KING charles his star: OR, astrology defined, and defended by Scripture, &c. WITH The Signification of the Comet seen Decemb. 1652. As it hath relation to His MAjESTY, CHARLES KING of SCOTLAND.  
BY 1000 10.  PSAL. 8. ver. 2, 3. 
Out of the mouth of Babes and Sucklings hast thou ordained strength, because of thine enemies; that thou mightest still the Enemy, and Avenger. When I consider thy Heavens, the work of thy Fingers, the Moon, and the stars, which thou hast ordained.  
Printed in the Year, 1654.   

Who or what am I to undertake this great work? one of a slow speech, a brutish understanding, a Child in nature, yea, a very Infant in knowledge. Give therefore, O my God, unto thy Servant, an understanding heart, that I may discern the right: O be thou with me, else what do I here? For without thee am I nothing.  

KNow ( Courteous Reader) had the Learned Pen of M lily, or any other of those many Artists in Astrology, whose yearly judgements are fit testimonies of their ability; I say had any of their writings come to my hands, wherein they had discovered in what an eminent manner this last Comet had signification of his Majesty King Charles, I had been silent: and therefore have I waited the longer, that I might see most mens judgements astrological for this year; hoping therein to have found this task undertaken by a much more able Pen then mine: but finding this great thing generally neglected, and considering that the glory of God is herein very much concerned; who hath shewed a strange and more than ordinary sign unto the Children of men, of what he will shortly bring to pass: and looking on the Astrologer, or him to whom God hath given this knowledge, of the effects of the stars, as bound in duty, to declare his judgement freely, faithfully, and impartially,( according to the measure of the knowledge which God hath given him) unto all the World; that so the knowledge of our omnipotent Creatours Providence might always cover the Earth as the Waters cover the Sea, whose Almighty power, and special providence being considered, as it is administered, and signified by his excellent Creatures the stars, is able to make any man, yea, a very Heathen, or infidel to aclowledge with that of the Psalmist, in Psa. 19. ver 1. Coeli enarrant gloriam Dei,& opera manuum ejus annunciant firmamentum. The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy work.  
But before I proceed I shall in this place have a word or two to the Astrologers of the time; and that is either they are partial, 
Perhaps they had not the figure of his said Majesties birth.  or else it is from human frailty( of which I and many more may justly complain) that they have not in a manner imitated the wise men, Mat. 2. ver. 1. 2. 9, 10,& 11.( who no doubt were very eminent Astrologers of that time, by whom it pleased God to declare the birth of our Saviour, who knew it by the astrological position of a star) in these, or the like words: 
This was written when the last representative governed.  O Parliament of England, why stand ye out against His Majesty Charles the King of Scotland, who is by right your sovereign? Why keep ye his three kingdoms so wrongfully from him? Why deprive ye him of the right so lawfully His: is this your Justice? is this to bring glory to God, as ye falsely pretend? Know this, God hath declared unto us his servants by his Creatures, that He will arise to do him Justice, and by His Almighty power will enable him to conquer, and overcome all his enemies: yea, and it shall not be in the power of your human strength( on which you so much brag, saying wee have won it by the Sword) to resist him; for wee have seen his star, &c.  
Therefore we desire you to yield unto him, and speedily to sand forth, beseeching him to come in upon conditions of Peace; for the whole Nation knows ye have professed yourselves for Gods glory, and the common good: Therefore we say as you tender your profession, desire him to come peaceably to his crown, and enjoy the right so lawfully his; whereunto we doubt not but he will assent. But and if by your delay, and hardness of heart ye provoke him to take up the Sword, we shall have much Christian blood spilled; and then may you too late repent, and say, we were hereof timely enough warned, yet were not armed to beat down our fancies, and vain imaginations; but gave to them the sovereignty of our lives, rather than the many warnings of our Omnipotent and ever merciful God, first declared unto man by his Word, and Spirit; then by his works, &c. 
