ANTIPROGNOSTICON that is to say, an invective against the vain and unprofitable predictions of the Astrologians as Nostrodame. etc. Translated out of Latin into English.  
Whereunto is added by the author a short Treatise in english, as well for the utter subversion of that feigned art, as also for the better understanding of the common people, unto whom the first labour seemeth not sufficient.  
Habet & musca splenem & formicae suabilis inest.  
1560.   

Henry Bennet Calesian. Sonnet.  

THe Poets write, that Atlas did sustain  
On shoulders huge the massy heavens frame  
So feign they not, that Satur's heavenly reign,  
And state he knew, or could express the same  
Thastrologers, that never crept so high,  
Do●… vaunt they know, what God doth work in throne.  
affirming that to know this mystery,  
None can attain, but only they alone,  
Whose fancies Fulce with book of perfect skill,  
Confutes with such as vainly do profess  
Themselves to know, of god the secret will,  
But if I might to these reward address,  
I read the rout, that eyes unlearned blears,  
Should for their cunning wear king Midas ears.    

William Painter.  

A Fowl fall dontles Fulce doth give thastrologers each one:  
Because no firm foundation they build their art upon.  
Who do surmise and fond feign, men's fortunes to foreshow.  
And make the simple fort believe, that they their fates can know.  
But all thos●… brags this book doth break and make them seem full cold,  
With arguments achieved by art with reasons manifold.  
Though Cunyngham the same do carp or Uaghan vain it judge,  
Or other such, with scornful scoff thereat do bear some grudge:  
Sith grindal grave the grist hath ground and Molens molendine,  
The meal hath made, whence bolted was and brought this flower fine,  
The less we need their force to fear, we have such stuff in store,  
Comparisons are odious, therefore I add no more.   
Comparatio omnis odiosa.   

¶ To his loving friend W. F.  
OUR familiarity is such, that neither we have need of preoccupation, nor yet of many words in uttering our request. These circumstances therefore being cut of, I shall even at one word, desire you, that this translation of your Antiprogno●… may be published and made common for all men, that either have need thereof to understand their error, or else shall have pleasure therein to see the vanity wherewith they have been blinded. The rather thus tran slated, because a great numbered of the busiest and most curious Astrologians in England understand no latin at all, or else so simply, that they can not perceive the mind of a Latin writ●…r, and also that the common sort of well disposed men, may hereby take, some profit. But if you think good to add some what in this edition for the understanding of the common people you shall do well in my opinion. Thus far you well.  
From Sevenoke xxii. of Octobre. Your familiar friend William painter.   

SUCHF is the nature of mankind, carnestely desprous to have knowledge of things to come, that in seeking out & inventing of such arts as n●…ight seem to pertain to the certain thereof, she hath taken great and laborious pains. For traveling to get out a science of Divination, or foreseeing, out of every element, she hath brought forth unto us Pyromancy, which is to for show things by the Fire: Hydromanci●…, to declare of things to come by the water: Geomancy by the Earth: and divers other arts of this kind, promising the knowledge of hy●…de and secret matters. And lest the practisers of these arts should at any time being destitute of their books and instruments, not be able to tell of things to happen: she hath found out that handlom art of foreshowing by the hand (which is an instrument, that every man car●…eth about with him) so that by this science of Palmistry, at no time nor place, they shall be to seek of diuina●…ion or (as they term it) Fortune telling▪ Finally, there is nothing so vain or of so lyt●…l importance, in w●…ich she hath not bolted o●…som cunning of forshewing, seeing she hath already set forth. Capnomancy a●… Sciomancie, whereof the one teacheth to have understanding of things to come by smoke, the other by shadow. These things peradventure might seem somewhat tolerable, so long as man's wit is occupied in matters that are near to him (I mean the elements and such like) if that those false diviners would not draw heaven itself and the stars, to their superfluous rules of Divination, of whom a great numbered do not this modestly, and as it were dius●…yng or guessing; but arrogantly do pronounce their oracles as though they had been given of Apollo Pithyus, the god of foreshowing. It were a small matter if they told only of rain, and wethers, but also they must ●…yl the whole world at their pleasure with war, sickness, and rebellion. What shall we say that they are not content to set out their oracles generally and universally, but they must also threaten the life of every particular man, (as it were the goddesses of destiny) manifest●…ly against the order of all learning and philosophy. Neither is it enough for them to have lordshy●… and dominion over menne●… bodies, except they did also charge they●… minds and souls with virtues or ●…es, according to their own precepts & rules. gross error to desect, vanity to open, & authority to elevate & extenuate, I thought it worth the labour, because they so shameful lie nowadays, do set forth their wares to sell among all men, partly because they so proudly with all their force inveigh against such men as contemn & despise these and such like their predictions. Yea some are not ashamed to commend a necessary use of their divinations. But that only is necessary (if we believe Cicero) without the which we can not live. Then how many thousands of men be there, which not only live, but also live well, and yet never have regard or care so much as ones to see prognostications. Other some there be, which call all men that be desirous of goodly arts and sciences, to their Almanach, as to a storehouse, replenished with all precious jewels. Finally what sign of arrogance or boasting can be named, which in the book of these pro phecies may not easily be perceived? There fore who soever dare be so bold as once to open his mouth against these oracles, straight way shall be called an ignorant person, a detractor, and a sycophant. And this is the cause that so few have taken upon them to detect & open their trifling in pro gnostications, lest he should incur the reproaches and contumelies of the proud and arrogant rabble of Prognosticatoures. For in our time (as far as I have knowledge) among all men, the most famous and excellent Doctor, Peter Dacquet only hath both learnedly and plainly declared, that the use of this feigned art is altogether unprofitable for the works and practices of physic. But I being (as I think) sufficiently armed against all the assaults of all prognosticatours, having also gotten convenient leisure (except my tongue or pen do fail me) will endeavour myself utterly to overthrow this tower of Astrology, when's they behold the signification of the planets & stars, that no piece nor parcel thereof that remain. Neither am I so ignorant of that knowledge (if any such knowledge be) as they would go about to persuade the common people, that all such are, which despise their for showing and premōstratio●…s: neither being moved with the desire of evil speaking or envy, do I address myself to writing: (for I am assured, that I do provoke wasps) but seeing many which are desirous to learn the sciences, to have also much set by this celestial divination, I thought good to admonish them by this little treatise, that they labour not in vain, hoping for that, which the place itself will not suffer them to have. that when they have thoroughly seen and considered the whole matter, they may leave to have in admiration these inventions of the prognosticatours: and if they will needs have knowledge of secrets and things pertaining to the future time, they may learn to seek it out of such things as are more near and better known unto them. For as it is said and not without a cause: Those things that are above us, pertain nothing unto us: and those things which are above our reach, are not to be sought for, with much curiosity. Neither let any man slander me, as though I went about to impugn or assault the most beautiful and certain science of astronomy, as the Prognosticatours themselves, (such is their malice) cry out, if any man speak boldly against the vanity of Astrology: But that science as of all human sciences it is the most divine, so would I wish that it should be embraced, learned, & perceived of most men, especially of all such as bear and profess the name of Philosophy. And let not them be troubled with their proud brag, which say, that their calculation is thend●… and scope, where unto the noble science of Astronomy doth tend, seeing there is no community or fellowship between certen●…y and uncertainty, neither can truth and feigned falsehood, at any time be coupled and joined together. And as for the studious, they shall not be compelled in vain to con cider the course of the stars (although this divination be clean banished away) seeing the knowledge itself (if we trust Aristotle) is an end and scope of itself. Moreover be side the most pleasant contemplation of the whole workemashyp of the world, doth not the sciens itself bring which it infinite profits and utilities? What need I to speak of so many kind of dials, so many differences of times and years? finally so many varietes and degrees of glistering lights.  
