Festum Festorum▪ OR, A DISCOURSE Touching the Holy Feast OF EASTER. SHOWING How it may be ESTABLISHED For EVER. By JOHN GADBURY, Student in Physic and Astrology. — What Holy Institution soever Other 〈…〉 of the Year have received, some from the Apostles, and some from the Fathers of the Church in succeeding Ages; We may be sure that this Sa●●ed 〈◊〉 was Instituted by the Divine Authority of God and of 〈◊〉 himself. Bishop of Durham's 〈◊〉 of D●●. p. 223. Licenced, Decemb. 1st. 1686. LONDON Printed by N. Tho●pson, for the Company of Stationers, M●CLXXXVII. To My LORD, the LORD HENRY▪ EARL of PETERBOROW, Peer of ENGLAND, Lord MORDANT, Lord Baron of TV●VEY, Groom of the STOLE and first Gentleman of His Majesty's BEDCHAMBER, Lord High-Steward to the QUEEN, Lord-Lieutenant of the County of NORTHAMPTON▪ One of the Lords of His Majesty's Most Honourable PRIVY-COUNCIL and Knight of the most Noble Order of the GARTER. Health, Happiness, and Length of Days be ever Wished. My LORD, HAVING attempted a Task of as great Use to the CHRISTIAN CHURCH, as of difficulty to perform, viz. The Reformation of Our COMMON CALENDAR, and a Right Stating of the Holy Feast of EASTER, (I hope,) for Ever, I do in all Humility cast both myself, and It at Your Lordship's Feet, Imploring Your Honour's Protection of both, so far only as Your Lordship shall judge the Work, and Author Deserving. It is a Subject that hath caused more Heats in the Primitive Times, than any Other, and not without the Expense of much SWEAT and BLOOD; So Zealous were the Ancient Christians in Contending for the TRUTH. This Method Once Embraced, as I hope, and am sure it will the sooner for Your Lordship's Owning, there will never need any more Quarrels or Contentions about it. You are, (My Lord,) One of the Greatest Stars in our British Hemisphere, and move in an ORBE of Honour very near unto Royal PHOEBUS himself. Nay, I must, in all Humility, beg leave to remember the (Unthinking part of the) World, That, to your very Great Honour now, and Greater Glory in Ages to come, Your Lordship was Once nearly Eclipsed with Him too; Being Constrained to an Un●●●●onable Travel in your Elder years for the Security of your Life and Liberty, when both were boldy struck 〈◊〉 by the EXCLUSIONERS of our late Perilous Times, that bid so Fair for the Un●inging of the GOVERNMENT itself. These things, (My Lord,) then being true, Your Lordship is the most Fit of any, (if at least you shall judge my Mean, but Well-meant Pains, worthy so great regard,) to bring this Mercurial Discovery to the KING'S most ROYAL EAR. The Gogitating HERMES sometimes makes MONARCHES shine as Gloriously, as the Valiant and Commanding Mavors: And the Ever Famous JULIUS CAESAR derives as Lasting, (I will not say so Great,) an Honour from his Correction of the CALENDAR, as from his Victory obtained in the Pharsalian Field. And if this my Minute Attempt happen to be but Embraced by your Lordship, I shall then hope to live to see MENSIS OCTOBRIS, (in our BRITISH CALENDAR, at least,) Exchanger its Name, for that more Glorious and Auspicious One, of MENSIS JACOBI: To which Remarkable Month your Lordship hath a more than Ordinary Title, as being most happily Born therein, and on a Day so near the best of KINGS, and in Conjunction with a Most BLESSED EVANGELIST, though in Different years. Pardon, (My Lord,) I beseech you, my Great Confidence, in presuming to Think That any thing I am able to Write should be Worthy of your Lordship's Notice. And if This my Humble ESSAY should fail of a General Approbation, Let it, however, (with your Lordship's Noble Favour,) stand me in this stead, viz. to Tell the World, and your Lordship, how much I am, (according to my mean 〈◊〉,) willing to promote the English 〈◊〉, and also, in a Just and Gra●e●● Duty to your Lordship, Record myself, by many Obligations, (My LORD,) Your Lordship's Meanest Servant, And Ever Faithful Honourer, JOHN GADBURY Festum Festorum▪ OR, A DISCOURSE Touching the ORIGEN and END Of the HOLY FEAST of EASTER. OF all the Feasts belonging to the Christian Calendar, we shall not incur Error, if we Affirm, That the Holy Feast of EASTER is the Chief: It being as Ancient as our Blessed Saviour's Resurrection; In memory whereof, it was declared, and instituted to be kept Holy, (saith St. Augustine●) And, by virtue thereof, all the SUNDAYS in the Tear besides. It is by the Primitive Fathers, (as liberally quoted by the late Learned and Reverend Bishop of Durham,) termed the FEAST of FEASTS, and the Solemnity of all Solemnities. And, hence it is that the learnedst Divines, (though of Different Opinions, I must not say of Different Churches, for CHRIST hath but ONE CHURCH on Earth,) do therefore with the Ancients term it, and that very justly— The KING of DAYS, and QUEEN of FEASTS. As for the Name thereof, that is a compellation made up of a Germane, and an English word, viz. O●st, and Star: The former of which the Saxons brought in use among us, viz. Oest signifying ARISING, or the EAST. For that the Sun, and all the Stars do Arise, or first show themselves in the EAST. The later, viz. Star, alludes to our Blessed Saviour, the Bright, and MORNINGSTAR, whose Resurrection, or Arising from the GRAVE, was performed on this Day, for the Salvation and Justification of all the Sons of ADAM, who claim the Benefit thereof by a True and Lively FAITH. Our English Glossographer, (Mr. Blunt) says, That EASTER is so named of EOSTER, a Goddess of the Old Saxons, whose Feast they kept in April. Verstegan says the same; and affirms, moreover, that at this present in Saxony, this FEAST is called OSTERN, which comes of OSTERMONAET; their, and our Old Name of APRIL; in which Month this Glorious Christian Feastival most commonly happens. Howbeit, at sometimes we know it shifts place, according to the Moon's Motion, the Epact, etc. on which it depends, and so may come to fall in MARCH, as in this Year 1687. it does. Indeed this Sacred Feast of EASTER hath certain Limits assigned, which (without an Alteration by Authority) it can neither Transgress, or Transpass; and commonly it makes its Progress or Perambulation between the 22th. day of MARCH, and the 26th. day of APRIL, according to the Cycles, etc. on which it depends; and can therefore never go below the FORMER, or ascend beyond the LATER And, because the Boundaries of this Holy Feast are not commonly known, I will here present you with a Table of its proper Limits, (according to the old Julian Correction) as I find it in that excellent Collection of DEVOTIONS, published by the late Right Reverend Bishop of Durham. Gold. Num. Easter Limit 1 April, 5 2 March, 25 3 April, 13 4 April, 2 5 March, 22 6 April, 10 7 March, 30 8 April, 18 9 April, 7 10 March, 27 11 April, 15 12 April, 4 13 March, 24 14 April, 12 15 April, 1 16 March, 21 17 April, 9 18 March, 29 19 April, 17 ☞ Here you are to observe, That Easter Sunday is not in this Table set down against each Golden Number, but the Easter Limit only. And that it is the Sunday following the said Easter Limit, which is always EASTER DAY with us here in England. As for Example. In this Year 1687. the Golden Number is 16. now entering the Table under the Title of Golden Number, with 16. against