A Brief ANSWER To SIX SYLLOGISTICAL ARGUMENTS Brought by Mr. CLARK, Minister of Bennet-Finck, London: Against ASTROLOGERS, AND ASTROLOGY. LONDON: Printed for Samuel Speed, at the sign of the Printing-Press in Paul's Churchyard. 1660. A Brief ANSWER To Six Syllogistical ARGUMENTS. IT is a Proverb as true as ancient, That the Tale of one side may seem good, till the Truth of the other side appear. But it is but reason in a man to forbear his Censure, until he seriously have considered the Pleas that both produce. For according to that of the Tragedian of old: Qui statuit aliquid parte inaudita alterâ, Aequum licet statuerit haud aequus fuit. He that, on part unheard, a Doom did pass, His Doom (though equal were) unequal was. Now for the better information of the Reader, I shall insert the Arguments of Mr. Clark at large, and then respond to them; that thereby he may understand the occasion and nature of the Difference, and the Reasons thereof the readier. 1 Argum. That which the Word of God condemns as a grand Offence, is not to be practised, countenanced or tolerated. But Divining by the Stars is condemned by God's Word. Ergo. Answ. I answer, by denying the Minor: My Reason hereof, is, (by adding a Negative to the Assumption) Divining by the Stars is not condemned by God's word. If Divining by the Stars (to use the Phrase of our Antagonist) were condemned by God's Word, we should find it therein condemned. But therein it is not to be found condemned. Ergo, it is not condemned by it at all. That it is not condemned by it all, will most clearly appear, upon the Examination of the Catalogue of Scriptures Mr. Clark citeth in favour of his Minor Proposition, viz. 1. He urgeth Deut. 18.10, 11. But in this Text is not Astrology so much as once concerned; as the learned Adye hath largely and learnedly proved, in his Candle in the dark; a Book of singular worth, and worthy the perusal of all sorts of persons. Suppose some persons out of their hatred to Astrologers and Astrology, have turned Megnonen, (the Hebrew word there used) Planetarius; yet persons thereby signified are not such that lawfully study or use the Science of Astrology, but such as abuse it. And were I now disposed, it were an easy matter to bring Mr. Cl. within the compass of the word in that Text; yet he would be very loath to be termed a Planetarian; although he hath abused Astrology and Astrologers, not a little. — Facinus, quos inquinat, Equat. A Crime makes equal, where it doth pollute. But, Abusus non tollit usum. The abuse of a thing doth not abrogate or impeach the lawful use thereof. 'Cause Epicures abuse themselves with Wine, Shall we neglect the Virtue of the Vine? If some persons under pretence of Divining by the Stars, abuse not only themselves, but others, shall the honest and laudable use thereof be therefore rejected? If an impudent ignorant fellow shall profanely pretend to Pulpit it, and boast a gift therein above Mr. Cl. would Mr. Cl. (I wonder) judge me reasonable, if I thereby should take occasion to blast the credit of (what my Soul rejoices in) Divinity? If Mr. Cl. prove his Argument no better by his other Texts in the Catalogue, than he hath by this, we shall easily conclude him incapable of doing it at all. To trip at the Threshold, is (by old Saws) pronounced to be a bad sign, and to bode but small good. Principiis omen inesse— solet. Beginnings are deemed ominous. Isidore affirms, Pel. l. 2. Epist. 229. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. (i) He that in the beginning swerveth from the truth, will in his proceed, roll further from it, and end at last with some shameful Catastrophe or other. Mr. Cl. therefore failing thus in the first Scripture he citeth, presages or predicts (though he be no ginger) how much of substantial proof we may expect to find in the rest, that he musters up for his purpose. The second Text he hits at the poor Astrologers head, is Leu. 20.6. which (in truth) favours him no more than the former, unless he can prove an ginger and a Witch to be all one. The Word in the Text (which he most insisteth on) is Ariolos, which implies the imposturisme of an hollow feigned voice (and not any thing of Astrolgie, as Mr. Clark would bear the world in hand) that Witches and Deceivers used in their Oracling Divinations, by harring in their Throats. Vide Adyes Candle, etc. pag. 77. and Plut. de Def. Orac. I hope Mr. Cl. will not say, That any man practising Astrology, Quatenus an ginger, useth any such practice: the which unless he do, this Scripture favoureth him no more than the first he brought. The third-Text he citys is Isa. 2.6. But this no more proveth the truth of his Argument, than the worth of the Turks Alcoran. I admit that he finds Praestigiatores in the Text, which he corruptly translates Soothsayers; forgetting (the mean while) that the word properly interpreted, signifies Jugglers, viz. such as deceive by cunning or sleight of hand. But doth not Mr. C. add rather to the honour of Astrologers, than any way