¶ A faithful and true pronostication upon the year. M. CCCCC. xlviii. and perpetually after to the worlds end gathered out of the pro phecies and scriptures of god, by the experience and practise of his works, very comfortable for all Christian hearts divided into seven chapters. And in the end ye shall find an almanac for ever, translated newly out of high Almaigne into english by Miles Coverdale.   

To the reader.  
THe first chapter of genesis declareth how that at the beginning when the water was now in his place, God said: Let the earth bring forth green grass and herb, that beareth seed, and fruitful trees, that may bear fruit every one after his kind etc. Genesi, i And so it came to pass. afterward upon the fourth day made he lights in the sirmament of heaven: one greater light for the day, & a less for the night, namely the Son and the Moon, and made them to be tokens, and not to have influence upon these nethermost bodies, as the Philosophers & our prognosticators have written hither to, Contrary unto it that god sayeth here, how that they should be unto tokens, & how that the earth was fruitful or ever the stars & lights were made.  
Now where as they show any thing that is his doing, and not theirs: he only doth great wonders. Psal. c. xxxv. he covereth the sky with clouds, he prepareth rain for the earth, & maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains. Psal. c. xlvi. therefore are not they the cause of tempests or storms, neither of good wethers or fruitfulness in these nethermost creatures, whether it be in man, be'st, or fruit: but are tokens only. For the which cause God doth oft warn us in the law. Leuiti. xx. Deut. xviii. And in the prophets jere. xxvii. Esa. xlvii. that we should regard no heaven gazer, no beholder of stars, nor soythsayer because they have no power to change the time nor the course of heaven wherefore me think it a fooly she thing, that we are so afraid where no fear should be, and that we regard so many vain prognostications. why do not we rather rejoice, in so much as all things are in God's hand, and governed by jesus Christ. Must not all things be subdued unto him. i Cor. xv. Heb. two. Can any creature of his, work otherwise then he will have it? Or how so ever they work, do not all things turn to our best? No doubt. Put thou thy trust then in god. and be sure, that as long as he is thy friend (which he hath promised to be if thou love him & his word) there can nothing harm thee: And as for the plagues that shall hap this year unto the per secuters and enemies of God's word, (if thou cleave unto it) thou needest not fear them nor be afraid of them: but certainly mayst thou look to be partaker not only of his outward blessings this year, but of the toy for to come, which is everlasting.   

The first Chapter concerning the governors of this year. 
Christ. be gospel he world.   
VUhan I look well & consider the hy master of the stars in his doctrine & writing, I find that this year and from hence forth unto the end of the world, the Sun, Mars & Mercurius shall reign Now where as other men seek their speculation out of the stars, that do not I regard so much as experience in the doctrine of Christian? And for the exhortation and warning of all estates, I will describe the nature and properties of these three governors.  
The Son a mighty Lord over heaven and earth, is jesus Christ our only redeemer and saviour, in all things like unto his heavenly father. Psal, two. Io. xiiii. the brightness of his glory. Sap. seven. Heb. i. the image of the invisible god: by whom all things that are in heaven and earth, were created: things visible and things invisible, whether they be majesties or lordships, either rules or powers, Col. i, This jesus Christ the everlasting word of his heavenly father, which took our nature upon him: Heb: two. Phil. two. & she wed us his father's will, coming into this world, brought with him Mars that is the gospel, even out of the bosom of his father. But wonder not thou that 
The god is called Mars.  I call the gospel Mars. Christ our saviour saith in Matthew. Think not that I am come to send peace upon earth, I came not to send peace, but a sword, for I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother. etc. and a man's foes shallbe they of his own household. Mat. x. Luce. xii. Michee. seven. Is not this a battle? They shall put you to trouble sayeth he) and kill you, and of all people shall ye be hated for my name's sake. Mat. xxiiii. Therefore may the gospel well be called Mars. 
〈…〉 the gospel's.  for where it is preached there is the sword, there is trouble and persecution, there will the enemies sometime draw their daggers at the preachers thereof.  
As for Mercurius, the poets fain him to be the messenger & orator of the heathen goddess, for the which cause he may well be likened unto the world, which with eloquence, painted words & outward appearance performeth the message of the devil, & enticeth me so long, till it bring them into destruction. But (as saint Ihonsayeth in his epistle) the world passeth away & the lust thereof 1, Io. two And as S. Paul sayeth. The fashion of this world passeth away 1. Cor. seven. Therefore must we so hold us within the fear of god, that we suffer not ourselves to be deceived or seduced by Mercurius from the son & Mars. lest we be corrupt with this deceitful world & so be defrauded of the joy of the ever lasting world to come: neither should that painted wisdom of this world move us in somuch as god maketh it very foolishness. i Cor. i. & his word (which seemeth to be but foolishness in the sight of the world that showeth he to be only wisdom and the very power of god, to the salvation of as many as believe thereon: Roma. i.  
Who so ever now hath the grace to perceive and consider this, let him not go after Mercurius, let him not follow the world and the beautiful lustres thereof, let him not enter in at the wide gate and broad way that leadeth unto destruction. Mathe. seven. but let him go in at the strait gate, and at the narrow way, which is even jesus Christ. joh. xiiii. the only mercy seat. Rom. iii. & mean to come by the favour of GOD. By him who soever entereth, he may be sure to be saved. joh. x. to receive mercy, to find grace, & to be helped in the time of need. Hebre. v, which god the father grant us for his sake.  
Amen.   

¶ The second Chapter, concerning the increase or growing of fruits, and the dearth of the same.  