it toward the right hand, I find March 21. which is the Easter Limit for this Year Now March the 21. happens on a Monday; so that the Sunday following, which is March the 27th. must be EASTER DAY. But if the Limit fall on a Sunday, it must not then be EASTER DAY, but the Sunday following always. Et sic de cateris. But to dilucidate this matter a little further; You may please to observe, That the Golden Number is the ground of the EASTER LIMIT, with regard had to the New, or Full Moon happening somewhat before, or after the VERNAL EQUINOX. And in the Common-Prayer-Book, Printed Anno 1662. You have this plain and general Rule laid down for the constant finding of EASTER. EASTER DAY is always the first Sunday after the first FULL MOON; which happens near after the One and Twentieth day of MARCH. Where you are to Note, That the Full Moon here mentioned, is not the true Opposition of the Luminaries in an Astrological, but in an Ecclesiastical sense only; as it has been expressed in Common-Prayer-Books formerly, and is particularly mentioned in the MASS-BOOK Printed by Kingston and Sution, in Quarto, at London, Anno 1555; which was the second year of Queen MARY; the Title whereof is, Missale ad usum Ecclesia Sarisburiensis. In which is taught how to find EASTER DAY by New or Full Moons, with these Directions. Carmina docentia per Novilunia invenire Pascha. Post regum festa, quaere Novilunia trina, Post Dominica tertia, Pascha sacrum Celebra. Aliud. Post veris Aequinoctium quaere Ple●ilunium Et Dominica proxima sacrum celebra Pascha Non verius inveniens, si mille legas codices. The New Moon, (I say) here meant, is not the true … ptica● Conjunction of the SUN and MOON, but the Day only of the MOON's Mean Conjunction, as it was above 1300 years ago, and is in that Book found merely by taking the Day against which the proposed Year's GOLDEN NUMBER stands in the Margin of each Month. For the Calculator of that CALENDAR knew well enough that That day would be four Days after the NEW MOON of his own time, agreeable to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or first appearance of the MOON, and therefore directs us to begin at the Day so found, and to tell upwards a Syllable to each Day, saying, In Caelis est hic; which if you do, the Syllable hic, will fall four Days above your GOLDEN-NUMBER, and there show you the Day of NEW MOON for your time. The FULL MOON meant in those Verses are not so much as precise Day of the mean Opposition of the SUN and MOON, but are to be found in this manner. To the Day of that Ancient NEW MOON found by the GOLDEN-NUMBER. add 13. so have you the 14th. day of that Ecclesiastic CYCLIC Month. For, the GOLDEN-NUMBER of any year set to some Day, between March the 7th. and April the 6th. declares that Day to be the Ecclesiastical beginning of the year. And the grounds of this CYCLE are these,— March the 21st. was accounted the Day of the VERNAL AEQUINOX, (as yet it is with those that follow the ROMAN CORRECTION.) Now if this (viz. March 8. the day succeeding the Boundary, March 7.) be the Earliest NEW MOON that can be admitted for a 〈◊〉 Month, or the 〈◊〉 of the 〈…〉 year: The next year FIRST MONTH will begin with March 27. And the Third year FIRST MONTH will begin March 16. The Fourth year FIRST MONTH on April the 4th. and so in order, as is here set down. March. Apr. March. March. March. 8.27.16. 4. 23.12.31. 20.9. 28.17. Apr. March. Apr. March. March. 5. 25.14. 2. 22. 11. 30. 19 And then March the 8th. again, as at the first. The 〈…〉 returning after 19 years very nearly to the same place again, as the 〈◊〉 had been taught long before they were 〈◊〉; and as Astronomy also at 〈…〉 demonstrates. I shall not here trouble myself to tell you why these 19 〈…〉 or Beginnings of the FIRST MONTH were not (always) reckoned in this order: For than I must also undertake to show you how the CALENDARS in Missals and Common-Prayer-Books were made; and likewise how they came to differ. (A great unhappiness sure, to all that love Unity!) But this is certain, that the CALENDAR in our Common-Prayer-Book, in the Edition of 1662. hath its RED NUMBERS restored to it; (in which there is no harm,) and the true Ecclesiastical NEW and FULL MOONS, with their assistance, are truly stated, as in this following Table. Aur. Num.— 16.5.13. 2.10.18.7. N. Moon. Mar. 8.9.11. 12.14.16.17. F. Moon. Mar. 21.22.24. 25.27.29.30. Aur. Num. 15.4.12.1. 9.17.6.14. 3.11.19.8. 〈…〉 19.20.22.23. 25.27.28.30. 31.2.4.5. 〈◊〉 April. 1.2.4.5. 7.9.10.12. 13.15.17.18 And thus we have explained unto you the 19 EASTER LIMITS, according to Ecclesiastical appointment: Which many not knowing, are apt to quarrel with Astrologers about the right timing of this HOLY FEAST in their Almanacs. These are the Boundaries of EASTER, even as the 26th. of November is LIMIT of ADVENT; upon which day Saviour-Sunday never falls, but as soon after as may be. And EASTER you see hath every year a different LIMIT; upon which this FEAST is not to be celebrated, though it should fall on a SUNDAY, but upon the next SUNDAY following. Unless Men will wilfully oppose the Establishment which Authority hath made, (as some conceited persons ambitiously do,) which is not only unsafe, but very hold and temerarious. And, here we may further Mer●●, That these LIMITS do not oppose those set down by the late mentioned Renowned PRELATE, but are the same with His, in respect of the FULL MOON; but in regard of the NEW MOON, much larger, as any one but meanly skilled in Numbers may by Inspection perceive. The beforesaid Right Reverend BISHOP. according to these LIMITS, calculated an ●ASTERTABLE for 80. years, beginning 〈◊〉 166●. and Printed it with his 〈◊〉 But because it is the same with my EASTER TABLE, supputated for Two Hundred and odd years, (in respect at least of the Time un●●red,) I forbear Reprinting thereof, and shall here present you with an abstract of my own 〈◊〉. An EASTER TABLE accommodated to the Julia● and Gregorian Accounts for 204 years, beginning 〈◊〉 1677. Anno Chri. Julian Account. Gregorian Account. 1677 April 14 April 18 1678 March 31 10 1679 April 20 2 1680 11 21 1681 3 6 1682 16 March 22 1683 8 April 18 1684 March 30 2 1685 April 19 21 1686 4 14 1687 March 27 March 30 1688 April 15 April 18 1689 March 31 10 1690 April 20 March 26 1691 12 April 15 1692 March 27 6 1693 April 16 March 22 1694 8 April 11 1695 March 24 3 1696 April 12 22 1697 4 7 1698 24 March 23 1699 9 April 19 1700 March 31 10 1701 April 20 23 1702 5 15 1703 March 28 7 1704 April 16 March 22 1705 8 April 11 1706 March 24 3 1707 April 13 April 23 1708 4 7 1709 24 March 23 1710 9 April 19 1711 1 4 1712 20 23 1713 5 15 1714 March 28 March 31 1715 April 17 April 20 1716 1 11 1717 21 March 27 1718 13 April 16 1719 March 29 8 1720 April 17 March 23 1721 9 April 12 1722 March 25 4 1723 April 14 24 1724 5 15 1725 March 28 March 31 1726 April 10 April 20 1727 2 12 1728 21 March 27 1729 6 April 16 1730 March 29 8 1731 April 18 21 1732 9 12 1733 March 25 4 1734 April 14 24 1735 6 9 1736 25 March 24 1737 April 10 April 20 1738 2 5 1739 22 25 1740 6 16 1741 March 29 1 1742 April 18 21 1743 3 13 1744 March 25 4 1745 April 15 17 1746 March 30 9 1747 April 19 March 25 1748 10 April 13 1749 March 26 5 