de-detract therefrom, when he styles them Soothsayers? or doth he believe that Soothsaying imports any other thing then the speaking of truth? You see here how officious M. C. is, to make that speak against Astrologers, which hath neither tongue, nor will, to do so. Et si nullus erit pulvis, tamen excute nullum: Quaelibet officio causa sit apta tuo. And though there be no Dust, yet cast off none: To be officious, find occasion. The fourth Text is, Isa. 47.13, 14. where, in the Original, that, which Mr. Cl. turns Astrologers, is, Viewers of the Heavens. But we know, that there are others that view the Heavens beside Astrologers, viz. Astronomers, Navigators, Natural Philosophers, Shepherds, etc. But there is in this Text another , that affrights Mr. Clark, viz. Monthly Prognosticators. The Hebrew saith,— That give knowledge concerning the Months. But I would demand of Mr. Cl. whether it be unlawful to make a Prognostication, to set down therein, according to the common course of Nature, what is most considerable in the whole year? It is clearly evident by this Text, that the Prophet blameth not those that view the Heavens, or study the Stars, and thence give knowledge concerning the months; but reprehended such as were abusers of these Studies, & those that used to exalt the Stars, etc. above, or at least endeavoured to make them equal Causes with Him, whom Divines call Causa Causarum, (and all good Christians acknowledge Him so to be) the Cause of all Causes, even GOD Himself. But I have before shown, that the abuse of a thing is no good Argument to abrogate the use thereof. Is it good or reasonable to say, That the profession of Physic is unlawful, because some Quacks, by an impudent practising it, do abuse and dishonour that commendable Science? His fifth Text in Order, for the support of this halting Minor, is, Jer. 10.2. But the learned Dr. Mayer, in his Commentary upon that Text, professeth that Astrology or Astrologers are not so much as once meant by the Prophet. It had been therefore requisite for Mr. Cl. to have refuted that learned Divine, before he had obtruded his own Gloss thereon, upon the world, for currant and authentic. But lest Mr. Cl. should cavil at Dr. Mayor's authority (being but a single Person) I shall instance to him in some others, who seal the same Opinion with this learned Doctor, viz. St. Hierom, Lyra, etc. as is at large to be seen by their Commentaries on the place itself: and for further satisfaction of such as have not the opportunity of reading such Volumes, I refer them to the excellent Work of that incomparably learned Knight, Sir Christopher Heydon, viz. His Defence of Astrology, fol. 25, 26. The sixth Text he brings to keep his Minor from falling, is, Isa. 44.25. which friends it no more than any of the other five. For unless Mr. Cl. can prove, that true Astrology hath in it any lying Tokens, that any lying Tokens are grounds in the said Art or Science, it serves his purpose no more than if he had brought in the room of it, that Text in Eccl. 22.12. Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead; but the Lamentation for the fool and ungodly should endure all the days of their life. It was a saying of Antiphilus,— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, That Confidence was a good Sea-Captain. I am sure 'tis an ill Logician in Mr. Cl. unless he had more probable truth on his side. The seventh Scripture-Text Mr. C. undersets his Minor with, is, Dan. 2.2. which is of the same stamp for his purpose, with all the rest before cited. For the Hebrew word, which is there rendered Astrologers, (if we may credit the learned Shindler) signifies a Philosopher, an Astronomer and Physician. Rabbi Abraham (as saith the learned Mr. Reeve) expounds it so likewise. And Avenarius observeth, that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, wise, agreeth to the same. Now than if to be a Philosopher, etc. be an evil, Mr. Cl. may make the more of this Text: but surely he cannot be so weak as to offer at such a monstrous conclusion. The eighth and last Text he hales in, to the assistance of his Position, is Act. 19.18, 19, 20. which Scripture is as little beholding to him as any of the rest, for their being brought to so little purpose. If Mr. Cl. cannot prove, that among the curious Arts there mentioned,— True Astrology was one (and that I am sure he will never be able to do) then is his citing of this text vain and frivolous. Thus you see the Mountain of Scripture-proofs (which he had mustered up in a catalogue, presuming Astrology therein to be condemned) vanished in a moment: and Divining by the Stars, we have plainly shown, is not condemned by God's word, (which his Minor Proposition insinuates) neither is it in itself unlawful, notwithstanding all the pains he hath taken to prove it so. If this will not yet put him out of doubt, let him but peruse the Church-Bible, printed Ann. 1540 where he may see (if he be not blinded with partiality and prejudice) that there is not any the least mention made of either the words ginger or Astrology; so far was the Holy Ghost from condemning either! nay, the very words rendered Astrologers, and Astrology, are in sundry other Translations otherwise interpreted. And so I pass from M. Clark's first Argument. I shall be briefer in the rest, having answered his Scriptures here already. 