Astrological and Theological OBSERVATIONS AND PREDICTIONS, For the Year of our LORD 1700. WHEREIN Are briefly Shown as well the Judgements and Opinions of several Wise Men concerning this present Year and other Years as his own Judgement with the Signification of the Eclipses of this present Year. WITH Monthly Observations for every Month of this present Year briefly containing the Most Remarkable events that are likely to happen in England and other Places, and the most likely days for Rain and Change of and other things worthy of Observaton. Psal. 19.1. The lofty Heavenes by their Whirling Motion Over the Earth, deep Seas, and floating Ocian, Daily declare to sinful Flesh and Blood, The Glory of the great Omniscient God, The Firmament filled with amazing Lights, Doth Show his Handiwork to Earthly Sights: Psal. 147.4 He tells the number of Sidereal Flames, And calls them by their own Celestial names, they're happy who have carnal eyes to gaze, Upon those glorious lights, which us amaze: 2. pet. 1.19. More happy they, who can with Spiritual eyes, Behold the day Star in their Hearts to rise. By JOHN SILVESTER, Student in Astrology▪ Living near the Market-house at Alders Key in Bristol. BRISTOL, Print●● for the Author and are Sold by W. B … near the Tolsey. Astrological and Theological, OBSERVATIONS AND PREDICTIONS For the Year of our LORD, 1700. THIS is that great Year, which several Wisemen have pointed at, wherein or about which time, they have Conjectured that the World would see some great Unusual and Famous Changes. John Napeir L. of Marchiston, believed the day of Judgement would fall between the Years 1688. and 1700. for he believed the Abomination that made Desolate, was set up in the Year of Christ, 365 by that Abominable Julian, when he made Decrees for Desolating and Devouring Gods Servants, therefore he said from the Year of Christ 365 we are Commanded to Reckon 1335 Years, which falleth in Anno. 1700 And then (saith Daniel verse 6th.) shall be the end of all Wonders, even the Wondrous and great Day of the Lord: Read the last Chapter of Daniel. George Withers conceived that near unto this Year the Roman Empire, would be totally subverted and overthrown, for they made their Computations by these Numeral letters, MDCLXVI. which are the Numurals for 1666 which being added to 32 Years (about which Age Christ suffered) the Aggregate will amount to 1698 which is near unto 1700. In a little book entitled Reverend M. Brightman's, Judgement or Prophecies, it is thus Written, but the Pope is to be quite and fully overthrown at the Year 1686 and that in the Year 1696 the great Turk also shall be utterly overthrown. T. B. In his little Book, Wrote that the Turkish Power should come to his end, and that none should be able by any help what ever to prevent it, even at the Year 1697. I.H. In his Catastrophe Mundi wrtho● 〈◊〉 the Year 1700 saying, now is Rome Destroyed and the Downful of the Seat of Peter; the Conversion of the Turks, and Jews, soon follow, and in his appendix Wrote that the ☌ ♄ ♃ in ♐ in 1722 will Destroy all the Opinions of of the Pagans, all over the whole World, and Reduce all to the Faith of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and that all Contrariety of Opinions will be laid Open. The Man was Ingenious, but I doubt his Judgement will fail him this Year. In a certain Book (Entitled a Calendar of Prophetic time drawn by an Express Scripture line) on the Title page, there is a prophecy thus Demonstrated; But that the time of their Prophecy in Sackcloth (meaning the two Witnesses Slain) will not Expire till the Year 1697 And at the Year 1727 shall begin the final Destruction of the Beast by the viols, accomplished at the Year 1772 in the new Jeusalem briefly described After which time the Author concluded there would ensue Blessed times accordding to these words, in another place of the said Book by Calculation of time, this blessed state will begin e'er the Seventh thousand of the World enters, but as near as within 240 Years I took the more notice of 1772 because it holds a near congruency with the Year 1782 Expressed in my following predictions concerning the Roman Empire Astrologically and Theologically Composed which as great secret I bequeath unto the World Concerning the Roman Empire I find by our Trigonicall table Calculated by the great pains and Industry of I. H. which he Extracted from the Caroline tables of T. S. Published in 1663. That Jesus Christ was Born under the ☌ ♄ ♃ in that Pious Sign ♓ [one of the House of Pious ♃] but he Established his most pure Christian Religion under the ☌ ♄ ♃ in that Pious Sign ♐ Sagittarus, [the other House of Pious ♃] and under the Sixth Trigonicall Revolution of the ☌ ♄ ♃ since the Creation of the World And it came into my Heart that as the Lord made Man's and Finished his work on the Sixth day of the Week, and rested on the Seventh day, even so he was pleased to Establish the true Christian Religion, and to Finish the Settlement thereof, by the Death of his Dear Son Jesus Christ, under the ☌ ♄ ♃ in that diurnal and Pious Sign ♐ that happened under the Sixth Trigonical Revolution thereof since the Creation of the World (to bring all believers into a spiritual way of Worship and to purify them) who said it is Finished, and then gave up the Ghost, John, the 19.30. And after his resurrection he likewise entered into his Eternal Sabbath of Rest, And whereas Jesus Christ, made choice of Twelve Apostles to convert Sinners