TO THE COMMON-WEALTH of ENGLAND, William Lilly, Student in Astro∣logy, wisheth all Prosperity.

GOd hath granted me to speak, and to conceive as is meet for the things that are given me, it is he that leadeth unto Wisedome, and directeth the wise.

God hath given me certain knowledge of things that are, to know how the world was made, and the Operation of the Elements.

The beginning, ending, and midst of the times, the alteration of the turning of the Sun, and the Change of seasons.

The Circuits of years, and the Positions of Stars.

Thus Salomon in the seventh of Wisedom, ver. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

From the sence of these verses it may be in∣ferred, Page  [unnumbered] that the Science or knowledge of Astrolo∣gy, or influences of Heaven are clearly intended, and the Art lawfull, else the wisest amongst mortall men, would not so significantly have mentioned the Positions of Stars: for no man can know the Ope∣rations and vertues of the Elements except by Astro∣logy; and a Position, or figure of Heaven is need∣less, unless from thence a judgement be derived.

We do confess, that our self emits this present labour in a time wherein we find Astrology much spoken of, much preacht against, much labour taken to over∣throw it for ever, root and branch; without distinction, or without an Audite Querelam of such persons as are therein versed. If our judgement doth vary from others, and that prove offensive, we know as able Divines for learning, yea, more grave, more expe∣rimentall in all manner of divinity and Sciences, were of a different judgement concerning the proceeds of this present Parliament, and from those of the late Synod, who first took part with this present State; Each maintained their opinions by Scripture, Reason, and Arguments yet there can be but one Truth, there∣fore one side or other of these Divines must of necessity have erred, and by their error have seduced many to Destruction.

Presbitery and Independency are not Twins in uni∣ty, more than Esau and Jacob; by what we have deli∣vered, we onely say, severall men, severall opinions: and so it will be concerning Astrology; some main∣taining its legality, others roaring, and denying it to be a lawfull Art. It shall be our labour to manifest Page  [unnumbered] unto Posterity, that as learned Divines as ever lived in this world, have honourably esteem'd Astrology, studied and maintained its lawfulness; nay, those who have been in some places of their Works very bitter enemies unto it, have notwithstanding in other places, acknowledged as much as we desire.

Augustin who is so much vaunted of to be an ene∣my unto this Art, yet thought it no indignity to have knowledge in this Science; but at last concluded, hee would not have a man spend all his life-time in this study. Indeed had he done so, it had been a great loss unto the Church of God.

Albertus Magnus, Bishop of Ratisbon, whom most admire, and conceive a greater Clerk then Augustin, he saith; Quid desideratius concionatori quam ha∣bere eam scientiam quae doceat nos qualiter mun∣danorum ad hoc, & ad illud mutatio, celestium cor∣porum fiat mutatione. And immediatly after; Uni∣versi ordinationem nulla scientia humana perfectè attingit, sicut Scientia judiciorum Astrorum.

What is more to be desired by any Preacher, than to know that Science which instructeth us how the change and alteration of worldly affairs come to be thus, or thus disposed by mutation of the Heavenly bodies.

No humane Science or learning doth perfectly at∣tain the Ordination of the whole Universe; except the knowledge of the judgement of the Starres. Alber∣tus Mag. tom. 5. pag. 659. Nos habemus unam Sci∣entiam Mathematicam, que docet nos in rerum cau∣sis causationem causarum considerare. Wee have one Page  [unnumbered] Mathematicall Science, which teacheth us to consider the causation of causes, in the causes of things.

