AN ASTRONOMICAL DESCRIPTION OF the late Comet from the 18. of Novemb. 1618. to the 16. of December following. With certain Moral Prognostics or Applications drawn from the Comets motion and irradiation amongst the celestial HIEROGLYPHICS. BY VIGILANT AND DILIGENT observations of JOHN BAINBRIDGE Doctor of Physic, and lover of the Mathematics. יהוה Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things. Isai: 40. LONDON, Printed by Edward Griffin for Henry Fetherstone. 1618. TO THE IMPERIAL MAJESTY of GREAT BRITAIN'S Monarch JAMES etc. Most gracious Sovereign, IT was the counsel of Aristides, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. To worship GOD with consecration of Temples, but to honour Noble personages with Dedication of books: following this advice, I began not long since the description of Great Britain's Monarchy in three Columns, Historical, panegyrical, and prophylactical; intending thereby to stir up your liege people to a religious admiration of God's wonderful Providence in uniting these two famous Kingdoms into one Monarchy; to a just acknowledgement of our exceeding happiness therein: as also to an unanimous desire, and endeavour for the absolute Union and perpetual preservation thereof. In the mean time Heaven itself offered a fair occasion to manifest the fervent zeal long smothered in my loyal breast towards your MAJESTY, the late strange, and admirable Comet, which hath filled so many eyes with his rays, and their thoughts with Meteors, or doubts. An Astronomical description whereof delineated in a celestial Planisphere, with some brief touches in the Prognostickes, and Moral applications thereof, I humbly offer to your princely Excellence, beseeching you to project the beams of your sweet, and gracious influence both on it, and the Author; that, as the glorious Sun of Heaven with his resplendence enlightened this (otherwise obscure) Comet: So your MAJESTY our terrestial all Phoebus would vouchsafe to illustrate Your majesties most humble, and loyal Subject. JOHN BAINBRIDGE. Sereniss. BRITANNIARUM Maiestati XAĪPE COELESTE. Rex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dijs charissime, Salue Britannis optime: Saluere jussit nuncius Coeli comatus, regia Spargens Eoi munera. Quacunque transit, sydera Salue canunt Rex maxime, Salue Britannis optime. Nec non amoris tesseras jungunt saluti nobiles, Hermes potentem virgulam, Et Libra justè pendulas Lances, aristam floridam Virgo, & Coronan Gnossiam, Serpens ocellum providun, Fortis Bootes hastulam, Arctusque regno saecula Optat beato plurima. Rex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dijs charissime, Salue Britannis optime. I. B. Errata. PAg. 3. l. 31. for head read tail. Pag. 6. l. 6. put out of Planets. Pag. 7. l. 7. for 27. read 30. Pag 7. l. 20. for eleventh read twelfth. P. 9 l. 10. for 18. read 15. P. 14. l. 12. for unfold obscure read unfold this obscure. DEO OPED: MAX: SACRUM. Augustiss: Brittanniarum Monarchae Franciaeque regi JACOBO 1. Foelix novi anni auspicium et D: Astronomiae tandem instaurandae Symbolum fecit vovitque Ioh: Bambridgius Med: Doctor. Cometae qui effulsit Anno 1618. descriptio a 18 Nou: ad 16 Decemb. An astronomical Description of the late Comet, or blazing-star. I Hope there be none so far more precise than wise, as to think it unlawful to look on this celestial Sign with other then vulgar and poorblind eyes: (which were still to maintain ignorance mother of devotion.) Or if any such there be, I shall meet with them in the closure of this Treatise, and therefore without further tedious Prologue; May it please you to survey this celestial Planisspheare, whose lineaments are optically projected How the Planisspheare is delineate. upon a plain touching the Ecliptic in the twentieth degree of the dodecatemory of Libra, the eye being placed in the centre of the Sphere, from whence all the great circles do appear right lines, as they are in the chart protracted. Which thing is of special use in our present business (as you shall anon perceive) for which cause I preferred this new manner of projection (though to my greater pains) before any other in common practice. The Ecliptic. The lowest line of all is the Ecliptic line, from which the Sun (as other Planets do to some few degrees) never strayeth. Parallels of latitude. The crooked pricked lines be parallels of latitude from the Ecliptic towards the Arctic Pole thereof: the space betwixt every two lines is five degrees. Circles of longitude. The other right lines falling down perpendicular on the Ecliptic be circles of longitude; beginning at the fifth degree of Virgo, and so forwards to the fifth of Sagittary: the spaces be also five degrees: by these two kind of lines, it is easy to find the longitude and latitude of any star in the chart, and also of the Comer. These circles of longitude do in the Sphere concur in the pole, but this projection in plano doth keep them parallel, or at a continued equal distance each from other. equinoctial line. From the beginning of Libra towards Capricorn, is extended the equinoctial line, to whose intersections with the Ecliptic when the Sun cometh, the nights and days be equal; as always in all places of the earth under the same. From this line, towards each Pole, is counted the declinations of Stars, the greatest part of this Planispheare is on the Arctic or Northern side: but these things are plainly remonstrate to the eye in the chart, and therefore I will make no further explanation Pictured Constellations. of them; neither of the Constellations emblematically portrayed according to the mystical Hieroglyphics of ancient Sages. The stars places. The place of each particular star is correspondent to the most accurate observations of the illustrious Prince William late Lant Grave of Hessen, and that tresnoble Dane Tycho Brahe, of whose admirable Vranicall instruments many honourable witnesses are still surviving. But it (for whom all this preparation is made) is the late Comet, whose delineation is taken from mine own vigilant and diligent observations with Geometrical instruments, especially the Radius, or How the Comet was observed. Crossestaffe, eternised by the heroic Poet: Descripsit radio totum qui Gentibus orbem, Tempora quae messor, quae curuus arator haberet. Who with his Jacob's staff surveyed the ground, Did measure times, and all the Heavens round. The first occasion and particular manner of which observations with the scrupulous and punctual places (of the Comet) from them by necessity of spherical triangles deducted, I leave to my Latin Cometography, which (if these labours find acceptance at home) I will adorn for Franckfurt: of whose more curious and ample demonstrations, this little chart is a true Synopticke Epitome; wherein may at once be seen the Comets place, as it daily appeared in the concave surface of Heaven: the The Cometary line. line of his proper motion (appearing in the Heavens to be the arch of a perfect great circle) crosseth the Ecliptic in the 15 degree, with ½or thereabouts of Scorpio, running through the Constellation of Libra, overthwart Arctophylax, along the extent of Amongst what Constellations. his left arm by the tail of Vrsa maior, towards the Pole Arctic, but a little more Southward. This Cometary line cutteth the Aequinoctiallline Inclination to the equinoctial. in the 8 degree almost of Scorpio, and 15 of Northern latitude: making with it an angle of 81 degrees ²³ towards Libra and the Pole Arctic. If this angle had heene right 90 degrees, the line of the Comets motion would have run into the very Pole, but making some inclination towards Libra, it fell (as I said) a little Southwards from the Pole. To the Ecliptic. This line also and the Ecliptic (towards Capricorn and the North) comprehended an angle of 116 degrees. So that the Pole of the Comets proper motion was about 15 ½. degrees of Aquarius▪ with 25 degrees ⅔ of Northern latitude. The Comets motion in this line. The motion itself (reckoned in this line) from my first observation on Wednesday morning the 18 of November, to Wednesday the 16 of December when I last saw the Comet, amounted almost to 73 degrees in 28 days: which is not 2 degrees ⅔ one A little swifter at the first. day with another: but the Comets apparent motion at the first was somewhat swifter, though not much, and