1750 April 15 25 1751 7 10 1752 March 29 1 1753 April 11 21 1754 3 13 1755 23 March 22 1756 14 April 17 1757 March 30 9 1758 April 19 March 25 1759 11 April 7 1760 March 26 5 1761 15 22 1762 7 10 1763 March 23 2 1764 April 11 21 1765 3 6 1766 23 March 22 1767 8 April 18 1768 March 30 2 1769 April 19 22 1770 4 14 1771 March 27 March 30 1772 April 15 April 18 1773 March 31 10 1774 April 26 March 26 1775 12 April 15 1776 3 6 1777 16 March 22 1778 8 April 18 1779 March 31 3 1780 April 19 22 1781 4 14 1782 March 27 March 30 1783 April 16 April 19 1784 March 31 10 1785 April 20 March 26 1786 12 April 15 1787 March 28 7 1788 April 16 March 22 1789 8 April 11 1790 March 24 3 1791 April 13 23 1792 4 7 1793 24 March 23 1794 9 April 19 1795 1 4 1796 20 March 29 1797 5 April 15 1798 March 28 7 1799 April 17 20 1800 8 11 1801 24 3 1802 13 23 1803 5 8 1804 24 March 23 1805 9 April 19 1806 1 4 1807 14 24 1808 5 15 1809 March 28 March 31 1810 April 17 April 20 1811 April 2 April 12 1812 21 March 27 1813 13 April 16 1814 March 29 8 1815 April 18 March 24 1816 9 April 12 1817 March 25 4 1818 April 14 24 1819 6 9 1820 March 28 March 31 1821 April 10 April 20 1822 2 12 1823 22 25 1824 6 16 1825 March 29 8 1826 April 18 21 1827 3 13 1828 25 14 1829 14 24 1830 6 9 1831 19 March 25 1832 10 April 21 1833 2 5 1834 22 25 1835 7 17 1836 March 29 1 1837 April 18 21 1838 3 13 1839 March 26 March 29 1840 April 14 April 17 1841 March 30 9 1842 April 19 March 25 1843 10 April 14 1844 March 26 5 1845 April 15 25 1846 April 7 April 10 1847 March 23 2 1848 April 11 21 1849 3 13 1850 23 March 22 1851 8 April 18 1852 March 31 9 1153 April 19 March 25 1854 11 April 14 1855 March 27 6 1856 April 15 25 1857 7 10 1858 March 23 2 1859 April 12 22 1860 3 6 1861 23 March 22 1862 8 April 18 1863 March 31 3 1864 April 19 22 1865 4 14 1866 March 27 March 30 1867 April 16 April 19 1868 March 31 10 1869 April 20 March 26 1870 12 April 15 1871 March 28 7 1872 April 16 March 22 1873 8 April 18 1874 March 31 3 1875 April 13 23 1876 4 14 1877 March 27 March 30 1878 April 16 April 19 1879 1 11 1880 20 March 26 This Table needeth no Explanation; we will therefore proceed in our Discourse of this Holy Feasts And that we may be the more plainly understood, let it be remembered, that there are Three kinds of EASTER, viz. The PASC●● 〈◊〉 or the Jewish EASTER. The PASC●● 〈◊〉, (I wish it were so) or our CASTER. The PASC●● 〈◊〉, or the 〈◊〉. CASTER. I. The 〈…〉 or Jewish Easter; which was called the PASSOVER (as some observe) from the Hebrew word P●●ach, which signifies to Leap, or to Pas● over, or 〈◊〉 [As our EASTER doth Leap, or Pass from one Week, Month or 〈◊〉 to another, every year.] And it was instituted, A●no Mundi 2447. and ordained to be Celebrated from the 15th. day of the 〈◊〉 Month called ABIB, (or March) to the 21st. day of the same Inclusive. i e. for VII. days together. Yet so, as that the 15th. day, and 21st. day were held 〈◊〉 Sacred than the rest. We may take notice, That ABIB, or March is justly called the First Month of the Year, by reason of the VERNAL EQUINOX its falling therein: In Honour whereof, (the Year at that time being Renewed unto us, and Nature presenting us with a new delightful Spring,) KINGS formerly were used to date their REIGNS thence, as this Holy PASCHAL FEAST took its beginning: Whence one wittily writes— Of Months, and of New Fruits is ABIB Father, King's Reigns were Reckoned thence, and Feasts together. The VII. Days were also called the Feast of Azymes; viz. A time in which it was not Lawful to eat Unleavened Bread; and the First of the Pascha, or EASTER, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because that thereon the PASCHAL LAMB was Slain, and Eaten, as a Type of our Ever Blessed Saviour's Passion and Resurrection: Who, as he was the 〈◊〉 of God, 〈◊〉 from the Beginning of the World for Salvation to all the Sons of ADAM, so he took away the 〈◊〉 of the World, from all those that truly 〈◊〉 on him. But the 〈◊〉 having thus appeared to us, we must not JU●●ZE, and still rest in the 〈◊〉 (i e.) we ought no longer to celebrate the Pass●ver after the Jewish, but ●line. I remember to have read somewhere of a 〈…〉 (I think 'twas S. Ignatius) who says, He that keeps EASTER after the manner of the JEWS, is a Companion of them that 〈◊〉 our SAVIOOR. But the saying seems somewhat too strict, at least in my Opinion; since to Commemorate the 〈◊〉 at all, is a Duty of RELIGION, and bespeaks a Veneration to the Memory of our 〈◊〉 (whether in Type, or 〈◊〉) in such as observe it Religi●●●y, though they do not Celebrate it as they ought: 'Tis the 〈◊〉 or Business of RELIGION to enjoin, and practise the keeping thereof; but 'tis a MATHEMATICAL, performance to appoint the right Tim● of its Observation. II. The P … 〈◊〉 (for so it was, and sometimes, (yet but sometimes,) is still so,) or That EASTER, which we observe, (if we believe 〈…〉) was first ordained 322. years' 〈…〉 … stum, or after the 〈◊〉 of our 〈…〉 SAVIOUR. For 〈…〉 Great, that Godlike Christian Emperor's, (who, as History informs us) had so great an Honour for the 〈…〉 Crucify'd Lord that on 〈◊〉 he arose, and bestowed the richest 〈◊〉 and … ties all over his EMPIRE And from His Example, his 〈◊〉 were wont to Release all PRISONER'S on this day, excepting such as were Gui●●y of M …, or some other very H●i●●●s 〈◊〉 And in the purer times of Christianity, … STIANS were constantly accustomed joyfully to Greet each other, with an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Christ is risen. And the usual Response was, Christ is risen indeed. Nay, those that were Enemies at this time, were Reconciled by the only Pious Amulet of a Surrexit Christus, and so became Friends again. Oh! that so Divine and Heavenly a Practice were Revived among us! This Noble Emperor, I say, taking notice of divers Errors, and Contentions which constantly happened among Christians, after the days of the Apostles, about the Celebrating of this HOLY FEAST of our Saviour's Rising from the Grave; Assembled from all Nations 318 Bishops, and other Learned Persons, as well Greeks, as Latins, and Aegrptians; such as could withal well determine of the Motions of the Heavenly Bodies, upon which this HOLY FEAST depends: Among whom, EUSEBIUS Bishop of Caesarea was chief; He being a most Excellent Astronomer, and Mathematician. And he kept them together near two years at his own proper Costs and Charges. And lo! in the year 323. they Instituted a NEW GOLDEN-NUMBER, differing from that in use among the Romans; by which New Number or Cycle, this FEAST was appointed to be Celebrated, not precisely upon the first FULL MOON of the FIRST MONTH, (as before you heard) or after the VERNAL AEQUINOX, lest the World should thereby be taught to Judaine, afresh, (as St. Austin well observes) but, statim post presently after, viz. upon the Sunday next following the first FULL MOON, that should happen after the VERNAL AEQUINOX. Terminis Paschalis (inquit Scaliger) est quarta decima Luna mensis, Paschalis Christianiseculo Constantini Magni. But this Institution of EASTER, as if begun under a Movable Horoscope, (to speak like an ginger.) was not continued above Seven years after the great Council of Nice. For Anno 330. post Christum, there