to Rightoveness, so it is probable that the Lord will convert many of the greatest infidels to the true Christian Faith under the ☌ ♄ ♃ that will happen after their twelfth ingress into that Piou Sign since the birth of Chest (in or near the Year 1782) to perfect a Reformation in the World [through the Spirit of Grace within] for this great Apostolic Number 12 is [by wise Men] called Divine, so that it seems very likely, that the Pope of Rome (if not also some other unconverted Monarches) may under the conjunction of that great Apostolic numb … 〈◊〉 … her totally overthrown or else converted through so me Judgement, to the true Christian Faith, for the Lord Respects number, and order, and a very good Reason may be given, why Christ made Choice of the Number of Twelve Apostles. The Number 1728 is by wise Men counted fatal, to which when any City, or Common Wealth hath attained; it shall afterwards Decline: Now whereas the true Christian Religion and Spiritual way of Worship was not fully Established till the Death of Christ (who said if I go not away the Comforter will not Come unto you John 16.7.) therefore if we add 32. [the Number of Christ's Age when he died] to 1728, the total will be 1760. which is the Year, wherein [by this Rule] the true Christian Religion will by some means begin to decline in power, but whether by the slothfulness of the Professors thereof or by some great persecution I am not sensible of▪ But if it should so happen I conjecture the Lord will visit his People again; and animate and quicken them by his Spirit within, and drop down some sweet Celestial influences from the supernal stellary powers under the aforesaid ☌ ♄ ♃ in that Pious Sign ♐ that will happen in or about the Year 1782. wherefore let them praise the Name of the Lord: for his Name alone is Excellent, his Glory is above the Earth, and Heaven. Psal. 148.13. And whereas the Roman Empire was Established about 45 Years before the coming of Christ, therefore if we subtract 45 from the aforesaid Number 1728. the Remainder will be 1683. about which Year [by this Rule] the Roman Empire should have begun to Decline in Power, And ●ndeed I suppose it was sorely shaken, and the inhabitants possesed with fears that very year when the Turkish. Army Besieged Vienna, and I believe that Number would have been more Effectual upon that Empire if the Turkish Empire had not been Established under the ☌ ♄ ♃ in ● which was the sign Opposite to the sign ♌ wherein the three Conjunctions of ♄ and ♃ happened in 1682 and 1683. which gave the Tukish Army a terrible Repulse according to my Ensuing Discourse. Concerning the Turkish Empire. THis present Empire of the Turks was chiefly Established by Othomarn in 1289 under the ☌ ♄ ♃ in the airy sign ♒ And therefore after ♄ and ♃ in 1682 and 1683 had made their Conjunctions in that lofty Regal high Spirited sign ♌ [the sign opposite to ♒] the Turkish A●my was Vanquished and by a terrible Repulse at the Siege of Vienna, were forced to fly away, and in or about the Year 1742. The two superior Planets ♄ ♃ will again be in ☌ in the fiery sign ♌ under which it is probable that the Turkish Army, will again have a very terrible Repulse; and that that Empire will then be more woefully shaken, because that conjunction will be after they have made their third Entrance into ♌ (the Number three being counted a most powerful Number,) But if the Turk be not then driven out of his Empire, perhaps the Lord may be pleased to give him a Pietious Visitation of his Love under that famous ☌ ♄ ♃ in that pious sign ♐ that will happen in or about the Year 1782 [before mentioned] it being the Conjunction of the 12 ingress of the two Superious into that pious sign▪ since the Birth of Christ, and then if that present Turkish Emperor harden not his Heart, he may be Blessed for evermore; for it is written I will give thee for a light unto the Gentiles that that thou mayst be my salvation unto the end of the Earth Isaiah 49.6. These Turks were at first a small People, and were Driven out of several places but at length they settled and (by the permission of God) Wonderfully increased and prospered. I. M. In his Catastasis Mundi wrote that Ottoman first Founded the Turkish Empire in the Year of Christ 12●9 and that if Satur's greatest Years [465] be added to 1289. it will make 1754 therefore said he, this Monarchy seems to stand Firm and Stable no longer than unto the Year of Christ, 1754 which indeed agrees with my aforesaid Computations; for 1754 is a Year which is under the ☌ ♄ ♃ in 1742. The Number 666 is the great Tabuler Number of the Sun, the most Renowned Planet of Majesty; which is as a King or an Emperor among the Stars. 