in the end a little slower. I have for the further remonstrance hereof graduated the Cometary line; beginning at the intersection To find it by the Planispheare. with the equinoctial both ways: and by the Comets place set down the time. here I would have those who rank Comets amongst inconstant Meteors, to take special notice Note their gu'arity thereof. of this Comets constant regularity, for that the inequality of his motion was not only little, but ordinate, successively decreasing sensim sine sensa, by so little and little, that it could not be perceived, but by comparing many days observations. Scarce one fourth part of the moons motion. Let them also observe that his motion in this line was scarce at the swiftest one fourth part of the moons celerity: but of this anon. I will also propound to Masters in Astronomy this Comets exact and direct description (by his apparent In one exact great circle. motion) of a great circle without any deviations. What was the true line of his motion in the aetherial Ocean? What inclination it kept to this our habitable Orb? By what Primum Mobile this Comet (keeping so just a line) was whirled about the Astronomical propositions cocerning the Comets motion. earth every four and twenty hours? These considerations be only fit for those who have been rapt up above the elementary regions of vulgar Schools: and slept not in Parnassus, but Olympus, under the spangled canopy of Urania; I can hardly keep within the sphere of this little Treatise, and scarcely refrain from the Samian Philosophy of Aristarchus in the earth's motion, were it not I feared another Aristarchus his broach: and that I must reserve these mysteries for a more learned language. Wherefore to prosecute our present description: Upon the inclination of this Cometary The Comets motion in Longitude and latitude. circle or line to the Ecliptic and equinoctial, depend the Comets places and motion in longitude, latitude, right ascension and declination, as appears in the Planispheare; wherein is manifest, that the Comets motion of longitude was continually retrograde, Continually retrograde. contrary to the order of the signs, from the middle almost of Scorpio, through Libra into Virgo▪ which retrogression hath been noted in many other Comets, as I shall elsewhere relate; but the cause of their retrogression hath lain hid in the mystical cabinet of Astronomy. It were vain to affirm But not from Saturn. Saturn now also retrograde in his Acronichiall opposition in Gemini, to hale back this Comet by the hair after him (as simple Astrologians conceit) for that these planetary retrogressions and stations▪ of Planets be but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, appearances; the Planets still making progress in their own circles, (as is well known to them who are well versed From whence was caused his retrogression. in the Labyrinths of Astronomy) but this Comets retrogression depends on the inclination of his true line in the aetherial Regions, which though it appeared to us circular in the concave of Heaven, yet in itself was right: but I may not break Pythagorean silence. This retrograde motion being referred to the Ecliptic in longitude was (contrary to the motion Slower in the beginning. in his proper circle) slow in the beginning, and much swifter in the end; which is caused from the great inclination of the Cometary line to the Ecliptic, which plainly appeareth in the Chart, by which you shall easily find the Comets place in longitude and latitude for any day of his term. Comets declination from the equinoctial. The Comet also every day changed his parallel of declination (mounting continually Northwards) and therewith his vertical passage over the Earth. The common sort, at his first appearing, thought him to be over Spain, making I know not what prognostics thereof: but their eyes deceived them, Was not at first over Spain. they aimed many thousand miles too short: At my first observation he declined twelve degrees towards the South, making his diurnal gyre over that terrestial circle wherein lie Nova Guinea, the Isles Timor and java in the East, the north part of St. Laurence, Mozambique in Africa, the middle of Brasilia, & Peru Over what place. in the west. About the twenty two of November it entered the equinoctial plain over the Moluccas, Malaca, Sumatra, Abassia, St. Thomas, Guiana; every day ascending higher towards our Pole Arctic, about the 30. entering the Tropic of Cancer, afterward passing over all the regions of the earth, even over the utmost limits of the British Empire. How to know over whose head it was everyday. By the Comets declination is easy to know over what place the Comet was every day vertical: for if his declination be equal to the Latitude, or Poles elevation, (which may be known by Tables or Maps) then of necessity did the Comet pass over head in that place. The middle of Spain lies in forty degrees of Latitude from the equinoctial When over Spain. northward; but the Comets declination was not so much, till about the sixth of December; and therefore could not be vertical to them before that time. Over London. About the eleventh of December his declination was fifty one degrees and half, and therefore passed over London in the morning, and so hasted more Northwards even as far as the Orcadeses. The Comets declination may be had in the chart by the line of his motion being graduated on both sides the equinoctial: for the distance from the equinoctial is (with a little correction) the declination: for from one degree to twenty, the distance is within a few minutes the declination: but from To find the Comets declination by the planisphere. twenty degrees to forty subtract one fourth part of a degree, from forty to fifty subtract half a degree, and from fifty to sixty subtract one degree from the Comets distance (from the equinoctial) and there remains his declination, which whether it were South or North the Plani-sphere will show. On the third of December his distance in his own line from the equinoctial was 30. degrees 40. min. from whence 15. min. substracted there remains 30. degrees & twenty five minutes the declination. The alteration of his rising. By reason of this mounting Northwards, the Comet did every day rise sooner than other, withal changing his azimuth, or point of compass (in his rising) from Southeast and by East towards the north until at length it made continual abode above our Horizon. Seen after Sunset. I may not forget that the Comet in the later part of his period was Northwest after sunset, which gave occasion to some not skilful in Astronomy to affirm a second Comet. But from the beginning I foretold (which was no great matter to do) that if the Comet continued awhile, it would advance near to the tail of Vrsa maior, and be seen in the evening after the Sun. The Comets blazing stream. Now are we come to that from which Comets, or Blazing-stars are denominated; the tail, or rather the blazing stream, which in this Comet was very remarkable, and is truly portrayed in the planisphere, as it appeared in the heavens, being always in opposition to the Sun, or extended in length according to a right line issuing from the Sun Always in opposition to the Sun. through the Comets body. For plainer remonstrance whereof I specially invented this new manner of projecting the Sphere in plano, and have caused the Elipticke to be protracted to the beginning of Capicorne, and in it the Sun's place exactly noted on several days of the Comets apparition, also from the suns Centre proceed right lines through the body of the Comet which do precisely show the true prospect of his bushy locks. The 27. of November in the morning the Comets hair was spread over the fair star Arcturus betwixt the thighs of Arctophylax or Boötes. Now the planispheare doth show that a right line drawn from the Sun then in the 15 degree of sagittary through the Comets body 〈◊〉 approach the said Star. So the last of November about midnight following the Comets bush ouer-shadowed a star of the third light in the left hinder knee of Vrsamaior. Which doth manifestly appear in the planispheare by a line extended from the Sun (than in 19 degrees of sagittary) through the Comets body; the like may be seen in other places. Insooth this Comets forelock was a better Ephemeris for the