Since they have not done it, let the present governours, take it from me, for I deliver it from the sincerity of my heart.  But why do I thus continue, since no man hath laid it to heart to declare this great thing, for even all have neglected it; And behold I, even I the unablest of all, yea, I the unworthiest of all Gods servants have( according to my bound duty) taken this great task upon me, endeavouring faithfully to communicate it to the World according to the measure of the knowledge which God hath given me; in the prosecuting of which, I shall by the assistance of my ever blessed God observe this Method following. 

1. And seeing it is my first public astrological judgement, I will principally define what Astrology is; and answer those objections, which this ungrateful age hath raised against it, and its Professors.  
2. And then will I show you the motion, and situation of this Comet; and how it hath a signification of a great man to arise, and that this man is King Charles.     

A Definition of Astrology, &c.  
BUt first of all before I speak much of it, let me look into the nature of Astronomy, and see what it teacheth, without which Astrology is invalid, and nothing worth: for as by Astronomy we are taught how to measure, and find out the Motions, situations, Magnitudes, Distances, Aspects, and Configurations, &c. of those heavenly bodies the stars: So also by Astrology are we taught, to judge of their natural pottent, and signification, as they are signs of future Events: according to that of Moses, Gen. 1. ver. 14. where the great Jehovah, after he had created those celestial Bodies, gave them this powerful Commission; which he hath sealed with his Almighty strength; and special providence. And let them be for signs, and Seasons, and for Dayes, and for Yeares. here therefore note, before I pass this, that as there are four things specified, wherefore these Heavenly Creatures were created; and as the great Almighty hath commanded them to be( and empowered them to obey his commands) for signs, Seasons, Days and Yeares; so it will consequently follow that the creator hath given, or let out so much of his Almighty power, and special providence, on these his Creatures, that they may fulfil his will in this particular( that is) as they are for signs( or rather more if otherwise, for this word signs is first name amongst the four) as on any of the rest before specified, that is, Seasons, Dayes, or Yeares: which if it be so, then let us consider what an almighty, apparent power, God hath given his Creatures, to perform his will, as they are for any of the three last recited particulars: in which all men, except they be so blind in nature, as those in judgement( who daily deny Gods Almighty power in his Creatures, as they are for signs) will humbly aclowledge, yea, dare not deny but that they are guided by the Omnipotent Providence of their Creator: as for instance in the Sun; 
Dayes.  for when he, in a wonderful manner, is ascending in our Horizon, the day appeareth, and in his descending the night approacheth. 
Seasons.  So likewise as he draws from the veruall equinoctial, towards the Artick Pole, we call this Season the Spring, then making his progress from the tropical sign Cancer towards the autumnal equinoctial; we name it Summer: And as he journieth from hence towards the Pole antarctic; this Season we call autumn, or harvest: And lastly from the time of his departure from the Winter solstice to his returning to the vernal equinoctial; wee name it the Winter Season. 
Years  And when as he departeth from some known point of the zodiac, and returneth to the same again, we call this space or interval of time a year.  
I could have declared by many more infallible testimonies in what an eminent manner Gods power is manifested in his Creatures; but affecting brevity, I will conclude with this; for I verily believe that there is no rationable man but will confess, yea, it is so evident that he cannot deny, but that there is a special power, and Divine Providence letted out on this Heavenly Creature the Sun( as on others) seeing he doth thus measure out( by his most wonderful motion) the Seasons, Dayes, and Yeares, as I have now demonstrated: Then is there such an extraordinary power given him, and them to execute Gods will in these three last particulars, and have they none as they are for signs, as some envious men have affirmed? Yes verily, as God hath commanded them to be for four things specified, and this the first and principle of the four, Let them be for signs; so hath God given them a special, and so great a power to do his commands in this, as in any of the other as before is said: and therefore thou O man whosoever thou art, that deniest their power as they are for signs, dost absolutely deny the Power of God in them.  
And before I conclude this point I will here demonstrate those furious mens confession, who daily rage against and utterly deny Gods Almighty power in those his Creatures as they are universally for signs; which is say they, we do indeed believe that God doth sometimes let down his Almighty power on some of his Creatures, as he hath created them for signs( that is) when as the Sun or moon is Eclipsed, when there have been strange Apparitions, blazing stars, Comets, and the like; but that any other of those Creatures should be for such extraordinary signs of things to come, as you say, we cannot believe it.  
