MERLINUS ANGLICUS, OR, England's Merlin: Prophetically foretelling, Several remarkable Occurrences that shall happen in England, Scotland, France, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and several other parts of Europe; this present Year 1650.  
More particularly, Concerning 

The Scots preparation, to advance against England, and the event and success thereof.  
The proceed of the English Presbyterians, and the great blessings that will ensue, for the crowning of their endeavours.  
The conjunction and proceed of the Danes, and Swedes, in relation to the affairs in England, and what shall befall them in all their enterprises and attempts.  
A great blow in Ireland; and an Astrological Prediction, concerning the New Government in England.  
The proceed of the English Commonalty, against divers lately in Authority, who have enriched themselves with the Public Treasury; and the great danger that is like to ensue.  
Great Fights at Sea, between the English and the French, and what shall happen in the said Engagements.  
The proceed of the Yeomanry; and the taking off all heavy Assessments, that doth retard, or hinder, the People's Liberty.    
WITH Divers other Remarkable Observations, [worthy the Readers view and perusal] concerning the English Nobility, and Gentry.  
LONDON, Printed by Robert Wood 1650.   

To the FAVOURABLE READER.  
TO write of modern men, is a troublesome business; all men commit errors, few having committed them, will hear thereof; one must or flatter them, or say nothing; to Comment upon their actions, is to endeavour to teach more by a man's own example, than by that of others; more to him that writes then to him that reads; more to be silent then to be active: Flatterers have yet moreover so exalted their good deeds, that the naked truth redounds to the blame of the Relator; for the truth of that which is heard, comes short of that which is believed; and some there are who arrive at that height, as they leave no place for flattery, fancying themselves greater than flattery can make them. In the beginning of Government, every small authority seems great; in the continuance thereof, however great it be, it seems little; whence it proceeds, that in time, that Magistrate is not endured, which was too greedily (at first) created, or desired. Liberty and Principality are incompatible, they meet not together, or if they do, they last not; every own seeks his own perfection, which depending upon the destruction of another, they seek it there; to live quietly, it behoves either to be totally free, or totally tied to servitude: To conquer Princes, and not know how to make the victory beneficial; to win the people, and not know how to keep them in subjection; is a loss of men and time: Providence is necessary, and 'tis laborious. To captivate men's minds with rewards is impossible; servitude cannot be rewarded with any other recompense, then being set at liberty: To tie them by an Oath is no way safe; they are not subjects, whose power is only subject to will; Liberty is natural, servitude violent; what is violent needs somewhat, which from without may withstand it, if its beginning be not occasioned from some internal cause. This alteration of Government is performed with very great labour and difficulty to the undertakers thereof, and with, the either great patience, or murmur of the people, who are passive therein. But I dare divine, and can assure poor England, that the glorious omnipotency of Heaven seems very favourable unto her, and gives great hopes (after some few distractions abroad composed) that all her taxes shall be withdrawn, and (for the future) be no further burdened with oppressions, or payments; during which continuation, we are not masters of our own fortunes, and so live not at home: And therefore seeing that the purchasers of our Liberty, have many difficulties to attend their motion, I hearty implore all true Englishment, as one man, to unite their hearts, their prayers, their forces, and purses, unanimously for defence of this Commonwealth and Authority now established; and by conforming thereunto, we shall quell both the insulting French, the proud Spaniard, and all other Enemies to England's peace and tranquillity, throughout the world; and by degrees, we shall attain to a most excellent and accomplished Government. But before we shall absolutely enjoy this happiness, we must undergo some troubles, meet with many stumbling-blocks, and endure many a cruel storm, yet let this be our comfort, God will deliver his people out of the hands of their enemies, and settle peace in the habitations of those that put their trust in him. Reader, I am doubtful I have detained thee too long (in Epistolizing) from what I promised thee in my Title page; for which I desire thy pardon, entreating thee to accept of the weak and imperfect labours of  
Thy friend, M. A.   

MERLINUS ANGLICUS, OR, AN ENGLISH MERLIN: Prophetically foretelling, The most eminent things that shall happen, in England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, this present Year, 1650.  