THe son showeth plainly: that all such as fear god, shall have a very fruitful year. Psal. c. xxvii. & plenteousness in the days of dearth. Psal. xxxvi. In so much that though Christ send them without wallet, without scrip & with out shoes, yet will he so provide for them that they shall lack nothing. Luce. xxii. For he sayeth himself: The labourer is worthy of his meat. Math. x. Luc. x. who so now will labour, shall eat. But who so ever will not work, ought not to eat, two. Tessal, iii. 
Sturdy idle f●lows shal● not eat.  Now if we labour, I say, we shall eat also. Ye but where shall we get it? Christ our saviour saith: Be not ye careful for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body what ye shall put on. Is not the life more worth than meat, and the body more of value then raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither reap, nor yet carry into the barns, and yet your heavenly father feedeth them. math. ut. He giveth meat to the young ravens. Psal. c. xlvi. he openeth his hand and filleth his creatures with plenteousness. Psal. c. iii.  
Therefore though our hands 
we ought to labour with our hands and to cast our take upon the Lord.  should always be occupied in some good labour. Eph. iiii. yet ought not our hearts to take thought what we shall eat or drink, but first to care how to seek the kingdom of god. math. vi. & so should all things necessary be ministered unto us. And why? Man, liveth not, by bred only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of god. duty. viii. math iiii. which thing Christ our saviour hath manifestly declared, in that he fed so many people with so few loaves & fishes, like as he had done afore unto the children of Israel by the space of forty years in the wilderness, where they wanted nothing, for he himself fed them, & blessed them in all the works of their hand. wherefore in so much as god our merciful father taketh such care for us (i Pe v.) we should by right cast all our care upon him, & faithfully to cleave unto his word in our hearts, so the we neither mistrust his godly provision, nor lead an idle life. And if we mean well in our hearts, and deal truly with our hands, doubtless he shall send us necessary meat by some body, as he did to Elias the prophet by the widow in Sarepta. three Re. xvii. and like as he provided a break fast unto Daniel among the Lions by the ministration of Abacuc. Dan. xiiii, Thus, I say, they that fear god, shall have plenty and abundance of all things this year.  
But so far as I can see or perceive by this theological astronomy, Mars threateneth a very evil and unfruitful year to diverse spiritual prelate's, as popish bishops, & popish priests, & other more, except the son thorough his gracious influence be good unto them, although Mercurius reign in them with never so many horses, great pomp, authority, riches, oppression, with exceeding many servants and dogs, which nevertheless if they will forsake their abulions and diet themselves after the qualities of the Son, they shall be kept fro many diverse sur lets, and have a very fruitful year in all things. And so would I council them to do: for Mars goeth about now this year, to withdraw from the spiritualty 
the gospel will resorm the spiritualty.  the excess of their fruits, riches, and worldly authority (like as he hath threatened them this great while) & intendeth plainly to resourme them: And where as their whoredom & old custom withstand the furtherance of the truth Mars purposeth to take the Son 
the gospel will suffer the spiritualty no more to use their whoredom.  to help, and with the plaster of marriage to heal the infirmity of their uncleanness, ye and with his own sword of the spirit, to subdue their old evil customs.  
As for the multitude of the ungodly in general, there shall come a great dearth upon them, according to the words of a certain true astronomer: Behold, the time cometh (sayeth the lord god) that I shall send an hunger into the earth: not the hunger of bred, nor the thirst of water, but an hunger to hear the word of the Lord: so the they shall go from the one see to the other, ye from the north unto the east, running about to seek the word of the lord, and shall not find it. Amos. viii. but because they will not believe the truth and have pleasure in unrighteousness, therefore shall God send them strong delusion, that they may believe lies. two. Tess. two so that the time shall come when they shall desire to see one day of the son of man, and shall not see it. Luce. xvii. I pass over many other plagues that Mars threateneth unto them, because they will not know the time of their utsitation. Luce. nineteen.   

¶ The third Chapter concerning the sicknesses and disceases of this year:  
THe Egipcians haddea manner and use in their banckettes, to carry about an image of death, and to say unto every man that was at the banquet, Look upon this, eat, drink and be merry, such one shalt thou be when thou diest.  
And this they did (do doubt) to put men in remembrance of temperauncy and of death, lest they undiscreetly thorough excess of eating and drinking, should happen to die afore their age, for so doth god use to punish such sin: wherefore if we diet and temper ourselves thorough the influence of the son, we shall have few diseases, except Mars bring some other thing to pass, that we mysknowe not ourselves.  
As for such as follow Mercurius, living night and day in 
〈…〉 shall 〈…〉 th●s are.  riot and uncleanness, these (I say) shall thorough the Son have great diseases in all the membres of the body, in the lungs, liver, hands and feet, yea and parel also of the soul, I pass over the poverty that drunkards and riotous persons shall have? we shall be unto them? sorrow, strife, brawling, & wounds shall be among them.  
Pro. xxiii. yea and such as will needs be overladen with excess of eating and with drunkenness. etc. shall suddenly be prevented with the day of the Lord. Luce. xxi There is doubtless a marvelous sore punishment to come upon the hole world of the wicked, sword, wars, hunger, not only spiritual (as I said before) but temporal, which plagues have been aiore our time, but are not yet all pas●e. I need not rehearse the pestilence and other great plagues that god will send to the reformation of as many as will be warned. As for the common sort of the ungodly, there shall such a fearfulness of death come upon them that they shall not tell where to turn them nor how to escape death. O how bitter and grievous shall the remembrance of death be this year, to such as seek rest and consolation in transitory substance of this world, to such as know of no adversity but have good days, and live in volupguousnes. Eccle. xli. But O death how acceptable & welcome shalt thou be unto such as are in adversity, i their last age, or in despair.  
who so ever thou be therefore the woldesie escape the sicknesses of this year, beware that thy body be not overladen with overmuch 
man is hou●e ●●.  eating or with drunkenness. Luc xxi. For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and gluttony cometh at the last to an unmeasurable heat. Eccle. xxxvii. Thorough gluttony shall many one perish this year, but he that dyeteth himself temperarlye, shall prolong his life. As for unsatiable eaters, they shall not only sleep unquietly this year, but shall have ache & pain of the body. Eccle. xxxi.  
