Sun could not have that preheminence, he being the Light and Glory of the World? and why Jupiter could have no bet∣ter place to be Exalted in, than Cancer, and Mars in Capricorn, and so of the rest? &c. O say they, The Sun is Exalted in Aries, because he is the Fountain of Light and Life; and when he comes into Aries, he produceth a new life to all Creatures and Vegetables, on this side the Equator: But, by their Worships leave, they might for all that rea∣son have attributed Libra for his Exaltation also; for when he comes on that side the Equator, viz. the South side, he makes a new Vege∣tation

there likewise, and yet they attribute his Fall to that place; so that that Argument will not hold water, it carrying no weight with it; for if the new products of Vegetation be from the Suns Exaltion, he must by the same Argument have two Exaltations; and then his Exaltation here in Aries is not Universal, but in our Climates. When this fails, then say they, The Planets have Dignities in such and such parts of the Heavens; because there are Stars of their own Nature; and so by consequence must be the Dignities of those Planets of that nature with themselves. Now, this is quite con∣trary to the Doctrine of Hermes and Ptolomy, whom these Gentle∣men boast of as their Leaders; when in truth they understand nothing of their Sayings, but cleave to the Customs of the World, and forsake Truth: Which said Learned Authors in their Attri∣butes, did not go about to Teach only the Art of Judicial Astro∣logy; but (in them, although darkly) the very Secrets of Philo∣sophy, in the three Worlds; namely, in the Coelestial, Animal, and Vegetable Kingdoms; to which we might add the Mineral Kingdom also; and how in each, the Great God JEHOVAH hath set forth His Divine Works of Creation, Production, and Multiplication: For there is no part in these Three Kingdoms, but the Great God (who was the Creator of all Things) hath declared Himself therein; nay, in the very Insects, Reptiles, and the smal∣lest of Individuals! Therefore the true Knowledge of these Things consists in the true understanding of the Coelestial World; which when Hermes and Ptolomy had understood, they found and knew, That Sol was no ways to be Exalted but by Mars; and that it must be done likewise in his Fiery Cell; and that pale-Fac'd Luna, by entering into a Friendly Conjunction with Amorous and San∣guine Venus, and by Lodging in her Bed, near Sol's Chamber, be∣came equal to Sol himself; and that Caput Draconis with Mercury, remaining in the Airy Region, did produce a Fountain for Jupi∣ter to wash off his Defilements, and become clean, to keep Court with Royal Sol in the Lyon; and that Mercury duplicate in Virgo, in his House and Exaltation, hath power to overcome all the rest of the Planets; that being the Hellespont, that even Sol himself,

and all the rest of the Planets, must pass through, before they can enjoy their Princely Thrones. And Thou, whosoever thou art, that canst have admittance to this Coelestial Virgin, Court her with∣out delay, and she will unfold to thee Great Mysteries! For she is a Virgin, yet old; she was Born before her Mother, and brought forth her own Father; she holdeth in her Hands the Coelestial Scales, where Saturn is made King, by the permission of Blood-stirring Ve∣nus; who afterwards brings in Mars to the like Honour with him∣self. That is, when Mars is become a Servant to Saturn, and has likewise entered into an Everlasting Friendship with him, that they may Live and Die together. Also, Venus shall have a Crown of pure Gold set upon her Head, when she will take good Counsel of Grave Jupiter, and hearken to his Precepts: Then shall the Coele∣stial Ram Fight with the Coelestial Bull, until they both die with the Effusion of their Blood, which is a Twin: This by the Divine Power is Circulated, 'till it becomes an Ocean, in which the Lyon doth Swim, and the Virgin doth Bathe her self: Here Equity, or the Ballance, are the Stairs to descend into this Fountain; where the Scorpion is washed from his Poyson by the Archer, and the raging He Goat's Horns are broken; this is the Conduit from whence the Tankard-Bearer gets his Water to Boyl his Fishes in, by the First Power which Sol is Exalted, (viz.) in Aries. I have given this Inigmatical Discourse, which I know will be Carpt at; but let such know, it's past their Understanding! Therefore have I done it, to shew how lame and deficient their Judgments are in the Astral Sci∣ence; yet impudently pretend to understand those dark Mysteries, and at the same time cannot see through the Light of Nature; but, Gypsie-like, Tongue-Pad Ignorant and Credulous People out of their Moneys, &c. It may be, some will expect I should here, in plain Words, unfold all this Mystery; but let such know, as from Nights Womb the Glorious Day breaks forth, and seems to kindle from the setting Stars; so are all things kept within the bounds and measure of Order: And thus I leave it as a Whet to the Ingenious, that they may Redeem their lost time, as a Meteor wades through the Abyss of Light.

The Judgment of the Sybils, in Confirmation of this Book.