Oh, fie upon such fond atheism! is one created for a sign, and not the rest? What God hath joined, Let no man put asunder. And therefore since men so willingly swerve from the truth, let us once more consider the words. Let them be for signs, here's none excluded from the command, or power to execute it; Let them be, what is't but one, or two, of the celestial Creatures here commanded, and empowered, as these men would have it? Consider, the words are very emphatical, and takes all in a general way; let THEM be, that is, let all of them be for signs, &c. what and shall those Creatures be for signs onely on some particular Dayes, Times, or Yeares, as the same men have said? fie upon those willingly ignorant! mark, are not the words in the present tense, which intimates a continued being? Let them be, that is, let Them always, and continually be; yea, let them all, and generally be for signs and for Seasons, and for Dayes, and for Years.  
From which I also gather, that as the Sun( as is aforesaid) by his continued, and wonderful Motion, which he hath from the Almighty power of the Creator conferred on him, doth show Seasons, rule Dayes, and measure Yeares, than which there is nothing more clear, for daily experience confirms it, so say I, it is as undeniable from this place of Scripture that God hath commanded, and empowered likewise by the same power the moon, and Planets, yea, all of those Heavenly Bodies by their said continued and wonderful Motions to be always and continually for signs. What, and is all this great Power, and Divine Providence of the Almighty conferred on all those his Creatures the stars, to do his Will in this his first, and principle command, as they are for signs; and is this all in vain? Are those then signs of nothing as many men say? Oh horrid unbelief! Know God made nothing in vain, they are the signs of Gods power; yea verily, they are the signs of the times, as you may see in Mat 16. ver 3. In the beginning of which Chapter you shall also find these following words written, The Pharisees also with the Sadduces came, and tempting desired Him that He would show them a sign from Heaven. 2. he answered and said unto them, when it is Evening ye say it will be faire weather, for the sky is read. 3. And in the Morning it will be foul weather to day: for the sky is read and lowering. O ye Hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky, but can ye not discern the signs of the times? 
mark, when they desire a sign our Saviour answered immediately with the Elementary Heaven, intimating that they should look there for a sign.  Where we may observe, that when as those unbelieving men came unto our Saviour, and desired of him a sign from Heaven, He( as God being the Creator with the Father and the Holy Ghost of all those celestial Creatures, made them for divers uses, and this especially to be for signs, and that they might execute, and obey his Commands herein, hath conferred his Almighty power, and special providence, all which having plainly declared unto man in his Holy Word; where any( except such willingly ignorant Pharisees) this truth might plainly see) answered them thus deriding, and condemning their partiality of judgement herein. Quando serum est dici dicitis Serenitas erit: rubet enim toelum. Et mane, hody erit tempestas, rubet enim coelum trust. Then considering their great folly, he breaks forth with this vehement Exclamation, O ye Hypocrites, and so goes, on Nostis discernere. ye know how to discern the face of the sky, that is those lower Elementary Regions, and according to their colour ye give your judgement, and say they are signs of foul or faire weather. Cannot ye discern: as if he should have said, what are you always willingly blind as judicially, so also naturally? Have not ye seen the Scripture and therein found that all those Heavenly Bodies were created to be continually for signs, and that in a large sense? Was their power then particularized, and that it should extend no farther as ye have now done? That is to be signs onely of the weather; this indeed argues your grand Hypocrisy; But can ye not likewise discern the signs of the Times? Cannot ye likewise foretell, by discerning those signs of Heaven, the condition of the present, or future times: and especially this time of the messiah, this glorious time of the gospel, this time of the Revelation of Divine truths? &c.  