suns place then many in great request. The bushy locks not of the same matter with the Comets head. Hence is detected the gross ignorance of those writers who never or seldom cast up their eyes towards those glorious lights, but only delighting in solitary contemplation do much busy their wits in searching the cause of Cometary streamings; affirming them to be of the same matter (but more rare and thin) with the head. Which with many other absurdities may be refuted by this present observation; which doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by geometrical and lineal necessity certainly demonstrate that the What it is. Comets tail is nothing else but an irradiation of the Sun through the pellucid head of the Comet. For though the Sunbeams be not of themselves conspicuous in the pure aëry or aetherial regions, yet passing through the Comets more condensed substance and there by refraction recollected and more nearly united they did not only illustrate the Comet itself, but also a long tract beyond him. According to the refraction and recollection of the suns beams, so was the illustration and illumination of the Comet; which appeared to us How the Comet varnihed. more or less as the Comet was nearer or farther from the earth: and these be the true reasons why the Comet (which at first was illustrate with a bright resplendence) did every day more and more loose his radiant lustre till at length it appeared like a faint shadow, and quite vanished out of our sight: for neither could the Sun beams be any longer united by refraction in the Comets now dissolute and sluide substance, neither could that little glimpse (if any were) be perceived, being so far remote from the earth, as shall be anon remonstrate. By the same reasons did the Comets streaming bush also by little and little vanish away, and so much the rather, by how much the Sun rays were there always more dissipate then in the Comet, and those locks ever less relucent than the head. The forelockes dilatation from whence. The dilatation of the Comets forelock was caused by a second refraction of the Sun beams, by which refraction they were brought to an intersection, after which they began again to diverge, or display themselves in that form which appeared in the heavens, and is delineate in the planispheare. The exceeding length of it. This dilatation was nothing so strange, as the extent in length, being sometimes more than 45. degrees, and namely the 1. of December, overshadowing the left hinder knee of Vrsa maior. Though in the end the Comet did as it were wind up this long hair about his head. Some have doubted, if this long stream of light had touched the earth, whether it would have caused any combustion? Surely no: Indeed the Sun beams may by reflection or refraction be so It had no burning quality. concentred & united, that (though it were through a piece of ice framed into a burning glass) they shall easily set any combustible matter on fire; but that happens only in the centre of union, or concourse of the recollected beams: but this Comets locks being diverged, or displayed rays, could have no such power though they had touched the earth. Many strange conclusions may be drawn from the suns irradiation through the Comet. From this one observation of the suns irradiation through the Comet many more strange and excellent conclusions may be collected, which neither my leisure will suffer me to examine particularly, neither can these pages well contain them. Wherefore now I will tie up this Comets radiant locks with admiration of that glorious lamp, wherewith He that inhabits the light inaccessible doth illustrate, and enlighten this whole world. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Psal. 19 He hath set The wonderful light of the Sun. his Tabernacle in the Sun, and it as a Bridegroom cometh out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a Giant to run a race; his going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuits unto the ends of it; and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. This is the true 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the only hearth of inquenchable fire, which so many thousand leagues oft warmeth the earth, enlighteneth these refulgent bodies, and with them this new Planet. I have at large showed the Comets places as they appeared in the surface of Heaven, both in his own circle, and also referred to the Ecliptic, and equinoctial; The Comets distance from the earth. but there is another place of more difficult inquisition, and greater admiration, and that is the Comets distance from this our habitable Orb. Common schools treading the wry steps of that great and witty, but often misleading Peripatetic, The error of Aristotle and his followers. would confine this, and other Comets within the higher region of the air; neither could his palpable error in the place of Galaxia (or the milkie-way in Heaven) acknowledged by most bring them into suspicion of the like deviation from the high aetherial region of Comets into the Elementary valleys of Meteors; where, and with whom to place this Comet were to hide so glorious a candle under a bushel, and not to set it in a candlestick, that all in the house may see; to set a beacon not on an hill, but in a dale, especially if we consider that the highest How high the air is from the earth. region of the air (by the optics demonstration from the time of twilight) is not many above 50. english miles from the earth. The Comets place about the Moon argued from the rigularitic of his motion. Wherefore I may justly use the Lacedaemonian 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, walk not in the errors of those wandering Philosophers. Let this Comets regular and ordinate motion (for a month together) never deviating from one right line, keep you in the way of verity. 2 From the quantity thereof. This very reason alone many ages ago persuaded divine Seneca, and in our Father's days that ingenious and subtle Cardane to place all Comets above the elementary regions, wherein only inconstant and momentany Meteors make their sickle vagaries. The analogy also observed in the stars betwixt their distance from the earth, and their motion about the same, doth elevate this Comet above the Lunary regions, his proper motion being scarce at any time the fourth part of hers. This argument was sometimes accounted a firm demonstration, before that conglomeration of solid orbs was with the Aries or engines of Astronomical observations battered and demolished: neither is it yet rejected by those who well deserve the first place in the restoration of this celestial Art; for though those Babylonian walls be ruinated, yet is the analogy of motion and distance still preserved. God hath created all things in weight, measure and number. It was the saying of divine Plato, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, God is the great Master of Geometry, having created all things in weight, measure, and number, as holy writ doth witness. The most accurate and refined Astronomy doth confess and profess, that flow Saturn is farthest from the earth, and swift Luna nearest, the rest intermediating in their motion, according to their distance from this little tyrell, for whose use especially those vast planetary globes were created. 