May's Astrological Predictions.  
THis Month produces matters of great concernment; the actions will be eminent in the Kingdom of Ireland, and unto the perpetual honour of the English Nation: Great fortune at tends the English Heroes (notwithstanding the treacherous designs of their Enemies, and others) and some desperate assaults are attempted, wherein God makes it appear by some sequel victory or action, that he loves the faithful Patriots of England, by giving conquest and triumph to their Armies in Ireland: A total subduing of the barbarous Irish appears visible towards the close of this Month; but great sickness and unnatural diseases seems too brief within our Camp, occasioned by some treacherous neglect from England. Self ends appear visible within our English territories, intemperate disputes, and civil broils are much feared, and the spirits of divers Monarchical creatures, are exceedingly enraged and inflamed, throughout the West and Northern Counties; but a Southern cordial will speedily be administered, to abate the heat and fury thereof: Great rumours this Month of a Foreign invasion, but providence, and vigilancy, retards the landing of the State's enemy. Here arrives news, as if the wavering Scot were entering league or friendship, but whether with us to deceive us, or with our enemies to annoy us, time will manifest; it's believed to the contrary: For if an agreement be not concluded, between their King and the Grandees; (with good provision and security for the Commonalty) the whole land is divided, and their distractions will exceedingly increase; a Thistle belonging to the Royal branch (as they say) aspires high in the North of that Kingdom, but the English Rose once appearing, strikes a sudden blast to her piercing and prickling blossoms.   

Junes Astrological Predictions.  
GReat are the consultations and disputes of the Commonalty of England this Month, who fixing their eyes Northward, discern the Scot to be highly elevated, by reason of his great confidence, or uncertain assurance, of aid and assistance from Denmark, France, and other places, to annoy us; yea, and the state of all Europe is guided likewise with most strange and improvident advisers; and a sullen murmuring people within our own Territories, seems to swell with inveterate conceptions, acting and contriving desolation and ruin to the supreme Authority of the Nation; and many poisoned darts will also fly from the quiver of invective spirits, wounding and piercing the honour of some worthy Patriots, who formerly seemed as Oracles to the people, free from corruption either in Office or bribery: [Oh a lusty purge for these diabolical creatures, who under the spetious pretences of restauration of liberty, do endeavour the involving of us into endless misery.] But if the Commonalty begin now to be angry, their blows will fall exceeding heavy, and woe be unto those who shall move them to wrath, by dis-franchising them of their late purchased liberty, and endeavour their involving once again in new commotions and troubles; great ruin attends the Dane, and all other who are interessed in his design, against the Inhabitants of this Commonwealth: Distractions grow great in several parts of the Nation, through want of the Engine and smew of War, but by the great vigilancy of our prudent Rulers, their wants are supplied, and their discontents most happily allayed and pacified. Rich men look to your purses, a purge is now preparing, but [indeed] it will be a very favourable and pleasant one. The close of this Month produceth great happiness to the laborious husbandman, his heavy taxes being much abated, and their weighty burdens in a great measure removed. Ireland cries out this Month for moneys and provision, and many there are who endeavour the retarding thereof, and withdraw their helping hand from the propagating of so great a work; but let them all be anathematised (who shall appear instrumental therein) to future generations and posterities: Great commotions and distractions (throughout all parts of the world) attends the close of this Month; But a woeful rising seems to threaten the Turk, even from Constantinople the alarm shall be given, which will echo through most of his confines and territories, insomuch, that the industrious Venetian, appears full of action, and will free themselves from slavery in the Island of Candy, firing and taking most of the Turkish Galleys, which lie as Pirates and Robbers, to massacre and enslave the Christians.   

July's Astrological Predictions.  
THis Month produceth great action, both by Sea and Land; especially upon the Coast of Britain, Scotland, Sweden, and Holland; the English Mariners seems both stout and resolute, triumphantly sailing with their slags of defiance, and scorning to strike sail to the proudest enemy that floats upon the Ocean: Some desperate engagements happen between them, and the French rovers, little quarter given, but revenge repaid, for their former abuses to the poor English Merchants. Sir George Askue (the Summer's darling) and the undaunted Generals, Blake, Dean, and Popham, in few days will clear the English Channel, and not so much as a French Rover, or Irish Pirate, will dare appear on our Coast; so that free trade and commerce will not in the least be hindered or retarded; which makes the Merchant, and the rest of the Manufacture-Adventurers to smile, returning thanks, and presenting gratuities for this great privilege. Some action in the Northern Climate, both by Sea and Land; for assuredly the Scot hath a great desire to be troublesome, and once again to be stripped and whipped, and sent to foreign plantations: The seasonable temperature of the weather this Month, invites the English Army in Ireland to great action, a great blow threatens their enemy, but not without some loss; for by reason of some perfidious spirits, he takes great advantage, and seems very resolute and sturdy; many conspirators hold juggling consultations, and greatly 'tis to be feared, there will be some conspiracies in England; yea, among some, whom the people have entrusted, and preferred to great Office and dignity; but like faithful Patriots, others of the trusties, and Keepers of our Liberties, carry on the work designed by the omnipotent Jehovah, for perpetuity, his glory, and our comforts.   

