Evangelium sydereum: or, Revelation demonstrated In three parts. The first being a philosophical discourse leading to the second. The second is Holy Scripture, astronomically handled from the radix of a nativity, and a direction of the luminaries, &c. The third is an appendix touching the scheme of Sol's ingress into Aries for the year 1677. The whole being a divine treatise recommended to the serious perusal of the unprejudic'd mathematician and astrologer, as also of all other persons, to the intent they may behold God's glorious wonders revealed in the heavens. By John Southworth, an experiencer of the love of Jesus, and a well-wisher to the people in scorn called Quakers.

Concerning the terms of Art.

The terms of Art here used cannot rationally be objected against, they being either derived of some significant Latine, Greek, and Arabick words, or being the words themselves; and it is no more unlawful for an Artist to use them, than it is for a Tradesman to use some terms in his own Employ∣ment, which seem strange and obscure to others, not skilful therein; nor is it any more unlawful for me to speak of Divine Revelation in the Dialect of Astrologers, whose terms have their Original from the Languages aforesaid, than it is for a Ser∣vant of God to preach the Gospel in such frequent English words, as are derived of the Greek and La∣tin; their own terms being alike understood by ei∣ther of them.

Obj. The incertainty of Astronomy (being the Basis upon which Astrology is builded) must

of necessity prove that Astrology is uncertain also.

Answ. My Opponent brings in for instance (whereby to confirm his former Objection) the difference of time in Calculation by the Alphonsine, Prutenique, and Tychonian Tables: but this is little impeachment to Astronomy now, because it is much improved by more modern Authors: nei∣ther have I rais'd my Calculation from any of these aforesaid, but from the Caroline Tables, accounted inferiour to none this day extant.

As to Scripture-objections against Astrology, for the Refutation of them, I refer the Reader to the perusal of the 2d Chap. of Sir Christopher Heydon's Defence of Astrology: also I refer him to some other Chapters in the same Book, for the refelling of Critical Argu∣ments relating to the incertainty of Astronomy, of the Birth-hour, or when Twins born, &c. where∣by the Astral Science seems to be invalidated; for, to treat of them in this place, would render the Book too voluminous.

The Death of Picus Mirandula (the time where∣of was truly foretold by the Doctrine of Astrono∣mical Directions) being exemplarily produced, in order to prove the verity of the Sydereal Learning, was thus unworthily reflected on, and that by one not meanly Learned, and no less transported with Zeal, viz. That the Predictor of his Death might pos∣sibly Effect his Death by Witchcraft or Sorcery, saying, that many an honest man is hurt by a Witch.

Now do but observe this unreasonable way of Arguing; what Truth can stand, or be defended against such a Disputant? For first, he sayes, that the Astrologers Predictions are Erroneous, then, because verified by Example, alledges, that the truth of their Predictions is effected by Sorcery: This runs parallel with the manner of the Scribes and Pharisees, who first required a Miracle of Jesus, whereby to convince them that he was the Son of God, the Saviour of the World; and then, when they saw his Miracles, said notwithstanding, that he effected them by Belzebub, the Prince of Devils. Yet I might defend the aforesaid Prediction from his Calumnies, by his own way of Arguing, (if such a Defence were not too feeble, and indeed too ridiculous) whereby he endeavours to render the Effects of the Stars void, as to matter of Divine concernment; he reasons (if it may be call'd rea∣soning) after this manner; viz.

Although there may be an Eclipse of the Sun, and I walking in some particular Place at that time, it doth not therefore follow, that the Eclipse is the Cause of my walking, nor my walking, of it: So in like man∣ner, the Sorcery (if the Predictor used any) was not the Cause of Mirandula's Death, nor Mirandula's Death the Cause of that Sorcery. By this method of Disputation, all manner of good or evil Operati∣ons may be made ineffectual, yea, all the Miracles of Jesus might be annihilated: Therefore, since my Opponent's way of Reflection is proved so Ir∣rational, it is still manifest, that the Example of

Mirandula's Death (who for his Antipathy and Arguments against Astrology was called Astrologo∣rum Flagellum) remains firm enough to prove the verity of Sydereal Predictions.