These things and many more God did foreshow and signify by his Creatures the stars, as for instance, by the great conjunction of ♄ ♃ and ☿ in the first Face of Virgo. Concerning which part of this sign Abraham, in his book called Principum sapientiae, says thus, Ascendit quoque in prima fancy ejus Virgo pulchra,& sui capilli longi, habens in manu sua duas spicas, ipsaquc sedet supper sedem unam,& nutrit puerum parvulum ipsum lactando ad comedendumque incitando. A faire Virgin having long hair also ascendeth in the first Face thereof, holding two ears of corn in her hand and she sitteth upon a seat, and nourisheth a little Boy by giving him suck, and inciting him to eat. And also by that star in which Sybella Tyburtina shewed Augustus caesar the Image of a faire Virgin, having a Boy in her bosom, saying this Child's greater than thou, worship thou him; was foreshowed the Preaching of the gospel, the sedition of the people, the Troubles, Persecutions, Warres, &c. which afterwards likewise came to pass. Here also will I rehearse the Verse to whom( I mean the aforesaid sibyl) Mantuan alluding hath written, as they are excellently translated by Mr. lily. 
Augustus with the Senate, People, All  
Fitting themselves for holy mysteries,  
She hast's from Tiburs Tower, comes to the HallOr  
HallOr Court of Caesar, pointing to the Skies  
Where in a most clear air, she them did show  
A Mother and her Babe, wrapped round about  
In a bright Iris, or most fulgent Bow,  
Upward her Face and both her hands stretched out:  
( Viewing the Child, and pointing with her hand)  
Who is that Boy? ( says he) O caesar peace  
Worship thou Him: The Heavens he doth command,  
The Altars and the Temples now must cease,  
Leave them to Him He rules the Firmament,  
The immortal Heavens he orders, and doth guide  
The fatal stars; under his Government  
Are all subjected in the World beside.  
Augustus caesar let thy haughtiness  
Be laid aside, what though thou rul'st the Earth  
Thou must remember that thou art much less,  
And art his vassal, brag not of thy Birth,  
His power is infinite, and rules on high  
All things are under his Authority.   
For by times is meant all things done in those Times, either ecclesiastical, political, or natural, both generally, and particularly; both Men, Actions and all other things acted, having dependence on Time. But before I dispatch this I will acquaint you with the partial Annotations of those Annotators of the Scriptures, who delivered their judgements in two Volumes, which were Printed in the year of our Lord 1651. And that is on the word signs in Gen. 1. vers. 14. the words they have written, are these that follow:  

Annot.  
signs] Of the weather: as the Sun when it setteth with a read sky foreshoweth a faire day to follow, Mat. 16. 2. The moon according to the variety of its colour and figure signifies a difference of weather; and both of them by their Eclipses betoken the temper of the ensuing Season, at least for some natural qualities and events, &c. with abundance of partiality: See the books.   

Interpret.  
Here first of all they begin to limit Gods Almighty Power, which he hath extended without limitation in these words, Let them be for signs, Yet by all means these Annotations would have this to be the gross sum without examining the particulars. signs] of the weather: for which they produce Mat. 16. 2. why they might have as well produced the third ver. to, seeing it doth as greatly concern the matter they have in hand as this; which if they should have done, they had likewise declared in the latter part of the Verse, that they are also the signs of the times as I have shewed; but being bent utterly to destroy Astrology, they will not by any means mention it.   
Oh the bitterness of those men! who to make way for the letting out of their envy and hatred towards man; have thus limited, yea, denied the Power of God: for as our Saviour said, he that is not for me is against me, so say I, he that will not confess Gods Power, denies it. Here, as I said before, was the Pharisees hypocrisy, who, by considering the signs of Heaven, were very well able( according to their natural signification) to foretell what weather should succeed; but either from the mistrust of Gods Almighty power, or from their malicious willing ignorance it was, that they likewise did not, or at least wise would not, strive to foretell their natural portent, as they are the signs of the times. But let's proceed, and then we shall find them confess something concerning the Eclipses of the Sun, and moon; which is, say they, Eclipses betoken the temper of the ensuing season, at least for some natural qualities, and events: Doth the Sun and moon indeed betoken events, and doth not the other Planets also? received not they all alike, one and the same Commission?[ but for this farther see page. 9. 10.] for my time will not give leave to examine every particular; and to the places of Scripture, which they bring against Astrology, I shall by and by answer when I come to handle the Objections.  
But now let us examine another place of Scripture, and let that be Mat. 2. ver. 1. Where, for wise men, they interpret Astronomers( by no means Astrologers, for they hate them.) But mark, They which are Astronomers alone; do only measure out the Motions, &c. of the stars; and so cannot tell what they signify( for this Astrologers only do.)  