arose many Differences between the Greeks and Romans about it: Which Controversy growing unto so great an height, and so many difficulties started therein; (Good ASTRONOMERS sure were very scarce in those Days) that it continued near 200 Years before it could admit of any Reconcilia●ian: To the great Gr●ef and Trouble of CHRISTIANS, and Scandal of CHRIS●LAN●TY. But at length, for the quieting of all Contentions about this SACRED FEAST, in the time of JUSTINIAN the Emperor, viz. 527. there arose one DIONYSIUS ABBAS, a Noble Roman, (and one certainly 〈◊〉 by God, for so good and glorious a WORK!) And he taking into consideration the many ERRORS broached about this HOLY FEAST, began to frame Tables of EASTER, according to the mind of the for●er Council; which he completed Anno 532, post Cr●s●um. And so happy and fortunate was the Noble 〈◊〉 in this his performance, That, the great Council of CHALCEDON being satisfied with the Truth and Excellency thereof, were pleased not only to approve of, and own it, but also to Enact, That whosoever held any other EAS●●●, than tha● which was 〈◊〉 the Bl●●of Rome, 〈…〉 should be rep●●ed and 〈◊〉 against as an HE RETICK. But before I proceed any further, I conceive it requisite, for the satisfaction of those that are unacquainted with the Antiquity and Honour of this SACRED FEAST; and of the many Troubles that have invaded the World, by reason of its not being truly Observed, or Celebrated, to transcribe a few 〈◊〉 from the Learned Dr. CAVE, in his 〈…〉 concerning this matter, viz. Of all the 〈◊〉 observed in the Christian Church, EASTER challenges the precedence, both for its Antiquity, and the great 〈◊〉 about it; that in, and from the very times of the APOSTLES (besides the weekly returns of the Lord's Day,) there has been always an Anniversary Festival in memory of CHRIST's RESURRECTION, no Man can doubt that has any insight into the Affairs of the ANCIENT CHURCH. All the dispute was about the particular time when it was to be kept; which became a matter of as famous a Controversy, as any that in those Ages exercised the Christian World. The state of the Case was briefly this: The Churches of Asia the Less kept their EASTER upon the same day whereon the Jews Celebrated their PASSOVER, viz. upon the Fourteenth Day of the First Month (which always began with the appearance of the MOON,) mostly answering to our March; and this they did upon what Day of the Week soever it fell, and hence were styled Quart● Decimans, because keeping EASTER Quarto decima Lunae, upon the Fourteenth Day after the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or Appearance of the. MOON The other Churches and especially those of the WES● did not follow this Custom, but kept ●●STER upon the 〈…〉 following the Day of the 〈…〉 partly the more to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 and partly to distinguish between 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉 pleaded for themselves the practise of the Apostles 〈◊〉 Bishop of S●nyrna, who had lived and conversed with them, having kept it upon that Day, together with St. 〈◊〉 and the rest of the 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉, (who himself knew 〈◊〉 and doubtless had it from his own mouth,) speaks in a Letter about this very thing, though himself was on the other side. And POL●CRATES in a Letter to the same purpose, instances, not only in St. JOHN, but St. PHILL●● the 〈◊〉 who himself, and his whole 〈◊〉 used to keep it, from whom it had been conveyed down in a constant and uninterrupted Observance through all the Bishops of those places, some whereof he there Enumerates; and tells us, That 〈…〉 of that place in a cunstan● 〈…〉 had been his Kinsmen, and himself the 〈◊〉 and that it had never been kept by them upon any other Day: This we are not so to understand, as if St. 〈◊〉 and the Apostle had Instituted this 〈◊〉 and Commanded it to be observed on that Day, but rather that they did it by way of 〈…〉 accommodating their Practice in a matter Indifferent to the humour of the AEWIS● CONVERTS, (whose number in those Parts was very great) as they had done before in several other Cases, and particularly in observing the 〈◊〉 or Saturday, The 〈◊〉 Churches also, (says Eusebius,) had for their Patronage an APOSTOLICAL TRADITION or at least pretended it; and were the much more Numerous Party. This 〈◊〉 was the Spring of great Blushern in the Church; for the Bishops of Rome stickled hard to impose their Cust●● upon the 〈◊〉 Churches; whereupon 〈…〉 comes over to 〈◊〉 to confer with AN●CET●S who was then 〈◊〉 about it; And though they could not agree the matter, yet they parted fairly. After this 〈…〉 renewed the Qu●●rel, and was so fierce and peremptory in the Case, that he either actually did, or severely threatened to 〈◊〉 the EASTERN CHURCHES, for standing out against it. This Rath, and Bold attempt, was ill resented by the Sober, and Moderate Men of his own Party, who writ to him about it; and particularly 〈◊〉, (a Man, as Eusebi●● notes, truly answering his Name, both in his 〈◊〉 and his Life, QUIET and ●EAC●ABLE,) who gravely reproved him for Renting the 〈◊〉 of the CHURCH and troubling so many 〈…〉 for observing the Customs derived to them from their ANCESTORS; with much more to the same purpose. But the ASIAN BI●●●● little regarded what was either said, or done at 〈◊〉 and still went on in their 〈…〉, though by the diligent Practices of the other Party, they lost ground; but yet still made shift to keep the Cause on Foot, till the coming of 〈◊〉, who finding this 〈◊〉 amongst others, much to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the CHURCH, did for this, and some other Reasons, Summon the Great Council of NICE; by whom this Question was solemnly determined, and EASTER ordained to be 〈◊〉 upon One, and the same Day throughout the World, not according to the Customs of the JEWS, but upon the LORDSDAY, and this Decree Ratified and Published by the Imperial Let●●● to all the 〈◊〉 Thus far this Learned Author, 〈…〉 Part 1. cap. 7. pag. 185. etc. To add one Testimony further in defence of this Argument, I find in a 〈◊〉 lately Printed by N. Thompson, Entitled, The State of Ch●rch-Affairs 〈…〉 under the Romans, and British 〈◊〉 viz. — In this Council (of 〈◊〉) was further Order made, for the 〈◊〉 Observation of EASTER, upon the first Sunday following the 14th. Day of the first MO●N after the VERNAL AEQUINON: For the better finding out of which, it was recommended to the C●●e of the 〈…〉 of ●●●andria, every year to give notice to the Bishop of 〈◊〉 upon what Day EASTER was to be observed; and this was to be communicated unto all 〈◊〉 MOTER 〈◊〉. And during MASS on the 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 with a loud Voice, declared the following EASTER, whereby ●●NT and all other 〈…〉 were regulated: And accordingly the 〈…〉 also were guided, until 〈◊〉 from ROME was interrupted by Domestic Brails, and the Invasion of the SAXONS. And when by such interruption the Bri●ans varied from the Western Churches, they kept not ●ASTER as the Quarto Deci●●●●, precisely upon the 14th. Day of the MOON after the Jewish mode: But if that 14th. Day happened upon a Sunday, they did not defer the Observation until the S●nday