One star (which is the son) as it were the image of one god, communicateth his light to all the rest, whom so long as the residews of the stars behold, resplendishing with most bright beams, they ●…hine over the whole worloe: But if any of them by the envious shadow of the earth, be dep●…ued of his sight, straight way as it were mor●…yng, and without light, it is void of all beauty and glory: Doth it nothing avail to know the cause of so divers forms and shapes of the moon? Such varieties of days in length and shortness? So many differences of heat and cold by reason of the Sons coming near or departing far from us? They therefore which stiffly affirm, that astronomy cannot consist without Astrology, and that the knowledge of the one is unprofitable without the use of the other, are here reproved of a manifest error, or rather convicted of a shameful lie. Lest therefore under the beautiful and glorious cloak of this sciens of astronomy, they should any longer proceed to commend their false and hypocritical art, I would wish that this little book were but ones perused and read over of all such as seem to favour this deceit: and except either their wilful and per verse affection, or else to gross ignorance did let them, I am assured they would utterly forsake and reject this kind of forshewing by the stars. For long time under the pretext and colour of astronomy, this auguration or divinotion hath been cloaked, in so much that the professors thereof have not doubted openly for Astrologians, to call themselves Astronomars. Other some confounding the names of Astrology and Astronomy, both in teaching and also in writing, have so mixed the one with tother, as though they were not distincie sciences, but the one of them did hang of an other, after the manner of relatives. And herein they are ●…ot unlike to men of ungracious living, which to the intent they may with less danger and suspicion commit he ynous offences, will gladly use and frequent the company of such as be taken to be good and honest men: but the difference of those arts, I think is manifestly known to all men, so that I am certainly persuaded, it were but lost labour to stand long in putting a diver ●…e between them. Wherefore it shall suffice to admonish the simple sort, lest when we speak against the art of foreshowing by the stars, they should unadvisedly think that we dispute against the course of the stars, their law, order, or learning. But whereof shall I take my beginning, or of what part shall I chiefly go about to publish and desorte so great vanity, whether of the uncertainty, thereof▪ 〈◊〉 of the unprofitable, yea hurtful observation thereof that so much troubleth the common wealth, or rather of the impossibility, shall I show that there is no such science of divination? If that which is uncertain deserve not to be observed, for what cause, I pray you, do you cleave to the do●…yng of Astrology? If that which deserveth not so much as to be considered is worthily called vain, or of none effect, wherefore shall men more trust the divination of the stars, than they will credit the unconstant waves of the sea? It shall not be needful in this place to allege Aristotle's opinion of the future contingent, nether to vouch th'authority of other philosophers, concerning the uncertain and unknown proceeding of matters. For who doth not see clearer than the son at noon days, that not the fourth part of those presages or foretellings come to pass, as they before have pronounced them? Yea who is so forgetful, or of little memory, that can not record and remember, that the most part of their predictions have chanced clean contrary to their calculations. It is not therefore without a cause, if we marvel with what face they dare he so bol●… to propound such vain and foolish varicinatious, to be considered of wise and discrete persons. Certainly every science, of what sort soever it be, consisteth on things that be true certain and immovable: but Astrology which standeth on things that most commonly are false, but always uncertain and unconstant: Tell me all you prognosticatours, by what reason it may●… be called a science? but if this your method & rule of prophesying be not to be numbered among those sciences, which consist of things certain and immutable, what other thing is this your knowledge but foolishness so great, that folly herself could not light lie invent a thing more fond and foolish. But peradventure your predictions, be they never so uncertain, yet they may be profitable to the public wealth, so that which your art lacketh of certainty, it recompenseth with utility: Nay rather with how great evils do you burden the city (I speak not of the horrible wonders that you threaten to fall on them) but what a dearth of victuals youcause in the comen wealth, while the farmers of the country (as I have good understanding) believing your oracles of the imtemperaunce of wethers do so craftily dispose their wares, that in abundance of all things, the common people suffer a great and grievous scarcity. What? is it to be kept in silence, how slowly and coldly the people in the last year, seduced by the foolish prophesy of Nostrodamus addressed themself to set up the true worshipping of GOD and his religion, good Lord what trembling was there? What fear?  
What expectation? What horror? lest all things suddenly should be turned upsy-down, so that none almost of them that gave any credit to prognostications, durst be bold to open their faith and religion, which they bore in their hearts. Yea this Nostrodamus reigned here so like a tyrant with his south sayings, that without the good luck of his prophecies it was thought that nothing could be brought to effect. What shall I speak of the common people's voice? This day the Bishop of Rome must be driven out of the parliament. To morrow the Queen shall take upon her the name of supreme head. After xx. days all thing shall wear worse. Such a day shall be the day of the last judgement, that except the true preachers of God's holy words had sharply rebuked the people for crediting such vain prophecies, there should have been none end of fear and expectation. But our crafty Nostrodamus, that could wrap his prophesies in such dark wrinkles of obscur●…ye, that no man could pike out of them, either sense or understanding certain. Without double he hath herd of the oracles of Apollo, which the denill at Delphos, gave out of an idol to them that asked counsel, which were obscure, double, and such as might chance both ways, As that which was answered to king Pyrtus, demanding of him: 
I say that Aeacides the Romans may overcome.   
Neither is that unlike, which the rich Croesus intending to make war against Cyrus, had given him, that is: 
Croesus' piercing through the city Halis shall overthrow great riches.   
So that you may wrest them to what sense you list. For Pyrrus while he did promise himself victory over the Romans, might have also understood (as it came to pass in deed) that he himself should be overcome of the Romans. Likewise Croesus, while he tursting th'oracle, persuaded himself, that he should overcome Cyrus' riches, that were so great and abundant, brought his own kingdom, riches, and what soever he possessed into utter ruin and destructon The same trade of foretelling Sibylla Cumana did also deep, of whom Uergile reporteth, that the recorded fearful circum stances and doubts, resownding in her cave. Finally, all they which inflamed with the devils spright, told of things to come, gave either dark or doubtful answers to them that required their oracles. The same manner of foreshowing in dark and double riddles our prognost●… catours, as it were received of the heathenyshe prophets do observe and keep unto this day fornot only Nost rodamus telleth things darkly and doubtfully, but divers others: yea many of our countrymen, an Cunyngham, a man otherwise both learned and honest, Hill, Lou, Uaghan, and not long ago Askham, with six hundred more of that sort, among which, the afore named, may challenge the chief place, not that they prophecy truer than other, but that they have more exactly (as they say themselves) formed their calculations to the course of the stars. And lest any man should think that I slander them, I intend to rehearse certain things out of their books, in which we will plainly note a double doubtful forshewing. By reason of Saturn in Cauro (say they) and the eclipse in April, there shall follow mur muring among the common people: but Mercurius, with his eloquence doth pacify them. Likewise Mars this year shall save England harmless from many evils, except the Eclipse of the Moon do somewhat abate his courage. After the some manner do they pronounce of wheat, bar ley, and oats, that they shall prosper well, except the heat, moisture, or other unsea sonable weather do endamage them. Finally this almost is general, if they foreshow a thing to come without exception, it is false: if they pronounce it with exception, how soever the game go, their error is without danger of reproving. Moreover they themselves confess, that there bedivers impediments which cause that many things to come not to pass, not only about in the heavens, but also here beneath. O good lie science, O divine knowledge, which so many causes do frustrate, and bring to none effect. To what purpose then serve so many prohibitions against the surgeons, that they take nothing in hand, but in a a prescript time? Shall they tarry seven days before they let a man blood that is sick of the pleurisy: Why do you not by the same reason forbid them that be poisoned to take any medicine, before the sign apt to comfort the virtue expulsive. But these matters by doctor Da●…quet are so plainly set before men's eyes, that unless these Prognosticatours even yet did give such cautions, it were but 〈◊〉 vain for me asmuchas ones to make mention of that super●…tious abuse.  