Those wise men knew that the star, which they saw did signify that the King of the Jews was, born, Ergo.  
Those wise men were Astrologers. Which truth condemns the partial judgments of those men: well was it said Envy cannot see, no, neither here can it discern the truth, nor many more of those their Annotations on the like places of Scripture, which concern Astrology, any judicious Men may plainly behold the seeds of Envy, which they, by their partial malitious-wresting of the Holy Scriptures, to serve their own turns, have apparently discovered; but considering these things are too too manifest, I shall onely in this place desire all those who chiefly aim at Gods glory and his peoples good to take notice of these things, not disdainfully as they are fallen( for in many things we sin all) but exhortingly that they may arise again; not condemning their persons, but this their Doctrine: and myself praying for their Reformation shall immediately proceed on my intended matter, onely by the way will I first give you Mr. Diodati( a most learned man and a Minister of Gods Word) his impartial judgement on the word signs in Gen. 1. ver. 14. which is, signs] namely, of natural effects, as of heat, could, rain, faire weather, &c. signs and directions of the occasions, and seasons of many human actions: also presages of divers extraordinary accidents.  
And now as I have proved and cleared from Scripture proofs that God hath created, commanded, and empowered all his Heavenly Creatures the stars to be always, and continually for the signs of the times both present and future, and consequently of all things acted in those times, according to the course of nature; so will I now demonstrate that they are of divers kinds of natures, and so signify not all one and the same thing; and also that they are not onely signs of future events, but also have a divers kind of influence, and power from the Almighty to work or bring what they naturally signify to an effect, and so consequently are not onely signs, but causes of what they signify, under the supreme cause their Creator: which if it were not so, the Scripture would never make a distinction between the sweet influences of the Pleiades, and the binding virtues of Orion; as it is written in Job. 38. v. 31. Where God speaks to Job thus, Canst thou bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades, or loose the hands of Orion? 
This interrogation is a vehement negation, and so its, Thou canst not &c.  From whence we may note, that God hath not onely given them power to produce their several effects, whereof they are signs, but also hath said that their influence and power is such under God, that no man on earth is able to unloose or bind it. Much like unto this is that of Moses in Deut. Chap. 33. ver. 14. when as he blessed the Tribes, where you have these words written. And for the precious fruits brought forth by the Sun; and of the precious things put forth by the moon: whence its evident that the Sun and moon have power, 
The Sun by heat, and the Moon by moisture.  by their several influences to thrust forth the fruits of the Earth: And likewise in Hosea, Chap. 2. ver. 21. where God saith that he will hear the Heavens, and that they should hear the Earth, From all which I gather that as the Heavens have power to sand forth their influences on the fruits of the Earth: So those herbs or fruits, according to their natures, do depend on all those stars, or constellations; as they shall let down the power conferred on them by their several influences; And now will I also show you their power, and for this see Judges, 5. ver. 20. where you have expressly these words, They fought from Heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.  
About which time its very consentaneous to reason, there were some who studied this Art, had publicly declared that those Heavenly Bodies, by their divers mutual Aspects, and configurations, were then signs according to their natural signification that Sisera should be overcome in that battle, the event so truly following the sign, and Deborah considering what an Almighty power God had given those his Creatures, that they should thus by their influences, so powerfully work on, and bring to pass what they were signs of; made her( amongst other her praises of God) break forth in these words, E coelis pugnarunt sidera ipsa, è suis aggeribus pugnaverunt contra Siseram. Many other places of Scripture could I bring forth to strengthen this argument of the Almighty power God hath given them, where they are often said to be the Host of Heaven, but I'll leave it, seeing daily experience confirms it; for as I said before, so say I again, that the same Almighty power that God hath given them by their wonderful motion in a most admired manner to bring forth a Season, Day, or year; the very same power is conferred by God on them wonderfully to show forth a sign, and so consequently bring to an effect what they signify: but know in such natural operations as these, agunt, non cogunt: they do, yet they do not compel; that is, they do onely incline, or work by their influences, according to their natures on the Elements, and our Elementary Bodies, &c. whereof they are signs and and see it is not of fatal necessity that such and such things should come to pass, nor do their influences reach any farther into the natures, and natural actions of men, than to bring them up to an inclination; for God is the supreme cause:( as I have said before) who can as well withdraw their influences as stop, or make retrograde their Motions as he did in Joshuaes dayes, Josh. 10. ver. 12, 13, 14. And likewise in Hezekiahs, Isay 38. ver. 8. and therefore in all astrological judgements we ought to conclude thus, these things are like to come to pass; if God, who is the supreme cause, doth not prevent it.  