6 32 3 34 35 1 7 11 27 28 8 30 19 14 16 15 23 24 18 20 22 21 17 13 25 29 10 9 26 12 36 5 33 4 2 31 This soler Table is wisely Composed of 36 Figures placed squarewise and all the Figures in every Row and overthwart, do strangely amount, to 111 which multiplied by 6 the product will be the great Tabuler Number of the Sun and of his astral Imperial Majesty, Wise Men have accounted this Table and Number of great virtue and Eessuacy and have said that the most high created all things by Number Weight and Measure. Behold this strange Table and add all the Numbers together and you will find the total to be 666. This great solar Number of Majesty 666 may be thus applied to the Number of the beast, 666 [mentioned in in Reve. 13.18.] and the Number of his Name. for this Terrible Beast arose out of the Turbulent sea or unstable Element of water of the Nature of the Lowest Planet, the Moon, but he soon became magnificent and entered into terrestrial Glory and Splendour [compareable to the Glory and Majesty of the Celestial Sun, which God hath Ordained to Rule as a King or an Emperor among the stars] and therefore all the World wondered after the beast: and I suppose John himself, did not believe nor expect, that this cruel Imperial Seven-headed Beast, would ever Personally appear in such a Prodigious shape to Rule over Men or Saints, as he saw him in the vision, but rather mystically in Man, therefore this Number of the Beast is also the Number of a cruel Imperial Man: And as this horn Crowned cruel Imperial Beast was Mystically to appear in a cruel Imperial Man, viz, in some Man of Sin, and to Reign in that unity, as a King of Kings in Earthly Glory and Splendour, Comparable to the admirable Glory and Majesty of the Astral King or sublime Celestial Sun so by his terrestrial Glory and Magnificence he Merited the Like Regal and Imperial Name of Majesty, whose Number is 666 And by his Imperial Majesty and Dragonish fury he made War, with the Saints, and overcame them And therefore he also merited the Name of Antichrist, which is agreeable with the Name of Blasphemy Written on his Heads: so that his Name is according to his evil Nature is [and may not improperly be called] Antichristain Majesty or The great and mighty, Blasphemer, who Metaphoritally, was a terrestrial Sun whose number is 666. Note. this cruel Bea●t may also Externally be understood, and the first Beast as well as the Second may be called Antichrist, though the S●cond seems chiefly to merit the said Name λ 30 α 1 τ 300 ε 05 ι 10 ν 50 ο 70 ς 200 666 John Napier, L. of Marchiston, conceived this Number of the Beast 666 to be the Greek Name λατεινος (for the Grecians made their Letters Numurals) which being thus placed and the Numbers cast up, the total will be the aforesaid Number 666 and he said λατεινος is not only the Name of a Man but tha Name of the first Beast The Man which he meaned was King Latinus, and and the First Beast he said was the Latin Empire. Now it is very Observable that the Christian Religion, began to spring up about the 15th. Year of Christ, and was Established under the great Conjunction of ♄ & ♃ in that Pious Regal & Fiery sign ♐ Sagitarius, the House of Pious ♃ under which Conjunction, it pleased the Lord to work Wonders and to bring to pass many Miraclonus and wonderful Changes. And it is also very Observable that in the Year, 1603. there happened another great Conjunction of ♄ and ♃ in the First face of the same Pious, Regal and fiery Sign ♐, near the Scorpious Heart [a star of the second magnitude] of the Nature of Mars and pious Jupiter, Under which (according to my best Computation) there sprung up a certain Religion and a precious people in the North of England, appearing with Wonderful Zeal, in whose Hearts, the fear of God was placed and the Mighty Power of God was felt, working spiritual changes, condemning pride and secret-sinns, leading many into states of humility and into the true spiritual Worship, which Religion did not much spread itself for many Years. And in the Year 1642 there happened a Conjunction of ♄ ♃ in that Pious and watery Sign ♓ [the other House of Pious ♃] under which Pious Conjunction, the said Religion wonderfully prospered and the Zeal of the said People was quickened and much admired, and their Pious conversasions were sufficient tokens to demonstrate that their Teacher was Divine and spiritual and the said Religion began to overspread the Kingdom of England, to the Admiration of many People, and to make a powerful entrance into divers other Kingdoms and Nations. Moreover it is very Observable that in the Year, 1663. there happened another Famous Conjunction of ♄ and ♃ In that Pious Regal and Fiery Sign ♐ Sagittarus, which may not improperly be called a great Conjunction, because it passed out of a watery Sign, into a Fiery: under which Famous Conjunction, The said Religion, Flourished and more and more, overspread the Kingdom of England and more Powerfully took place in divers other Nations, so that as the said Religion Sprung up at first under the ☌ ♄ ● in that Pious constellation: even so it hath prospered and flourished under this same. But many Slighting the day of God's precious visitation to their Souls went out of their first tenderness and departed from the Power of God liness and became slothful and sleepy Resting, only in forms and formalities endeavouring to comprehend Divine Mysteries (which are Chief Reveled through divine and Spiritual Judgements) from whence differences and Distractions arose so that in the Year 1677 and 1678 when ♄ was transiting the Sign ♊ [the sign opposite to that pious sigine ♐] and in ☍ and ☌ ♂ therein, the discords about the said Religion were very Great and Public to the World and arose into a very high station of contention, and great distractions appeared, to the grief of many souls and they became subject to the Contentious Planets, and aspects causing the said Religion to appear infamous (which at the Beginning was beautified with Holiness) to the Great dishonour of God, and the improsperity of the said people in Grace and spiritual things. And in the Year 1682 and 1683 there happened to be no less than 3 Conjunctions of ♄ and ♃ in that lofty high spirited Regal and Firey sign ♌ Leo, (there happening a great Comet in one of the