Concerning the spiritual disease and sickness that shall reign this year, as it hath done afore time, Paul one of the truest Astronomers sayeth plainly, that we be all sinners. Ro: iii. if we say that we have no sin, we deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us i. Io. i: This is now the spiritual disease that shall commonly reign this year, but specially in them 
sin is m●in them ●● will not a know of it  that feal least of it, and will not knowledge it. Io. ix. For the Son hath such virtue, that who so ever can see this disease, and will complain of it. i joh. i, it shall cleanse them, and make them whole. Ye the astronoemer saith plainly, that Christ jesus came into the world to save sinners ●. Timo. i. And an other that warneth us in his prognostication to beware of this sickness, giveth us yet good comfort and saith: If any man sin, we have an advocate with the father even jesus Christ which is righteous: and he it is that obtaineth grace for our sins, not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world. i joh. two.  
who soever therefore hath this disease (as there is no man without it) let him do wisely, let him prove and examen himself by 
●o man ●● 〈…〉.  times. i Cor. xi. two. Cor. xiii. And go to physic afore he be to sore sick. Eccle. xviii. And above all things let him beware of such false surgeons and feigned phisicyans, as heal the hurt of the people with sweet words. jere. vi. and (as a true Astronomer reporteth) thorough sweet preachings and flattering words deceive the hearts of innocentes, and all for their belies sake. Rom. xvi. Soch false physicians lay wrong plasters to men's sores, and speak the meaning of their own heart, but not out of the mouth of the lord jere. xxiii. yea they make such as despise the word of god, to continue still in their dregs. Soph. i, and to do as their fathers have done before them to their utter destruction. jerem. xliiii. For such false physicians, as long as they have any thing to bite upon, preach unto men that all shall be well, Micher. iii. and maintain them in their wickedness, making them believe to do as their elders have done before them, though it be contrary to god's word, is the right way. tush, say they, ye shall prosper right well. jer. xxiii. And unto all them that walk after the lust of their own heart, they say? tush, there shall no misfortune happen unto you, ye shall see no sword, there shall no hunger come upon you. jere. xiiii, But if a man put not something in their mouths, they preach of war against him. mic, iii, wherefore if thou wilt be hole of thy disease, beware of such feigned Physicians: at whom if thou seek health they shall make the pay double for it, that shall never 
●e wary of 〈…〉.  do the good: but go thou boldly unto him, which only healeth the contrith in heart and bindeth up their wounds. Psal. c. xlvi. He shall not cast the away. joh. vi. But if thou come unto him, he shall refresh thee, he shall ease the. Math. xi. Ye thou be sick, go unto him. for he is the right Physician for such as are diseased. Math. ix. If thou be thirsty, and comest unto him, he hath the water of life for the. joh. iiii. If thou be anhungered after righteousness, thou shalt be satisfied. mat. v. Summa h● himself will feed thee, & bring the to rest. Eze. xxxiiii. Though thou be lost, he will seek thee: though thou haste gone astray, he will bring the again: though thou be wounded, he will bind the upthough thou be sick and weak, he will make the hole and strong Seek him therefore this year and as long as thou livest, for with him there is mercy, and plenteous redemption. Psal. c. xxix. He hath salvation enough for thee: thou needest not to seek help at any other, neither is their salvation in any other. Act. iiii. Therefore biddeth he the ever come to himself.  
Math. xi. joh. vi. He never bade the seek other physicians to heal the of this disease, for there is no help in the children of men. Psal. c. xiv As for corporal diseases, god hath ordained outward medicines for them in his creatures by the ministration of true phesicians, which gift of god no wise man will abhor. Eccle. xxxviii. But against the sickness of sin there is no help nor succour but only in himself. And as there is no salvation without him, so is there ever grace, mercy, pardon, & clean remission freely in him, Esa. lv: for all such as will receive it, and be thankful for the same:   

▪ The fourth Chapter concerning the strife & trouble of this year, and the cause thereof.  
THe sword that I spoke of partly in that first Chapter, is like to be drawn this year, for why, The Son, Mars, and Mercurius can not agree together. How accordeth the world with Christ & the gospel? They shall never be at one Sore eyes may not abide the clare light of the son, the light will not consent to the works of darkness, neither will the believers have part with infidels. two. Cor. vi.  
Thus can there be no agreement, for they be of contrary natures. Again, a scornful body (as Solomon sayeth) loveth not one that rebuketh him. Pro. xv. The children of this world are scornful. and therefore are they not content 
The gospel 〈…〉.  to be reformed by the gospel, which nevertheless though it have many enemies (as it hath ever had) yet because it is the truth, it shall bear away the victory. three Eso. iii. And that shortly. For god hath put into the hearts of divers princes to fulfil his will, and to hate the whore of Babylon, to make her desolate & naked, to put down her abusions. Apo. xvii. & utterly to set her out of her stole. So that it appeareth evidently, that sathan shall no more have so great dominion, as he hath had in times passed. And now that he saith that his kingdom will have a fall, he worketh (and shall do) all that he can by the children of unbelief (specially by the shaven Madianites) to stir up wars, seditions, secret treason, and utter defiance both among Princes and commonalties. For such adversaries of the truth had rather set all nations by the ears, and wickedly to relyste the ordinance of god in the authority of their Prince, then to submit themselves to the gospel.  