3 From infallible demonstration by parallax. But that abstruse & admirable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, most irrefragable and infallible remonstrance drawn from the parallax doth place this Comet farther beyond the Moon, than she is from the earth, yea many times her apogaeall or greatest distance. But because this huge distance may seem strange to many (being as I have showed contrary to the long received opinion of common Philosophers) and the doctrine of parallax to most no less unknown, than the word itself; I will for their better satisfaction, with as much brevity and perspicuity as I can, unfold obscure, but sure argument. Parallax (in Astronomy) is a commutation or changing of any Planets or Comets true place (pointed out by a line drawn from the Earth's centre through the Planets, or Comets) into another place appearing to our eye on the superficies of this terrestrial speculatorie. Or parallax, is the difference of these two places. This commutation or difference ariseth from that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, reason, or (to use the vulgar term, though here unproper) proportion, which the earth's semidiameter (or thickness from the centre to his superficies) hath to the planets or Comets distance from the earth: for if this semidiameter hold any sensible proportion to the distance, it is not possible that the eye upon the earth should see the Comet or Planet in the same place which it hath in respect of the centre, but there will be a parallax, commutation, or difference more or less according to the distance. So the moons perigaeal or shortest distance being not much more than fifty two semidiameters of the earth, falls into a notorious parallax (or difference of her true and apparent place) and that of one degree and 6. minutes, for the proportion of one to fifty two, or 1/52 part is very sensible: but the Sun being remote when he is perigeall, no less than 1100● Semidiameters from the earth (by all Astronomers consent) hath very little parallax of 3 m. for the proportion of 1 m. to 1100 〈◊〉 is very little, or nothing: but according to the more accurate & late observations of Keplerus (Mathematician to two Emperors) the Sun being 1800 〈◊〉 Semidiameters of the earth from it, shall have but 2 min: of parallax: But the upper Planets, jupiter & Saturn, are so exceedingly remote, that the earth's semidiameter can cause in them no parallax at all, much less in the fixed stars, which are almost infinitely remote from the earth, retaining their mutual distances and situations (in what place of the earth soever they be observed) yea from their first creation, being set by the Almighty, as so many marks, whereunto the terrestrial inhabitants might refer the seven Planets, or any other celestial light, as Comets and new Stars. For the better understanding of this parallactical discourse, I must entreat you to examine this following Diagram. diagram of Parallax Where o, l, is the earth's semidiameter, 1, 2, 3, be three Planets or Comets diversely remote from the earth, and all in one line from o, the earth's centre, which refers them all to one place in v, amongst the Euplication of the Diagram. fixed Stars: but the eye being on the earth's superficies in l, doth cause a parallax or change of place, more or less, as they be distant from the earth: for 1 the nearest to the earth doth from l appear in a, making a great parallax, the angle v, 1, a, or more plainly the arch v, a, which (in the eighth Sphere) is equal to the angle, but the 2 being further from the earth, doth from l appear in b. having v, b, less parallax, than the former: but 3 being yet further from the earth, doth from l appear in c, having v, c, but a little parallax. Parallax greatest in the Horizon. Any of these parallaxes are greatest when the Planet is in the Horizon, as 1 is, the other being a little above: but in the Zenith or Vertical point over our heads, there can be no parallax at all, for then the line from the Centre doth run into the line from the Superficies, making one line. as you see z, l, o. So that the parallax doth from the Horizon upwards continually decrease, and at length Nothing in the Zenith. vanish away in the Zenith. So much less as the Comet is farther from the earth. By this which hath been said is manifest, that the farther any visible thing is from the earth, the less parallax it must needs have: but the finding of the parallax is not so easy; Hic labour, hoc opus est: this requires more than ordinary skill in Astronomy. To find the parallax. There be two special ways to find the parallax: The one is by two observations made at one time in two remote places of the earth, for if the Comet doth in both of them appear in one and the 1 By observations in two divers places at one time same place amongst the fixed stars, then cannot the earth's semidiameter have any proportion to the distance of the Comet: but if the Comet doth appear diversly amongst the fixed stars, then hath it parallax more or less according to his distance from the earth. In the former Diagram let L be London, R be some other remote place, 1 the Comet, which from L will appear amongst the fixed stars in A, but from R it will appear in V: so that the difference is A. V. very much, because 1 is near the earth: Let there be also another Comet 3 which from L will appear in C, but from R in V, the difference V C very little, because 3 is very far from the earth. I At London. have been very diligent in observing all the Comets places amongst the fixed stars, that so hereafter comparing them with those which appeared in other countries, the true parallax of this Comet may be known, which I dare say by this trial will prove 2. In one place by two observations in one night. little or none. In the mean time I have not neglected the second way of finding the parallax, which is by comparing two apparent places of the Comet in one and the same night, one place being near the Horizon, and the other near the Zenith. For the difference of these two places will manifest the parallax: where regard must be had of the stars proper motion in the interval of time, which is very easy to perform. There be many kinds of observations, by altitudes, declinations, ascensions, etc. which are very difficult, and perplexed with divers species of parallaxes, besides refraction. And therefore An easy and certain way to find the parallax. omitting them, I will acquaint you with an easy and most certain way to search forth any Comets parallax, & that without error of 5 or 6 mi. which is nothing to 66 mi. of the moons parallax. This is by observing the Comet a very little over or under some star near the Horizon, and afterwards the same night near the Zenith or vertical point. For if the Comet (having parallax) near the Horizon appear a little under the star, it will towards the Zenith appear near, yea (it may be) eclipse the star, or be a little above him, which is plain by the Diagram, for the Comet 3 appearing from l in c under the star v will in z the vertical point be in conjunction with him, and eclipfe him from your sight. Here the Comet is supposed to have no motion, besides that from the primum mobile: but if he have any, as this Comet had, it is easy to make allowance for the same, especially being so little in 5 or 6 hours betwixt the two observations. As for refraction Refraction here no hindrance. near the Horizon, it cannot bring any encumbrance, for that it doth as well elevate the Star, as the Comet. An observation of the Comets parallax. The night before the third of December, about one hour after midnight, I observed the Comet not yet 10. degrees above the Horizon, under two little stars of the fourth light in the girdle of Arctophylax. The distance of these stars is but 50. min. which served as a ready and certain measure, whereunto I might compare the distance of the Comet from them, for the more perspicuous distinction whereof I used the Telescopium or Trunke-spectacle. The Comet appeared from the uppermost star (which was directly in his way) the distance of the two stars, & moreover ⅓ part thereof, in all one deg. 6. min. Towards morning, the Comet being mounted 53. degrees above the Horizon, the Comet appeared from the said star a little more than ⅔ of the two stars distance, about 36 mi: so that in 5. hours the Comet was come but 30. minutes nearer to the star; no more than his proper motion in that time (according to former and following nights observations) required. Wherefore removing this proper motion, he would have appeared at both times a like distant from the star; and therefore had none or little parallax. For suppose the Comet to have had as much parallax as the Moon (in her perigaeon) which is (in 10. degrees above the Horizon) 65. min. and in 53. deg. of altitude scarce 40. m. the difference is 25. m. and so much should the Comet by alteration of his parallax have appeared nearer the star at the second observation, then at the first, to which if you add his proper motion in the mean space, it will be 55. m. & so the Comet should have been but ⅕ part of the 2 stars distance from the upper star; whereas he was more than ⅔, which is a notorious difference, and could not escape the sight; and therefore had not so great parallax as the moon, Found much less than the moons parallax. and by necessary consequence was above her,▪ yea many times her distance from the earth, which I might easily confirm by the like observation the night following, when the Comet had overtaken the star more than a degree; but especially by my observations the nights preceding the 10. 