Obj. The Rules of Astrology admit of such a Latitude, that a man may make of them quidlibet ex quolibet, every thing of any thing, and so conse∣quently nothing certain.

Answ. These Rules are already sufficiently veri∣fied from their correspondence with Holy Scripture; yet if any such Latitude be, 'tis not in the Rules, but in the Artist's Judgment, dilating it self beyond the Confines of Art, and thereby running into Er∣rours: yet, let my Adversary consider, that the Mysteries of the Divine Being admit of great Lati∣tude also, arising from the incomprehensible Foun∣tain of Wisdom, the Creator of all things, who is Omnipotent, and can therefore reveal an Unity in such things as seem in themselves to be discre∣pant or contradictory, and can limit things that have the greatest Latitude, according to his Divine Order and Appointment.

Obj. Eclipses Supernatural are contrary to Art and Nature both, therefore the Eclipses handled in this Treatise, are either meerly Natural, because found out by Art, or else Imaginary, because not visible to the external Eye of others.

Answ. They that are experienc'd Astrologers are not unacquainted with the admirable Effects of Planetary Transits over the Bodies and Aspects of one another; Now, to the intent that Vulgar Ca∣pacities

may be reached unto, I shall define what a Transit is.

A Transit is the passing of any Planet (by his Motion in the Heavens) over the place where the Body of another Planet was at a particular moment of time, or over that part of the Ecliptick where∣unto another Planet did project his Aspect, or dart forth his Rayes at a particular time, as afore∣said.

Now the Eclipses here objected against, were effected by Mutual Transits of the Luminaries over the Bodies of one another in the Radix, the No∣cturnal Luminary having at that time either little Latitude, or none at all: and if what appertains to true Religion, or Spiritual Matter be Supernatu∣ral, then, since Luna in the Celebration of these Eclipses is Lady of the Ninth House in the Radix, Caput Draconis being therein, and Luna in the Third, applying to the Conjunction of Venus, it is evident they were Supernatural; and, as they were Invisi∣ble, so were they the more significant of Spiritual and Invisible things; the manner how they are demonstrated to be Supernatural, may be seen in the second Part.

But, to return to mean Capacities, I shall here insert what hath been proved by Experience, touch∣ing the Power of Transits.

It hath been frequently observed, that when the Moon hath transited, or passed over the place where the Planet Mars was in the Scheme, or Position of Heaven, set for the time wherein a Person first fell

sick of a burning Fever, which time is called the Decumbiture; I say, it hath been observed, that at the time when this Transit was made, the sick Per∣son hath been violently afflicted, the Disease being more intense; yea, although the real Body of Mars hath been alibi in the Heavens, then the Moon then was, peradventure, many Signs distant, and out of all A∣spect with her, yet hath the burning Heat been strangely augmented: and if Mars at the Decumbiture was Lord of the House of Death, (no benevolent Rayes of good Planets intervening to cut off the Transit's malignant Influence) then hath the Pati∣ent yielded up his Spirit into the hands of his Cre∣ator.

I my self, by such like Observations as aforesaid, have predicted the Death of a sick Person (a Week before-hand) to an hour, and of such a Person as I never had any thing to do withal by way of Phy∣sical Administration. These words I am constrain'd to annex, lest some envious Person should dare to say, that I might administer Poyson to the aforesaid Party, near the time foretold, thereby to verifie my Prediction.

The reason of the said Effects of Luna's Transits over Mars his Body, is, because the Seal and impres∣sion of his virtue is left there where he was at the Ingress of the Disease.

On the contrary, Luna transiting the Body of Venus, being Governess of good Houses, and free from Affliction, the Disease at that time hath been more remiss, and the Patient's Body cooled, and

that without the administration of refrigerant Me∣dicines.