2 Argum. That Art whereby men assume to themselves what is peculiar unto God, must needs be sinful, neither to be practised, countenanced nor tolerated. But this is done by such as take upon them to Divine of Events to Persons and Nations by the Stars. Therefore. Resp. I respond, by denying the Minor. For, those that predict from the Stars, as remote and second Causes, intermeddle not with God's Peculiar. But Astrologers do so, and Astrology teacheth them not otherwise. Therefore. The Major needs no proof, as carrying so full a Demonstration of Truth in the face of it. The Minor is sufficiently proved by the writings of all Astrologers: but in particular, I shall refer you to the learned Sir Christopher Heydon, fol. 400. He (saith this learned Knight) which seeketh God in his Glory, shall be oppressed with his Majesty. There is nothing past or to come, with him, but all things are present unto him, as they depend upon his divine fore-ordinance, and prescience of all things that happen in the world, out of their causes. But as it hath pleased him to govern the ordinary course of Nature, by His SECOND CAUSES, and in THEM to reveal what he hath from Eternity appointed to effect by them; to know this, is not to enter into his secret Judgement, (or peculiar) but more effectually to judge, admire and contemplate the incomprehensible providence of the Almighty; that hath thus coupled the Order of Causes with his own most free and Omnipotent Will, etc. 2. Take the Authority of Hermes, who in the beginning of his Centiloqui, affirms,— Sol & Luna, post Deum, Omnium viventium vita sunt. That the Sun and Moon, next unto GOD, are the Life of all Things living. Thus you see that Astrologers meddle not with God's secrets; nor with the Luminaries or Stars at all, but by giving place to the Majesty of the Almighty God in the first, and then they consider their Natural significations as second Causes, as they are endued with Energy from God. 3 Argum. That which draws the heart from God the Father, and Christ the Son, from considering the Works of the One, and heeding the Words of the Other, is an Evil not to be peactised, countenanced or tolerated. But Astrological Predictions draw from God and Christ. Therefore, etc. Answ. I answer,— You plead for Truth, and yet you speak beside The Text of Truth: your Minor is denied. Quarls Shep. Orac. Astrological Predictions are so far from drawing from God and Christ, that they add very much to the honour of Both: The Heavens declare the Glory of God, (saith Holy David) Psal. 19.1. The invisible power of the Deity is clearly seen by the things that are made, saith the holy Apostle, Rom. 1.20. The Learned Ptolemy in the beginning of his Almagest, affirms— Hanc unam Scientiam esse viam ac semitam, ad sciendum Deum Altissimum. This one Science is the only Way, and Path, to know the most HIGH GOD. Whence I argue: If Astrology leads to the knowledge of the most High God, or declares the power of the Deity, it certainly cannot be thought (by any but Mr. Cl.) to draw from GOD and Christ. That Astrology doth so, is conspicuously proved, both by the Prophet, Apostle, and Ptolemy. The learned Mr. Caryl, is so far from branding Astrology for drawing from God or Christ, that in Vol. 3. fol. 221. he avers, It is our Duty to study the Heavens, and to be acquainted with the Stars. I will leave Mr. C. therefore to repent of this Minor, and proceed. 4 Argum. That which is false, delusive and uncertain, is not to be practised, countenanced or tolerated. But such is foretelling things by the Stars. Therefore, etc. Resp. I deny the Minor, (for it is no kin to the truth at all) and argue against it, thus: If foretelling by the Stars were false, delusive and uncertain, the Fates of particular Persons, the variety of Seasons, great Droughts, Sicknesses, Peace, Wars, Plenty or Scarcity, were not to be certainly predicted. But these things are certainly to be foretold by the Aspects and Positions of the Stars. Ergo, foretelling by the Stars is not false, delusive, and uncertain; but certain, real and true. Lucius Bellantius foretold the Death of Picus Mirandula, that great Antagonist to Astrology; who while he was writing against that Art, his own Death concurring, evinced it to be true, without further Argument. Zonarus reports that Julian's death was foreseen to a day. Gauricus forewarned Henry the Second, of France, of the 41 year of his age; and in the same year that Famous King died. Spurina forewarns Caesar of the Ideses of March, and Caesar was then slain in the Senate-House: upon which the Ingenious Poet, Tho. Peck, Esq; thus Elegantly versifies. Viz. — To run that middle Race, Caesar said