Augusts Astrological Predictions.  
MAny various reports are echoed up and down, in several parts of our Nation [this Month] as if the entrance of an Army amongst us were to be feared, and that an inroad will be made by Jockey, together with the Danes, French, and other foreigners: Do not attempt our harm, you of the Scottish Faith, for sharp effects from the conjunction of Mars, doth presage and threaten a dismal woe, not only within the English territories, or your confines, but also all over Europe, [where ye shall reside.] Some great ones amongst us endeavour to foment new differences, and to corrupt the soldiery, but notwithstanding their several temptations, little will be effected; and as to the government of the English affairs now on foot, it seems not at a loss, but in a good posture or condition, though infinite and manifold treacherous plots are consulted of, to destroy the frame of Government now extant, its authority and Majesty, and the Rulers of us thereby; yea, the whole Nation itself (if possible;) the influence whereof, produceth sad effects to the conspirators; and if mercy be not showed in the midst of Justice, it's feared the bright Axe will be died of a scarlet hue: The Presbyterian seems angry, and much displeased with the present authority, and many invective speeches will proceed from those, who formerly shined like glorious Lights amongst us, having performed wonderful actions for the service of this Commonwealth; but notwithstanding this their change, and perverting of their purer judgements, I hearty wish, that the State of England, may look upon their former merits, and say, as Solomon, upon the failings of Abiathar; Because you, from the very beginnings of our troubles, have suffered with us, fought for us, and now only unfortunately have erred, and receded from your former obedience, be you forgiven of God, we remit this your casual trespass.   

Septembers Astrological Predictions.  
SOme pestilent broils, or unparalleled results, give cause of fear to our Governors, but a few day's patience promises a comfortable composure: Lift up your heads, you English Cedars, and faithful Commoners be not sad; the unchangeable decrees of Eternal providence, have well provided for your ease; although some discord and contention, may for a time seem to discontent us, by reason of some astonishment arising from the Citizens of London, and great disputes happening between party and party; but the sufferings of this Nation are almost quite over, and I could wish the like in Ireland; but it seems there is much to be done, some money and men's lives to be spent; but I hope all those who are lovers of Religion, liberty and freedom, will most willingly lend their helping hand, for their relief and assistance. Alas! poor England cannot expect safety without a full conquest of Ireland, which I positively affirm, we shall subdue this year, the several positions of heaven promising us no less than victory, and the Irish downfall: But the sooner we send men, moneys, clothes, and necessaries, the more will be our glory, and our brethren's comfort: I wish a generation of our own at home, fail not herein.   

October's Astrological Predictions.  
I Reland is sensible of the actions of this Month, in one kind or other, but probably in the worse sense; the soldiery seems very weary, by reason of some unseasonable weather, and the searcity of bread and provisions; but it's in vain [O Ireland] to resist that overruling providence, which by the mercy of God attends the English consultations: Divers of the Irish Nobility, begin to desert any further engagement with England, and many of them fly into other Countries for relief and succour: The sick Scot is still lurking to take advantage; but him we need not fear, though assisted with the Dane, who is preparing for our annnoyance this Summer: The Swede we shall not find our friend, nor doth the Germane Emperor and the Princes of Germany, favour this Government: The French have already, do still, and will hereafter abuse us for a while; but the edge of their fury will within few Months be taken off, and great will be their commotions, the commonalty endeavouring to cast off Monarchy; and an invitation is upon a near arrival to England, for the purchasing of liberty. The close of this Month produceth good effects from the Clergy, and those Divines who for many precedent Months walked very averse in judgement, begin now to hold a mutual correspondency in Doctrine, and a good understanding and concurrence, is with great joy, alacrity, and amity, assented to.   