said Years which also succeeded that terrible Comet in 1680) under which three Conjunctions in this Lofty and high spirited sign, the discords about the said Religion Strangely increased, and lofty Disputes arose (according to the Nature of the constellation) and they went into Divisions and separations especially about the Year 1692 and 1693 when contentions ♄ had took possession of that pious Sign ♐ and from thence had 3 times vexed Pious ♃ with his three Oppositions who was then very weak in ♊ and like one turned out of his own habitation into a Wilderness, weeping, whilst his Malicious enemy possessed the House of his joy and glory and Fought against him wit● his own Weapons, ah poor ♃ despised, and Forlorn, many Pious souls here on earth have sorely grieved (if not Mourned) because of thy Desolation and exile, but wait a little patiently, for thy next happy Conjunction with ♄ in thy own Pious habitation (which will happen in or about the Year 1722) that thou Mayst plead With thy Enemy for Dealing so Malicously with thee. Moreover in or about the Year, 1702 the two superior Planets ♄ and ♃ will make their conjunction, in that hotspirited Fiery sign ♈ [the house of furious and Fiery Mars and the ascendant of England] under which Conjunction it is probable there will arise in England, many hot and Furious disputes [according to the Nature of the constellation] about some Principles of the said Religion (for ♃ contends wit● ♄ about Religion, in what sign soever he is in conjunction with him) so that I fear, the lord will suffer the Distractions to be greater in England, espcially about the Year, 1707 or 1708 when Contentions ♄ transits the sign ♊ [the sign opposite to that pious sign ♐] and that some secret controversies will again be made public to the World, unless the Lord either by a miracle he pleased to put a stop to it or many that are lofty and contentions descend into the Ancient station of Humility and therein abide waiting for the Spiritual appearance of Christ in whom are hid all the treasures of Wisdom and knowledge Coloss. 2.3. for the Wise-Virgins are usually contented with their Spiritual enjoyments till through their Experiences a Right understanding of divine M●steries is given. Note, though the Wise Virgins (under ●his Conjunction) may be batte●ed by the Foolish with much force and subtlety about the said Yrar 1707 or 1708 Yet I conjecture they will begin and End Victoriously. Again it is Observable that in or about the Year 1722 or 1723 the two superior Planet ♄ and ♃ will be again in conjunction in the same pious Regal and Fiery sign ♐ (under which the said Religion Chiefly arose) under which I believe and Conjecture the Lord [the the great Governor of Nature and of all Celestial motions of the Spheres and planets] will prune his Vine and cut of many of the superfluous lofty Branches, which have not yet cast down their worldly Magnificence, nor said thou art worthy O Lord to Receive glory and Honour and power, Reve. 4, 11. and he, will dress it and beautify it again in the sight of other professors and make it more famous, and will Raise up a more ardent Zeal in and among the Wise Virgins, and work a Reformation through the Spirit of Grace within: Now shall ♃ that was so much Grieved, Despised and Forlorn, in or about the Year, 1692 or 1693, begin to Triumph over his Adversary, and to Recover his lost fame, and Renown and the Wise Virgins will begin to hold up their heads and appear again in beauty, this is the appointed time wherein the Lord will begin to consolate the Afflicted and he hath determined to do mighty things before the Conjunctions of the two Superior Planets, (which are as the Lords Instruments) have made their Departure out of the Fiery Trigon into the Earthy, for ever since the Creation of the World, it hath pleased the Almighty God, to effect the most Remarkable and most Eminent Changes here o● Earth, and gradually to bring to pass the greatest wonders under the Conjunctions of the two Superior Planets in the fiery trigon (we being now under the 8 trigonicall Revolution incomplete and imperfect since the Creation of the World) and when their Conjunctions [an hundred Years hence] have made their departure out of the Fiery trigon into the Earthy, they will not make their Appearance in the fiery trigon again till many hundred Years are Expired. But under this Conjunction of the two Superiors, about the Year 1737 or 1738, when ♄ begins to make another transit through the airy Sign ♊ Gemini [which is the Sign opposite to ♐] the Lord will suffer the Foolish Virgins to contend again with the Wise, and one with another because of their Darkness and Disobedience, therefore let the Wise Virgins be armed with his power that they may then be preserved in peace for God hath ordained a time to Every purpose under Heaven Ecclesiastes. 3.1. But that which is most Remarkable is this, that in or about the year 1782 the two Superior Planets ♄ and ♃ will make another Famous Conjunction in that Pious Regal and Fiery Sign ♐ which will be the Conjunction of their Twelfth ingress into that Pious Sign since the birth of Christ (the Number Twelve being by wise Men called divine) under which Conjunction and great Apostolic Number (I Conjecture) the Lord will do very great things and perfect a Reformation in the World and gather his People into a more perfect unity and Confound the foolish Virgins, who are apt to give offences to the Wise by which they are liable to that Woe which Christ Proclaimed when he said Woe to that Man by whom the offence Come Matth. 