And where as God hath raised up good men to preach his word, the devil is so wood at it, that he hath sent them a letter of defiance by some of his members, even with such an answer as was given to jeremy the prophet. For they say plainly. As for the gospel, we will not hear it, but what so ever goeth out of our own mouth, that will we do, we will set up candles and offer to stocks and stones, we will do as our fathers have done before us. For when we so did, then had we plenteousness of victuals, than were we in prosperity, and no misfortune came upon us. jere. xliiii. But sense we left of such God's service, we have had scarceness of all things, and the world was never well since. etc.  
Soch strife (I say) & debate shall happen this year because of the word of god, for the enemies thereof had rather draw their daggers at it, then to be reformed. But the lovers of it shall spare no labour to convert them, and to maintain peace, and therefore I trust verily that thorough the gracious influence of the son this strife and division shall turn to no blood shedding, for god shall send princes to defend his people from the malice of the wicked yet shall the enemies of God's word not cease from persecuting but do all the mischief they can, that by one way or other the gospel of the glory of God may be stopped. Therefore thou lover of God and his word, when any such heat of trouble happeneth unto thee (for by trouble must thou be tried Marvel not at it, as though it were a strange thing but rejoice, in asmuch as thou art partaker of Christ's afflictions: that when his glory appeareth, thou mayest be merry and glad: And be even as content to be reviled as he was. i. Peter. two. For there is no disciple above his master, neither servant better than his lord. mat. x. if: they have called the good man of the house Belzebub, how much more shall they call than of his household so? These and many other sweet words sayeth he himself unto thee, that in him thou mayest have peace & a quiet conscience. In the world thou shalt have trouble: but be of good comfort, he hath overcome the world. joh. xvi.   

¶ The fifth chapter concerning the estate of kings, and princes, and superioure powers.  
THe influence of the Son and Mars declareth evidently by all conjectures (ye certainly without any doubt) that kings and princes shall have a prosperous year: & me think I dare be bold to say the same, in as much as I see that they begin now some of them to seek the true honour of God, and to deliver their people from oppression. And to wake me doubt the less herein. Solomon (which was a king himself, and that of great experience) sayeth these words: Pro. xxv.  
Take away ungodliness from the king, and his seat shallbe established with righteousness. saying now that god beginneth so graciously to work in Princes, who hath not occasion to hope for great increase of prosperity in them? For like as when a prince delighteth in lies (as sayeth the wise man. pro. xxix.) all his servants are ungodly, even so when the king or prince is a favourer and mayntenet of the truth, his people shall the more be given to the fear of God. And I doubt not, but god this same year (by the faithful ministration of his authority in kings & princes) shall bring noble acts to pass, to the great deliverance of poor people, and reformacy on of the ignorant.  
thinkest thou not that God intendeth great good unto us, in that he so graciously endueth the hearts of diverse prices? doubt not therein. Let them remember therefore that the power which they have, is given them of the Lord, and the strength from the highest: Sap. vi. lest they being officers of God's empire, be negligent in keeping the law of righteousness But if they delight in moche people, let them love the light of wisdom which is god's word: for by it they shall set the people in order, and the nations of their enemies shallbe subdued unto them: Sap. viii. who so ever he be then that loveth not to resist the ordinance of god, let him submit himself to the authority of his prince, and let him not bite his lip at it, though good Ezechias break the brazen serpent, that the children of Israel have worshipped so long. iiii. Re. xviii. let it not grieve him (I say) that the virtuous king josias expelleth soothsayeers, charmers, expounders of tokens, Idois, and other out of his land, to set up the words of the law of God. iiii. Reg. xxxiii. Let every man rather give thanks unto God, and be glad, that Bell is delivered into daniel's power, that the falsehood of Bells priests is come to light, and that the dragon is devoured, whom the people was wont to worship. Dani. xiiii. Let no man therefore resist this power of God that doth such acts by the ministration of princes, but let every wise man be content to be reformed of his error, to do well, and remember that the king beareth not that sword for nought. Ro. xiii. & the (as the wiseman sayeth:) The kings displeasure is a messenger of death. Pro. xvi. Be thou therefore 
if thou b● thankful unto god & obedient v●to thy pri●●● thou shalt have a prosperous year  thankful unto god and obedient unto thy prince, & doubt not but thou shalt have a right prosperous year, and I can not see how it is possible to be otherwise, for as long as the king maketh so many daniel's of his council it must needs be to the great wealth and prosperity of the people.   

¶ The sixth Chapter concerning the darkness of this year:  
When I consider the corrupt nature of Mercurius, & how he hath been, is, & ever shallbe contrary unto Mars & the Son, I find by all experience, that he shall cast a great mist between us and the Son, so that it shall be dark: for though the light shine in darkness, and become into the world john. i. yet shall they (whose works are evil and after the conditions of Mercurius) love the darkness more than the light. And thus shall this darkness be in them that live naughtelye & follow their own abominations, for because they do evil, therefore shall they hate the light, and not come to it, lest their deeds be reproved. joh. iii. And (as Paul saith) if the gospel shallbe yet hid, it shallbe hid in them that are lost, among whom the God of this world shall blind 
●here shallbe 〈…〉 not the gospel.  the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ (which is the image of god) should shine unto them. two. Corint. iii. But where the children of God are, there shall be light. Exod. x. and the works of life. saying therefore that the light is yet a little while with the walk while thou haste it, that the darkness fall not upon the. joh. xii. for he that walketh in darkness woteth not whether he goeth.  