Great are the outcrys, and very grievous the censures, wherwith the Ignorant or unknowing man doth at this time burthen Judiciall Astrology, and its harm∣less Professors. Whilst they doe suppose that we Chri∣stian Astrologers maintain a fatall necessity of all actions, or as if that God had prescribed good or evill, yea wicked actions unto man. Some of these opinions perhaps were held by Heathens, we profess in the fear of God that Christian Astrology renounces all such Atheisme. Nunquam vereundiores nos esse oportet, quam cum de futuris conjicimus, viz. Let us be modest in our Conjectures of Contingencies, Divines affirm Adam, Moses and Salomon well versed in Astrology, and Pineda lib. 3. de rebus Salomon: cap. 8. saith, illum judiciariam Astrolo∣giam calluisse circa naturalia, circa inclinationes hominum, &c. That he well understood Judiciall Astrology concerning naturall things, and the in∣clinations of men. It was not the least honour done to Astrologers, that the first fruits of the Gentiles were men Scient in Astrology, who came to worship Christ in the Cradle.

Whereupon Gregory the Great sayes, Deus ac∣cōmodatè ad eorum scientiam docuit, ut qui in stel∣larum observatione versabantur, ex stellis Christum discerent, very fitly did God enable the knowledge of those wise men, that they should learn Christ from the Stars, who were versed in the observation of them. But ahlas, Dean Owen of Christ Church in Page  [unnumbered] Oxford, will have Astrology to be Diabolicall: ipse Dixit.

I ran counter his judgment with the opinion of Pa∣normitan an Abbot, an Abbot being an Ace above a Dean. Astrologia nec per jus Canonicum, nec per Civile est prohibita, nec est in se mala, cum sit una ex artibus liberalibus, & jura praemient has scien∣tias excercentes. Modo non dicant Astrologi ne∣cessitari homines à corporibus Caelestibus.

Astrology is not prohibited either by the Cannon or Civill Law, nor in it self is evill, sith its one of the liberall Sciences, and men reward those exercising these Sciences; so that Astrologers maintain not, that men are necessitated to this or that from the Celestiall bodies, Panormitan super 5. Decret. de sorti legi Is.

Alii & alii planetae diversas complexiones & ha∣bitus & dispositiones in nobis constituunt. Damas∣cen. lib. 2. cap. 7. These and these Planets doe cause or constitute divers complexions, habits and dispo∣sitions in us.

I forbear the opinion and high esteem Master Gre∣gory, and my Countryman Burton (men of singular learning) had of Astrology, both these of Dean Owens Colledge, but these were profound Schollers. Next Mr. Nye, also, a subtill man, he will have Astro∣logy Diabolicall; Ile answer him with the opinion of Causinus a Jesuit, who saith, Certissimum est, cor∣pora Caelestia in haec inferiora agere non secus ac Sol & Luna, quorum mirabiles effectus in univer∣sa, quotidie natura experimur: It is most certain, the heavenly bodies have influence on our inferior Page  [unnumbered] bodies, even as the Sun and Moon, whose wonderfull effects upon the whole Universe, we daily find by ex∣perience. Where the Question is not Controversiall, I hold a Papists judgment as good and sound as a Protestants. Nay, I will produce a Saint, viz. Thomas Aquinas 1 part. q. 115. Who confesseth: Astrologos in pluribus posse non falsa praedicere, maximè qui∣dem in Communi, quia plures hominum sequun∣tur passiones, ad quas cooperari possunt corpora Caelestia. &c. Astrologers in many things erre not, chiefly in generall matters, because most men follow their passions, unto which the heavenly bodies coope∣rate, Zanchius we know is in high esteem with all Protestants, and in some things is against Astrology: treating thereof he makes two questions.

1. An aliqua futurarum rerum ex astris praesen∣sio ac Divinatio haberi possit, viz. If any foreknow∣ledge or Divination could bee had of future events from the Stars: himself resolves it thus.