Hitherto as (as I suppose) we have sufficiently spoken of the inconstancy and un certainty of these pred●…ons, yea and enough also of the vn●…rositable observation and crediting of the same.  
Now therefore let us prepare ourselves to that argument, which is all the prognostitators, what soever they be, & where soever they be, are able without all covin or deceit to remove: they shall not only defend their are, which otherwise must needs fall down and utterly decay, but also they shall hau●… the writer hereof, with shame enough, to retract and recant all that he hath hitherto against Astrology said or written.  
And that we may by little and little proceed to the effect of our matter, we dare bebolde to affirm, That this is common to all sciences, that they may be demonstrated. For although the principles and grounds in every art, be of such nature, that they can not be showed and confirmed by things more general, and therefore it is said, that they can not be proved, yet by demonstration or induction they may be so plainly set before our eyes, that no man need to doubt, but that they are most true and certain. For either they are showed by a manifest figure that they must needs be true, and that it were impossible to think otherwise of them then so, or else by recital of all the particulars, one universal is evermore concluded. Therefore of such foundations every art is grounded, which being surely laid, marvelous works are builded upon them. But if the soundations which ought to be most strong and sure, in any point do fail, straight way that whole building with great weight falleth down and is destroyed. For daily experience teacheth us, that no structure can be firm and of continuance, except the foundations thereof be first surely laid. And reason teacheth the same lesson, which with open mouth crieth, and biddeth always to beware of the beginnings. Which thing although we see daily in building of houses, yet may we see it also, if we will use a little diligence in every art and science. As in Geometry, it to a principle, that from one point to an other, you may always draw a straight line, this now by example may be demonstrated very easily. Likewise it is an other ground that all the three angles or corners of a triangle, how soever they be taken, are equal unto. two. rectangles. If this be showed in every particular kind of triangle, as Orthogonius Oxygonius, Aequilaterus Scàlenus, and such like, we shall plainly understand that which is required. And that we have here said briefly in a few, the same to be true in all other propositions, he that hath but meanly travailed in the sciences can bear witness. But perchance some prognosticatour will start up & say, that although this is easy to be showed in such things as almost we may perceive by our senses yet the same in things farther of; can scarcely be declared, As that greatness of the stars, or their distance from theearth, or from themselves one from an other: Do not learned men teach, that the Sun is an hundredth sixty and six times greater than the earth? and that the Moon is thirty and nine times lesser than the earth? We grant that these matters be difficult, and such as hardly can be per swaded to the common sort: yet as difficult as they be, and hard to know, there is a mean whereby men may come to the science and understanding of them. We have the shadow of the earth as it were a ladder, whereby we ascend into heaven, and behold many things, whereunto gross wits can not frame. But by no way is it possible, that the principles of this art of Astrology, may be either demonstra●…d or proved. There is no mean whereby man's wit may attain to so great knowledge, there is no method, no induction, that can maintain truth of th●…se propositions, which they take for their principles.  
Now therefore (as I have said) the foundation of this tower, being shaken, the whole weight of astrology, must needs have a great and saubdeyne fall. And as Captains expert 〈◊〉 feats of war, when they determine utterly to subvert and overthrow a tower, castle, or other fortress of their enemies, with undermining they lose the foundations of it, or else setting under it a quantity of gunpowder, blow away the whole substance: So we autending not only to prove, that your art is unprofitable, but also to condemn it to perpetual prison of Oblinion and forgetfulness, go about to show, that there neither is nor can be any such art of divination or forshewing. For by what reason are ye able to demonstrate or show, that Saturn is so hurtful, malicious, and pestilent? By Induction? What if he have do minion as you term it) in the Nativity of a Prince, a warrior, or a sanguine? Nay, there is nothing doth oftener fail, than Predictions of nativities: How then are you able to prove, that this Planette doth so much, and so great evil amongst men. I for my part, could rather prove by probable reason they contrary. For it is nothing like, that Saturn which is farthest from the earth, should have the most earthily nature. Beside this, he that is far higher then Venus, and nearer to the immense and large. firmament, which the Hebrews do call, A stretching abroad, by no means can be counted worse. Wherefore is the Planette jupiter, more wholesome than Saturn? In whose time (while that he reigned or ruled on the earth, the same antiquity witnesseth, that the golden world was, the which flattering their king jupiter, oscribeth to him better effects then to his father. But how unjust a thing is it, and against all reason, that the Son itself, without whom tother planets have no more beauty than the earth, can searcely of them be counted among the good ●…holsome stars: where as he, which with his heat giveth life, with his ●…hynynge light, and with his beholding, gladness to all living creatures. (If an are of astrology were to be invented according to reason) should have the these rule among all stars, as well planets as fixed. Likewise the Moon why the governeth humours, should be second to the Son, specially in dominion of lining creatures, for as much as by these two, that is, Heat and Moisture, whereof the Son ruleth heat, & the Moon moistness, all life is proserued and nourished. By what argument are you persuaded to prefer a trine aspect before a quartile, where as the numbered of four among the Pytha●…rsens, which had the exact know judge of numbers, and to them referred all things, was more reverently observed then the rest: in so much that by four they were wont to swear. But you will say●…, that for the holy ●…rinities sake the numbered of. iii. is preferred. Than granting the numbered of three is good, booth it follow that the numbered of four, in which God concluded the elements, their qualities and all perfect essences to be eu●…l? What persuadeth you to think, that the. xii. signs of the Zodsake have so divers qualities, and according to reasons judgement, contrary to nature. For you will have Aries to be fiery, which is the beginning of the spring: more over you teach, that Taurus which is a sign of the spring, should be of earthly nature. Which thing how much it striveth against reason every man may perceive, that knoweth aptly how to refer the spring time to the element air. Cancer also the beginning of Summer is safed to be a watery sign. How fond therefore 〈◊〉 vain are your principles, which you are not able by any reason to demonstrate or prove, evun fools may easily understand, seeing you so foolishly refer fire to water, and air to earth. Besides this, it is no small matter in your cunning, to attribute to every plnner his proper signs. But here also how much you differ from your own doctrine even Chor●…bus himself if he were present, would perceive, When you ●…iuide the. xii. lignes of the Zodiac into sowed orders or bands. To some you ascribe a nature earthy, to some watery, to some airy, and to some fiery. Likewise when you give to every householder (as you call the planets) their serving signs: you grant sem to Saturn some to jupiter, and so forth to every one their proper signs. But this I can not pass over with silence that almost every householder will maintain and keep in his service any servants that are so reyugnant from his own nature and disposition. That is they use them as ministers in bringing their works to effect, I marvel how they do not rather execute their own will, than the will of their masters. As for example, Saturn which is said to be earthy, hath Aquarius to wait upon him, which all together consisteth of asry qualities. jupiter reported to be airy, hath two servants, Sagittarius and Pisces, of whom sagitarius is fiery, and pisces marry. Likewise Ma●… that is whose and dry, is content with the service of Scorpio, that is cold and moist. Venus' boing full of cold and moisture, hath Taurus an earthy sign, and Libra an airy sign, doing her service. I leave here to speak offeigned the distinctions and difference of houses, angles, dignities, and other like of this kind: of all which if they can prove but one principle by good and sounds reason, the way should be more easy for them to depend the rest. But now seeing they have nothing that can testify of the truth of their principles, it remaineth, that the art itself being grounded of fall propositions, and of them heaped to a huge and great building, this so selender and weak a foundation being taken away, must needs fall down, and lie prostrate.  