following, as other Catholic Christian CHURCHES used to do. This Little Quotation would bear a 〈…〉 which I could willingly afford to it, did not I A●● at Conciseness. But I refer you to the Book itself, which is worth your perusal. III. To reassume our former matter: The Correction by DIONYSIUS ABBAS, by virtue of the Decree of the Council, not of VICE, (though that led to this,) but of CHALCED●●, (as I mentioned before,) continued about 1050. years, without so much as being once questioned, viz. unto the year 1582. No Man until that time ever daring to presume to 〈◊〉 the Celebration of this 〈◊〉 But then, viz. Anno 〈…〉 being so eminently obvious in the 〈◊〉 of its Celebration, (so hard and difficult a matter it is for Time and Truth long to keep company together.) The word● and worthy minded 〈…〉 the XIII. was (by some Divine Impulse certainly) most happily moved to a Correction of the 〈…〉 and so commanded the 〈…〉 to be framed; which after his Name, and in Memory of so excellent a Service to the 〈◊〉 was called the 〈…〉 For it was most apparently seen that the Aequinones fled Backward, viz. from March the 21st. day, unto Mar●● the 11th. day, no less than Ten Days in time. (A great Error! and was most fit to be amended.) By reason of which Antiquation, there happened two FULL MOONS after the Vernal Aequinow, before EASTER could be Celebrated: And consequently there would be TWO EASTERS in One Year; or within the Compass of 365 Days; as it still very often happens with us in England, and in other Places, where ever the 〈◊〉 Accounted is used, for want of a due Correction. The observation of which 〈◊〉 Erian. (I say) occasioned the good POPE 〈◊〉 to alter the 〈◊〉 which he did by substracting Ten Day● from the Family Tray of 〈◊〉, to the Fifteenth Day thereof, Inclusive, Anno 1●82. for prevention of so remarkable an Inconvenience as the common EASTERTA. ●●ES were chargeable withal. Which Anticipa●●un of the 〈◊〉 if continued, in process of time, Our BLESNED 〈…〉 and St. JOHN BA●●●●, (as the skilful in Astronomy observe,) must come to exchange their 〈◊〉 and the 〈◊〉 of ●●RTST's 〈◊〉 fall in 〈◊〉 when the 〈◊〉 is in Cancer; and that of the BAPTIST, in December, when the Sun is in Capricorn. An ERROR which greatly behoved the than Christian Authority to command a correction of. And for prevention of this 〈◊〉 (an offence even against the Law of Nature, as charging the orderly motions of the STARS with disorder,) the 〈◊〉 Church have Reformed their CA●●●DAR, and PASCHAL TABLES to such a degree of certainty, that they always produce their EASTER on the SUNDAY following the first FULLMOON post Aequinoctium Vernalem: Nearly (not fully,) agreeable to the Decree of the COUNCIL of NICE Unto which, the Rule for finding EASTER even in our Common-Prayer-Book consents, though the TABLE of this HOLY FEAST therein be very often contrary thereunto. As indeed to our shame it must, until we shall be so happy as to obtain a CORRECTION of the 〈…〉 DAR, by which our great FESTIVAL is at present governed. But, what then? Is the emendation of POPE GREGORY exactly true? It were indeed to be wished so, but we know it falls short of Verity, though not so much as the JULIAN ACCOUNT: Yes, and calls also for a CORRECTION, though not so loudly and strongly. It is a Younger Establishment, and therefore more vigorous and similar to TRUTH. Whereas ours is as Ancient as the good DIONY●IVS EXIGWS, and with Age grown very weak and decrepit, humbly imploring AUTHORITY to consider its case, and yield it such relief, and support, as to their Wisdoms shall seem most fit and convenient. But although the Gregorian Account be not so complete and perfect as may be wished, I will yet acknowledge (with Mr. Hooker, and others,) that it is much more Correct and Certain than the JV●●AN. And that in several regards: First, (as he well observes,) the Quantity of the Gregorian Year doth better accord to the Heavenly Motions. Secondly, for that the AEQUINOXES and SOLSTICES are thereby more firmly bound to certain Days. And Thirdly, because EASTER is (generally) more truly Celebrated, according to the mind of the Doctors and Fathers of the NICENE COUNCIL. Nevertheless we may complain, (with Clavius,) That the Solar year itself is not exactly determined: The exact motion of the SUN is not truly known, as may be seen by comparing Astronomical Tables, even of the best and latest Authors, Kepler, Wing, Bullialdus, Shackerly, etc. Alas it is not the work of a private Hand, or Head, that can conquer this HYDRA: It becomes the tremend Pains and Endeavours of a General Council, with an EMPEROR or RING present at it, and in the Head of it, thereby the better to give Encouragement to so Great and Glorious a Work● as in those of Nice, and Chalccdon. In the later of which, when they came to an accord about this Holy Feast, they all with one Voice made this Pious Acclamation, Vnum Pascha in Orbi Terrarum! There is but ONE EASTER now all the World over. What hath been, may be, and we have the same God of Truth to rely on: The same Ingenuity to assist us: We want only the same Industry, (and I was about to say the same Encouragement,) with them that have gone before us. Let us observe further, That this Holy Feast of FASTER, both for its Name and Use, of All Feasts ought to be most punctually and truly observed. Of the Name we have spoken somewhat before, and something likewise of its Use. But it may moreover be remembered, that the HOLY CHURCH, for the advantage of all Pl●● Chr●●ians, hath appointed it to be observed as a time of PACIFICATION, when to bring our Peace Offerings to God, and to One Another. And it is therefore justly styled FESTUM PACIS; the blessed Feast of Peace; because at this time the Sun of Righteousness, and PRINCE of PEACE, arose from the Grave, (according to what was Prophesied long before of him,) to bring PEACE and Salvation to all Men. And how requisite it is to have a FEAST of so glorious a Memorandum, and Immense Advantage to the World, truly Stated and Observed, I submit to the Judgement of all Wise Men, and good Christians. I well remember what a great Bustle, Anno 1664, there was in this Nation, about the right observing of this HOLY FEAST. The KING and COUNCH were troubled with complaints about it. And it was alleged to the King's Majesty. that all the Almanac-makers for that year were mistaken in the right timing of this FEAST, and had imposed a wrong EASTER upon the World. Upon which noisy Charge, the Learned Dr. PELL. Chaplain to the (then) Archbishop of Canterbury, wrote an Ingenious Discourse in a Letter to a Friend in London, which was afterwards Printed, bearing this Title, EASTER not MISTIMED. In which, this worthy Gentleman, plainly proved where the Errour-lay, and the Astrologers, or Almanac-makers were also justly defended, as well in respect of the Truth of their Art, as from an impossibility of their confederating together, to delude the World with a False Easter, whereas many of them lived remote from London, and from each other, and the most of them unknown One to the Other. And the next year, viz. 1665. several of them that wrote Almanacs, as Mr. WHARTON, M. WING, Mr. BOOKER, and myself, as sensible of the Injustice, as well as Unreasonableness