At the Conclusion of my Book, I think it not amiss to Instance the Famous Sybils; who are not only in great esteem for Poetesses, but Pro∣phetesses: Therefore, I think it will be convenient (in this place) to give a brief Account of them, as it has been handed down by past Ages to the present, and Translated, &c.

ISidorus saith, The Word Sybil is a Name of Place and Office, de∣rived of Syos, which signifies a Deity, and Beele: But for the Number of these Sybils, the Ancient Writers differ; For Aelianus will have but Four, (viz.) Aerithraea, Samia, Egyptica, and Sardi∣nia. Now Aretina agrees with Isidorus in the Etymology of the Word, but he numbers Ten, and ascribes them these following Names and Places; (viz.) Persia, Lybia, Delphica, as Born at Del∣phos, Omeria of Italy, Erithraea of Babylon, Samia, Cuma, Hellespon∣tica, Phrygia, and Alburnea. Cumae was she that brought Books to Tarquinius Priscus, which spake of the Roman Succession: And how strangly soever these were Inspired, they fore-told wonderful Truths; and, as the Ancients affirm, expos'd their Prophecies in Verse: But, for Brevities sake, I shall only mention those that were fulfill'd in the Conception and Birth of the Blessed Messias, &c.

1. Sybilia Persica, Born in Persia, and held more Ancient than the rest; who having express'd the most material things, relating to the several Ages of the World, 'till the Year of our Blessed Saviours In∣carnation, thus Speaks:

In which Year, of a Virgin shall be Born The Prince of Peace, Crown'd with a Wreath of Thorn: Him, the Seventh Age shall follow, and extend 'Till the Worlds Frame dissolve, and Time see end.

2. Sybilia Libia, by some call'd Phaemoroe, was held to be the Daughter of Apollo, Sir-nam'd Prima; and is Imputed by some, the first Inventer of Heroick Verse; and of our Blessed Saviour thus held to Prophecy:

A King, a Priest, a Prophet; all these Three Shall meet in one Sacred Divinity; Shall be to Flesh Espous'd; Oh! Who can scan This Mystery? Ʋniting God with Man. When this rare Birth into the World shall come, He, the great God of Oracles strikes Dumb.

Nor may it be amiss to set down how exactly the two last Lines were fulfill'd; for the very Day wherein our Blessed Saviour was Born, one asked a Response of the Oracle, and had this Answer:

Me Purus Haebreus, Superum Rex linquere Tecta Haec Jubet, & Coecas Noctis remeare sub umbras; Ergo, silus Aris, tu nunc discendito Nostris.

And may be English'd thus:

A Hebrew Child, King of the Heavens High, To leave these Altars has commanded me To Nights dark Shadows, and to final Woe; Thou therefore silent from our Altars go.

And since that time it is observ'd, they remained Mute.

3. Sybilia Delphica, was by some call'd Daphne, and said to be Daughter to Tyresias; She having fore-told the Wars of Troy, pro∣ceeds to speak thus of our Blessed Saviour:

An Angel shall descend, and say; Thou Blessed Mary, Hail! Thou shalt Conceive, bring Forth, yet be a Virgin without fail: Three Gifts the Chaldeans to thy Son, shall tender with much Piety, Myrrhe to a Man, Gold to a King, and Incense to a Deity.

4. Sybilia Cumaea, also call'd Cimmonia, is held to have been one of the Priestesses to Apollo, Born in Cuma, a City of Aetolia, and speaks thus, in Relation to our Blessed Saviour:

The Ancient of Days, shall then submit to Time; The Maker yield himself to new Creation; The Deity and God-head most sublime, Take Shape of Man, to ransom every Nation. Die to make others Live, and every Crime Committed from the round Worlds first Foundation, Take on Himself, as low as Hell descending, To win Man, Heaven upon His Grace depending.

5. Sybilia Samia, otherwise called Europhile, took the Name of Sama, from the Isle of Samos, the place of her Birth: Her Pre∣dictions were these:

The World shall to six Thousand Years expire; By Water once, but then destroy'd by Fire. The first Two Thousand void; the next the Law; The last Two under the Messias Awe. And as Repose by Sabbath is exprest, Sun, Moon, and Stars, all Things shall then have Rest.

6. Sybilia Cumana, by some called Amalthaea, having Prophesied of the great Revolutions and Successions of the Monarchies of the

World, speaking of the Glories of Rome, she comes to her Pre∣dictions of our Blessed Saviour:

Great Rome shall then look high; Whose proud Towers, from their Hills shall brave the Skie, And over-look the World; In these blest Days Shall come a King of Kings; and He shall raise A New Plantation, and though greater far In Majesty and Power; yet in that Day, So meek and humble, he shall daign to Pay Tribute to Caesar; yet thence happy he, Who shall his Servant, or his Subject be.