But believe thou steadfastly on the light, while thou hast it, that thou mayest be the child of light, and escape the horrible darkness of the wicked. sapi. xvii.   

¶ The seventh Chapter, concerning the estate of the spiritualty.  
IF our spiritualty sat not out of Moses' seat, Mathewe, xxiii. and taught not their own laws and constitutions: if they taught us the truth although they were but sayers and not doers themselves Mat, xxiii. if they transgressed not the commandment of god because of their own traditions, math xv. if they laid not to heavy burdens upon men's shoulders, mat. xxiii. If they loved not the highest seats, and shoot not up the kingdom of heaven before men, if they devoured not widows houses under the colour of long prayers, and were not full of robbery and uncleanness, hypocrisy &, wickedness within, if these corruptions (I say) were not in them. ye if all the abominations of the world beside were not in a manner as a shadow in conparyson to theirs, it were not to be mistrusted, but that they should have a right prosperous year, but saying they speak evil of the way of truth, & thorough covetousness with feigned words make merchandise of us two. Pet. two. saying they follow the way of Balaam, and walk still in their errors. saying they speak false thorough ypocrisi, forbidding all priests to mary, and commanding to abstain from the meats which god created to be received with thanks giving i. Tim. iiii. saying they have not fed the flock of Christ, but themselves, & are churls to the people. Ezech xxxiiii. saying the most part of them entre not in at the door into the sheepfold, but come in some other way to steal, to kill, and destroy, Io. x. Seeing they tell but lies to man ta'en their preachings withal, and blaspheme the name of God unto the people for an handful of barley or a piece of bread, Ezecht. xiii. Seeing (I say) that their wall is builded but with untempered mortar, it must needs fall, for the Lord himself will upon them, & require his sheep out of their hands. Eze. xxxiiii. ye the sheep them 
●he broken ●all will ●owne.  selves shall follow them no more, but fly from them, seeing they are but strangers, and hired servants: for in so much as Christ goeth now before his sheep, they will follow him and hearken no more to the voice of strangers. john. x. This is now the year of adversity that the spirituality is like to have for in so much as they have not God's word on their side, they shall be fain to stop their mouths. Mich. iii. And all plants that the father in heaven hath not planted, shallbe plucked up by the roots. Math. xv.  
For all this when I consider the gracious influence of the son, I find by the instruction of Mars, that though all the be against the spiritualty if they will obey the ordinance of God, and submit themselves to his word, there shall none perish but the children of perdition. joh. xvii. As for all such as strive against the f●r●ame, & will needs of malice resist the power and persecute the people of God, let them beware that they be not drowned with their Pharaoh: for God hath herd the complaint of his poor oppressed, & lente them a Moses to be their guide, to bring them out of Egypte, and not only to defend them, but all other also as many as will convert unto his word, and be reformed by his authority and power in his anointed kings. Seeing then that god hath called so many of the spirytualtye all ready, and doth daily call more to the knowledge of his word, I can not despair but the he will also be gracious to many more of them, for though the rebellions are like to have an evil year, I doubt not but there be many among them, which shortly when the higher powers shall require them, will be reformed, to the great worship of the word of God. To whom for the conversion of some all ready, be thanks, honour and glory now and ever more. AMEN.▪  
THere endeth this true & faithful Pronosticacon upon the year. M, CCCCC. xlviii. gathered out of the scriptures of God.   

¶ A spiritual Almanac, wherein every Christian man and woman may see what they ought daily to do, or leave undone. Not after the doctrine of the Papists, not after the learning of Ptolemy, or other heathen Astronomers, but out of the very true & wholso me doctrine of God our almighty heavenly father, showed unto us in his word, by his prophets & Apostles, but specially by his dear son jesus Christ. And is to be kept not only this new year, but continually unto the day of the LORDS coming again.  
FOR so much as almighty GOD hath charged by Moses.  
Dente. vi. and. xi. that we always should have his commandments in our sight and mind, as a sign & token in our hands, and to teach our children his godly will and commandment. Ephe. vi. to comen & talk thereof at night when we go to bed, and in the morning when we rise, & to write the same upon the walies and posts of our houses, to the intent that we should not forget his word, his will and commandment, and lest we should follow our own imaginations: Therefore (good christian man and woman who so ever thou be) I thought it fruitful to put the in remembrance of thy duty.  
And this could I not do better, than by these godly texts of holy scripture, which I have brought here together, specially to the honour, laud and praise of god, exhorting the that art negligent & forgetful in keeping his laws, to take better hold, and go forward in his ways and turn not aside, neither to the right hand nor to the left, but be ware of such as teach the ought save the doctrine of god. And that thou mayst be sure what thou dost. I pray jesus Christ our only mediator obtain for the his holy spirit, and give the a good wholesome new year with the true knowledge of his godly will, and increase of his faith. Amen.  
To day if ye will hear the voice of God, harden not your hearts. Hebre. iii.  
Every day it is good to believe, to learn, and to do what god hath commanded: And so likewise is it good to leave undone that god hath forbidden.  