Nemini enim dubium esse credo, aliquam aliqua∣rum futurarum rerum praesensionem, eamque veram ex astris, seu ex Coelorum influxibus observatis ha∣beri posse: quandoquidem & Medici ex praecog∣nita futura Lunae mutatione, & ex novi-Lunio, ex pleni-Lunio, &c. Verè & certò praedicunt corpo∣rum aegrotantium alterationes, morborum incre∣menta, pericula mortis aegrotantibus imminere. Et navium gubernatores ex notatis astris, certò prae∣dicunt ventorum mutationes, maris aestus & alia quam plurima. I beleeve no man doubts, but that there is some prescience of some future matters, to Page  [unnumbered] be made, and that very certain and true from the Starres, and the experimented influxes of the Heavens: wee know Phisitians from the fore∣knowledge of the Moons Mutation, viz. New and full Moon do TRULY and CERTANLY, foretell the alterations of sick bodyes, the increases of Diseases, & when perill of Death is at hand to the sick.

All this while Zanchius sayth not, Astrology is Diabolicall.

And again, Voluntas non regenita quandam habet connexionem cum Coelis, quatenus scilicet carna∣les affectiones, &c.

Corporum autem qualitates à coelorum influxi∣bus non parum dependent, &c.

Voluntas non renata quodam modo in suis actio∣nibus à coelorum influxibus movetur, &c.

Quaedam verò sunt, quae certam & plerun{que} ne∣cessariam cum coelis & astris habent connexionem, uti sunt res, actiones{que} omnes in mundo, quae nullo pacto à voluntate proficiscuntur, ver. gra. aut sterilitas aut fertilitas terrae aëris perturbationes, pe∣stis, elementorum commotiones, terrae motus, & alia id genus. Haec enim ex caelestibus influxibus & elementorum quae vi syderum aguntur, commo∣tione, magna ex parte eveniunt: ideoque cum astris certam & plerumque necessariam habent connex∣ionem, dico plerumque; quoniam aliquando eti∣am immediatè à Deo haec immittuntur, citra caelo∣rum influxum ut patet in Scripturis; In English thus: The Will which is not new born, hath a certain connexion with the heavens, even as our Carnall affections have;

For the qualities of bodyes doe not a little depend from the influence of the Heavens.

The unregenerate Will is after a manner moved in its actions, by the influence of the Starrs.

Some other things there are, which have a certain, and for the most part necessary connexion with the heavens and starres, which no manner of wayes are derived from the Will, viz. Dearth or Plenty, per∣turbations of the ayr, the Plague, Commotions of the Elements, Earthquakes, &c. All these things doe come to pass, for the most part, from the heavenly influences, and of the Elements which are moved by force and vertue of the Starres, and therefore these have a certain Commotion, and for the most part necessary Connexion with the starres, I say mostly, for sometimes God doth such things immediatly with∣out influxes.

You shall hear what Scotus in his 2. Sent. dist. 4. Astra inclinant voluntatem, in nullo tamen necessi∣tatur. Accidit tamen frequenter Astrologos vera prognosticare de moribus hominum, propter pro∣nitatem eorum, ad sequendum appetitivum sensi∣tivum.

The Starrs incline the Will, but in no wise necessi∣tate it, Frequently it comes to pass that Astrologers foretell •ruths concerning the manner of men, by rea∣son of their proneness to follow their sensitive appetite.

Again, in lib. secund. de generat. Hoc modo etiam innotescit, quod qui sciret virtutem signorum, & stellarum in eis positarum dum nascitur res ali∣qua, posset prognosticari de tota vita rei generatae, licet hoc necessitatem non poneret, quia posset im∣pediri per accidens.

By this means it comes to pass, that he who knows the vertues of the Signes and the Planets therein placed, may foretell (if he know when any creature is born) of the whole life of it. So far Scotus.

Videmus enim effectus multos hic in terra quo∣rum causas ignoramus: beneficio autem verae A∣strologiae causam suam at originē supra nos in Coe∣lis habere cognoscimus. Zanchius, 118. De astrono. Wee see many effects hear on Earth, whose causes we are ignorant of, yet by benefit of True Astro∣logie, wee know they have a cause and production above us in the Heavens.