11. and 12. days, when the Comet was very near unto a little star in the left arm of Arctophylax, at the first under him and after above, and also by his distance from another obscure star (which I found by the Telescopium 15 mi. above the Comet: this little star I could find in no globe nor map, but only in the excellent Vranimetria of that diligent and industrious Beyerus. By diligent and curious noting the Comets distance from these stars, first near Not above 6. m. the Horizon, and afterwards towards the Zenith in the same nights, I dare be bold to conclude that this Comet had not 6. minutes of parallax (for within these limits I may confine the incertainty of my observations) and therefore more than 600. semidiameters of the earth distant from it. Proved also from prospect of the Comets forelock. How strange so ever this may seem, yet is it enforced from most certain demonstration parallactical. Which may moreover be confirmed from the prospect and irradiation of this Comets forelock. Which if the head had any notable parallax, must of necessity have twice so much, and so could not appear in one line with the Comet, and the Sun as I have formerly demonstrated. But least the Reader not acquainted with Mathematical demonstrations, should think it a novel position, yea 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a strange uncouth & never heard of opinion to elevate Comets so far above the Elementary, yea lunary regions. I must relate unto them that besides those famous new stars, the one in Cassiopaea 1572. and the other in the foot History of new stars, and Comets far above the Moon. of Ophiuchus 1604. both which lasted more than a year, and that in Cygnus continuing many years; all three from all places of the earth appearing in one and the same position amongst the fixed stars, (an argument of their huge distance above the Moon) besides these and that new star noted by Hipparchus 2000 years almost since, divers excellent Mathematicians of this age, have by certain remonstrances showed many Comets farther above the Moon, than I affirm this to be. Amongst, others, that second Hipparchus, Tycho Brahe in the Comets 1577. 1580. 1582. 1585. 1590. could not with all his admirable, sumptuous, and exquisite Vranical engines find the least parallax, no not of one minute; and therefore justly affirmed them far beyond the Moon: yea, which is most remarkable, and caused no small admiration, and delight in the Heroic Landgrave of Hessen, as it pleased him by letters to signify to Tycho▪ Rothmannus the Lantgraves' Mathematician, observing the Comet in 1585. agreed with Tycho in the place thereof to a scruple, (at one and the same instant) and yet the one was remote from the other almost 300. English miles, the distance betwixt Cassels, and Vrani-burge, which punctual agreement had been impossible if the Comet had not been exceedingly remote beyond the moon. I must also remember that Albumasar 1000 years almost since observed a Comet above the sphere of Mercury. This Comet 600. semidiameters of the earth from it. Wherefore it is no such strange distance from the earth that I assign to this our Comet, 600. semidiameters of the earth; which is but ⅓ of the Sun's distance. I might justly account this Comet higher, but I will keep within the limits of my observations. And for your better satisfaction, reduce this distance into english miles, allowing (by the statute How many English miles the earth's semidiameter is. of 25. Elizabethae) 5280. foot to a mile; & 3834. of these miles to the earth's Semidiameter, therein following the late ingenious and painful measurations of Willebrordus Snellius. Wherefore the Comets How many miles the Comet was from the earth. distance from the earth was vot less than 2300000. english miles, whereas the Moon (when she is nearest) is little more than 200900. miles. The irradiation also of this Comets stream, (though in the end it seemed very short) was sometime How many miles the forelock extended. extended to a wonderful length, more than 2000000. miles, which is nothing to the suns ejaculation of his beams upon the earth, more than 6900000. miles. From the Comets distance doth necessarily follow the vast globositie of his body, How many miles the Comet was in thickness. though to us his diameter seemed but a few minutes, which being no less than 4. minutes will extend to 2668. miles, which is ⅓ almost of the earth's diameter, and therefore the Comets bulk was at least 1/27 of the whole earth; and not fully twice greater How much the globositie thereof was, compared to the Earth, Moon, and Sun. than the Moon; but the Comet compared to the Sun was scarce 1. to 8000. so little is this great Comet in respect of that glorious lamp; and yet the Sun but a point to the immense sphere of fixed stars; and all this less than nothing in comparison of that infinite Circle, Cuius centrum est ubiquè, The infiniteness of the Almighty. circumferentia nusquam, The centre of whose presence, and prescience is every where, and his limits no where: That great 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Creator, who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, meeted out heaven with a span, comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, watghed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance. O Lord when I consider the Heavens, the work of thy fingers, the Moon, and the Stars, which thou hast ordained, what is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou visitest him? The Comet▪ was not compact of exhalations. This Comets huge distance from the earth, and vast magnitude will cause to vanish all these smoky exhalations which by common opinion being by the celestial light attracted from the earth into the higher regions of the air, are there condensed, and by motion set on fire, continually burning in the form of a Comet, until all the material be spent. But this Comet was far above the highest ascent of gross and sulphurous exhalations, his quantity more than could be caused by a great part of the earth turned into smoke, his motion too regular, and his durance too long for such wandering, and soon vanishing exhalations. Those Philosophers, who still walk in the way of the Gentiles, are afraid to induce generation, or any other mutation into the heavens, rather choosing to follow their blind guide (who denied the world to have any beginning, or ending) then to believe the infallible truth of sacred Scripture. Others have been scrupulous to conceit any creation since that first Saboth. What was the Comets materials. But whether this Comet and the like were caused by efficacy of nature (the ordinary power which God hath put into all his creatures) compacting the liquid aetherial substance, or whether by the immediate power of the world's Architect (qui dixit, & facta sunt, mandavit, & creata sunt: Spoke and they were made, commanded and they were created) a new matter was presently created: I will not here curiously dispute▪ either of these ways doth acknowledge a celestial matter, and divine providence. It were vain to refute those who have imagined The Comet not made of Galaxia. Comets, and new stars to be made of the Galaxia, or milky way; for so before this day would all that milk have been turned into curds; neither is that way any whit more condense than the rest of the The Comet not made of Galaxia heaven, but only an irradiation of innumerable stars close together, as the Telescopium doth ocularly demonstrate. Neither shall I need to reprove those ancient Philosophers, who (in the dawning of Astronomy) thought Comets to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a co-apparition of Not a co-apparition of planets. Planets seeming to touch one another; or (as our simple vulgar still do) some planet, especially Merc. Nor morning-star. or Venus appearing after a long latitat under the Sun beams; or some fixed star disguised (I know not how) with borrowed locks. Not much unlike to some late writers, who suppose Comets to be stars Not created from the