These things I do the oftener repeat, that all men may know what vain brags they make, whiles they take that which is no cause, in stead of a sure and certain cause. For by what reason Saturnus should signify this or that, neither they themselves, nor any man else can show, and that we have spoken of Saturn, the same also may be said of all the rest of portending signs. Except peradventure they will boast of some revelations to be given unto the snuen●…rs of their art, which if they be not ashamed to confess (as is their mad boldness they shall turn the folly, which now a little, repentance would correct, into mer●… madness. Let us grant them their private revelations, visions, and fantasies, for so we shall increase their follisshenes, with pride and vainglory, yet we are sure they are not to be trusted. And to declare that more p●…ninely, because all revelations are not of one sort, let us divide them into two kinds: for some are given of good angels, and some of evil: They that are given of good angels are such, as the nature of good spirits is wont to be, that is to say true, profitable, and to be thorte, generally good. The oracles of ●…uyl spirits agree in quality with the givers of them: that is, they be false, hurtful, & evil. Now of whether sort this revelation is, by which the principles of Astrology at the first were revealed: let us in few words consider. Now uncertain these principles are, and to speak plainly, how false, we may both see by daily experience, and also we have sufficiently above declared. saying then it appeareth, that your science is not derived from a good angel or spirit, when there you will have it to come of an evil spirit, or of neither, the choice at this ●…yme (O Astrologians) shallbe yours. In the mean season either cease to boast of your rotten and cankered art, or else by som●… way persuade your principles to be true, to such as without proof can believe nothing. whether you intend to do, we that shortly perceive: for if you bold your peace we have overcome, and will celebrate a triumph for overthrowing your mighty giant Atlas. But if any of you be so shameless, that he dare enter into battle again●… truth, and us, that maintain her quarrel, if he be found it ●…onger in arms than we are, we will give place, and yield, but if he be not able to abide our strokes, we will take the castle of Astrology, and destroy all things that maketh resistance, with weapon, fire, and famine. Now we have cast our darts both in numbered and fo●… sufficient among the thickest of our ●…mies, it remaineth that we beat back the weapons thrown of them, or at the least take them clean away, that they being destitute of them, may run about as it were fighting and beating the air with vain strokes. And to begin of that part, in w●…che they put no small confidence: I have herd many which boasted, that they were able to prove their divination out of holy scripture: which men when by reason of contention they were compelled to bring forth what they could for their defence, would said have concluded their vaticination out of the first chap. of Genesis. For when God the most excellent wise workman, of nature had created heaven & orth, with his almighty word, had put also a difference between the light which he had made, & darkness: more over had placed the firmament in the midst of the waters: Furthermore gathered the waters, that before covered the whole face of the earth for preservation of living creatures that he intention to create into one place, & finally had garnished the earth with a most pleasant ve●…ure of trees & green herbs, the fourth day determining to create lights, to make distinction between day & night, appointed then their proper use, saying: The●… shall be unto signs unto appointed seasons (for so the Hebru word soundeth) unto days & unto years, & the lights shallbe in heaven to give light upon the earth, whose eternal will th'effect straight way followed. For god made two great lights, a greater light to rule the day, & a lesser light to rule that night, & also the stars. Here the prognosticators take no small cou rage, the god ordained the lights, the they should be unto signs. But how little these signs make for that purpose of their predictions, he the ●…rarketh yc order & discourse of that words shall easily ●…cesue. For that which followeth of appointed sesons, likewise that which followeth of days & years, these seem to me to exponnd what manner of signs they shallbe, the is, they shallbe tokens of sprig, summer, au●…ūne, & winter, of days natural & artificial, long or short of years, according to the sons course, or to the moons course, & so of that rest. And whereas here is chief mention made of the son & the moon, if we will needs by signs, understad for showing, they shallbe unto signs of he●… when that son oraweth near to us, of cold wh●…̄●…h departeth, of abundance of humours when that moon increaseth, & the contrary when she is in the wane or decreasing. But of of necessity you would have us to understand fatal ●…dictions, notwithstanding argument is in force, seeing you know not what the stars do signify, you can not by their aspects tell of things to come. But there be some, which as they think will defend their science with much more strength, requiring that we should grant them that all things in earth are ruled & governed by the power of the heavenly signs. Truly I am not so hard to be entre●… t, thee I would deny the Astrologians being oppressed with such calamity so little a matter but rather I will give than more than they de manned, & such things as I would beni them if they were obstinate and stubborn, now flying to their shoot an●…re and last help, I will gently grant them. All higher things saith Aristotle, worketh in the lower bebies. Let all the power in these lower things be confessed to come from above. Nei there will we greatly at this time strive against that derivation of causes (devised by M●…rcutius Trismegistus) from God to the angels, from them to the heavens, that it pertaineth to Fortune or fate, which he calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, neither do I see how it should hurt our cause that we have in hand, if we granted them that which they most desire, and most earnestly require, that is, that the stars have dominion & exercise their power on men's matters contingently, that is, as it were a certain inclination or some secret motion, (for if destiny consisted of the stars it could not be changed) but as for the signification of the stars both we learn by experience, neither do the Prognosticators deny, but that they may, by divers means be averted or turned to some other effect. Therefore seeing we have granted this, that could not be compelled, I long to see what help you can from thence transfer to yourselves. And now me thinketh I hear an Astrologian triumphing on this manner: If the course of the stars, their revolutions and aspects do so strongly work in these lower bodies, that they should be causes of many effects in the earth: what fellow is this, that will deny a proposition bearing witness to so many learned men's writings being allowed by so many authorities of all ages, That the cause being granted, the effect must needs follow, by what reason dare he affirm the cause, and deny the effect●…? But these so threatening words, what are they at the length but very words in deed? For giving to every cause her proper effect, yet will I not grant effect to that which is no cause: or if it be a cause, I will not grant that to be the offect which they will have. For they know not what the stars do cause or signify, but embracing an art delivered of their ancestors, without any sure ground or foundation, have it in estimation as a divine knowledge which containeth in it no more divinity and truth than the rest of the Chaldeans superstitions that yet remain: of whom this science was received: which learned & wise philosophers in all ages contemned and utterly despised. And not only heathen men as Porphyrius, which to jamblicus saith, That it is impossible that a manu●… should know the signification of the celestial revolutions. jamblicus himself which denieth, that any virtue or power descendeth from the stars, & divers other contemned the vain ostentation of this art: But the prophet Hieremye himself with loud voice forbiddeth the Israelites to fear the influence of the stars, as the heathen do. But therefore (say you) do they signify nothing? Wherefore I pray●… you, are they not to be feared? either because they signify nothing, or because the signification of them to men is uncertain and unknown? What, doth not Paul th'apostle of the Gentiles exhort his scolar Titus, that he regard not foolish and so perfluous questions of Genealogies and nativities? F●…r what cause then doth jeremy forbid to fear, and Paul to regard Predi●…ions of astrology, if in them were any thing either to be feared or regarded? Go your ways now, and make the people afraid with horrible threatenings, proclaim great calamity to follow●…: Of pestilence, bat tail, and famine: or if any thing be more grievous than these? Warn them of a sudden destruction that shall fall upon them. As two years ago Cunyngham threatened to egypt, Babylon, Constantinople, and the Cities of italy a most lamentable and utter subversion. Had not the italians, Egyptians, Grecian●…, and Chaldeans great cause to fear, considering that by the judgement of astrologians so great ruin hanged over their heads? Who would not in this case have be●… afraid, except it were such as (I can not tell how preposterously) would prefer Jeremy's pro●…hecie before Cunynghā●… prognostication? Likewise he that had rather give credit to the Prognosticatours thenne to saint Paul, should he not having his nativity cast, foresee by it, what good things, and what euyll●… things he should in all his life attain? so shall he devise to avoid the evil, and bring the good things to effect. O blockeheade, that must have thy Nativity cast, how doest thou determine to lead thy life, like a bruit beast, that thou will suffer all things to work upon thee. Wherefore serveth thy reason which thou dost not use? nay rather which thou dost abuse in such vanities. ●…wynge thy fortune (the sayst) by thy nativity thou wilt endeavour thyself to seek for good things, and avoid evil things. Why wouldst thou not have done so, although thou hadst never asked counsel of the 〈◊〉? Alas, when will the world leave to have in admiration such curious vanities. But now an other objection. Berosus the Chaldean, a most ancient histo riographer reporteth, that the holy Patriarch Noah did foresee the universal flood by the aspect of the stars: and to the intent that he might avoid the danger thereof, he made the ark to preserve the life of himself, his sons, and their wives, and beasts of every kind. Then is not so ancient a science much profitable ●…omans▪ life, which the holy patriarch did practise, and by help of which mankind, beasts and what soever in all the world was pleasant or profitable in time past was preserved from utter destruction? This no light or contemptible author hath reported, but even Be●…osus the Chaldean. But Moses the Hebrew, being also a most just law giver and history writer, as most ancient, so most faith worthy, witnesseth, That the Lord God spoke unto Noah, and foreshowed the universal ●…loude, commanding him to make the Ark. And lest the Astrologians should dream of a revelation by the stars, prescribed unto him a determinate form and measure of the ship that he willed to be made. Then where is your boasting of the antiquity and necessaries use of Astrology? where be your brags of the patriarch Noah, whom you would have to be a patron of your folly? Shall we believe Moses, which writ that, which was revealed by God? or else Berosus whic●… studying to advance an art invented of the superstitious Chaldeans, imagined and feigned, that the flood was foreseen by the practice of that art.  