Now come I to the Objections, where I shall( by Gods help) handle those especially, which the aforesaid Annotations have raised; seeing they have delivered them so publicly, being Ministers of Gods word; and finding the generality of men very prove to take their Ministers for an example, and so consequently follow their foot-steps: which is a thing I hold commendable in any, provided that they themselves do trace in truth, and sincerity: therefore will I first begin with this whereon they have raised their strongest arguments to overthrow Astrology, and that is Jer. 10. ver. 2. the words are these. Thus saith the Lord, learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of Heaven, for the heathen are dismayed at them. By which and the following words I conceive that the Prophets aim is to roote out Idolatry from the Children of Israel; which also the argument in the third, fourth and fifth verses plainly demonstrates: but I will scan the words, and give you, by Gods assistance my impartial judgement of them: learn not the way of the Heathen, that is, as if the Prophet should say, what and if you and your fore-fathers have formerly disobeyed Gods Commandements, and Idolatrously worshipped the Host of Heaven? However, do so no more, worship ye God the Creator, and not the Creatures; for this is the way of the heathen; which were it not so, why should the Prophet immediately after the words bring in this Argument, in the three subsequent verses; but that they, by considering of the Idolatry of the Heathen, might see the vanity of their own: Be not dismayed at the signs of Heaven, that is, be ye not afraid of these your Gods, whom ye have set up unto yourselves, to worship them, for I tell ye they are Gods servants, and without his permission have no more power of themselves than those wooden stocks, which the Heathen worshipped, whose you may see in the latter part of this fifth verse; and because of the concordancy I will rehearse the words, Be not afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.  
The Heathen are dismayed at them, that is, those men that have not known the true God, but have made idols to themselves whom they worship; they Idolatrously fear them, thinking there is no power above them. So now have I briefly touched at the particulars of this Objection, yet have not found a word against the lawful use of Astrology; but it doth teach thus much, that as we confess, and aclowledge that they are onely governed by Gods Almighty power, and special Providence to perform all his commands; so we ought not to look on those stars, as absolute Lords; and ascribe to them more than to him that created them, not to the instrument, but to the great supreme Cause, we ought, I say, to ascribe Glory, Honour, and Power. Many things could I allege against those Annotations, which they have written on this place Jer. 10. 2. but seeing they willingly swerve from the truth of Scripture, and to feed their own malicious fancies have erroneously ranted at the pure science of Astrology; both without rule and reason: either of which had they produced, I would have answered it, but since they have not, I'll condemn their folly, and resolve not to waste ink and paper about such niceties, whilst an envious tongue hath uttered it.  