18.7. I shall now make a great leap over many years to come and sha●l only mention one event more, which may be Remarkable to posterity: about 300 years hence the Conjunction of the two Superior Planets ♄ and ♃ will make their ingress into the airy trigon & into the Sign ♊ [which is opposite to that Pious Sign ♐ under which the said Religion arose] under whose Conjunction & Conjunctions in the Sign ♊ the Lord, who hath given Motions to the admirable wheels of Nature hath preordained by their circulations, to let in a very great flood of afflictions upon the Professors of this Religion, for a Trial of Their Faith, and a Grievous persecution (I Conjecture) will arise to overthrow the said Religion or to drive the professors thereof into Obscurity and Desolation, and the Induction of strange herisyes will be known (unless the great Governor of Celestial motions Miraculously prevent it, Therefore all that profess the said Religion in these our Days ought to prize the day of God's Visitation and love unto their Souls, while the storms are not so Great, and as Wise Virgins to make their progress towards the Lord out of pride and Sins that they may appear as lights to many that are in Darkness, and let them praise the Lord for Discovering that Blessed principle of Light, to them in their Days, who also works by the constellations and heavenly bodies, as well as by his Spirit in man. Of the Four Principal causes of Religious Differences. 1. The First cause is from Suspicion Without Knowledge, from whence false Judgements are given and unsavoury offences; corupting and severing the Christian unity. 2. The Second cause proceedeth from disobedience to the Word and Spirit of God, through which the loftiness of the Heart continues and the Rich are Respected above the Poor, by which the ardency of affections may be cooled and disunity take Place. 3. The Third cause, is for want of Divine Manifestations through which many Scripture expressions cannot be Comprehended nor understood, from whence Differences in Opinions may often arise. 4. The Fourth cause proceeds from a Contrariety in nature, for every ones Nature is not alike, some Nature's being very much different and Incongruent, from whence arise divers cross and offences: And the chief cause of contrariety in Nature is from the Circumrotation of the admirable wheels of Nature (which move through the Preordination of the great and wise Creator) in which he hath Fixed many l●ght bright and Admirable bodies (through which the Heavens Declare his Glory psal, 19, 1.) which being of Divers Natures, do through their Daily & incessant Motions and preordinate circulations, cause a mixture of influences in the Supernal Regions of the air, from whence proceed the love and enmity in his creatures here below, who hold a congruency or incongruency of Natures among themselves, for if the Planet that Governs the Oriental Angle at the Birth of any person be located in a place opposite to the Place of any other Planet that governs the Oriental angle (at the time of another's birth the two Persons through a contrariety in Nature, will (to Admiration) very often Disagree especially if the Planet be either ♄ or ♂. Though many know not the Reason why this is written and Published, yet if they, Rightly apply it, it may do them much good. A Short Song of the true Christians or wise Virgins. OUR Burning lamps were filled with precious Oil, When we that Joyful midnight cry had heard: Our lofty foes did make us weep and wail, When we upon our Heavenly course had steered. Once Israel For an earthly Kingdom Fought, And were Victorious through their Valiant King But we an everlasting Kingdom sought, And of our Spir'tuall Victories can sing, I shall shall now proceed to give my Astrological Judgements for this present Year 1700. THE positions of the Heavens at the time of the Suns, ingress into the First Minute of the Vernal Equinoctial Sign ♈ seem to be wholly for Peace, and that England, will not be Molested, nor encumbered with wars but will this Year be in a state of much felicity, yet from some other positions of the Planets I am somewhat afraid of some Estival disturbances, especially in Ireland, though the greatest troubles in Ireland I doubt will be in 1705 But Ho'lland and Scotland seem to be pretty free from Martial disturbances till 1710 or 1711 but perhaps France may next year be threatened by a Foreign enemy. The Clergy seem to be much dissatisfyed in their minds, and to set themselves in opposition against some other professors: The Planet ♄ is now making his long Voyage through the watery Sign ♓ along with the ☋ which either this year or the next may cause some perturbations and distractions, Bloodshed and much Mischief in many places Especially in Cilicia, Galatia, Normandy, and in Egypt, the higher, and perhaps France, and Particularly Paris may in some measure participate of their portended Mischief, and there may also much Controversy and debates arise concerning sects and the appearance of some new heresy may take place. In January, the Planet ♄ goes out of ♒ into ♓ and perhaps some unusual sight may then appear in the air: I expect the apparition of some comet within three or four years. About the year 1702. or 1703. (after ♃ hath made his next congress with ♄ in the fiery Sign ♈ [the ascendant of England] and also after ♄ hath moved pretty far therein, we shall best know whether there