Now therefore which way will ye turn the sail of your safety? The Patriarch Noah doth renounce you, Hieremie and Paul doth hate you: Porphy●…ius & jambli cousin, doth contemn you. Who shall then be your standard bearer? or who the trompettour to blow out your praise? Ptholomeus ascribeth as much certainty to you as to the wind: For he affirmeth, That your prediction●… do not bind any man, but only draw them that be willing. Then by this reason their will should be cause of those things that chance, and not the stars. For against them that will not, the stars can do nothing: and them that he willing they can not let to ●…oo what they will. If this be true, as it is most true what power is left to the influence of the stars: We grant, say they that of those actions which a man doth, his will is the next cause: But of those actions which be not in a man's power, that is such, as he can not bring to pass as he would, the stars be governors. But then to what purpose or end driveth that notable saying, which being sprung from anercellent learned man, all men by their consent do●…e allow, that is, (A wise man shall rule the stars) Is not this meant, that the signification of the stars although they were known, have not so great power in men's matters, but that a wise man's providence is of much greater force, so that not without a cause, A wise man is said to re●…ls the starts, that is to say, the Influence and signification of the stars.  
Yet sometime it cometh to pass, that in casting a man's nativity, you do hyt●…e right of his lice or manners. And we will not greatly str●…ue against you, but seeing you do so often and so divers things foretell to every mann●…e by his nativity, it were impossible, but that some what must needs chance according to your predictions: yet this is by chance and not by art: for he that wisely and ●…ly gently revolveth in his mind, that hen venly revolution, can not be certainly per suaded, that so momentaneous and short face of the heavens should work any thing strongly so long time after: for in the moment of an hour it is continually changed from one to an other: and this is the cause, that jamblicus thinketh, that the differences of time, which the Astrologiaus observe, availeth little or nothing to the effect of strong and marvelous works. Besides this a certain Astrologian or Palmister, johannes Indagine affirmeth, that this short and momentaneous revolution of the heavens is of less effect and power than that, which he  ●…lleth natural astrology, reducing all forts of men what saever they be●…, unto xii. horoscopes, according to the numbered of the twelve signs. Therefore as well he as the other do ascribe so many and so divers qualities to every man by his nativity, that of necessity some of them must be in every man, As he which saith, That a man shall be apt to anger, Pride, Love, pity, and such like: where as there is no man but he shall find these & such like qualities in himself, if he enter into his own mind.  
But to proceed, how every star hath a name, which oftentimes seemeth to be given by the signification thereof. Wherefore it shall not be out of the way, some thing to tarry in reasoning of their names, left perchance the Astrologians of them (as of a gnat) would seem to make an Elephant. first therefore that the names whereby the stars are called, are not of their own nature, but given to them by men. johannes de sacro Bosco, sufficiently heareth witness, with whom Uer●…ll agreeth in his first book of Georgikes, saying 
The shipman first than gave to stars their number, and their name:  
The Pleiades, Hyades, and Lycaon's, hear of worthy fame.   
Nevertheless all the stars had not their names given them of the same occasions yet they were all devised for difference that they might be one known from another, as Bernardus Syluestris saith very prettily. 
lest that without●… distinction the common word should go,  
The names whereby the stars be called, by men were termed so.  But of the names some were attributed unto them for the form which they seem to bear in heaven to them that behold them: Of that sort are the wain, the crown, the ship, the serpent, the harp, and such like. Some bear their name of their proper place, in which they be set: As Aries the ram first of the stock, and first of the signs. Cancer the crab, 〈◊〉 beast that goeth backward, gave name to that sign, in which the son returneth to the lower hemispher. Libra, the ba lance, that maketh even weight, so being the name of a sign, it maketh nights & days of equal length. Aquarius, the water he arer and Pisees the fishes, for the abundance of water, that is, when the son keepeth his course in those places, gave name to those signs. Caper the goat, which in feeding lifteth up himself, and seemeth to hang on the rocks, was thought a meet name to be given that sign, in which when the Son is, he daily riseth up toward us from the Antipodes, or men that go with their feet right against our feet. A great number also of the names whereby the stars are called, were given of the Eth●…kes, partly flatteting their princes, and partly believing that their souls being translated after their death into heaven, had the do●…mon of certain stars, and thereof from ancient time came the names of Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, O●…ion, & such like. The men of later time perchance think that they either have changed or retained certain names, by reason of the qualities which they ascribe to the stars them selves. But this is specially worth the marking, that they are accustomed not of the qualities to give the names, but of the names to derine their qualities: as to the Crab, which is a fish by the water side (although he be a sign of the summer, yet being in heaven, they ascribe a wa●…ry nature. Likewise to the Bull, which is a melancholic beast even among the signs, they attribute an earthy dispolition: The ramme in deven also they will have to bear domini on of the pe in earth, like as the bull of oxen. So also to Saturn which of the poets was feigned to be a lurking god, they ascribe melancholic qualities, but jupiter which in the Fables is found a gentle & favourable God, is also judged to be a well willing planet. Venus which was gentle and amiable, even among the stars is said to key the same nature still. Mereurius which is reported of the poets to be a these and a crafty fellow, being translated to the numbered of gods, is also unstable & inconstant, applying himself to every company, for with the good, he is also good, and with the evil, agreeable in quality with them. And now by this means we have verived the significations of most part of the planets, from the very fountain out of which they are drawn, whereby every man may see upon what reason their principles both consist, out of which they feign themselves as it were gods, to have knowledge of things passed, things present, & things to come. But abide for, bid not the. iij. wise men by aspect of a star in the east, understand, that Christ was borne, and by leading of the same, come to the place of his birth, to worship him, how then do you cry that the predictions of the stars are to be contemned? If you intend to wrest this to the con firmation of your art, by the same reason you shall conclude the innumerable wonders which at that time chā●…ed in all places were done by the order of nature. But at the time all things ministered unto god: & the his power might appear, Nature herself went our of her ac customed place. For at that time great & wondrous marvel happened, in so much the the divinors, soothsayers, magicians, and all they that were wont to tell the significations of such matters, being demanded what these wonders meant, answered, That Nature was in travail with the LORD of all things created. There testeth no more now, but to dissolve Cunynghams' confutation (set forth by him iwa certain Epistle, which he calleth his invective) by like force as we have done the test. Master Cunynghan thinketh that he hath reduced all adversaries calumniations unto ij. points: The first is, that that knowledge of Astrology, is enemy to the most laudable science of physic: The other, That the Astrologian can not foreshow things to come by his stars. Concerning the former part he sendeth us over to Hipocrates the prince of physic, in his book De aëre, aqua, & locis. Seeing therefore it was needful for me to read over that book (although not agreeable with my study and profession) yet having one lent me, according to the small leisure that I had, and the little capacity of my poor wit, I red him over both in Greek and latin. And truly as far as I remember