Another place of Scripture, which they produce, is Isay 47. v. 13. from whence( say they) its clear that Astrology is nought, for God hath derided it: but stay sirs, I hope the Defendant may be heard as well as the Complainant,& therefore I'll open the cause, the words are, Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy Councells: let now the Astrologers, the Star-gazers, the monthly Prognosticators stand-up, and save thee from those things that shall come unto thee. I will by Gods assistance declare my truly impartiall-judgement on these words also, by conferring with some of the precedent, and subsequent Verses: first therefore know that these words were chiefly directed, and spoken to the Babylonians; which truth you may see in the first verse of this Chapter; And that those men being grossly ignorant of the true knowledge of God the Creator, did ascribe all their Acheivements unto, and let out all their confidence on themselves, and others the Creatures; is apparently held forth in ver. 7. 8. 10 and this 13. and so it doth consequently follow, that those Astrologers here mentioned, being also Babylonians, were lead by the same atheistical Idolatrisme, who when they did deliver their judgements, no doubt did make the stars such absolute Lords, as by their own power to bring to pass always whatsoever they signified by their naurall motions: for they, being in ignorance, did not know, or believe that there was any power above that did oversway them; nor were they sensible that there was an Almighty Creator, who made them, that could by his power either stop their Motions, or withdraw their influences at his pleasure: and yet are those ignorant Creature-Idolizing Astrologers the great counsel of Babylon. Wherefore the great JEHOVAH seeing their ignorance, and deriding their folly, doth in these words speak after this manner, Let now thy great counsel the Astrologers, who are as ignorant in the truths of God as thyself, let those I say, in whom thou hast hitherto trusted, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come unto thee: but behold, as ye have alike swerved from me, and ascribed all my glory, and honour unto my Creatures; so shall ye alike have the same punishment; for they shall be as stubble, &c. vers. 14. All that I can discern in this place of Scripture is, that every Astrologer ought to make the subject matter of his discourse, on the effects of the stars, the praise, and glory of God; and to ascribe nothing to the Creatures as done of them; lest God, for doing it charge them with Idolatrisme; and give them this sentence in his anger, They shall be as stubble, the fire shall burn them, &c. 14. Verse.  
But before I dispatch this Objection, let me a little illustrate it with some other places of Scripture; first see Psal. 33. 17. in which and the former verse the Psalmist sets forth how unable the strongest Creatures are to put their power in execution, without their Creators permission: as A horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. So say I,( for I am enforced to make a comparison for demonstrations) sake that is a vain thing for any man to trust to the stars for safety, though they be an 
Gen. 2. vers. 1  Host, or to think that they by their own power can deliver any man, for I tell ye, they can no more do it, than those Astrologers could the Babylonians in whom they trusted.  
Also see Isay 30. ver. 16. where you may see how God deals with those who trust onely in Creatures; and not in the Creator: But ye said, no we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee; and we will ride upon the swift, therefore shall they that pursue you be swift: so says God to the Babylonians, seeing ye have reposed all your trust and confidence on the Creatures, and taken all your counsel from those Astrologers, who are as ignorant of God as yourselves: behold I am speedily bringing my judgements upon ye, and then let those, who have been your Counsellors, deliver you.  
Now consider, because it is said An horse is a vain thing; And we will flee upon horses, therefore shall ye flee &c. shall we, I say, therefore altogether neglect, and reject the lawful use of this Creature? Even so it is with Astrology; because God condemning these Babylonians for their great and onely rely on Creature-comforts hath derided at their Creature-idolizing Astrologers; who aclowledge no God but the stars, no power above them, and nothing acted but by them; shall therefore the lawful use of this science be rejected and neglected? No verily, it was the great abuse God derided it, then Tolletur abusus, non usus. Let us remove the abuse and continue the use to the glory of God.  
These two are the strongest Objections these men have falsely raised against the lawful science Astrology; other frivolous ones there are, which( by Gods help) I could very well answer, but pressing earnestly towards the chief work hereby intended, I do for the present willingly omit them. And so I leave it to an impartial judge to decide between us, whether these my weak endeavours or their Annotations, have most verity according to the true sense of these Scriptures, which I have now handled: whose Annotations on many Scriptures, which concern Astrology, if a clear sighted judgement did compare with the original, I doubt but he would discover much malice and hatred in them: O! sie upon the wickedness of such men, who will change Gods Word, but they'l make their own good. And against many of the present Astrologers I must testify they have apparently discovered the seeds of malicious revenge,( which especially breaks forth in their yearly writings) against the Ministers and Ministry: these things are so far from commendation in either of you, that they are utterly abominable, yea, very detestable; these are the works of darkness, sports for the devil, and deeds of dishonesty: as you may see in Rom. 13. ver. 13. on which words one excellently said, not in Ri●ting and drunkenness; that is to feast the World; not in Chambering and wantonness, that is to feast the Flesh: not in striefe, and envying, that is to feast the devil. And what will ye, dear friends, who have continually professed yourselves for Gods glory; the one to declare it by his word, the other by his works: will ye I say show yourselves so impious, as to banquet the devil? Alas, forbear! forbear! this is odious in the sight of God and Man.  