in Astrologies Disgrace, The Ideses of March are come: And so they be, Replied the Prophet; but You'll something see Before the Ideses be past. His words had grounds: Before night, Caesar received twenty wounds. The Emperor Vitellius assigned a day for Astrologers to departed Rome; they assigned him another, for his passport out of the world; as is recorded by Sir Christ. Heydon: and he then died. Then for general Things, or accidents, let it be remembered, that Thales foretold a plenty of Olives, and enriched himself thereby. Democritus and Sestius presaged a dearth of Olives, as is witnessed by Pliny. Regiomantanus predicted the great Changes that happened in 1588. long before the year came. Hypocrates foretold a Plague, by Astrology. Mr. Booker predicted the fate of the Irish exactly in 1646. and the Bellum Episcopale that happened in England also in 1639. and 1640. which Episcopal War, was the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to all our English Miseries. Nay, I could make it appear, that not only accidents on earth may (by Astrology) be presaged, but in Heaven also; As was the Comet, or Stella Crinita in December. 1652. by my learned and loving Friend Mr. Joshua Childrey; and this three Months before it happened. See his Sygiast, Instaur. 1653. This therefore may serve for a sufficient Refutation of the Error and Prejudice (I was about to say, Ignorance) in Mt. Clarks fourth Argument. 5. Argum. That which nourisheth vain, and forbidden hopes and fears, is not to be practised, countenanced, or tolerated. But so do Astrological Predictions. Therefore, etc. Answ. I answer, by denying the Minor: For Astrological Predictions do not nourish (or cherish) vain and forbidden hopes and fears, but rather fortisies men's minds against them. The Text, viz. Jer. 10. which Mr. C. citys to support his Minor, I have before proved, hath nothing at all to do with, either Astrology, or Astrological Predictions; so that you see it proves nothing of the Minor in question. However, I Anti-Argue. The Art which draws men to a Consideration of the wonderful works of God, doth not nourish vain or forbidden fears. But Astrology, and Astrological Predictions, do so. Ergo, etc. That Astrology draws men to the Consideration of the wonderful works of God, is proved in the answer to the third Argument, both from Scripture-Authority, and Reason. Thus much therefore may serve for a Refutation of his fifth Argument. 6 Argum. That which most godly and learned men upon experience have renounced, and repent of, that is neither to be practised, countenanced or tolerated. But godly men have renounced and repent of their study of Astrology. Therefore, etc. Resp. I answer by denying the Major. If General Councils may err, then surely particular persons, though never so godly or holy. Sed verum prius. Engo & posterius. There is no man dare assume the Epithet of infallibility on earth; neither do I believe that any of those whom Mr. Clark styles most godly and learned, would have so done, had they been with him at the framing of his Argument. The word most, in his Argument, must be understood, either as a note of number, or of excellency, and transcendency of knowledge and ability, to discern and distinguish. If of Number, I shall be able to out-vote him; for he hath named but three, viz. St. Augustine, Perkins, and Mr. Briggs. If of Excellency, etc. I presume he hath made as ill a choice as could be. For St. Augustine (although a learned man) was to seek in many things, and consequently was subject to error; witness his stiff opinion against Antipodes, (which clearly declares him ignorant of Astrology, and his censure therefore the less to be regarded) and (2.) his approbative relation of a Monstrous great Tooth, proves him to be a person very credulous; and therefore the less to be heeded in his Judicial Censures. Mr. Perkius never understood Astrology; and is therefore no competent Judge thereof. I grant he studied it, but never attained the excellency of it; and that was the reason of his quarrelling thereat. The Fox in Aesop blamed the Grapes for being too high; but the fault was in his dwarfish Stature. Mr. Briggs was (indeed) an eminent Mathematician, and therefore the most comperent of the three to judge of the Controversy. But a man may be a good Mathematician, and yet no good ginger. I illustrate it thus: Mr. Clarke may be a good Divine, yet no good Casuist. He may be a good Divine, yet nor grounded in the universal point. A te, & à Scientia. Every man is not born to one kind of inclination: if all were excellent in one thing, many things both useful and worthy, might by that means come to be neglected. It is in Philosophy and the Mathematics, as in Divinity; there are several parts in them, fit for the several persons that study them. But,— Unto our Story let us turn our Tide, And draw toward a Conclusion. I assert in opposition to Mr. Clarke,— That which most godly and learned men upon experience have commended to the world, as worthy, laudable, and