the notes of the margin in the latin translation proclaimed open war between Hipocrates and me: but when I looked nearer to himself, I found no man so friendly to me, which prescribed so profitable necessary use of astronomy (not ones dreaming of fatal signs, as they would seem to have him. But seeing peradventure I shall seem to dispute on these matters beyond my cunning, I would sayne learn of doctor Cunyngham what argumentt to confirm Astrology he can gather out of that book. In the mean time such things as I red and understood, I will briefly recite. Hipocrates speaketh much of the rising of certain signs and stars, as of the Pleiades, Arcturus, Canis, and such other, all the which sayings are most plainly to be referred to the state of Time that is, when those signs rise or go down. And not here only, but also in his Aphorisms, Hipocrates driveth to the same end. Wherefore he concludeth, That the knowledge of astronomy, not of Astrology, is profitable to the science of physic Because that by the course of the stars the physician may foresee many things ne cessary to his science. Not that the stars ●…oo foretell him of any thing, but that their rising or falling is coincident with such state of tyme. Secondly, master Cuckoe nyngbam concludeth, that things to come may be foreseen by aspect of the stars, by this argument. If the mariner by his signs can forshow the tempest to follow, the Physician by his tokens, can foresee the increase or declination of the likeness. The husband man by his argument can foretell the state of the year to follow, why may not the learned Astrologian by his stars have knowledge of things to come? As for example, Mars is hot and dry, now it he see many fiery things meet with him, may he not boldly pronounce that the year following shallbe much inclined to heat. But of how small force this argument is, we shall understand by the easy solution thereof. For granting that the mariner, physician, and husband man can foresee things by his certain signs and tokens: Yet what fatal necessity (in gods name) compelleth us to think likewise of thastrologians. For the example that is brought to confirm the matter, is more doubtful than the matter itself: for we can not tell of what nature Mats is, nor thastrologians themselves, so that is they will prove any thing by this argument, they must first show by what reason they call Mars hot, or Saturn cold.  
For except they be sure of this, that they make their principles true, they may at their pleasure conclude what they list. But their propositions shall have no more credit than truth & certainty. Wherefore not because the physician or the mariner can know any thing, therefore the astrologians shall do the like, except they fetch their premon strations of as sure grounds as the other do. But lest we should to insolently inveigh against these false tellers (foretellets I would say, master Cunyngham hath given us ensample of two years that chanced according to the predictions of moisture, 1524, and dryness. 1540 But here I appeal to cuningham's wisdom, why he bringeth example of two years only, and them so long ago past? and why he did not she we example of three years last paste? if he will boast that his art is certain and true, why doth he not declare, that the event of every year was such, as th'astrologians for showed it should be, whether because all men with one voice would say nay●…or else because of time long passed he may feign, and no man reprove him. but there shall need no such contention we will grant. xx. years since astrol. first began, which happened according as the prognosticators foretold them: wylyon then boast that your divination is true, be cause of. 2000 years only, twenty serus for your purpose. But these things being so clear I omit.  
And that we may make haste to the had ven that is not now far of, saying this ap●…she art is unprofitable to the works of physic, to the profit of the students, to the state of the common wealth: and seeing that without principles nothing can be known: but astrology consisteth either of no principles, or of false, in is soft labony that is spent in th'observation thereof: in vain it is to credit their predictions, unsust it is, that she is of the unlearned people reverenced, more worthy to be buried under the channel of Lethe, the river of ob livion, than that she should enjoying the clear light of men, be had in any estimation. But if there be any Prognosticatour that will take upon him to defend Astrology thus battered in pieces, let him make haste to do it, before she utterly false to ruin.  
FINIS.  
¶ Hereafter followeth a short Treatise, as well for the utter subversion of this feigned art, as also for the better understanding of the common people.   

The preface to the Reader.  
considering with myself, (gentle reader) that so manynotable workmen at this time, hath by their cunning, & also by their diligent labour, have laid the foundation of a most worthy building: & also brought the same a good way above the ground, intending by gods help not only to finish the plain work thereof, but also to garnish it with such ornaments as might beseem so princely a palace: I thought it not my part for the good affection that I heart to the work, to stand altogether idle, if by any means I might be profitable in the same. And walking about to see the compass and fashion of it, I perceived that the great stones which pertained to the structure were such as neither by my strength I was able to list them, nor yet by my cunning in that kind of mas●… ry to place and join them: but as for hewing or fashioning them, I saw it was so far above my knowledge and understanding, that I did not once apply myself to have any meddling with them. At the last when I had ●…ewed all other things sufficiently, I espied a little heap of rubbyshe which not only hindered them that went to and fro o●…er it, in specding their work, but also seemed to be no small deformity to the leveled plainness of the statte form, whereon the building should stand, I might see also that some of the master masons themselves had taken pains in removing the same unprofitable Chaos: which caused me to think, that I could not be better occupied then to coney the same quite out of the way, that it should neither be a let nor an ill sight, in the proceeding of so necessary business. Wherefore I prepared and made for myself as it were a little wicker baskette, which I might easily bear, so carry away this hyndring heap, where it shallbe confused and utterly dispersed abroad. And although the substance of my bas kette be simple and weak, yet it is good enough to carry tubb●…●…he and such light stuff as I put therein. But as soon as I began to turn up the upper part thereof, I understood, that because it had dying long compact together, there's was bred in it a great numbered of toads and snakes that began to hiss and spew out their poison against me, because I diseased them of their nesle and barrborowe. But God be thanked I come not naked among them, I have an armour called Veritas, that is able to withstand the malice even of dragons, and crocodiles. Some men perchance would marvel why I would not strike ●…eim, that so furiously have gone about to sting me. In deed I have prepared all ready moderate defence, but I stay upon certain dóubtes that are these:  
first, whether it be the point of al●…ned man to rail or no●…  
secondly, whether the conclusion in Syllogismo litigiolo be good or no?  
And thirdly whether there be a kind of argument called Syllogismus conuciatorius, or no? these doubts resolved I wold●… proceed. As for Uaughan I have nothing to do with him, but to wish him his tyghte wits and a good tongue.  
I have taken upon me to dissolve this mass at astrology, and that by gods help I will do to the uttermost of my power, so that my contention is against no man. But my labour is to remove this obstacle out of good menues ways, and if any ill men hereafter exercise their malice upon me, I must needs say as Socrates said: Though an ass spurn against me, I will not go to law with him. Therefore they that have delight in railing, let them rail and spare not: They that have pleasure in scoffing, let them scoff and flout till they have proved themselves comen parasites and sycophants in so doing, I will not once be moved with such unhonest means. But if any man shall propound any probable argument to maintain this cause, I will do the best I can to answer it, and if I be not able (as I have always offered) I will yield unto him. Wherefore gentle reader, if thou canst find thyself eased with any of these two small travails, I have my request.   