November's Astrological Predictions.  
SOme of our English trusties begin now to soar high, having by their great Offices enriched their estates, and filled their purses; which causeth the Communality to swell with anger, and their spirits to boil with indignation, and seriously to commune one with another, and questioning each others judgements, why they made no better a choice; but they are pacified for a while, having fair hopes of bettering their condition in the future. Let us hope well after all our sufferings, there is some probability either of curing, or lopping off such diseased branches of the Commonwealth, as have glutted themselves with the people's ruin and impoverishment. About this time there ariseth great changes in France, and without doubt either a new moulding of men, or just examination of some Parliamentary matters. We shall have rumours of Wars, and hear of preparations of Armies in several parts of Europe; but the English Statists shall prepare the greatest Fleet for Sea, and the best Army for Land, that ever was seen in these parts; for the English will be reputed so despicable a people, in most parts of Europe, that the State will be forced to stand upon their guard, both by Sea and land, and they will so discreetly manage their affairs, that the greatest and wisest Politicians, with all their might and power, shall not be able to annoy us, or set footing within our Territories.   

December's Astrological Predictions.  
THe year is now ending, but the great murmur of the people not yet brought to a period, but time by degrees may better inform their judgements: A sad government which people neither fear nor approve of, but as necessitated: Great are the complaints of the people to the Parliament, against public Officers, who have sought their own interests, and served their own turns with the public treasure. Were a full liberty granted, which [perhaps] may be, the Commonwealth knows who to question, and where to find moneys. Something near or about this time, a capital punishment is threatened: No admonition or judgement will serve some of those who have quickened and excited our differences; it's possible the just hand of God may find out some of them miraculously, and suffer the execution of justice to be inflicted on them; at which time, the Communality will smile, and not cease from petitioning that justice may flow in its proper current, and not be perverted either with bribery or partiality.   

January's Astrological Predictions. 1651.  
GAllant things are in agitation this Month, the beginning of which produceth large disputes: Our Representatives proceed with great alacrity for the easing of the Communality of their Assessments, and heavy burdens, and tenderly now consider, how they may be taken off, and much lessened or abated: Little action this Month, words being more predominant than blows; yet a few discontented spirits, seem to begin the year with mutinous paradoxes, and would attempt against our State and Government, which will continue, if they derogate not from their true and lawful principles.   

February's Astrological Predictions.  
A Melodious harmony sounds pleasantly in the ears of England's Libertines this Month; whose painful endeavours are now studious, how to present their gratifications of love, unto such as have supported them and the Kingdom's cause, with hazarding their lives, fortunes, and estates: The Londoners and divers others, do now unfeignedly make a recantation of their former disobedience; who having tasted of the sweet fruits, which our Representatives have with so great hazard and pains reaped, begin now to relish the virtue of their proceed, and and resolve to walk obediently in all just and lawful ways, which they are required or commanded to; And although there is a portent of division amongst some few great ones, yet the God of peace can convert some absurd mistakes into a better temper then open hostility or public defiance.   

March's Astrological Predictions.  
BY the Conjunction of several Planets, this Month produceth good effects, and our long desired Peace, seems now firmly established: Several Agents and Ambassadors from foreign Potentates arrive here near these times, desiring unity between their Masters and our Representatives; The Governors of foreign Plantations, desire to live under the protection of our English State: The French seems a little troublesome, notwithstanding his ill success the last year, and the Danes would be with us, but dare not. Some new commotions in Scotland, by discontented spirits, for advance of Monarchy, but all in vain. The Presbyters in England, receive a general change, and endeavour nothing more, than the preservation of their peace and liberty, and frustrating the malign designs of the adverse party.   

April's Astrological Predictions.  
OUr English spirits soar high; the soldiery are resolute and undaunted, and in so good a posture, that no enemy can annoy us: The Hollander is very active, making great preparations for Sea; what their design is, time will suddenly discover; they are a subtle selfended people, and it behoves England being so near a neighbour diligently to attend their motion: The Scots begin to desist from playing fast and lose any longer, and (in some measure) to conceive aright of our present Government and Authority, who in its purity, is like to continue many Generations: And I am confident, all true Englishmen, and lovers of their Country's freedom, will generally unite, and endeavour (for the future) the preservation and safety of this Commonwealth wherein they live.   
FINIS.