useful, aught to be countenanced, practised, and tolerated. But most godly and learned men have so commended the Science of Astrology. Ergo, etc. The Major no man (that is in his senses) will offer once to deny. The Minor I fortify thus. The Patriarches themselves studied Astrology, and thereby commended the same to the world as worthy. Josephus tells us that Abraham did not only study, but taught the Egyptians this Art. Isaac is said to have studied the Heavens, when he went into the field to meditate. Upon which the learned Mr. Caryl saith, It is good to take field-room sometimes to contemplate the Works of GOD. Jacob (saith Origen) read in the Tables of Heaven, what ever things should in futuro, befall his Generation. Ergo, godly and learned men have commended and studied this heavenly and praiseworthy Science. What I here have done, I profess is out of no prejudice to Mr. Clark, either as he is a Man, or Minister; but for a proper and plain discovery of the truth; after which the souls of many thousands (besides his and mine) earnestly thirst: and in this I hope some satisfaction will appear, as well to him as others. If God be God, let us follow him; if Baal, him; and let us be no longer deluded. horoscope diagram for John Allen A. R. 330. d. 49. m. J. Allen born 1628/9. ☉ March 11. 1 h. 59 m. A.M. ☽ ad □ ♀. Lat. 52. THis ●s the Nativity of Mr John Allen, Stationer, as himself hath made it known to several: it was rectified by divers eminent Accidents; from which I shall excerpt one only, which I adjudge the greatest of all, viz. On Friday, August 21. 1657. he burned and destroyed in printed Books and Manuscripts, the worth of one hundred pounds, and upwards: in the height of this (strange) action, his Zeal (or Folly rather) wrought so furiously, that for haste to destroy his Books, he had nearly set a house of one of his Neighbours on fire. When the man came to himself, (for without question he was then in: a Frenzy) he reported that several Presbyterian Ministers excited him thereunto. Whether that be true, I know not; but it is most certain, destroy his Books he did: and in all probability (had not some worthy and ingenious persons of his own profession, interposed their Moderation and Reason) he had in the heat of his Enthusiastic Zeal, destroyed most (if not all) of his Estate. Now to show Mr. Allen a Reason in Art for this his unhappy misfortune, (although he cannot deny but he was forewarned of it near three full years before it happened unto him) I shall take the boldness to acquaint him, that then the Moon was directed to the Quartile of the Sun. And the place the direction happened in, was the Ascendent, and that in the beginning of a Tropical sign; perhaps one main reason of the violence of the action. Besides this, it is remarkable, the very day of the accident, the Moon Significatrix of the same, was in Quartile of the Sun, (whose Quartile was Promittor in the Direction) and of Mercury also, who is the particular Patron of Books: Nay, she was in the Quartile-places of Saturn and Mercury in the Radix. And to prove unto him at large, that Astrology is not so vain a study as he (poor man) conceives it, or as some ignorant Professors have made it; he had at the same time, his part of Fortune under the Direction of the Sun his opposition. Which Directions and Transits, if he consult but Books of Astrology, he may plainly see portended the prejudice both of Person and Estate he then underwent. In my opinion, the man hath more reason to bless God for the happy assistance of the benevolent Planet Jupiter, at that time upon the place of the Direction, and Ascendent of his Radix, (for the Stars, you must know, under God, do good to men, as by his permission, they do evil) then for the advice of those Presbyterians, who (as himself saith) counselled him to burn his Books. Had this Natives Father been a friend or acquaintance of mine, I should never have advised him to a put his Son to a Bookseller. For dealing in Books, seems (by his Nativity) to be no ways profitable or fortunate to him. Mercury is in Pisces, (his detriment and fall) in the house of Trade, and in opposition to Saturn, Lord of the seventh, vl, ninth and tenth Houses. Neither would I have counselled that he should have been made a Singing-man, or been bred up to Music; because the Moon is in Square of Venus, (the proper Significatrix thereof) which should portend him to be furnished with a more harsh Voice or Note, then Cicera is reported by Plutarch to have had. Nor should I have persuaded he should have been made a Husbandman, because Saturn the Significator of Husbandry, and all things of that nature, is in the fourth House, in opposition of his Dispositor. Nor yet a Divine, for Cauda Draconis is in the ninth house, which sometimes denotes an Atheist; always an uncertain person in Religion. A Statesman he should never attain to be, because the Sun (Significantor of Dignity, Honour and Sovereignty) is in Quartile to his Ascendent, and in Opposition