TO begin plainly as we intend to proceed, we must first call to remembrance, what matter we have in hand and then with like plainness declare, what plain order we intend to take in discussing of the same. Therefore omitting all colours of rhetor●…ke, and all impediments of painted speech, our pur pose is (to speak it at one breath) utterly to overthrow the science of astrology. Astrology (lest any man should doubt, because it is no English word) is said to be a knowledge, whereby the practisers of it say, that they can tell of all thing that are not come to pass, before they come to pass, by the course & moving of the stars, or else to describe it more plainly, is that knowledge by which the prognostications be made, that tell of rain and fair weather, sickness and health, war & peace, plenty and dearth, with such like: By which also they cast your nativities, tell you ●…oure fortunes, pretend to give you knowledge of things that be lost: and last of all appoint you days and times good or evil, for all things that you have to do. As, for works of physic, to let blood to take purgations, and all other medicines for other common matters, to sow, to plant, to journey by land, to journey by water, to buy and sell, to mary, to begin any work, and finally to attempt any thing that men use commonly in their life to do. Our intent is therefore in this short Treatise to persuade all such as he thereto being deceived by a false opinion of learning, have given credit unto them: that hereafter (if they see that all is not only vain, but also ungodly) they clean forsake them and their prophesie●… as things that let them to prosper well in their business and also hinder them to put their trust in God and his promises. For what confidence hath be in god or his word, that dare not take in hand any honest and ver●…ous affairs (in which God hath promised to aid and set forward all them that love him) except ●…e must first ask counsel of a blind soothsayer and Astrologian? And let them not be offended though I call them blind, for according to the proverb, Who is so blind as, he that will not see? But perchance so●…me will say●…, that because I am blind and ignorant in so goodly a science, therefore I 〈◊〉 dispraise it. As touching that matter, they have no cause to say so, for be it spoken without diswoorshyp of any of them, and with small pride in myself, I know what the art is as well as they, and so much the rather do I condemn it, lest saying the vanity and uncertainty thereof, I should be counted as they are, wilfully blind, and not seeing when their eyes be open.  
Thus much for our intent, our order shall be such, as best may be perceived. For we will first speak●… against the whole knowledge generally, and then particularly against every member and parcel thereof. And because we will spend no paper in superfluous sentences, we must remember what was said in the former book, that it was impossible for any man to have any knowledge of thynge●… to come ●…y the course of the stars. Whereunto we will add for playnner ●…nderstandynge this that followeth. As touching t●… moving and course of th●… hea●…ens, because men may see th●…ym, they might also (as they have doo●…) by long and diligent observation find out a learning, that should ●…each the truth of them, but seeing the stars be all of one form or fashion, that is spherical or round like a ball, (although some be greater than some also some higher than some) it can not be, that a man beholding or looking upon them, should understand of what qualities or significations they are. As for the colour of them (although to speak exquisitely by the rules of natural philosophy they have no colour) is ●…o like in most (excepting the son and the moon) that in so small variety of colours, a man can not discern so divers and many qualities. And not withstanding that they imagine the planet Saturn to be black or blue, and Mars to be red or fiery, they can if they were disposed (I mean the learned sort) give an other reason of their colour, nothing serving for the advancement of their pretende●… knowledge. By this it is manifest, that by seeing, looking, or beholding the stars, no man can know what they signify, forasmuch as by the sight nothing can properly be perceived but colour and fashion. Then what way is it possible, that a man should understand what those high bodies all of one colour●… and fashion should betoken? Some will say peradventure, that as the course of the stars was found out by diligent observation, so likewise their significations were learned by earnest marking wha●… chanced always under every sign or planet. How untrue this is, we shall part lie now declare, and partly leave till we come to the particulars.  
first therefore that their significations could not so be learned, it is manifest by this reason: That those things which chance or come to pass be infinite, that is innumerable to men, how then could a certain numbered of men know or learn whether all those things came to effect as they had marked in a few? for although they had taken their observation in as ma ny as they could, yet were there many more, yea ten thousand times as many which they knew not of, that might happen clean●… contrary to their devise. Doth it not then plainly appear, that by observation no man could discern what those signs and heavenly bodies did forshew? Then if neither by beholding them, nor yet by marking or observation of them, it might be that man's wit could find out their signification: there remaineth no way how to know them, but that fond fantasy of revelation by some spirit or angel. Which I have not without a cause before touched (although some would think that I imagine that objection of myself) because that of some it is so objected, not only in words, but also in writing.  
Concerning revelation we have some ●…ynge said all ready, whereunto we will join this, that God vse●… not by his ministers to reveal any knowledge unto men, but such as is to his glory and their profit. Now what availeth it to God's glory, that mortal men should have understanding of all things that he purposeth to do, as who should say, he would have men as cunning as himself, or as though he should rule the world by their prognostications. And no profit can it be to men, to have such knowledge, which if it were true, (as it is most ●…alse) they were not able to prevent. If, God therefore doth not reveals any thing which is not to his glory, and the profit of his creatures, me think that vain objection is clean put out of the way. Let this suffice for our purpose of inveyenge generally. Therefore proceed we to the particulars, which although there be as many as there be divers actions, yet we will entreat only of two●… sorts: the one of foreshowing the states of things and times, that other of choosing days and oportunyties. And to begin with that which seemeth chieffest among them, to prognosticate of war and peace, I marvel that men are so mad, as to look for war out of their predictions, knowing that the cause thereof proceedeth not of the stars, but of the devil, which alway laboureth to break the bonds of unity and concord, that should be among christian men. And where doth he plant the cause thereof, but in the king, whose heart the scripture witnesseth, that as the divisions of waters, so is it in the lords hand, and whether he will, he moveth it. Seeing therefore that the king is not subject to the influence of the stars, neither is any thing that proceedeth from him, governed by them, and then consequently and necessarily it followeth, that all matters concerning the common wealth, as war and peace, discord and rebellion, laws, and such like, can neither be forshewen nor foreseen by Astrology: dearth and plenty be caused by reason of seasonable weather, or unseasonable: Then if the stars have nothing to do with wether, they have less to do with plenty or scarcity, which are caused thereby As for clouds whereof rain cometh, they are drawn up in thin vapours, by the heat of the son, into the middle region of the air, and there, by cold, are made gross, then by some winds they are dissipated and driven abroad, or else by some resolved and drop down. And this is the cause for the most part, of rain & fair wether, so the except the uncertainty of the wind may be known by the stars, rain and fair wether can never be foreshowed. But whereof cometh the wind▪ I am sure they will not deny the Philosopher's definition gathered out of the second book of his Meteors, which is, that the wind is an exhalation hot and dry, drawn up by the heat of the Son, and for the weight of itself falling down, is laterally or sydelonges carried about the earth. By this definition all power of signifying stars is clean excluded. And as touching the place from whence the wind bloweth, the same philosopher doth also declare, that as it happeneth the matter thereof to be carried, so from that place it moveth. And here by the way where as I use the words of Happen and Chance, you must not take me, that I mean the thing should come by blind fortune or case: For I am of opinion, that nothing cometh to pass without a cause, but my meaning is, that by the causes and occasions thereof, so it came to effect. But to return into the way again, seeing the cause of the wind is not foreseen by the stars, no more can the wether that is partly caused by it, nor yet the dearth or plenty which chanceth by occasion of the weather, be by Astrology foreshowed. Then wi●… all those ●…ut of your Prognostications, for what should they do there, of which it is impossible that you should prognosticate. sickness and health depend upon divers causes, but nothing at all upon the course of the stars. for what way soever the stars run their race, if there be in the body abundance or defect, or from outward by corruption of the air infection it must needs be sick: and it none of these be, though all the stars in heaven with all their oppositions and evil tokens should meet in the house of sickness, yet the body should be whole, and in good health. But you will say, that those causes of sickness are wrought by the constellation of the stars. Well once we have a good con fort of Hieremy the prophet, that those are not to be feared. And to answer this objection I would have taken pains, 〈◊〉 that the most part of Astrologians are by profession physicians, which if they be in deed as they profess, and have learning according to their degree (which I doubt not but they have) they know assuredly, that the causes of sickness and health hang nothing upon moving of the celestial bodies. The more shame is it for them, if they stiffly and stoutly maintain and defend that which they know to be most vain and false. But leave sickness and health to them that have chiefly to do with them, and come to nativities or Fortune tellings.  