Nemo non videt pluvias grandines, nives, maris fluxum & refluxum, ventorum strepitus; sed nemo nisi qui adjutus est beneficio Astrologiae causas eorum in natura positas esse intelligit. Rains, hayls, snows, ebbing and flowing of the Seas, tem∣pestious winds, no man but by help of Astrology can know these, who only understand the causes of these things are in nature. Hic ergo est usus verae astro∣logiae, ut multorum effectuum qui in terris fiunt causas quae in coelo sunt, agnoscat: aliquando etiam antequam fiunt, ipsos effectus in suis causis prae∣videat.

Versatur igitur vera Astrologia circa corpora ce∣lestia & naturales illos effectus qui in corporibus terrenis ex corporum celestium influxu verè & naturaliter fiunt: habet hoc fundamentum prorsus verum: omnia terrena corpora, seu omnia inferiora corpora à coelestibus & superioribus corporibus ali∣quo modo regi, Zanchius 119. De Astronomia.

This is therefore the use of true Astrology, to un∣derstand Page  [unnumbered] from it, the causes which onely are in Hea∣ven, of many effects which are on Earth; and some∣times long before they come to pass, that we may pre∣vent the effec•s themselves in their causes.

True Astrology therefore is conversant about the heavenly bodyes, and their naturall effects, which have operation upon Earthly bodyes from the influ∣ence of the Heavenly, truly and naturally; this hath a Foundation very true and certain, that all Earthly bodyes, and all inferiour things, in some measure are ordered and disposed by the superiour Celestiall bodyes.

I will conclude with Peter Molin, cap. 7. pag. 158. who in 1640. Dedicated his Book De praecogni∣tione, to the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury.

Astrorum quidem est quaedam vis in animos ho∣minum quatenus afficiunt elementa, & per elemen∣ta, humores corporum: qui quidem sunt irritamen∣ta appetituum sed non afferunt voluntati ullam ne∣cessitatem.

There is certainly a kind of force or vertue in the Starrs in the minds of men, so farre as the Elements affect them, and by the Elements the humours of bo∣dyes are affected; which verily are the stirrers up of the appetites; but these produce not a necessity unto the will: If any Astrologer maintain a fatall ne∣cessity, or that the Will is compelled by influence of the Stars, we abhorre his opinion; for we are Christians, and though all Divines urge that point most, there was yet never any one of them produced any one Astrologer who maintained fatality; all that ever was objected was onely this piece of a verse of Mani∣lius;

This man living in Augustus time, and being an Heathen and a Poet, might perhaps mean somewhat else than what is urged against Astrology, but again to Molineus.

Non est negandum (saith he) & caelestia vel aë∣ria ostenta sepe fuisse prenuntia Calamitatum.

Wee may not deny but that Celestiall or Aëriall prodigies are many times the messengers of Calamity.

Nec est quisqam nisi cujus animus ab religione plane ob rutuit, qui ad fulmina & fragorem toni∣truum aut cruenti Cometae aspectum non tangatur metu. Cometem qui dicitur Xiphias portendere bella, experimentis comprobatum est, Pogoniam presignificare mortem regum. Quam ominosa fue∣rit stella crinita 1607. testantur tot calamitates ur∣bium, Ecclesiarum projecta Cadavera, 160. pag. Petri Molinei.

Nor is there any, unlesse such a one who hath no Religion, who is not affrighted at lightning, and crashing of thunder, and the sight of an horrible Co∣met. A Comet like a Sword, wee find by experience signifies War. A Comet with a Beard portends the death of Kings: How ominous that blazing Star in 16•7. was, so many calamities of Cities, and de∣solation of Churches well testifies.

Three severall places of Scripture are produced against us; first, the 18. Deut. 10. verse.

There shall not be found amongst you, that ma∣keth his Son or his Daughter to passe through the Page  [unnumbered] fire, or that useth Divination, or an observer of times, or an inchanter, or a witch.

Causinus on these words saith thus: Nimis fa∣vent judiciariis qui tam infirmis rationibus impug∣nant. Ubi eum in toto hoc textu sugillantur, &c.