From the fore-going Circumstances it may ap∣pear, that the Eclipses by Transit treated of in the second Part of this Book, are not Imaginary but Real, and really Effectual as well as Artificial; and since the Moon is Lady of the House of Religion, &c. in the Radix, they are also Effectual, as to matter of Divine signification.

Obj. Astrologers themselves will account this Book but a whimsey, and therefore its publication can be of little benefit to them.

Answ. This is one of my Opponent's Arguments, whereby he would have disswaded me from expo∣sing this Treatise to publick view; but surely had he considered, that the Truth of God it self, and his holy Worship, is accounted whimsical, by the prophane Persons of this our Age, he would have sought to convince me by more solid Reason. What is more scoffed, flouted, derided, and jeered at, than true Religion it self? yet the Truth is not therefore to be evilly thought of by any one, or less esteemed of by those who have experienced the goodness of it, by receiving it in the love thereof; neither is the preaching and publication thereof to be neglected. And if the experienced Truths of Astrology be accounted whimsical by Astrologers themselves (though grounded upon the Principles of their own Art) or by any other Persons, I shall not therefore in the least decline from affirming the truth of such Experiences, nor from the publication

of them; more especially considering, that there lyes upon my Spirit no restraint from God, as to the contrary; but that the benefit of Astrologers is in∣tended thereby, it being a salutation of Love and Mercy unto their Souls, granted me (upon my earnest Supplication unto God) to deliver forth unto them, whereby they may be satisfied that Di∣vine Revelation is not ceased, here being a De∣monstration of the same, according to the Precepts of their own Science, and those without the least alteration.

These things will stand in Authority over the hireling Priests of our time, who possess the Nati∣ons with a belief, that God reveals not himself in these dayes, as he hath done in former Ages.

As to the Vindication of this Demonstration, if objected against by Astrologers, because founded upon a particular Geniture, being the time when the Native was a new-born Babe, I recommend to their serious Consideration these following Scrip∣tures, viz. Out of the mouthes of Babes and Sucklings hast thou perfected praise, Matth. 21, 16.—I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, because thou hast hid these things from the Wise and Prudent, and hast revealed them unto Babes, &c. Matth. 11, 25. These portions of Scripture being seriously weigh∣ed (more especially after the perusal of the second Part of this Book) may come to work an Effect upon such an Objector, both of great Wonder and Satisfaction.

But if any Astrologer shall reflect upon so general a Judgment, extending it self to the Estates of of others, from a particular Geniture and Directi∣on, I shall endeavour to satisfie him of the possibi∣lity thereof, not onely by Artificial Reasons, ground∣ed upon the Principles of his own Science, but also by Scriptural.

The experienced Verity of Directions, few Astro∣logers (I suppose) will deny.

The Course of a Righteous man's Life is steered by a Direction from Heaven: But to proceed.

I shall first begin with Reasons from Scripture, by repeating again one of the former quotations, as it is in Psalm 8.2. viz. Out of the mouthes of Babes and Sucklings hast thou ordained Strength, saith the holy Prophet David, who was guided by the Spirit of Jesus. If from the mouthes of Babes, &c. Strength be ordained, for whom is it ordained, but unto others? As if the Prophet had said, Thou, O Lord, wilt administer strength unto others out of the mouthes of Sucklings, &c. From a due considerati∣on of what is afore said, I may hope that this small Treatise will tend to the Benefit of Astrologers; and when I speak of the Righteous, or Wicked in ge∣neral, by inferring a signification of good or evil unto them, from such Positions, Aspects, &c. as present themselves to view in the particular Geni∣ture; in so doing I may thus vindicate my self; viz. There is an Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace, amongst those that are born of God, and they have power given them to discern the state of

the Enemies of the Great Jehovah. Moreover, the Lord is not tyed unto mens wayes and manners, or obliged to satisifie their corrupt humours, he will chuse what Position of Heaven pleases him to shew forth generals and particulars too, for the Hea∣vens are his, and who can restrain him? But that Noble Creature Man hath all Mysteries in himself; he hath the Spirit of the Divine Being, which un∣folds all Mysteries in his Soul: God can shew forth the general state of Kingdoms to a particular man by Divine Inspiration, and from his particular Radix at Birth, he can chuse what Position of the Heavens he pleases to glorifie himself withal, either in a ge∣neral or particular way.

