The panther-prophesy, or, A premonition to all people of sad calamities and miseries like to befal these islands to which is added, an astrological discourse concerning that strange apparition of an army of horse seen in Wales near Mountgomery, December the 20th 1661.

TO THE READER

Courteous READER,

AMong the many things that Providence hath offered to our serious Considera∣tion, in this Age of Wonders from Heaven, and unparallel'd Actions from Men on Earth; this following Paper falling under the special notice of some persons, hath gain'd it self no small share in their Estimation, as a piece not a little signi∣ficant to the present Generation. But what it is, and how much, and how nearly it doth concern us, is left to the Judgement of every judicious Reader to pass Sentence.

Some say it is a Germane Prophesie, which a Gentleman Travelling into those Countries (searching curiously after things of this nature) found among divers others, that he thought concerned these Islands.

Others say, it's an Antient Brittish Prophesie, setting down under these Figures and Representations, what should befall great Brittain. But,

Others again say, That December, 1653. A Person of Honesty and Integrity; out of an extream sence of the Misery (which hath since been made sufficiently evident to common sence, and is daily more and more) that was coming upon his Country, as well as his own private affaires, by the Actions then on foot; fell into such a bitter Agony of Spirit, as brought him very low; and upon the 28th day of the Month, in Morning about day-break, (whether asleep or awake he was not certain) that which is contained in the following Paper was presented to him: But whether it was a Vision, or a Suggestion, or a Dream, the perplexity of his Spirit hindred him from discerning.

Now, whencesoever this Paper came, or whōsoever is the Author of it, by that of it which hath been already fulfilled, it hath gain'd it self so much credit, as to be worth a serious Consideration; and the remainder of it, deserves an Esteem of a somewhat more than Probability of Performance.

There came also to my hand another Paper, although it be a Discourse of another Nature; yet, for the sake of some remarkable things in it, I thought it worth the Publishing: The occasion of the Authors writing of it, was this, That wonderful Apparition of a great Body of Horse (appearing on a Common near Mountgomery in Wales, Decemb. the 20th. 1661.) coming to the ears of a very great Person, he sends for two of the most Famous Astrologers, requiring their Judgment upon that Apparition; both of them gave him their Judgment according to the best of their Skill in Art, which occasioned this Draught of it in this Mode and Stile.

Try all things, hold fast that which is good. Farewel.