of Saturn Lord of the tenth house. These several things (and something else) he is (by the Canons of Astrology) absolutely unfit for: for what he is fit, I leave to the Consideration and Judgement of every ingenious Artist; but shall not tell him (because he is so envious) without a convenient reward or satisfaction. About the thirty ninth year of his age, (perhaps a little sooner) the Ascendent of his Geniture by Direction, comes to the Opposition of Mars; and the Sun to the body of the Moon, and the Pleyades. The Introductions to Nativities, tell us what such Directions portend. In some men's Nativities, I have known them attended with strange Effects; the kinds of which, in tenderness I forbear to acquaint Mr. Allen with; I had rather he should read them himself, in those Books they are to be found. But he (it may be) believes himself to be a person of such godly prudence, (according to the Adage, Sapiens Dominabitur Astris) as that he may with ease govern the Stars, and live above the Energy of Celestial Influences. Which persons that are illuminated with the Spirit of Grace and Truth, I grant may; and wish most hearty that he were one of them. I account it lost to trouble myself further herein; nor should I have busied myself thus far, but for to prevent the poor man of undoing himself (if it be possible) in printing Books against an Art he understands not, in the strength (or weakness rather) of his reasonless Inveteracy and Hatred thereto. For I freely profess, I take no pleasure in adding trouble or torment to a mind, which of itself is sufficiently terrified, tortured, and confused already. POSTSCRIPT. IN M. Allen's Epistle to M. Clarks Arguments, he assumes the confidence to acquaint his Reader that he was for several years together a Student in Astrology; the better (as he supposes) to persuade with him, that his skill was so great therein, that he might well pass for a competent Judge thereof. I confess, Astrology hath (at this day) many such ignorant Students; which, like hasty Whelps, rend and tear out the Bowels of their Dam, to make way for the rotten, and too hasty birth of their own Vanities and Follies. But this I must needs acquaint the world with, that Mr. Allen's skill was so small in the Syderal Science, that an ordinary Capacity in three days time, might attain to more knowledge therein, than he ever could, by his many years Study. Nevertheless, I could easily bear with Mr. Allens weakness of this kind (were he not so highly provocative) in consideration of the gross juggling of our present greatest Preenders to Astrology: whose Ignorance (to say no worse) in a sense, is a far greater blemish to that Noble Science, than any of Mr. Allens addleheaded Detractions. For his Additions scraped and patched up together, here and there out of Gassendus, I refer the Learned Antagonists (but not him) to what follows, and also to the Answer thereunto, written by the learned Morinus, late of France. And for his other childish and unconnexed Expressions, (which can scarcely call sense their Dad) that his pair of Epistles are fully fraught with, I account it beneath ingenuity to take cognizance of, as finding him (therein) within the reach of the Poets lash against Idiots, etc. For Fools that rave and rage, not knowing why, A Scourge is far more fit, than a Reply. And so I take leave of Mr. Allen, and his Simplicity; wishing him better, and more profitable Employment, both for his Brain and Purse. Gassendus' ARGUMENTS Against ASTROLOGY, Which the Silly ANTAGONISTS So much boast of, Retorted and Refuted: Proving the Worth & Truth of Astrology from his own Nativity, which himself gave to the Learned Morinus late of FRANCE. LONDON: Printed for Samuel Speed, at the sign of the Printing-Press in Paul's Churchyard. 1660. horoscope diagram for Petrus Gassendus Nasc. Petrus Gassendus, 1592. Jan. 21 d. Silo Novo, 17 h. 52 m. P.M. Lat. 43 d. 52 m. Obiit 1655. Octob. 24. Lat. Plan. ☽ 4 30 M. ♄ 0 31 M. ♃ 0 38 S. ♂ 0 12 M. ♀ 5 40 M. ☿ 2 4 M. Gassendus' Arguments Against ASTROLOGY, answered. PAge 66. How many Apertiones Portarum, not only in every year, but also in every week, nay, day? O foelicem Artem si desa Soli judicarent artificus! But here Mounsieur Gassendus his Epianogass Caudo Charl. Translators shown they were none; and not only ignorant of the Nature, but of the time and terms of things. They knew neither what Apertiones Portarum were, nor when they happen: they do certainly apprehend there are Floodgates and Sluices in Heaven, from whence water is poured down by Buckets full. Thus those that say Astrologers Axioms are Arbitrary and Imaginary, that there are no such things in Nature as Aspects, do imagine the vainest Phantosmes and Chimaeras in the world; for I would fain know of them, what Apertiones Portarum those are every day: but they cannot tell. Indeed, the Astrologers tell us, what Apertiones Portarum are; the Geometer all Positions or Distances of those Planets whose Houses are opposite, which are not so frequent