Now to come to Astrological Reasons whereby to prove, that a General Judgment may be given from a particular Geniture, and from the presignified Effects of a particular Direction.

Let us suppose from the Nativity of a King, that upon some Coelestial Direction he is likely to become the Vanquisher of his Enemies, this Direction doth not onely manifest its Power in respect of the King, as a Conquerour, but also in respect of the over∣throw of his Enemies, as being conquered. Here it is apparent, that a general Judgment relating to the state of the King's Enemies (which possibly may consist of several Nations) is deduced from a Coele∣stial Direction in the particular Genesis of the King: Or let it be supposed, that upon a Direction opera∣ting, his Subjects shall be loving and loyal unto him, this Direction doth not onely display its Ef∣fects

in respect of the King, as being a Governour but also of his Subjects Qualifications and suitable Demeanour, in shewing forth their Loyalty unto him. The like may be judged from the Genesis of a mean∣er Person, as concerning his Servants, their Love and Fidelity, &c.

Hence, I hope, it is made apparent enough, and that from the Astral Science it self, that a general Judgment may be given as touching the Affairs of others, from a particular Nativity.

Yet I shall make it undeniably manifest, (by producing the Seal of the Great King of Heaven to warrant my Assertion) that the Judgment in this Book given, is of general Concern to the Nation of England, &c. this shall be done near the beginning of the third Part, where I have placed the Scheme of Sol's Ingress into Aries for the year 1677, to be compared with the Radical Figure at Birth, that so the wonderful Unity of those two Coelestial Themes may be observed; which time of the Ingress is intercepted betwixt the two extreme Limits of that year, wherein the Di∣rection of Sol to Luna's Body (she being Lady of the House of Religion) did begin to operate, whose Effects are the Subject-matter of this Trea∣tise; for the said Direction began to manifest its effectual Splendour (in summoning the Native to appear at the Court of Heaven) about the 30th of the 5th Month call'd July, in the year 1676, as may appear by the Calculation; and the Figure of Sol's Ingress harmonizing, is that of the year 1677,

as aforesaid, which is seven Months and somewhat more distant from the time wherein the said Dire∣ction of the Luminaries began to issue forth its Di∣vine Operation.

Obj. My Opponent takes an occasion against me, as being guilty of Contradiction, because he finds the Planet Saturn in one part of this Treatise term∣ed a Significator in Religion; in another part there∣of, the Enemy of Mankind; and therefore Queries how these things will be reconciled?

Answ. This Objection is weak and frivolous, as will appear, if the second Instance before-going, used to prove the Verity of Astrological Rules, be but well observed; for in that Instance, although Sa∣turn, as he is Lord of the 4th, signifying the Grave, or mortality of Man, is the Enemy of Mankind; yet in respect of his Situation in the Sign Aries, being the place of his Fall, and of his Position in the 6th, a Cadent House, where he is Retrograde; I say, in this respect, he is a good Significator in Religion, forasmuch as he portends the Grave to be fallen by the Lamb, 1 Corinth. 15.55.

So from the first Instance, Mercury, though Lord of Death, is a good Significator in Religion, be∣cause by his immersion in the Solar Rayes (Sol being Lord of the Medium Coeli) he shews Death to be swallowed up in Victory, Isaiah 25.8.

These Reasons (I presume) do apparently re∣fell the fore-going Objection, and bring the afore∣said seeming Differences to a perfect Reconciliation, as was required.