This day is it good to learn gods word, for it is the uncorruptible seed, whereof we are borne anew in god. i Pet. i. It is the food of the soul, whereby manlyveth. Deut. viii. math. iiii. & not only by bred. The word of god is quick & mighty in operation, & sharper than any two edged sword, & entereth thorough, even unto the dividing asunder of the soul & the spirit, & of the joints & the marry. Hebr. iiii. etc. It is good in deed to learn gods word, for all good things 
all good things come in god's word.  come to us with it, & innumerable riches there thorough. Sap. seven. Therefore are they blessed that hear it, and to do thereafter. Luc. xi.  
This day is it good to believe the word of god: for he that believeth and is baptized, shallbe saved. Mar. xvi. ye god giveth them power to be his children, that believe in his name, joh. i. wherefore he that cometh unto god, must believe, for without faith it is not possible to please god. Hebr. xi.  
This day is it good to keep the word and commandments of God, for he that loveth me (sayeth Christ) will keep my word, & my father will love him, and we wylcome unto him, and will make our dwelling with him. joh. xiiii. He that hath my commandments (sayeth he) and keepeth them, the same is he that loveth me, and he that loveth me, shallbe loved of my father. Therefore (I say) it is good this day for every one of us to keep gods commandments, that is, to have no Gods but one. Exod. xx. To sanctify and hallow the name of god: that is, to call only upon it in all need & necessity etc. To hallow the Sabbath 
the right sabbath.  day, namely to rest from our own works, as god did from his, Heb. iiii. to the intent that he may work in us, and we to fulfil his will by hearing his word, by steadfast faith and prayer. etc. To honour father and mother, Mar. xv. that is, to be obedient unto them Ephe. vi. To help them in their need, to cherish them to comfort them in adversity. etc. for that is acceptable and well pleasing unto the Lord.  iii. To kill nobody, that is to hate no man. mat v. ●o bear no malice in our minds, to give no evil words, but even to love our enemies. Mat, v. and to do good for evil▪ To break no lawful wedlock, that is, to commit no whoredom, adultery, nor uncleanness, but either to live chaste or else to mary. i Cor. seven. To steal nothing, that is, to use no false merchandise, neither in bargaining, weight nor measure. i. Tess, iiii. Leu. nineteen. duty: xxv. Ezech, xlv. but truly to labour in some good occupation, for the sustaining of the poor: Eph: iiii. To bear no false witness, that is, to hurt no mansname nor fame to lie of no man. Ephe. iiii: but either to say that truth, or else to keep silence. To covet no man's house wife, servant, good, nor any thing that is his, that is, not once to lust after our neighbours evil. Rom. seven. and xiii. but heartily to love him even as ourselves. Leuit. nineteen. and to do unto him after the manner as we would he did unto us. Mat. seven. Cob, iiii: These commandments (I say) is it good for us to keep, not only this day, but as long as we live, to the honouring of the blessed name of god in us, to the increase of his kingdom, and to the fulfilling of his godly will.  
This day is it good in faith and steadfast believe to work partyte good works & that by love, for love is the fulfilling of the law Rom. xiii. & hideth the multitude of sins. i Pet. iiii. love hath many noble conditions, love is patient & courteous, love envieth not i Cor. xiii. love doth not frowardly, 
The condi●ous of 〈◊〉.  love is not puffet up, love dealeth not dishonestly, seeketh not her own, is not provoked unto anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not of iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, suffereth all things. who so ever now hath the spirit of God, and hath truly received the light of his word, will use these works, these fruits of the spirit, gall. v. and this armour of light. 
True belenecs do good works.   
This is the new commandment that our master hath given us, for by this shall every man know the we are his disciples, if we love one another, Io. xiii. not in word and tongue only, but in deed and verity. i. joha▪ iii. not to suffer them to want, and we have, not to let them perish, and we may help them, but lovingly & with a good heart, to distiribute unto the necessities of the saites. Ro. xii, to fede the hungry, to minister drink to the thirsty 
The works of C●●●sten men.  Esa. lviii. Eze, xviii. To lodge the harbourless, to visit the sick. two: Tim. i. to bury the deed. Tobi. i. and shortly, to do unto everyman, even as we would be entreated out selves.  
This day is it good one of us to tell another his fault, and that lovingly after a brotherly correction without any desire of ven geance, for it is written: Thou shalt not avenge thyself, nor bear evil will against the children of thy people. Levi. nineteen. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart, but shalt tell thy neighbour his fault, that thou bear not sin for his sake, And (as that wise man saith) Tell thy friend his fault, lest he be ignorant, and say: I have not done it. Or if he have done it, that he do it no more. Ecel. nineteen. Reprove thy neighbour, that he may kept his tongue, and if he have spoken (any thing amiss) that he say it no more. For that doctrine of Christ and the Apostles is, that if any man be overtaken of a fault, they that are spiritual ought to inform him with a meek spirit, considering themselves, that it is their 
they that have the spirit of god's knowledge, aught to e●form their brethren.  own nature also to be tempted. Galla. vi. if thy brother trespass against thee (sayeth our master Christ) go thy way & tell him his fault between the & him alone. if he hear thee, thou hast won thy brother. But if he hear the not, them take yet with the one or two, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. if he hear not them, then tell it unto the congregation. if he hear not the congregation, then hold him as an heathen and publican. mat. xviii. Now if any that is in that number of the brethren in Christ, & will be taken for a Christian man in deed be an whoremonger, or covetous, or a worshipper of images, either a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, the doctrine of Paul is plain, that we should not eat, nor keep company with such.  