7. Sybilia Hellespontica, was otherwise called Marrinensis; and, as some affirm, derived her self from Troy; Her Predictions are these:

When Atlas Shoulders shall support a Star, Whose ponderous Weight he never felt before; The Splendor of it shall direct from far, Kings, and the Wisest Men, a New Light to Adore. Peace in those Days shall Flourish, and stern War Be Banish'd Earth, Man-kind to restore. Then shall the Eastern Monarchs presents bring, To One, a Priest, a Prophet, and a King.

8. Sybilia Phrygia, as most are of Opinion, was no other than Cassandra, Daughter to Pryam, King of Troy, and Hecuba his Queen: She Fore-told the Destruction of Troy, but was never Cre∣dited; but Speaking nothing of our Blessed Saviour, I shall pass by her Predictions, though they exactly came to pass.

9. Sybilia Tyburnia, so call'd of the River Tyber, was otherwise called Alburnia, or Albania, from the City Alba, the place of her Birth: It is reported of her, That the Romans going about to Deifie Augustus Caesar, demanded her Advice; who after Three Days Fast∣ing

before the Altar, where the Emperor was present; after many Mysterious Words miraculously spoke, concerning our Blessed Sa∣viour, upon a suddain the Heavens seemed to open, and Caesar saw a Beautiful Virgin standing before the Altar, holding an Infant in her Arms, whereat affrighted, he Fell on his Face, and heard a Voice, saying, This is the Altar of the Son of God. In which place was Built a Temple afterwards, and Dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and it was call'd, The Altar of Heaven. This Polichronicon asserts, and quotes St. Augustine for his Author, Lib. 8. Cap. 24. Her Pre∣didictions of our Saviour was these; (after she had recited divers Wonders of the World, which I willingly omit.)

What at these Trifles stands the World amaz'd? And hath on them with Admiration gaz'd! Then wonder, when the Troubled to apease, He shall descend, who made Them, that made These!

10. Sybilia Europica, was so call'd, for that her particular Region, or place of Birth was never known; nor is she accounted amongst the Ten, though Inserted here. Her Predictions were these:

When the Great King of all the World shall have No place on Earth, by which He can be known; When He that comes, all Mortal Men to save, Shall find his own Life by the World o'rethrown: When the most Just, Injustice shall deprive; And the Great Judge, be Judged by his own: Death when to Death, a Death by Death hath given; Then shall be op't the long-shut Gates of Heaven.

11. Sybilia Aegypta, was likewise added to the Ten: she Prophe∣sied on the Number Three; and having reckoned many things existent in that Nature, thus proceeds:

But which of us, observed the Sacred Trine, Three Persons in one God-head, sole Divine?

That individual Essence, who dares scan, Which is, shall be, and e're the World began, Was in Eternity, when of these Three One of that most Inscrutable Trinity. The Second Person, Wisdom, shall Entomb All Majesties, within a Virgins Womb, True Man, true God, shall to that best Trine link; True Light shall shine, and false Stars be extinct.

12. Sybilia Aerithraea, was born in Babylon, and was Daughter to Berosius, the Famous Astrologer; she Prophesied of the Greeks, that came to the Siege of Troy; defined the Places whence they came, and how long the Siege would last; mentioning in her Book Homer, and how that he should Write of those Wars, partially, according to his Affection: And in this manner she Prophesied, of our blessed Sa∣viour:

The Time, by the great Oracle assign'd, When God himself, in pity to Mankind, Shall from the Heav'n descend, and be incarnate, Entering the World a Lamb imaculate; And of himself, in Wisdom thinks so meet, Walks on the Earth, with Three and Thirty Feet, And with Six Fingers; all his Subjects then, Though a King Mighty, shall be Fisher-Men; In number Twelve: With these, Wars shall be try'd, Against the Devil, the World, the Flesh, and Pride. Humility shall quell; the sharpest Sword, With which they fight, shall be the Sacred Word; Establish'd upon Earth, which Foundation Once laid, shall be divulg'd to every Nation.

By the Words, Feet, and Fingers, are to be understood Years and Months.

And thus I conclude the Prophesies and Perdictions of Sybils:

Which, if truly theirs; and by their being delivered down through so many hands, have been neither added to nor diminished; it remains doubtful, whether it was in the power of any infernal Spirit to divulge such Sacred Truths, so long before they came to pass: Or, if it was, by this we may see, that the Devils them∣selves, were constrain'd to fore-tell, what they fore-saw would be the Ruin and Destruction of their Kingdom of Darkness: But I rather think it was by Divine Inspiration, because the De∣vil was a Lyar from the Beginning, therefore not able to tell the Truth; that being only the Office of the Coelestial Angels, who are the Messengers of God, appointed to reveal his Will and Pleasure, so soon as it is delivered unto them; for they them∣selves know nothing of future Events, until they have received it from the great Creator.