beginning. from the beginning created, but hidden in the deep abyss of heaven, and at certain times descending lower, become visible to the earth. But whatsoever was the material of this Comet, howsoever compact, and dissolved, I am enforced in conclusion of this Astronomical part, to lie prostrate A religions conclusion. at the Almighty's power in the globositie thereof, to admire his wisdom in the motion, and adore his goodness in the present apparition. MORAL PROGNOSTICS or Applications of the late Comet or Blazing-Starre. Tu jupiter me ducito, & Fatalitas. Great God, that dost all future things effect, Inspire my thoughts with truth, my pen direct. IT now remains (with my readers friendly censure) to point a Mercurial finger in the Prognostics, especially the moral applications of this new Comet, by divine providence set on the high Olympian Mount, to some the Herald of wrath, but to others the joyful Ambassador of peace and mercy; the place and body thereof far surmounting the region, and no less excelling the matter of common Meteors, the signification also doth as much transcend their effects, This Comet a sign of more than elementary alterations. being not so much a cause (as they be) of elementary alterations, as a colestiall sign of greater consequents▪ There be not yet lacking some, who erect Chancels to the blind Goddess Chance, sacrificing to that abominable Idol, not without impious contumely of the omnipotent God, & vile contempt of his power and providence in the fabric and regiment Against Epicurean chance. of the world. These true — Epicuri de grege p●rci, filthy and brutish swine, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whose God (as the Apostle saith) is their belly, wallowing in the mire of voluptuous sensuality, little regard the apparition of these new celestial signs, taking more And neglect of these celestial signs. care to frizle and bristle their superfluous hair, than of this Comets blazing locks. These Epicurean pigs in stead of sober Elegies, grunt forth their wanton Ditties, Vivamus mea Lesbian, atque amemus, Rumoresque senum severiorum Omnes unius aestimemus assis: Soles occidere & redire possunt, Nobis cum semel occidit brevis lux, Nox est perpetuò una dormienda. Come Lesbian, let us live and love; What though grim Sires us reprove? A doit for all their wise advise, The Sun may set, and eftsoons rise, But when our wasteful blaze is past, Dark night with us for aye will last. Procul, procul ô prophani: Deus! En Deus! Away, away profane, irreligious wretches: it is God, it is God omnipotent, and omniscient, to the God doth appear in these signs. wicked most fearful and terrible, to the repentant most gracious and merciful, that appears in these celestial signs. I might easily fill a volume with verses of holy enraged Poets, who have sounded a loud alarm of these blazing stars; yea and confirm their prophetic lines with particular histories of the strange mutations ensuing these presages Mutations ensuing them. both in Church and Common▪ weal. Let that Epiphonema of Manilius to Augustus Caesar suffice: Nunquam futilibus excanduit ignibus aether: The earth in vain did never gaze, When Comets in the sky do blaze. If any evil follow, we ourselves are in fault. But I list not to be an ominous Screech-owl: I had rather be the Halcyon of calm serenity, which doubtless I shall be if ourselves hinder not. Ne mirere graveis rerumque hominumque ruinas: Saepè domi culpa est, nescimus credere coelo. Marvel not if strange ruins men do grieve: The fault's at home, heaven we not believe. My dear Countrymen, Heaven forbid that I should be to you a Cassandra, but a Calchas. Will you have my lines the comfortable rays of Phoebus, more true than those Delphic Oracles? Will you not have this Comet an infortunate Helen, and woeful messenger of tempest? Then cast over board sleepy disobedient janas'; let no rebellious transgressions, no sinful fugitives lurk and snort in your Cabins. Sin being banished, these signs need not be feared. Prevent the divine anger with timely and serious repentance, then dare I say to you with jeremiah, fear not the signs of heaven, at which the heathen are dismayed. Charlemaine's fearfulness. Indeed Charlemagne did religiously answer in this very case; That he feared not the sign, but the great and potent Creator thereof; yet I suppose that jealous fear wrought much in the emperors feeble spirits, ready of themselves to vanish through age. Vespasians answer concerning a Comet. It was more courageously replied by Vespasian (as Dion reports) when the apparition of a Comet was thought to portend his death. No, said he, this bushy star noteth not me, but the Parthian King, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. For he hath the Comets locks, I am bald. The wicked have only cause to sear. And insooth those Gorgon's heads, whose snaky hairs of filthy and loathsome sins affright earth, and provoke heaven, have only or special cause to suspect these celestial signs; but others that can be content to cut off these monstrous and vicious locks, yea prefer the baldness of innocency before Comets rays of divine favour to the godly. the curls of Iniquity; need not to fear, but rather hope, that these new Stars be to them the rays of divine favour, and goodness. God only knows what this Comet doth signify in particular. What this Comet doth in particular signify is not possible to declare without an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or divine inspiration. — Novit Deus omnia solus Quae sunt, quae fuerint, quae mox ventura trahantur. God only knows, and none, but He What is, what was, and what shall be. The Star which led the Wisemen to Christ. Yet to descend somewhat lower than Vniversalities: That blessed Star, which conducted the Magis to Christ's poor, but sacred nursery (of whose incarnation, and happiness to mankind thereby that Star was an heavenly Harbinger) doth enforce me often to think that those many new stars and Comets, which have been more this last Century Comets signify the light of the Gospel. of the world, then in many ages before, did amongst other things signify that glorious light of the Gospel, which hath lately illumined the whole world. Five Comets in 10. years about the preaching of Luther. About the preaching of Luther were at least five Comets in ten years, after which followed the happy departure of Germany, England, and many other Northern parts from the spiritual Babylon. This new Comet doth give us hope, that the rest of Christendom before long will follow; and so at Sybillaes' prophesy against Rome. length shall be verified the prophesy of Sibylla upon occasion of these new stars. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rome shall again become a forlorn and desert village, or sheep-coat. The Comet 1558▪ a good sign to the Protestants. Did not our Fathers find the Comet in 1558. to be a sign of much happiness to the persecuted Protestants in England, and Germany? yea did not that admirable new Star in Cassiopaea 1572. and The new Star 1572. and the▪ Comet 1577. that remarkable Comet 1577. plainly from heaven remonstrate, that howsoever the evangelical Churches in France, and the Low-countries might be for a time grievously afflicted, yet maugre Satan, and all his hellish Furies they should at length flourish, and triumph over their cruel adversaries. Besides The Gospel hath shined amongst the Jndians. these regions of Europe, a blessed light hath in this age shined to another world, which did long fit in most fearful darkness; I mean the East and West Indies. I am verily persuaded that the new Star which appeared so long from September The late new Stars in Ophiuclius and Cygnus. 