as they imagine: for besides those of the Moon and Saturn, sometimes there happen none six weeks or two months together; and then those of the prodigious or superior Planets, are more powerful to operate on these Terrestrial Bodies; but those of the inferior, less considerable, as experience doth sufficiently testify to any, but those that are not to be persuaded, though they are convinced; and though they see, will not understand. I think no man can be so unreasonable, as to suppose that any one will be so irrational, as to justify all the Pleas of Astrologers, that many times might accept (like Gassendus) of some things to be Causes, that are not so; and Gassendus himself, or his learned Translator and Transcriber, who desire that their Cock-brained Disciples should always Jurare in Verba Magistra, and justify their ridiculous impertinences in all the idle follies of this Book, and others of their Philosophy.— But to answer his Question by another: (Why Mars should not rather repress and abate, then extimulate and heighten Watery Influence of the Pleyades; and the Moon, Mercury and Venus, rather excite and increase it?) We demand why Water poured into Water, and Fire put into Fire, do not produce more dissentaneous effects, than each other confronted with its Antagonists? or because Gassendus his Ape is perhaps a more famous Physician than a Philosopher, having been Leech, as he professes, to the late King (which he may as lawfully pretend to, as any quacking Chirurgeon that followed any of his ragged Regiments) we ask why twenty Grains of Diagredium does not restrain a Diarrhaea, more than Milk, being hot and dry, the other cool and moist? So I see no reason why Mars may not cause Showers by Antipathy and Dissimilitude of Natures, being in Conjunction with the Pleyades, & yet not lose his own Virtue of heat; for we see, if he meet with any considerable Aspect at that time, he produces often Thunder, Lightning and Rain, an effect of both Natures: for great Mutations and Disturbances of the Air, may as well be caused by Antipathy as Sympathy; and Mars may as well cause Rain as Saturn, though not upon the same reason, as well as a Flux proceed from Choler as Phlegm; or why his Worship hath given a Purge, that works more than his little prescience could foresee, or perhaps his prescription prevent. But whereas he talks, That there is variety of weather upon the same Aspects in England and France: I answer, That the Stars operate in every Country according to the variety and Nature of the Climate; for the same effect is not like to proceed from the Conjunction of Saturn and Sol in Egypt, that does in England; for to predict Rain there, where is but little or seldom any, (from the Nature of the Solum as well as Coelum) were ridiculous: but where there is Conjunction of Saturn & Sol, and great store of Rain in England, I aver that it shall be colder in Egypt, much more than ordinary, at the same time; and so in every Country, according to its Nature, the Planets have their effects, according to that not more trite than true saying, The Sun hardens Clay, and softens Wax. Pag. 126. But to show more and more his skill, or rather his ignorance in Astrology, he goes on, and says, Nor are we to say such an Infant was born infected with a foul and contageous Disease, because the sixth house was his Horoscope, but because his Mother's lower house was impure and infectious. Is this the famous Gassendus! the Scribbler of those Voluminous Atoms! how many impertinences are those Volumes stuffed with, when these few Pages are nothing else but a Dunghill of those Vanities that he hath raked up to throw in the Faces of the Astrologers, and the wind blows back into his own. Is this that famous Astronomer, that pretends to have made so many Observations? this very passage shows his ignorance and impudence, and makes it apparent to all men, that he is but a mere Impostor, and goes about to delude the world with the opinion of his general learning, and great skill in Astronomy; when as it is more clear than the light of those glorious bodies, (whose Virtue he would obscure) that he understands nothing in that Divine Study, but that by some chance he stumbled upon those Observations he hath published to the world as his own: for could any man that understands the Astronomy of the Primum Mobile, or indeed sense, say, That the sixth house was the Horoscope? Where is the Sagacity of the Probastical Translator, that leaves out, and puts in what he pleases? Was it possible that thou couldst be trappaned by Gassendus, in these Fooleries? couldst thou be overreached by one in thine own Trade? but the truth is, there was nothing (next to their ignorance) that brought in this gross conceit, but only that witty quibbling (as they thought it) upon the Houses, The sixth House and the lower House; and it was a witty one indeed, and well became the mouth of a Churchman, and the Obscenity of such an Epicure, as the person of Quality. But to help the lame Dog over