of that ridiculous CLAMOUR, wrote a particular Defence of the ART, as to that matter, in the several ALMANACS of that year, as may be seen by any that please to take the pains to peruse them. But now, that we may not only talk of ERRORS, but teach how to set them Straight and Even, let me here humbly and faithfully endeavour to show how they may be amended. How to keep EASTER truly for Ever. In my pursuit of this Excellent VERITY, I have found out Two very Easy Ways, whereby to accomplish this Illustrious End; (Nay, they are in several respects the same, though seemingly different.) as proceeding from Two very Learned Men, and Excellent Astronomers, even of our own Age. Which proves that the Scientifical Genius of this Intelligent Nation is not at REST until it have not only discovered, but done something of SERVICE to so great and glorious a Truth, as is the right Establishment of this HOLY FEAST. I. The first way I have met with for Establishing the right observation of this HOLY FEAST, that it may no more be liable to Error, is from the Works of that late Learned Gentleman, Sir GEORGE WHARTON, Baronet. But before I discover the way, give me leave, from the same Author, to show you what great Errors will occur, in case the CALENDAR be not corrected, viz. Without a Correction of the Calendar, EASTER DAY will fall a week different from the Time assigned by the Rule in the Common-Prayer-Book, as it hath happened since the Year of Christ, 1600. Twenty Times, to Anno 1664. viz. In the Years 1602. 1609. 1610. 1613. 1616. 1619. 1620. 1623. 1626. 1630. 1637. 1640. 1643. 1646. 1647. 1650. 1653. 1657. 1661. 1664 And will so again, (says this worthy Author) unless a Reformation be obtained,) in the Years 1667. 1669. 1673. 1677. 1681. 1684 1685. 1687. 1688. 1691. 1694. 1697. And Thirty One times more before the Year 1800. Nor is this all: For there ofttimes happens a whole Monthy Error, as to the time of the Celebration thereof, having already fallen out so 〈…〉 since that of 〈…〉 viz. in the years 1625. 16●● 〈◊〉 and so will again, (without a 〈◊〉 of the ●●lendar) in the years 〈…〉 1723. 174●. 1750. 〈…〉 and in the year ●●07. For in those years there will happen (from the 〈…〉) two Full Moons before our EASTER can be kept. Nay, there falls out very often no less than 35. days, (or span●) ●●ROUR, in the time of our EASTER, having already fallen out so no less than Eleven 〈◊〉 since the year 〈◊〉 viz. in the years, 〈…〉 1622. 16●● 〈…〉 1663. and so will again, (without an amendment of the 〈…〉) in the years, 16●●. 〈…〉 And just 〈…〉 more before the year 1800. But, in the years 2437. 2467. 2491. etc. there will be 42 days ERROR, and some time afterward no less than 49 days: And after the year 2698. (if the old Calendar should be still retained) it will Never again happen according to the Rule of the Church: which fixes it on the Sunday following the first Full Moon next after the VERNAL AEQUINOS. Vid. Calend. Carol. pro An. 1665. Now, let us consider the way he teaches to 〈◊〉, and prevent these ERRORS for time to come; And that is this, viz.— That if all the 〈◊〉 were omitted for Fi●●y 〈◊〉, that alone would gradually, and insensibly, without the least inconveniency, bring us 〈◊〉 Day● before the 〈◊〉 ACCOUNT, and be exactly agreeable to the SUN'S place at the 〈◊〉 of our 〈◊〉 SAVIOUR. Whereas the very GREGO 〈…〉 (though now the Best and the Truest) would be Two day less Ex●●●; That being only reduced to the 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉. And, if after this, the 〈◊〉 be kept as before (except every 132. years, wherein the ●EAF-DAY must be omitted for ever,) or else, that 〈…〉 Day be struck off every 100 years (except in each 400.) for ever; there would need no more to have our 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 (and all other 〈…〉 therein depending) kept according to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Observation. Se● the Demonst●●●●●●. For by supposing the 〈◊〉 Year to be (after 〈◊〉) 365 Days, 5 Hours, 49 Minutes, 4 Seconds, 21 Thirds, the Annual 〈◊〉 allowed it by 〈…〉 NEAR, will be 10 Minutes, 55 Seconds, 39 Thirds, which 〈…〉 in 132 Years; and but 2 Minutes, 25 Seconds, 48 Thirds, over. And 3 Days in 400 Years, with 51 Minutes over; which makes but One Day in 11294 Years, very inconsiderable. And Oh! that our British Nation, (as Polite in Arts, etc. as any other Country in Europe, or perhaps in the whole World.) might be but so happy as to assume the Glory of a right Correction of the ●ALENDAR, even for ●ASTER's ●AKE● A 〈◊〉 most Sacred, as being of 〈…〉; and ever in use among Christine since the Glorinas Resur● 〈◊〉 of our 〈◊〉 and SAY●DUR. The Good and Pious Emperor, CONSTANTINE the Great, termed it, and that truly, The most 〈◊〉 of ●EASTS. Even that CONSTANTINE which first gave Wings to CHRISTIANITY; who after his having Embraced the 〈◊〉 of the Ever BLESSED JESUS, most worthily and happily Established it by a LAW. True it is, there hath been (as before was remembered,) many 〈◊〉 between the EASTERN and WESTERN Churches, about the right Observation of this HOLY FEAST, and several Councils convened about it, who have endeavoured to set it right. But I say, (with that most Learned and Excellent Prelate, BISHOP ANDREWS,) they met, not about the FEAST itself, (for that was never disputed by Christians) but about the true time of its Celebration only. B●AST●● himself, (though guilty of Heresy in the business of this great STIVA●,) never denied an 〈◊〉 but questioned the 〈◊〉 of its … tion. As indeed any Man may reasonably do, (provided he do not with 〈◊〉 affront Authority) considering the many Errors and 〈◊〉 which have been broached about it; and never fear being Branded as an 〈◊〉 for so doing. This 〈…〉 was the first Man that started the 〈…〉 of the QVARTO-DEC … a 〈◊〉 that held it unlawful to keep 〈◊〉 but upon the Fourteenth Day 〈…〉 (whence it was denominated,) which was agreeable to the observation of the Jemish Pass●ver: A Prail●●● no way comporting with the Honour of Christianity, or of our Blessed 〈◊〉 Resurrection. II. To return from what I digressed: Because I am entered upon so Excellent and Divine 〈◊〉, (fit for the Employment of a more Learned and Worthy Pen, I confess.) I will omit nothing that may be necessary for the Correction, and right keeping of this SACRED FEAST. I will therefore subjoin another D●●●●nstration of a 〈◊〉 of the CALENDAR. Which, (that I may not incur the hateful Censure of a 〈◊〉,) I do own to have found Printed 〈…〉 (imperfectly) with a 〈◊〉 of the MOVABLE FEASTS for 532 years to come, from that time; Calculated by some Curious 〈…〉 Hand, to me wholly unknown. I wish I knew the Industrious and Laborious Author thereof, that I might, (Nomine,) pay him his much merited respect. For had I been acquainted with that his worthy Work sooner, it had saved me a vast deal of Pains in the compiling of my EASTER TABLE for more than 200 years to come, from 〈◊〉 1677. (an Abstract whereof I have before Inserted.) Which 〈◊〉 I performed at the Command of the Honourable GEORGE 〈◊〉, Esquire, my most Noble 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 since deceased.