This day is it good to beware of false prophets, of men's own 
beware of false dotrine.  imaginations and dreams, lest we receive lies in stead of the truth lest we receive the poison of Anti christes laws, in stead of the blessed word of God, lest we shoot at a wrong mark, and be deceived by such as walk in humbleness of their own choosing and in spiritually of Angels. Coll. two. But let us beware of false prophets, which come unto us in sheeps clothing, and are raning wolves within. math. seven. who so ever there cometh unto us, & bringeth not that doctrine of Christ, let us neither receive him into the house, nor salute him, lest we be partakers of his evil deeds. For by false preachers doth the Lord our god prove us to were whether we love him with all our heart and with all our 
God proveth us by false preachers.  soul. Deu. xiii. wherefore it shallbe good for us, not only this day, but as long as we live, to walk after the Lord our god, & to fear him & to keep his commandments his statutes, his laws, & his constitutions, to hearken unto his voice, to serve him, & to cleave unto him. 
ye subject tes obey four princes.   
This day is it good for every subject to be obedient, and to submit himself to the authority of the higher power, i. Pe. two. Sa. vi. for there is no power but of god. The powers that be, are ordained of god: so that who so ever resisteth that power, resisteth that ordinance of god. And they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not to be feared for good works, but for evil. if thou wilt be with out fear of the power, do well then and thou shalt have praise of the same, for he is the minister of god for thy wealth. But if thou do evil, then fear: for he beareth not the sword for nought. For he is the office of god, a taker of vengeance, to punish him that doth evil. wherefore we must needs obey every one of us, not only for punishment, but also because of conscience. we are warned also by saint Paul in an other place, to submit ourselves unto princes, and to the higher authority, and to obey the officers. Tit. iii. submit yourselves, sayeth saint Peter, unto all manner ordinance of men for the lords sake: whether it be unto the king, as unto 
he king the chef: ●● under ●d.  the chief head, or unto rulers, as unto them that are sent of him, for the punishment of evil doers, but for the praise of them that do well, i. Pet. two. As for such as will needs disobey, let them remember that the king beareth not the sword for nought. Ro. xiii. & that (as Salomon sayeth) The kings displeasure is a messenger of death. Proverb. xvi.  
This day is it good for kings, 
ye princes execute you● office  princes and temporal judges, to execute their office as out of the power that god ministereth unto them. i Pet. iiii. for in very deed the power is given them of the Lord, and the strength from the highest. Sap. vi. Therefore seeing they are the officers of his kingdom, as the wise man saith, they ought not to be negligent, but to execute true judgement, to keep the law of righteousness, to walk after his will, to love the light of wisdom, to expel soothsayers, charmers, expounders of tokens. Idols and all abominations out of theyrlonde. iiii. Reg. xxxii to set up the words of the law of god, to put down the houses of Idols try, to see that the law and word of god be taught among the people 
The study to good rynet.  two. Para. xvii to spare neither cost nor labour for the maintenance and defence of the same, to seek the peace, wealth, & prosperity of their commons, to judge every man righteously without any wresting of the law. Deut. xvii. to know no man's person in judgement, to take no gystes: Levi. xxiii. but ever to have the law of God by them, & to read therein all the days of their lives, that they may learn to fear the Lord their god, to keep all the words of his law, and to do there after, Deut. xvii. that they life not up their hearts above their brethren, and so turn aside from the commandment, either to that right hand or to the left, but that they may prolong their days in their office: 
Ye servants obey your Lords & Masters.   
This day is it good for servants to obey their bodily masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of their heart, even as unto Christ, not with service only in the eye sight, as men pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of god from that heart with good will, thinking the they serve even the Lord and not men. Ephe. vi. Ye servants (sayeth saint Paul in another place) be obedient, unto, your bodily masters in all things, not with service of the eye as pleasers of men, but in singleness of the heart, fearing God. what so ever ye do, do it heartily even as unto the Lord and not unto men. And be sure, that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for ye serve the Lord Christ. Coll. iii. And unto Tit. two. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their masters, to please in all things, not answering 
no bedient levaunt causeth the ●or●e of 〈◊〉 to have good re●●●●.  again, neither to be pykers, but to show all good faithfulness that in all things they may do worship unto the doctrine of God our Saviour. Tit. two. wherefore yeseruauntes, (sayeth saint Peter) o beye your masters with all fear, not only if they be good and courteous, but also if they be forward i Pet. two. And therefore was saint Paul so earnest to see this ordinance of God kept: namely that as many servants as are under the yoke. should count their masters worthy of all honour, that the name of god and his doctrine be not evil spoken of. And the they which have believing masters, should not despise them because they are brethren, but rather do service, for so much as they are believing, and beloved, & partakers of the benefit. i: Timo. vi.  
This day is it good for such men as have servants, to put away 
ye lords Masters d your servants ●● eucls  all threatenings and churlish words, Eph. vi. doing unto their servants that which is just and equal, and know the they themselves also have a master in heaven, Col. iii. Therefore (according to the council of the wise man) where as thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil, neither the hireling, that is faith full unto the. Eccle. seven. love a discrete servant as thine own soul. defraud him not of his liberty. neither leave him a poor man. How be it if he be not obedient, bind his feet. but do not to much unto him in any wise, & without discretion do nothing, Ecclesi. xxxiii, Therefore should evil servants be correct, saying they will not be the better for words, Pro. xxix. for though they understand them, yet will they not regard the Do thou then the council of the wise man: tame thy evil servant with bonds and correction. Eccl, 
let not ●ou●e servants go●dle.  xxxiii. If thou set him to labour, thou shalt find rest, but if thou let him goydle, he shall seek liberty. For as (Solomon sayeth) he the delycatly bringeth up his servant from a child. shall make him his master at length. Proverb. xxix. Send him to labour therefore, that he go not idle, for idleness bringeth much evil. Set him to work, for that belongeth unto him & becometh him well. Eccl. xxxiii.  