1604. to january, 1606. in the foot of Serpentarius, having coincidance with the great conjunction of the three superior Planets, and that other so many years in Cygnus, doth promise (being with this present Comet conformed) a more clear illustration of those remote regions with the resplendent light of salvation: according to our saviours Oracle; The Gospel shall be preached through the whole world. Praedicabitur evangelium hoc in universo terrarum orb: And this Gospel shall be preached throughout the whole earth. Which gives us hope, that his other gracious promise shall shortly be accomplished. And jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, Calling of the jews. until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Which certainly shall precede the second coming of our blessed Saviour; Fore runners whereof (he saith) shall be signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars. To draw nearer home, not by the rules of vulgar Against vulgar Astrology. Astrology, whose precepts I esteem no better than 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Fantastic dreams (as Metrocles said of his books, which he consecrated to Vulcan) but directed by these celestial Hieroglyphickes, in which I may say as the Poet long ago: Sapientibus per ambages fata eloqui; Fatuis magistrum prorsus esse inutilem. The Fates by winding riddles Wisemen teach, In vain to fools though ne'er so plain you preach. Moral application of the Comets motion amongst the constallations. Directed (I say) by this Hieroglyphic doctrine, as by a sure Cynosure, and conducting pole-star: I dare boldly affirm, that this Comet being followed in his Emblemated motion is to great Britain's Majesty, and Monarchy, Signum foelix, faustum, This Comet followed in his motion a happy sign to great Britain. & fortunatum: An auspicious sign of great honour and happiness. About the 17. of November, the Comet was in conjunction with Mercury, supposed by the ancients The Comets conjunction with Mercury. the Messenger, and Interpreter of Heaven, Patron of Arts and traffic: this fortunate meeting was near the Ecliptic on this Northern side; as if Royal Phoebus had sent him to entertain this new Ambassador with joyful embraces, and honourably to receive him into these arctic regions: yea, as it were to give him some special charge from the great Monarch of the Starry Empire. And here (me This Comet brings us hope of good from the East Indies. thinks) the East Indies do by these two Legates present great Britain with her odoriferous and healthful spices, her precious jewels, and other oriental riches. The Comets passage through the constellation of Libra. The place of this congress is most remarkable, amidst the balance of Libra; which the Comet passing through doth withal, as it were from Heaven, proclaim to Prince and people: — discite iustitians moniti. Commendeth justice and Equity unto us. justice by learned Politicians is divided into Geometrical, or distributive, and arithmetical or corrective justice; and both of these doth this heavenly Ambassador commend to mortal men, especially the Inhabitants of these British Iles. And for the first doth tell them that Cyclopicall Anarchy is dangerous, Distributive justice. and no less is anabaptistical 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or equality: And thanks be to God our Church, and Commonweal are well rid of these saucy Mates. Equality dangerous. But this Messenger of Heaven doth warn us of Pride of apparel. another proud parity, which begins to affront all degrees in sumptuous, and presumptuous apparel, with strange, and inconstant fashions; a disorder much reproved by God himself, and withstood in well governed Commonweals. The other is corrective justice, an indifferent and equal administration of right to all. When the Laws be not as Anacharsis said, like Spider's webs, which the great Hornets break through, but the silly flies are entangled; when the Widow and fatherless are protected, and the poor man's cause gratis pleaded; where the scant measure (so abominable to God) is made up; where there is no wicked balance (which he will not justify) nor secret bags of deceitful weights. Exhortation to equity. Wherefore my Countrymen, do justly one with another, and show mercy; so shall you be more acceptable to God, then if you offered a thousand Hecatombs, or ten thousand rivers of oil. Behold, behold this celestial Messenger from Heaven doth bring you an even poising balance, & equal weights, receive and use them, so shall it be the sign of good to you and yours: o excellent justice. Te duce si qua manent sceler is vestigia nostri, Irrita perpetuâ soluent formidine terr as. Thee being Guide, if sinful steps appear, They now done out, shall free the world from fear. Pauca tamen suberunt priscae vestigia fraudis. It may be yet some little stain, Of the old Deceit will still remain. O would it were no worse, o that we were so purged of this deceitful iniquity; then might we with cheerful eyes behold this Ambassador from Heaven, and with joyful hearts receive his message. But lest we should without weighing their worth, neglect these golden balances of right and equity, the Comet doth another way again, and again enforce the necessity of this excellent virtue of virtues. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 justitia in sese virtutes continet omnes. To justices most gracious Court All other virtues do resort. The Comet by spreading his hair over Virgo doth enforce his commendation of justice. Which this Star would blazen forth by displaying his golden locks over the skirts of Virgo, that just Astraea, which last of all the virtues forsook the earth, polluted with so many vices. Vltima coelestûm terras Astraea reliquit. justice last of all the Gods did fly, From earth polluted with Impiety. But this Sydereus nuncius doth as it were entreat her to return with her flourishing spike, and advise us to give her content, lest as in former times our corrupt manners make her weary of the earth. From Libra the Comet posting over the aetherial The Comet presents a crown to the Prince, and a spike of plenty to the people, for reward of justice. plains camposque liquentes, at length comes near to Ariadne's crown, which he taketh to him for a princely reward of justice, reserving the Virgin's spike for the people. O all preserving justice, fructificas solum & firmas solium: Thou fructifiest the ground, and establishest the throne! Blessed are they that do justice at all times (saith the royal Psalmist) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The just man's seed shall never perish, but flourish like the palm-tree. With these rich presents the Comet enters the celestial The Comets long residence in Arctophylax. mansion of Arctophylax (mighty guardian of the Northern Bears) where finding gracious welcome, he makes a long residence. Great Britain governed with the scales of justice, flourisheth with her spike of plenty. It is Great Britain's royal Court, which divine Astraea doth illustrate with her gracious and healthful rays, it is this fortunate Island that is governed with her scales of justice, and enriched with her spike of plenty. The world's great Monarch hath crowned Her Imperial Diadem united, and preserved from Heaven. his Majesty with the Imperial Diadem of all the British Isles; and by this his Ambassador doth promise him a long and happy possession thereof, and to his posterity for ever. As for his enemies, he hath and will clothe them with shame, but on him and his shall his crown flourish in this life, and an immortal crown of glory in the heavens. Two Protectors of Crown and Spike. But I may not forget two associates of justice, (and with her sure protectors of this Crown and Spike) which this celestial Legate doth together with them present: the one a jewel of inestimable Serpent's eye of vigilancy. value, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a sharp piercing eye of vigilancy and circumspection, wherewith the subtle serpent did congratulate his passage by: the other an enchanted 2. An Achillean spear. Achillean spear in the hand of Arctophylax, to defend our Arctic Bears, and offend all barking curs and savage wolves; as the Serpent's eye will watch the crafty foxes. Serpent's types of wisdom. Serpents both in sacred and human writings are the symbols or types of wisdom and prudent vigilancy. Yea, without this Serpent's eye, strength is but an one-eyd Polyphemus, mole suâ ruens, destroying himself with his own corpulency. Neuer'more need of the Serpent's eye. Never was there more need of circumspection, then in this feculent and tartareous age, wherein many are so far from Numa's erecting a Temple to Fidelity, that they come nearer to these perfidious Spartans', 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Who have neither altar, faith, nor oath. Or if they have any religion at all, the chief articles there of be