— 'Tis this. An 〈◊〉 toward the Reformation of the 〈◊〉 C●●●●dar. The quantity of the Solar ●ear is said to consist of 365 Days, 5 Hours, 49 Minutes, 16 Seconds. Others will have it to be two or three Seconds more. I conceive two or three Seconds in this case makes an 〈…〉 Variation. I shall therefore adhere to the first, viz. That the quantity of the true Solar ●ear is, 365 Days, 5 Hours, 49 Minutes, 16 Seconds. h. m. se. 5 49 16 5 49 16 5 49 16 5 49 16 23 17 4 The odd 5 ho. 49. min. 16. sec. in 4 years, (as in the Margin,) makes but 23 h. 17 m. se. 4 Which 23 h. 17. m. 4 se. is less than a whole day, by 00 h. 42 m. 56 se. So that the making of the Fourth Tear to consist of 366 Days, (which we call Leap-year) doth thrust back the VERNAL AEQU●NOX the quantity of— 00 h. 42 m. 56 se. And if there should be no Intercalation of One Day in Four Years, so that the Fourth Year should consist but of 365 Days; then will the VERNAL AEQUINOX be thrust forward in Four years, the quantity of— 23 h. 17 m. 04 se. In 1664. (the Number of Years Elapsed from the Birth of our SAVIOUR, and the particular Year which the AUTHOR made use of,) are contained 4, 6 Leapyears; which 416 being multiplied by 42 m. 56 sec. do make 12 days, 9 hours, 40. min. 16. sec. so that by the observation of 416 Leap-Yers together, without the omission of any one, the AEQUINOXES are thruse back in the Year of our Lord 1664. the quantity of— 12 d. 9 h. 40 m. 16 se. And if the CALENDAR continue without Reformation for the space of 1664 Years more, the VERNAL AEQUINOX will be in February For the Reformation whereof, I offer this Expedient. To Reduce the VERNAL AEQUINOX to the same Day upon which it was at the Birth of CHRIST. Let Thirteen Leap-Year. be omitted; that is, let the Year consist but of 365 Days, for Fisty two Years following the Year ●004, and the VERNAL AEQUINOX will insensibly return on the same day it was at the Birth of CHRIST. See the Demonstration d. h. m. se. 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 00 23 17 04 12 14 41 52 It appeareth above, that the omision of one LEAPYEARS doth put forward the AEQUINOX, the quantity of 23 h. 17 m. 4 sec. and therefore the omission of 13 LEAPYEARS together, do make 12 days, 14 hours, 41 minutes, 52 seconds, (as in the Margin,) so that the omission of 13 LEAPYEARS together, will make the EQUINOXES to run forward the quantity of 12 d. 15 h. 51 m. 52 se. It appeareth also above, That Anno 166●, the VERNAL AEQUINOX was run back the quantity of— 12 d. 9 h. 40 m. 16 se. So that substracting 12 d. 9 h. 40 m. 16 se. (the quantity which the AEQUINOX was run 〈◊〉, Anno, 166●.) from 12 d. 14 h. 41 m. 52 se. the quantity which the Omission of 13 LEAPYEARS will thrust forward the AEQUINOX, Anno 1716, the remainder is, 5 h. 1 m. 36 se. By which it plainly appears, that if 13 LEAPYEARS be omitted, (as is before expressed) the AEQUINOX, Anno. ●●16, will be 〈…〉 but only the quantity of— 00 d. 5 h. 13 m. 6 se. The AEQUINOXES being thus 〈◊〉 (or by what 〈…〉 it shall please His Gracious Majesty to cause it to be 〈◊〉) it being once done, ☽ may be kept from running Back, or Forward, the quantity of Twenty four Hours for Ever, after this manner, viz. To keep the AEQUINOXES from Anticipation. Let every 34th. LEAP-TEAR be omitted, and the Anticipation will not be the quantity of word● in 10000 Years. The Demonstration whereof followeth. It is before Demonstrated, That the keeping of ONE LEAP-YEAR doth put back the ●●●NOXES 42 min. 56 sec. and therefore the keeping of 33 LEAPYEARS together, doth put them bark the quantity of— 23 h. 36 m. 48 se. Also by Omission of One LEAP-YEAR, (as is before expressed,) they are 〈◊〉— 23 h. 17 m. 04 se. The Difference, or Anticipation therefore in 136 Years, is but— 00 h. 19 m. 44 se. So that it is 〈◊〉 That if from reducing the AEQUINOX, viz. An. 〈…〉 three LEAPYEARS be kept, and the 34th. viz. 〈◊〉 be omitted, the going 〈◊〉 of the AEQUINOXES in every 136 years, will be but 19 m. 44 sec. And taking the 19 min. 44 sec. (the quantity run back from the 〈◊〉 to the year 1852.) from 5 ho. 1 min. 36 sec. (the 〈◊〉 it was too forward Anno 1716.) the remainder that the AEQUINOXES will be too forward, 〈…〉 will be the quantity of— 04 h. 41 m. 52 se. So that it will be above 〈◊〉 after the 〈…〉 before the AEQUINOXES will be put 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of ONE MINUTE● And in 9000 Years after that, if every 34th. LEAP-YEAR be omitted, (as aforesaid,) the Anticipation will not be the quantity of Twenty four Hours, and may then (by the Omission of another LEAP-YEAR more,) be Reduced. Thus far this ENCELLENT AUTHOR. Now, how requisite it is that AUTHORITY be humbly put in mind of a Matter so August and Weighty, as is the right Observation of the HOLY FEAST of our Blessed 〈◊〉 's Resurrection, will, I hope, most fully appear from the foregoing Diss●urs● as also by divers pre-visional Consequences. For without a Correction of the CALENDAR, we shall be Obnoxious to many ERRORS, and most certainly find, I. That within the compass of a very small Circuit of Years, viz. from this very Year of 1687, to the Year 1702 (A short ●ime only) we shall be 〈◊〉 of no less than ●ight or Nine apparent ERRORS in respect of the right Timing of the Holy. F●●st of EASTER. Almost as many ERRORS as Years. Not to mention what more will certainly be found after that Year; which will, (indeed) be very Numerous. As before you have plainly been informed. II. In Tract of Time, if no Correction be obtained, the very Season of the Year will be varied so much, that our WINTER will be found at MIDSUMMER; and our Sum●● or 〈◊〉 Days. will appear at 〈◊〉: and our BLESSED 〈◊〉 and the BAPTIST be forced to Exchange their TROPICS. as before you have heard. III. The 〈…〉, (though in itself not absolutely true,) will, (as indeed already it frequently doth,) carry the GARLAND from the Julian Account, and make it to be looked on as a ●●anger to TRUTH iv If no Correction of our CALENDAR be made, we shall be commonly constrained to the Keeping of Two EASTERS in O●e Year, or within the Compass of less than 365 Days. As it fell out A●●● 1668, and must again the n●xt Year 1688, and very often afterwards. V Without a Correction of the CALENDAR, our Learned'st Divines, and ●●storians, as well as Mathematicians, will be at a Loss, in the right assigning of EASTER, and stand liable to be Taxed, or T●●●ed with IGNORANCE in the just, and proper LIMITS of this Sacred Feast; as the Learned and Noble BARONIUS once was, by the Industrious Sethus Calvisius, that Excellent 〈◊〉. VI For want of an emendation of the 〈◊〉 CALENDAR, our CHURCH and STATE in Time will be compelled to the like Tr●●ble, as once was the good Bishop of Alexandria, viz. To send their Pascha 〈◊〉 into all. Parts of His Majesty's Dominions to give Warning for the right Observation of EASTER. which must prove a very great trouble. But the Consideration of these things, and of many other Consequences, (not readily foreseen,) hence arising, I most humbly submit to the Wisdom of those in AUTHORITY over us, in CHURCH and STATE, who are (if GOD so please,) able, not only to Compass, but Command so great and needful, as well as useful a CORRECTION of the CALENDAR, which we at this Day, by Authority, must, and do follow, though in itself very Erroneous and Defective. According to this Essay, for an Emendation of the CALENDAR, I will here insert a TABLE for the true finding out the Dominical Letter, and EASTER-DAY, (upon which all the other Movable Feasts depend,) for Two hundred Tears yet to come: Which if Authority shall vouchsafe to Approve of, and Countenance, may be continued for Ever. 