will be Wars or Peace in England, if we can but escape a brush then, we may be happy and long rest under the enjoyment of Peace and Tranquillity: Sed O Anglia timeo ne multi hosts tune Existerent in te aut Contra, te Ergo cavit● vos incolae & praecipune cum tempus ad veniat sed utcunque quaedam magnae Mutationes tunc expectentur vel subito postea, and whereas the ☋ is exalted above ♄ in the Ninth house, it Signifies the Death of old Men and of Monks and of Religious Men: also ♄ applying to the ☋ at the time of the Sun's vernal ingress portends some scarcity of the Fruits of the earth yet by some other positions wheat seems to be indifferent Cheap, all the latter half of the year, But the Positions of our Summer ingress very much threaten Miscarryages to Women with Child. The Kings and Princes of Europe, will this quarter be meditating about the sea Affiairs, and sometimes about the Religion of their subjects, but they appear in great Splendour during the vernal and estival quarter, yet seem to be some way Displeased and disturbed in the Autumnal Quarter. Of the ECLIPSES, of this present YEAR, 1700. THERE will happen but two Eclipses this Year and they will be both of the Moon; the first will be on the twenty third day of February, at 36 minutes past Six of the Clock in the Morning, this Eclipse will be total and the beginning of it may be visible to those that are willing to rise before the Sun Riseth (if the air be clear.) It portends the Destruction of some of our Enemies and also of some great Drinkers or Drunkards, and a Mortality to many Children or young Folks, and it also threatens sickness or much evil to many Counsellors, and scribes, and signifies unfortunate Navigations and turbulent and pernicious winds, and perhaps in some Countries it may cause an Earthquake. This Ecipse will chiefly operate in those Countries, and Places that are Subject to the signs ♍ ♓ and ♒ but it threatens much evil to all Persons in General, whose Acsendants were the 15th. degree of ♍ (or some degree near it) at the time of their Births. The Second will be an Eclipse of the Moon on the 18th. day of August about 27 Minutes past 2 of the Clock in the Afternoon; this will be a great Eclipse but invisible to us, the Moon being Lady of the 8th. House and posited on the Cusp of the third, and Religious ♃ being both Lord of the ascendant and Lord of the Eclipse and posited in ♑ It hath an ill signification concerning the Vulgar sort of People, and denotes Death and Destruction to many of them, and to many Travellers and to some sort of Professors of Religion especially in those Countries and places under, ♓ ♐ and ♑, and also to Fishes in the Waters, but ♂ being Lord of Subsequent Angle and applying to the Cusp of the ascendant I fear it hath Relation to some future Disturbances amongst Men Espcially in those Countries and places under the signs ♐ and ♊ This Eclipse, will begin to operate most Manifestly about the middle of May in 1701. The great Omniscient Omnipotent and most wise Creator, did not make the Sun Moon and Stars for Lights only, but for Divers Effects and purposes; wherefore he was pleased to give them power over the Natures of all Creatures in the air and Water and of all Anminals Vegetables and Minerals here on Earth, yet he hath not given away all his power to them, but as he hath been ever so he is now and ever will be, the Almighty which Commandeth the Sun, and it Riseth not, and Sealeth up the Stars, which alone spreadeth out the Heavens, and treadeth upon the Waves of the Sea, which maketh Arcturus, Orion, Pleiades and the Chambers of the South, which doth great things past finding out, yea and wonders without Number Job, 9.7, 8, 9, 10. May he not say unto Man that hath Humane Wisdom? canst thou do any of those mighty things? or canst thou bind the sweetest influences of Pleiades? or lose the bands of Orion? canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his Sons Joh. 38.31, 32. Psal. 148 3 Praise him ye Heavenly Sun and Moon, Praise him all ye Stars of Light: Your Rising, moving, going Down, Glorifies him Day and Night. Monthly Observation for every Month, this present Year 1700. January's Observations. MANY Clandestine Consultations by some great Council or Parliament seem to have been either in the preceding Month, or may be about the beginning of this: many Princes of Europe are now very Magnanimous and show themselves in great Splendour and are acting and contriving for the Consolation and profit of their Subjects, the City of Oxf●●d, is now much Esteemed and favoured and many of the Clergy; and some other Learned Men will Resort thither: some Potentate in Ireland seems to be somewhat enraged at the threaten or some Exasperating Speeches of some great Potentate whose ascendant is ♏ we may now expect the safe arrival of many Ships to their several Ports: some change of weather may be expected before the middle of the Month. this cold shivering Month hath taken leave, Of us, who here our earthly Dwellings have, Chronos and Ericina too conjoin, moistening the earth with snow or showers of Rain. towards the latter end of the Month February's Observation. THIS Month seems to produce Weighty consultations in Councils, concerning the Militia, about which some Discords arise The main body of the Commonalty are now very well united to their head and are earnestly endeavouring to get Money at home and abroad by their employments; the Seas seem to be perilous for Merchant's ships: some danger