Ex quibus constat eos qui tam divinationem exercerint fuisse magos turpes & obscenos, qui nihil cum Astrologis commune habuerunt, &c.

The 47. of Esay is urged verse 13. Let now the Astrologers, the Star-gazers and monthly Prog∣nosticators stand up and save them.

This whole Chapter is against the Babilonians, who despising God, and treading his people under foot, were wholly given to superstitious curiosities, and whereas God had determined and said by his Prophets they should come to destruction, these superstitious Astrologers, did warrant the contrary; Can the arme of flesh contend with God, or the creature with the Crea∣tor; we abhor such things, those Astrologers were worthily punished, and so let them be who act such things; yet here is only the abuse not the Art prohi∣bited, no more than in those many places of Scripture where God rebukes the Priests: yet they continued them in those times, and wee continue them to this day, they ever were turbulent.

Jeremy 10. verse 2. Bee not dismayed at the Signs of Heaven. What can bee infer'd from hea∣ven, but, that the Godly and faithfull who have Di∣vine protection, ought not to fear the Signs or Pro∣digies of heaven as the Heathen did; what is this unto Astrology, those words neither make it lawfull or unlawfull, or are for it or against it, though Master Page  [unnumbered] Gattaker fruitlesly spends a whole side of paper upon these words in his Annotations: but he shall ere long have the judgments of abler Divines than himself and to better purpose on that 2 verse of Jeremy. Chap. 10. You shall hear the exposition of a reverend Minister on this place, equall in years to Mr. Gataker; and in true Divinity and knowledge of the Orientall tongues, far surmounting him, his word are th•se.

The scope and drift of the Prophets word is, that the People of Israel should not so stand in awe of the signs of heaven, as the heathen were. For many of the hea∣then looked no higher than the Firmament. They con∣sidered not, that there is an eternall Almighty God ruling over all. God denounced to the Israelites, that for their Transgressions, He would make the h•aven over their head to be brasse, and the earth under them to be iron. He would change Natures course, accor∣ding to his holy and righteous pleasure. And whereas he will doe so sometimes, His people are not so to feare the Judgements signified in the heaven as doe the Heathen, which know not the God of Israel, as if there were no way to escape them.

Who concludes his Answer with Osianders words on the Text: Ne discatis impietatem gentium, quoe non modo meteora inusitata, & morus syderum ob∣servant, atque ex iis de futuris eventibus pronunci∣ant, ve um etiam ita metuunt à constellationibus, ut earum effectus evitare non posse existiment. Haec enim Gentium est impietas, nec populum Dei decet. Non damnatur Astrologia pura, (quae nihil habet de magia) si modo quis Astrologicas praedictiones pro conjecturis, non autem pro vaticiniis certis habeat.

Learn not the impiety of the Heathens; who did not only observe unusuall meteors and the motions of the Stars, and determined thereby of future Events, but were also so terrified by those Constellations, that they thought it impossible to shun their effects. This was the wickednesse of the Gentiles, nor doth it be∣come the people of God so to doe.

Yet hereby pure Astrology is not condemned (so it medles not with unlawfull Magique) or so that it deliver its Astrologicall Predictions for Conjectures, and not maintain them Oraculous or positive.

We hope now we shall aboundantly satisfie the whole Nation, by the Judgements of such Godly men, whose opinions we have related in our Epistle, and that the people will beleeve Astrologers to be Christians, and Astrology a lawfull Art, notwithstanding the sense∣less and scandalous Invectives, corrupt and spurious Expositions daily and weekly delivered by a perverse Generation of men falsly called Divines.

Wee conclude with our humble submission to the high Court of Parliament, resolving a full obedience to what Acts shall from thence proceed, either for our encouragement or discouragement, or further progress in Astrology, which is so Divine of it self, so usefull for man, and in these last and worst of times was not a little serviceable unto this Common-wealth.