If I had not been myself seduced by such a vain credit that I gave to the wittings of Astrologians, I would never believe, that any man endued with common sense and reason, should have respect to casting of nativities, or Fortune tellings. For what madness is it to think, that being but twelve signs and seven planets, every singular man hath of them his singular constellation. I confess that every singular man by the providence of God is guided and preserved, but that every man that is borne hath his singular influence, it is to much incredible. For I dare be bold to say (and if I were driven to it by good reason prove it) that at one instant or Nunc, there is sometime borne a king and a slave, a warrior and a coward, a wise man and a fool, a learned man, an unlearned person, a true man and a thief, a rich man and a poor, a Christian and a Pagan, a man and a beast. How then shall the Astrologian tell all these their Fortune, by one constellation? Furthermore what a strange matter is it, that one constellation should work to so sundry effects? as if an Astrologian had erected a figure for one man's nativity, another cometh to know of a thing lost, at the same instant, the third cometh to hear if a sick man shall die or recover, All these must have their answers shapen them out of one figure. But they will say perchance, that all these can not happen at ones, then let them answer me to this question: Is there but one kind of thing done in the whole world, or under one meridian at one instant or moment? And be alother idle for that time▪ As for example, when one stealeth, is there nothing done at that time but ●…alynge: When a king is borne, is none borne el●… but kings? Or when a slave is brought forth, is their none else that season brought forth but slaves? Therefore if they can not avoid the mischief of this answer, let them be ashamed to practise any more such vain predictions, yea let them be astayde to use telling of fortunes, lest they be counted in that point as ill as wicked Ma●…asses, of whom the scripture reporteth, that among other his sins he had also regard to soothsayenge and fortune telling. As for Consuring, I will not charge them, because their predictions are not so sure as they are wont to make.  
But perchance they will say that all that I have yet said, either against their art generally, or against these particulars, y●… of no more strength than stubble or straw. Wherefore to shut up the gap, I intend to lay a great block in their way. And I shall desire, them when they make answer, (if they make any at all) that according to the proverb, They will not stoumble at a straw, and leap over a block. And the block that I will lay is of the heavy burden that the Lord by the prophet esay's 47. Chapter threateneth unto Babylon the inventresse of this art, where h●… saith: Now let the heaven g●…sers and beholders of stars, the moon prophets come and deliver thee, yea and let them show thee, when these things shall come upon thee: Behold, (saith he) they shall be as straw, which if it be kindled with sire, no man may rid it from the ●…hamence of the flame.  
Do you not hear, O you Astrologians, that the prophets saith, that you can have no knowledge of things to came, as of war, sickness, dearth, unseasonable weather, destruction, and such other, which he threateneth unto Babylon. For it is manifests, that this phrase or manner of speaking, which the Prophet useth, Let them show when these things shall come to pass, is a stronger ●…gation or denial, then if in plain words he had said: They can not shew●… the●…, when these things shall come to pass. Mark also what reward is promised to the users of this foreshowing, that they shall be●… in God's wrath as straw●… kindled with sire.  
But I leave this to their wisdom and discretion to consider, and will proce●…ede to the second kind of particulars, that is Elections or chusynges of days. And here have I nothing to do with Galeves (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) for it is marvel if that it be not objected against me, but I begin with good days to let blood. And what is the cause of blood letting? surely I think either to diminish humours in the body, or else to abate heat, or at least some such cause in the body. which if it be urgent, will not stick to kill the body, without consideration of sign or planet, or else if it be not so vehement will hurt the body, without respect of good days or ill. Therefore seeing this abundance of blood will not tarry for good days or ill, but will proceed to annoy the body: wherefore should the body tarry for good signs to be rid of it? And likewise of purgations, what sort soever they be: If any thing be needful to be purged, it will not cease from annoying upon good days, and work his malice only upon tuyll days: but who so ever is troubled with any such thing, shall feel that his disease little regardeth the course of the stars, and he, if he be wise, will as little regard them in seeking for remedy. Who so should narrowly mark this gear, should find out among them grievous absurdities, but we intend to make but short work. Now therefore must we leap from physic to husbandry.  
Good days to sow and plant, I think be when the earth is moderately moistened, and gently warmed with the heat of the son, which must bring up these seeds or plants nourished with humours, and pleasantly resolved with the southwest wind, or other of like nature, As for the sign or constellation if the aforesaid lack shall never prosper or increase, the seeds sown or plants planted, nor endamage them, if these causes d●…o not sail, and although both meet together, it is as much help unto the sedes as it was ease for the Camel whenns the Fly leapt of from his back.  
To journey by land is good when so ever a man hath honest and necessary affairs, the better if the weather be fair, & the way clean, specially if he be a foot man. But he, that having urgent business will tarry until he have a good day, is worthy to come to late, or as they say, A day after the fair. For he that will not take hold of occasions hear that is before him, when she hath once turned her back may claw on her bare skull, and find never an hear to take hold of.  
Good days to journey by water, are partly as they are to journey by land, and also it is required, that they have a good 〈◊〉 and prosperous wind. With which i●… they begin their course, it is a great 〈◊〉 that they shall have good success. If any man having wind and weather, ty●… and tide convenient, will tarry for ●…erre or planet, sign, or constellation, 〈◊〉 lose those former opportunities, though he had all the favourable stars in heaven an his side, shall have a troublesome voyage.  
Good days to buy and sell, be market days, and all other whensoever a man can get a good bargain with honesty. I think but sew merchants will lose their mart in weighting for heavenly help from the stars.  
Evil days to buy and sell be holydaiss, and such times as men should be occupied in prayer, and hearing gods word. Ill places to buy and sell, be Churches, and other places appointed for prayer and preaching. Other days and places be indifferent, if the bargayns he good.  
Good days to marry are all the days in the year of their nature, in as much as to do a good thing it is good at all times: The marriage itself taketh not effect (as these superstitious diviners say) of the day or time but of the cause and circumstance in which it is contracted. For if those be nought, not Venus nor jupiter nor all the loving signs can make that marriage good: And if thou marry in the fear of God, though Mars and Saturn sat over thee, and though it were on the most dismal day that ever Egyptian or Chaldean observed, thou shalt be sure of the Lords blessing, which he promiseth to all them that in his fear and love entereth into that honourable estate. So much the more is their unwholesome harmony to be hissed out, that appoints certain days, in which if a man should marry, the parties should never agree or love one the other.  
But I leave the rest until such time as I shall be driven to answer them, where if they keep not modesty, as I think I have done, I will yet utter more to the confusion of them, and their art.  
But to close this part of Elections as we did the other with a sure bar, wherewith God would bar the Israelites, in the, xviii. chapter of Deuteronomie, saying by Moses, Cheer shall not be among you any chooser of days or soothsayer. For those nations whithe the Lord casteth out before you among other abominations have regard to choosers of days, and sorcerers. Therefore if this seem not enough to keep out the Astrologians, but they will needs enter with their predictions and Elections, at the least let all them that now even with their hands feel and handle the truth, hereafter suffer them, as they are false prophets, so to prophecy to them, which in the midst of light and truth, will perversely embrace falsehood error and darkness.  
FINIS.   

¶ Imprinted at London by Henry Sutton dwelling in Pater noster row at the sign of the black Boy. The. 23. day of December. And are there to be sold.  
Perused and allowed according to the queens majesties injunctions.