of Losses by private Thieve● on the Roads causing grief and trouble to Travellers. Snow or Rain about the 9th. 13th. 22d. 27th, Days. Now Dusky Phaenon doth with Clouds Obscure, Gait Titan's glory, and his splendour pure: The lofty Heavens weep, their falling Tears, Wash clean the Earth's green morning gown she wears. Especially about the 12th. Day of the Month March's Observations. THE Potentates and Nobles of some Nations, especially of the Nations that are under ♈ and 69 seem now to blame their Subjects, and to act some thing which the Vulgar will not like Great Men have wise heads now, with a great ideal of policy in them, the Seas are now very Perilous by Reason of Pyrots, Travellers may now Expect many affronts on the Roads by Thiefs and highway Men. Men and their Wives differ much about the latter end of the Month, but I mean those that are Naturally apt to be passionate; a probability of Rain about the 7th. 21st. 30th. Days, and indeed the latter end of the Month is likely to produce much Rain. When I the Rays of my judicious Eye, Had cast upon the splendid lights on high, I saw some wondering, some in discontent, Some great ones under close imprisonment. and small ones too, or at least threatened. April's Observations. THE Consultations of this Month, in Councils, seems to be Chief about Marine affairs; but they differ in their opinions, Sicknesses and Distempers will Naturally surprise many of the Vulgar sort, especially in the City of London, let them beware of too much carnality, lest they suffer for it by the Venereal distemper: many Mercurial persons especially in London and Ireland are now some way furiously affronted some probability of pretty high winds about the 12th. and 27th. Days, and of Hail or Rain about the 4th. 13th. 28th. Days Gradivus doth with Furious rays afflict, Bright Noble Phoebus, doth him Contradict: Some English Hero on the Irish Ground, I Fear's in danger of a secret wound. about the latter end of the Month. May's Observations IMprisonment seems to be threatened to some great Potentates (especially in those Countries under ♉) but the benign aspects of this Month do much favour the Commonalty, and give them the enjoyment of much love content and felicity, and curb that Spirit in them, that may sometimes be ready to appear in Wrath, but their success in trading will be but Ordinary: Rain near the beginning and end of the Month. Though Valiant Mars looks furious in an Angle, As if he had a small intent to wrangle, mild Venus doth old Saturn kindly greet, Making Mars mild by Salutations sweet. So that he is scarce hot spirited enough to fight June's Observations. THE Planet Mars, was persuaded the last month to keep his Sword in his sheath, but I am half a afraid he will draw him this Month, but Ireland is the Place chiefly threatened (Ergo Caveat Hybernia quoniam nunc illa inerit periculo magis quam multa alia adjacentia Regna) and ♉ [the asendant of Ireland] is now furiously ascending upon the stage of the world, and ♂ the Planet of Mischief is now preparing to make ●his transmigration over the degree opposite to the ascendant, if the heat of ♂ be not Extinguished, it may break out into a flame about the latter end of this Month or the beginning of the next, but there will be several treatyes to preserve Peace and I wish the animosities of some Martial Spirits may not be too much incensed but rather cooled, by moderation and Rationable compliances: the Seas are now well enough cleared from Pyrots, many Whoredoms are now discovered and the Parties concerned imprisoned, a probability of Rain the 4th and 22d. day, and of Rain and Thunder on the 2d 9th 19th. 30th. Day. Come Phaenon, Phoebus, Hermes, use your Wits, That fierce Gradivus make no bloody hits, Phoebus and Hermes spread your arms embrace, Stout Aris, let him sheathe his sword In Peace, For that is his best place I think we have known wars enough already. July's Observations THE Vulgar sort of People are now pretty much Grieved and driven into perturbations of mind, partly about the sea affairs and losses thereby and partly about some Kind of Religion which many will now be Zealous for, and they often discourse about those that belong to the Council house: some Superiors I fear will be in danger of Imprisonment, The Seas seem now to be very perilous for Merchant's Ships and partly by Reason of Pyrots; the Highways are also alittle dangerous for Travellers, by reason of Thiefs. A probability of some Thunder and Lightning near the 3d. 8th. 13th. 23d. Day: and of Rain on or about the 8th. 16th. 22d. 29th. Days. I wonder why great Titan should abuse, Our pious star and put him in a muse The learned Clergy sudden Changes see, Yielding submission to some high Decree. perhaps before the middle of the month. August's Observations THE Furious Planet mar is once again got into the Council house a little nearer to the cusp, being lord both of the 10th. and 11th., houses, the learned in Astrology know that in the sign and house where he is now posited he usually creates contentions in councils with a great deal of fury, and their undestandings are so good that by directing their ocular Rays to the Southern part of the Zodiac, they can tell you that the fury proceeds partly from thence he that can understand it him. The Clergy in Oxford, and else where seem now to be in better content than in the last Month: but Merchants are now subject to losses through Montanous Waves on the perilous Seas: The Commonalty in