equivocation, fraud, perjury, treachery, assasinations, and murders: against whom there is Epicharmus his counsel. no other but that Epicharmian provision; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Be watchful, and remember to suspect; These be the arms which wisdoms self protect. His majesties searching eye of wisdom preserved the whole Kingdom. And in sooth had not our wise and learned Solomon with this Serpent's eye searched into the secret vaults, and dark caverns of that hellish gunpowder-treason, de Britannia actum esset, there had been a sudden unexpected end of Great Britain's glory. lions Symbol of magnanimity coupled with Serpents. With these winding Serpents the ancient Sages coupled Lions the symbol of magnanimity, neither may they be separate, but conjoined do complete a royal guardian and protector. Which is excellently typed forth by those who first reduced the stars into symbolical constellations, placing Virgo in the midst of Libra and Leo. I will not follow the allegory in Great Britain's royal Lions, having done it elsewhere; but apply the present emblem traced in this Comets motion, which with the Serpent's eye joineth a defensive and offensive weapon in the hand of Arctophylax. Let none here expect from me an Alarm; no, my panegyrical part of Great Britain's Monarchy will show our singular and unparallelled happiness in this gracious peace. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 said the high-soaring Poet; Inexpert thoughts are vain and light. Dulce bellum inexpertis, was the royal motto of England's greatest warrior, and France's terror, Edward the third. Excellence of peace. It is an ill peace which I would not prefer before the most glorious war; and with Martian the Emperor, Dum liceat in pace vivere, non licet arma sumere: Whilst we may live in peace, we may not take up hostile arms. War to be remembered in peace. Yet for all this, would I not counsel to deliver up our arms to our enemies, as the foolish shepherds sometimes did their dogs to the wolves. Oh how are we degenerate from the generous spirits and warlike meditations of our victorious ancestors! Nimia felicitate mergimur in voluptates: Voluptuousness hindereth warlike meditations. Our overmuch felicity hath almost drenched us in voluptuousness. Et patimur longae pacis mala, saevior armis Luxuria incumbit. We feel the breeding evils of long peace; Now riot worse than wars begins t' increase. I will not ask where are the bows and arrows wherewith our fathers conquered France, and releened Spain: but where are our Muskets? Are they not turned into Tobacco pipes? Where are our English valour and courage? Are they not with that outlandish weed vanished into smoke? May I not Muskets turned into Tobacco pipes. say as it was sometimes said of those degenerate Milesians, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: The English were once valiant and warlike. Who may not from these smoky parents fear a fumish generation, whose courage may perhaps be soon inflamed, but sooner quenched? Like as Florus describes the old French; whose first assault (saith he) was mayor quam virorum, The effeminate valour of the old French. more than for men; but presently minor quam foeminarum, less then for women. Or as julius Celsus reports of them, their courage was hasty, but effeminate, and unable to resist. And in sooth what other can we expect from this fumish age, than a furious, but soon exhaling rage, rather than courage? Rage rather than courage. I might justly take up a Satyric, and sharp reproof of this degenerate custom. But this noble City gives us better hope, and (though not forgotten in Great Britain's panegyric, yet here also) enforces me to a just Encomion of her Civil Censure and Martial discipline. London (if any) may assume that brave Motto, Encomion of London. Tam Marti, quam Mercurio. being not only the rich staple of trade and traffic, but also the complete armory of all Martial accoutrements. Her flag hath waved with all the four winds, in the frozen North, torrid South, odoriferous East, and hopeful West. Her Cross hath been advanced against Turk and Infidel, and her Dagger died in the blood of domestic Rebels, and foreign enemies. Her worthy Citizens, Pacis bellique ministri, Who serviceable are, In peace, and also war, Her military discipline. do not only by thousands in their yearly gallant musters, rejoice their City, and strike a secret terror into their enemies, but also by their voluntary and private Martial meditations (each other week) Her voluntaries. give a goodly testimony of their generous spirits, serviceable skill, and good affection to their King and Country. Truly these noble minds, and warlike exercises, do well deserve from the Commons imitation, and from the State encouragement. Thus much (if not too much) of Arctophylax his spear, and the Comets emblemated motion amongst the Coincidence of this Comet with the Syned at Dort. celestial Hieroglyphics. I may not forget the coincidence of this celestial messenger with the present Synod at Dort, divine providence actually with the rays of this new Comet dispelling those foggy mists which began to overshadow the glorious light of evangelical verity. Neither may I omit that Comets do often appear, that the works Comets often appear that the works of God may be manifested. of God may be made manifest in them (as our Saviour said in another case) or as S. Paul, that by these visible things we may know the invisible; God by these new celestial blazons labouring to elevate our dejected eyes and base cogitations, from earth to Commendation of Astronomy. the contemplation of his power, wisdom, and goodness in these glorious lights most apparent: Coeli enarrant gloriam Dei, The heavens declare the glory of the Lord, saith the royal Prophet. How often is he rapt up in the contemplation of the stars? Yea doth not God himself (expostulating with job) make mention of the celestial Hieroglyphics, the sweet influence of the Pleiodes, the bonds of Orion, Mazzaroth, the sons of Arcturus, and the crooked Serpent. S. Paul reproving the Athenians blind devotion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to the unknown God, doth refute them by testimony of their own Poet; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for we are also his offspring: the very words of Aratus the Greek Poet, and in that very poem, wherein he at large deciphereth the emblematical configurations of the stars. Certainly if S. Paul were now again on the earth, and should to some allege this Astronomical Poet, they would not fail with the Athenians to say, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, He seems to be a setter forth of strange Gods; or exclaim with Festus, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: Paul thou art beside thyself, too much learning doth make thee mad. But these mad Ignoramus must be cured with Hellebore, and not with words. More commendable was the endeavour of Hipparchus, who upon occasion of a new star was Endeavour of Hipparchus in Astronomy. stirred up to such admiration, that he attempted (a more than human act) to number the stars unto posterity, to measure their distances, and set forth their respective situations, yea to leave the heaven itself as it were an inheritance to all men, if any in future times would be found to understand so rare a complot. But how few in so many after ages (two This divine Art neglected and destitute of Patrons. thousands of years) have taken possession of this heavenly heritage? How few Caesars and Alphonses have patronized this noble science? I cannot but bewail this great neglect. But I hope this new Messenger from Heaven doth bring happy tidings of some munificent and liberal Patron to these ravishing (but impoverishing) studies, by whose gracious bounty the most recondite mysteries of this abstruse and divine science shall at length be manifested. Now for a final closure to this impolished discourse: Conclusion. Whatsoever evil this new Comet may presage, the sign be to them that hate us, and the interpretation thereof to our enemies: But whatsoever good it can promise, the God of Heaven (who there placed it) confirm them all to his royal Majesty, and Great Britain's Monarchy. AMEN. From my house in London near All-hallowes in the Wall, this last of Decemb. 1618.