the stile, we will suppose they mean as they say, that the Stars are not causes of the Contagious Disease of a Child, nor of their ill or good Disposition; but the Complexion of their seed, their diet and course of life, etc. But if that were the cause, why are many Children polluted and sickly, whose Parents are very sound; and many Children are very healthful and strong, whose Parents are sickly? And of this there are examples in every Family. If these things were true, that Children were like their Parents, why was not Rehoboam as wise as Solomon; Hezekiah as wicked as Ahaz, or Manasseh as righteous as his Father? Was ever a more licentious Prince then K. Harry, or a more virtuous than his Son K. Edward? But it is consentaneous with the Doctrine of Epicuro Gassendus, to ascribe more to good Cheer, then to the Stars; and to the pleasing of his Palate, then unto the Heavens. Now I see whence persons of quality proceed, from a polluted lower house, which makes a corrupted upper house; and that vents all these rotten Reasons: but yet we deny not but that many times the Child is like the Parents: which proceeds from the similitude and harmony of Genitures, and not from the diet. Also, that the Mother's lower house adds much thereunto, provided it is like Madam young's, alias Madissons, Sir Paul's Ladies, Madam Drunkards, all the Translators Friends and Acquaintance. But that you may see the Reasons of the rottenness of Gassendus his upper house and lower house, I will adjoin his Geniture, given from himself to Morinus. Here you may see the Malignant Planets Saturn and Mars, have the chief Dominion in his Scheme; Saturn is the Lord of his Horoscope, (considering his Latitude, falling into the sixth house, though the sixth house be not his Horoscope) Peregrine, Retrograde, in his Detriment, and unfortunate in Cancer; which made his Lungs much oppressed with Phlegm rotten and corrupt, of an ill habit of body, very sickly, subject to Catarrhs, etc. That for manners, Saturn in Quartile with Mars, both in the same Aspect with the Ascendent, made him of an evil disposition; envious, suspicious, revengeful; angry, peevish, contentious, in jurious, frandulent; a Liar, a Calumniator, an Impostor; covetous; a Robber of other men's Honour; a false Friend; a pirfidious Traitor; a notorious Hypocrite; an Atheist; and to say no worse of him than he does of Mr. Des Cartes, though unjustly, a Toad swelled with Pride and malicious Venom, as you may see in that Book against de Cartes, and others of his Works. As he had Mercury in Sextile to Mars, and the house of Saturn; so had he a wit apt enough for mischiefs, quarrels and contentions; sharp in disputations: as in Quartile to the Moon, so was it turbulent enough; and had Mercury not applied to a Sextile of Jupiter also, he had been so ill natured, that he had not been sociable: but that good Aspect gave him so much wit, as hypocritically to dissemble it, and cloak it under Zeal to Religion, and make that seem the severity of his Devotion, that was the moroseness of his Nature. But if we go further, we shall find it agree with the Accidents of his life, as well as his Disposition. About the time the Medium Coeli was directed to the Sextile of the Moon, we find he had a Journey into Holland. When the Sun was directed to the Trine of Jupiter, he was made Praepositus Diniensis; where for the most part he was non-Resident. During the effects of the Sun to the Trine of Venus, and the Mid-heaven to Venus, he was made Mathematical Professor. Upon the Direction of the Moon to the Quartile of Mars, he had an Inflammation of the Lungs. Which also returned upon him again, when the Horoscope was directed to the body of ♂, and after to the Quartile of ♄; which produced a Consumption: in which Disease his Physicians (just such as his Translator) being overfree of his blood, at threescore and three, brought him to that excessive weakness, that he never recovered, and died whining, that his too much obsequiousness to their prescriptions, had snatched him out of the world in viridi senectute. Take his Friend Borellus Relation, and his own words, Obs. xi. Cent. 3. Possem hic viri semper lugendi mortem dolorosam toti Europae, imo mundo recensere, nimio illo remedio, sanguineo, & verba ab ejus ore deprompta referre quibus ante obitum fassus est se nimio obsequio periisse, & cum heroe suo ad inferos cum viridi adhuc & stante senectute descendisse: by which you may perceive, that though a Churchman, he was very unwilling to leave this Terrestrial Paradise for one that was uncertain: And by his words indeed, I do not find he had much hopes of it. Another thing I must desire you take notice of, that it is as possible to be killed as dead with a Launcet as a Poniard; and that he had some signification of violence in his Nativity: for the Lord of his Ascendent is in Quartile to Mars, and both behold the Ascendent with evil Aspect: and whoever hath that Position, I advise him to beware of such a Physician as Mr. Doctor. FINIS.