General are now Subject to many losses Divers ways, yet seem to go on in their business and Trading with exhilarated Spirits: many discourses are now about the burials of the Dead, and the Taxes laid thereon, the likeliest Days for Rain are the 24th. 16th. 18th. 21st. 22d. 23d. Days, Thunder about the 10th. 22d. 26th. Days. Slow Falcifer is in the water creeping, With Sullen looks on Sol and Venus peeping: We see the Rain and hear the Roaring Thunder, (Which makes us at the Works of Nature Wonder After the middle of the Month but I fear it will make the Farmer a little sad September's Observations. THE proceed in the Council house seem pretty smooth yet not without a mixture of some Ruggedness through some discontented Spirits: The Clergy in General (if not also some other Persons professing Religion) seem to be much Grieved and Dissatisfied at something acted in Councils and they frown at some of the Vulgar, about some Religious orders, and for something spoken or acted against them: and in-; deed it may be admired if some of both sorts suffer, not by Imprisonment I am half a afraid of a conspiracy against some of the higher Powers, but fears possess the promoters of the Mischief intended, which perhaps may either frustrate or weaken their designer There is now plenty enough of Wisdom and Policy, though indeed Wisdom is not always the Conservatix of Peace and Love: Omnibus temporibus Dominum [Deum] magis quam viros timeant Cuncti, The Seas now are very perilous for Merchant's Ships, some danger of miscarryages to Women with Child: a probability of Rain at the beginning and about the middle and also at the end of the of the month. Phoebus and Hermes kindly do salute, Bright Phaeton, and with him both dispute, through wise and Fair entreaties to assuage, Some pious fury and Religious Rage. 'Tis well there are some pious peace makers, for I think there is need enough of them now, or may be about November. October's Observation Superiors now seem to be in very great Unity and Benevolence among themselves, and have also pretty good affections towards their subjects, yet are a little displeased, to hear that their subjects are somewhat unwilling to pay some kind of Tax. Religion is the thing now much discoursed of in Councils, together with the Sea affairs: Imprisonment seems to be threatened to some sort of professors of Religion, and also to some Seamen. A probability of Rain or Hail about the 2.12. and 25 days Fair Ericina's pretty wanton Eyes; Chronos doth with his cloudy mask disguise, They drop Down tears, do sadly weep and wail. We see them fall like Show'res of Rain or Hail. Chiefly about the beginning of the month. November's Observations. IMprisonment seems still to be threatened to some of the nobler sort of the commonalty, for words spoken against some Superiors which I fear will inflame the anger of a great Potentate against them; Ergo linguam Regat Ratio: The Clergy (if not also some other professing party) have not only been lately troubled but enraged by some great Ruler. The Seas are now very perilous for masters of Ships and mariners partly by reason of Pyrots and I fear many miscarryages will happen to Women with Child: Good news arrives unto us out of Flanders Norway the Higher, Bavaria and Barbary, some likelihood of Rain or Snow about the 8th. 13th. and 22d. Days Gradivus lately did with Jove contend, Who humbly did to Mars greatness bend, He still looks with a troubled Countenance, Because he can't his purposes advance. What a deal of crossness is here about Religion and like to be December's Obsevations I am now beholding a pretty turbulent Face of Heaven: some mischievous conspiracies I fear are now in action and some secret evil designs at hand: I am sorry I see occasions io writ so often of Imprisonments though it seems to be threatened to some of the Vulgar (especially about the latter end of the Month) who now seem to be displeased, at something acted by superiors about Religion and weighty discourses and consultation are now in Councils about the Comonalty and the Soldiers: beware of Robbers on the Roads in January next▪ probability of Snow or Rain about the 5th. 19th. and 29th. or 30th. Day. Gradivus now sees louring Phaenon walk, Comes to him and with angry tongues they talk, One Stamps in fury; speaks a frowning word, The other wishes for his naked sword. about the latter end of the month. one of them looks like one of the Council. Per Coacervationem propositionum Dialecticae. Per cau●as & Effectus Astrology gives some the foreknowledge of the times of future events. Therefore knowledge of the times of future events, makes some to be admirers of the Wisdom of God. When some are admirers of the Wisdom of God, they are induced to fear God, When some are brought into the fear of God, they enter into lowliness of mind, When they are brought into lowliness of mind their actions are lawful and pleasing to God. Therefore Astrology is lawful and pleasing to God, and many have been benefitted by it. per tertam syllogismi figuram. da m … rap min ti med All Starry motions are certain All Starry motions are depended on by Wise Astrologers to make predictions. Therefore some predictious made by wise Astrologers are certain 〈…〉 if not varied by a miracle, but you must have Respect to the word wise or well learned. Per Enthynema in these following Verses. Semper sidereos motusait esse Johannes Silvester certos, igitur per eosque futuri, Eventus certe nunc praedicantur ab illo. FINIS