This day is it good for women to be obedient & to submit themselves 
ye we men obey your husbands.  unto their husbands as unto the Lord. For the husband is the wives head, even as Christ also is the head of the congregagatyon, and he is the saviour of his body. Eph. v. Therefore as the congregation is in subjection to Christ, so likewise let the wives be in subjection to their husbands in all things, as it is comely in the Lord: Col. iii. that even they which believe not the word, may with out the word be won by that conversation of the wives, when they see their good living, i. Pe. iii. And let not their outward apparel be 
women shall not be to gorgeously arrayed.  with broided here, & having on of gold, or in putting on of gorgeous array, but let the in ward man of the heart be uncorrupt with a meek and a quiet spirit, which before god is much set by. For after this manner in the old time did the holy women which trusted in god, tire themselves, and were obedient unto their husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham & called him lord. Gen. xviii.  
This day it is good for men to love their wives, even as Christ 
ye men love your wives  loved the congregation, and gave himself for it, to sanctify it. and cleansed it in the fountain of water by the word, to make it to himself a glorious congregation, having no spot nor wrinkle, nor any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blame. Eph. v. So ought men also to love their wives, even as their own bodies. He the loveth his wife, loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth & cherisheth it, even as the Lord doth also the congregation. Therefore ought every man to do so, that he love his wife even as himself, & not to be bitter unto them, Coll. iii. but to dwell with them according unto knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as unto them that are heirs with them of the grace of life, that their prayers be not let. i Pe. iii. 
ye childre● honour you● father's mother●.   
This day is it good for children to honour their fathers and mothers, and to obey them in all things, for that is well pleasing unto the Lord. Ephe. vi. Coll. iii. ye the Lord will have the father honoured of the children: & look what a mother commandeth her children to do, he will have it kept Eccl. iii. who so honoureth his father, his sins shallbe forgiven him, and he that honoureth his mother, is like one that gathereth treasure together, who so honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children, and when he maketh his prayer, he shallbe herd. He that honoureth his father, shall have a long life: and he that is obedient for the Lords sake, his mother shall have joy of him: He that feareth the Lord, honoureth his father and mother, and doth them service even as it were unto the Lord himself. Honour thy father therefore in deed, in word, & in all patience, that thou mayst have his blessing: for the blessing of the father buildeth up the houses of the children, but the mother's curse roteth out the foundations. Rejoice not thou when thy father is reproved, for it is no honour unto thee, but a shame.  
For the worship of a man's father is his own worship, and where the father is without honour, it is the dishonesty of the son. My son make moche of thy father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he liveth. And if his understanding fail, have patience with him, and despise him not in his strength: For the good deed that thou showest unto thy father, shall not be forgotten, and when thou thyself wantest, it shallbe rewarded the. etc. He that forsaketh his father, shall come to shame, and he that defieth his mother, is cursed of god wherefore my son, do thou thy duty with loving meekness, and so shalt thou be loved above other men. 
ye fathers bring up your children in the fear of god   
This day is it good for fathers and such men as have children to bring them up in the nurture & information of the Lord. Ephe. vi. and not to be cruel unto them, lest they be of a desperate mind: Collo. iii. But diligently to teach them the commandments of God, for (as the wise man sayeth) who loveth his child, holdeth him still in nurture and under correction, Pro. xiii. that he may have joy of him afterward. Eccl. thirty. and that he grope not after his neighbours doors. He that teacheth his son, shall have joy in him, and need not be a shamed of him among his acquaintance etc. An untamed horse will be hard, & a wanton child will be wilful. Therefore who so ever thou be that hast a child, give him not liberty in his youth: Bow down his neck while he is young, hit him upon his sides while he is a child, lest he be to stubborn, and give no more force of thee, (and so shalt thou have heaviness of soul.)  
Teach thy child and be diligent therein, lest it be to thy shame. with hold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die thereof. Pro. xxiii. Thou smitest him with the rod, but thou deliverest his soul from hell.  
This day is it good for every 
ye spiritu a shepherds feed your locks  one the is a bishope or spiritual shepherd, to be blameless, the husband: of one wife, sober, discrete. i. Tim iii. As the steward of God: Tit. i. not wilful, not angry, not given unto moche wine, no fighter, not greedy of filthy lucre, but mannerly harborous, apt to teach, gentle, abhorring strife, abhorring covetousness, such one as loveth goodness, and is righteous, holy, temperate, one that ruleth his own house honestly, having obedient children with all honesty, such one as cleaveth unto the true word of doctrine, that he may be able to exhort with wholesome learning, and to improve them that say against it For above all things it is good 
bishops euty●  for a byshope or spiritual shepherd, to show himself an example of good works, with uncorrupt doctrine, with honesty, with the wholesome word which cannot be rebuked: that such as with stand, may be ashamed, having nothing in them to dispraise. Of such things also as belong to the doctrine of Christ, would the apostle have them to speak earnestly: that they which are believers in God, might be diligent to excel in good works: for these things at good and profitable unto men.  
For a conclusion, who so ever thou art or of what estate so ever thou be, take heed that there be not in the an evil heart of unbelief, to depart from the living god Hebr. iii. but exhort thyself daily with his word, while it is called, To day, lest thou wax hard hearted thorough the deceitfulness of sin   

¶ Printed at London by Richard Keel, dwelling at the long shop in the Poultry under saint Myldreds' church cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.