'Tis this which follows. Anno Christ. Dom. Letter EASTER DAY 1665 The Thirteen Leapyears omitted, according to the former Rule. A March 26 1666 G April 15 1667 F 7 1668 E March 22 1669 D April 12 1670 C 4 1671 B 24 1672 A 9 1673 G 1 1674 F 14 1675 E 6 1676 D March 29 1677 C April 11 1678 B 3 1679 A 23 1680 G 8 1681 F March 31 1682 E April 20 1683 D 5 1684 C March 28 1685 B April 17 1686 A 2 1687 G March 25 1688 F April 14 1689 E March 30 1690 D April 19 1691 C 11 1692 B March 27 1693 A April 16 1694 G 8 1695 F March 24 1696 E April 13 1697 D 5 1698 C 25 1699 B 10 1700 A 2 1701 G 22 1702 F April 7 1703 E March 30 1704 D April 19 1705 C 4 1706 B March 27 1707 A April 16 1708 G 1 1709 F 22 1710 E 6 1711 D March 29 1712 C April 18 1713 B 3 1714 A March 26 1715 G April 15 1716 F March 31 1717 E April 20 1718 D 12 1719 C March 28 1720 * Leapyears continued as before. B A April 16 1721 G 8 1722 F March 31 1723 E April 13 1724 D C 4 1725 B March 27 1726 A April 16 1727 G 1 1728 F E 20 1729 D 12 1730 C March 28 1731 B April 17 1732 A G 8 1733 F March 24 1734 E April 13 1735 D 5 1736 C B 24 1737 A 9 1738 G 1 1739 F April 21 1740 E D 5 1741 C March 28 1742 B April 17 1743 A 2 1744 G ● March 24 1745 E April 13 1746 D 5 1747 C 18 1748 B A 9 1749 G 1 1750 F 14 1751 E 6 1752 D C March 28 1753 B April 17 1754 A 2 1755 G 22 1756 ●● 13 1757 D March 29 1758 C April 18 1759 B 10 1760 A C March 25 1761 F April 14 1762 E 6 1763 D March 22 1764 C ● April 10 1765 A 2 1766 G 22 1767 F 7 1768 E D March 29 1769 C April 18 1770 B 3 1771 A March 26 1772 ●● April 14 1773 E 6 1774 D 19 1775 C 11 1776 B ● April 2 1777 G 22 1778 F 7 1779 E March 30 1780 D C April 18 1781 B 3 1782 A March 26 1783 G April 15 1784 ●● March 30 1785 D April 19 1786 C 11 1787 B March 27 1788 ●● April 1 1789 F 7 1790 E March 23 1791 D April 12 1792 ●● 3 1793 A 23 1794 G 8 1795 F March 31 1796 ●● April 19 1797 C 11 1798 B March 27 1799 A April 16 1800 G F 7 1801 E March 23 1802 D April 12 1803 C 4 1804 ●● 23 1805 G 8 1806 F March 31 1807 E April 20 1808 ●● 4 1809 B March 27 1810 A April 16 1811 G 1 1812 ●● 20 1813 D April 12 1814 C March 28 1815 B April 17 1816 A G 8 1817 F March 31 1818 E April 13 1819 D 5 1820 C B March 27 1821 A April 16 8822 G 1 1823 F ● 21 1824 ● D 12 1825 C March 28 1826 B April 17 1827 A 19 1828 G ● March 24 1829 E April 13 1830 D 5 1831 C 25 1832 B ● 9 1833 G 1 1834 F 21 1835 E 6 1836 D C March 28 1837 B April 17 1838 A 2 1839 G March 25 1840 F E April 13 1841 D 5 1842 C 18 1843 B 10 1844 A G 1 1845 F 14 1846 E 6 1847 D March 29 1848 C ● April 17 1849 A 2 1850 G 22 1851 F April 14 1852 * The Leap year omitted according to the former Rule. E March 30 1853 D April 19 1854 C 11 1855 B March 27 1856 A G April 15 1857 F 7 1858 E March 23 1859 D April 12 1860 C B 3 1861 A 23 1862 G 8 1863 F March 31 1864 E D April 19 1865 C 4 1866 B March 27 1867 A April 16 1868 G F March 31 1869 E April 13 1870 D 12 1871 C 11 1872 R A 16 1873 G 8 1874 F March 31 1875 E April 13 1876 D C 4 1877 B March 27 1878 A April 16 1879 G 1 1880 F E 20 1881 D 12 1882 C March 28 1883 B April 17 1884 A G 8 1885 F March 24 1886 E April 13 1887 D 5 1888 C ● 24 Now if Authority shall think fit to approve hereof, the same GOLDEN-NUMBER, AEPACT, etc. may still be continued, as is in Use with Us at the present, and no other Alteration required in Either, than what is found by this NEW TABLE, viz. by Omission of 13 LEAPYEARS, according to the former Rule. Let not any Ingenious Artist, or others wonder that this New Table differs from the common EASTER TABLES, or our present Ephemerideses, or the ordinary Methods for the finding the Time of this HOLY FEAST; for so it must needs do, since the LEAPYEARS for 52 Years together are omitted, according to this New Hypothesis for the Correcting of the present ERRORS attending it. By reason whereof this HOLY FEAST, will sometimes, (seemingly,) fall upon different Days, not only of the Monch, but Week, in respect of the present Establishment. And so it will continue to do until Anno 1852. In which Year the LEAP-DAY, (according to the former Rule,) again will be omitted, as you may see by the TABLE. After which time the GOLDEN-NUMBER, and Dominital Letter, (as the Table exhibits to your view,) will come into the 〈◊〉 Order they were, as in for●er Years, or as they are at the present. And then also the LEAPYEARS will keep their right Courses, as now, (except before excepted,) for many Ages to come, and be subject to no Error at all. To conclude, I have before mentioned One grand occasion of Errors happening in the Time of this HOLY FEAST to be the Precession of the VERNAL AEQUINOX, which from the first Council of Nice, to our Times, hath Anticipated not fewer than Eleven Days. It falling now on, or about the 10th Day of March; whereas at the time of that ●●uncil, it was on the 21st. Day of the same Month, etc. But there is another Ground also of this Error, (which I mentioned not before,) viz. The Lunations or 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 and Moon, which by reason of the too great quantity allowed them, do, in every 19 Years Anticipate almost an Ho●● and an Half; and in 132 Years and an half, One whole Day: And therefore not Exactly to be found by the Golden-Number, although on those Lunations the Feast of ●ASTER dependeth, as of It all the rest of the Movable Feasts. Now both these together were the just occasion of the Roman Emendation, whereby that CHURCH doth always produce EASTER on the Sunday following the first FULL MOON next after the VERNAL AEQ●INOX agreeable to the Decree of the Nicene Council, and also to the Rule for finding thereof in our English Common-Prayer-Book, — When He is come— He will lead you into All Truth, ●. Joh. cap. 26. v. 13. ERRATA. Pag. 3. line 13. read MONAT. p. 5. l. 11. r. Right hand. p. 10. l. antepenult. r. 31 April 2.4.5. p. 29. l. 2. r. as I find. p. 50. l. 19 in the Margin, r. 12 d. 14 h. 41 m. 52 se. p. 51. l. 13. in the Margin, r. 5. h. 1 m. 36 se. POSTSCRIPT. IF the Reader prove so Christianly kind, as to Correct the ERRORS of the Press and Author. I have little to Apologise for: Excepting what may possibly be Objected by some TENDER STOMACHES, about its being Printed with Red Letters.— To satisfy the Soruple of such, I assure them, (1.) It was no SUPERSTITIOUS conceit led me thereto, but as I discourse of the MOST HOLY of All CHRISTIAN FEASTS, so I had a desire it should be Printed somewhat Semblable to the HOLY RUBRIC, it being the most GLORIOUS FEASTIVAL therein. (2.) I was willing to advance the Honour of the ENGLISH IMPRIMARY, and to show the Learned of our Christian Church and Nation, That Common-Prayer-Books, Missals, Breviaries, Manuels, etc. may be as Nobly and Gracefully PRINTED in ENGLAND, as in any other part of the World. 'Tis hoped therefore that the Printing thereof thus, may pass without any Sinister Construction, or Censure of Any. FINIS.