And whereas I now understand by the Preface of the aforesaid books, that those Annotations were written by eight several persons, each taking a part: I would have no man to think I am so uncivil as to blame all for one, but onely him or they who have thus mishandled the Scriptures as aforesaid; and to such I say, I do not, because they have been overcome with malicious hatred, either condemn their ministry or Persons, I leave this to God; yea, I am so far from speaking against Ministry, or Ministers, that I really honour them for their works sake, yea, verily, I have found them instrumental of working grace; Therefore to the omnipotent Creator be glory, both now, and for ever.  
So having thus far defined, and defended by Scripture proofs this lawful science, Astrology, I doubt not but the same words, which God spake( giving these his Creatures their Commission, Let them be for signs) doth also empower man to study their signification: but if you think this not enough take Psal. 111. ver. 2. where it is expressly said, The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. Yet notwithstanding this, some there are so busy and inquisitive, that they must needs know who were the first Practisers of this Art; to such I answer. Josephus in his antiquities of the Jews, lib. 1. ch. 3. relates that the sons of Seth first invented this science, who( because Adam had foretold of a two fold destruction of the World; the one by fire, the other by water) engraved in two Pillars, the one of brick, and the other of ston, what they had invented: to the end if that of Brick should be abolished by the overflow of waters; the other of ston should express unto men that, which was therein imprinted for their instructions. Yea, and the Patriarch Abraham too was excellently well skilled in this Art, as appears in the 8. Ch. of the same book; where Josephus speaking of him says thus, He therefore first of all did most manifestly Preach; and prove that there was but one God, governor, and maker of all things; and that otherwise if any thing conferred, or furthered our felicity, it happened to us, not by our own workings, but by his holy will. And this observed and approved he, by that which chanceth both in the Earth and in the sea 
Mark. ; As also those things which he saw daily occur by the influences of the Sun, and Moon and other stars: namely, that there was a certain power that disposed them, and decently administered all things; without whose assistance nothing would be profitable unto us. For which counsel the Chaldeans and Mesopotamians began mutiny against him, &c. And Berosus, also speaking of Abraham, says thus. After the deluge and during the tenth Generation there dwelled a most just, excellent and upright man, and exercised in the knowledge of the celestial Bodies.  
Josephus further saith in the 9. ch. that Abraham was the first that imparted the sciences of arithmetic, and the observations of the celestial Bodies to the Egyptians; who before his coming thither, were altogether ignorant of the same: All which you may see in the aforesaid book. And if you look into the first of Chro. ch. 12. ver. 32. ye shall find it recorded, that the Children of Issachar were men that had understanding of the TIMES, to know what Israel ought to do. So it is likewise said of Moses, Acts 7. ver. 22. That he was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, that is their liberal sciences; and especially Astrology, for they& the Chaldeans were the chief Professors of it; which Art God hath derided, and condemned in them, as they made use of it; as is before said, yet you see Moses is here commended for it, yea, it is left upon Record; who very well knew how to remove the abuse, and to continue the use lawfully to Gods glory. And also the wise men spoken of in Mat. 2. 1. unto whom it pleased God to reveal the Birth of our Saviour by a star; that they were most excellent in this Art is very apparent. So now have I cleared unto you that many eminent servants of God in former ages have practised this Art, but because the heathen chaldeans have so long studied it,( for they acknowledged no God but the stars as aforesaid) And did so Idolatrously abuse it, therefore onely hath the lawful use of it been long rejected, and that especially by the ignorant; I could have instanced Job, David, &c. but I hasten.  
Thus have I proved from Scripture, that all those Creatures, the stars, were commanded, and empowered to be always for signs; and that in a large sense, the signs of the times, that is all natural things depending on time; that they have a divers influence, and Power under God to bring what they signify to an effect: I have cleared and removed the Objections, which envious men have laid as blocks in the way, which indeed a nimble man might quickly leap over; but I have taken the longer time, endeavouring thereby to make the way so plain, that the lamest judgement may not stumble; and lastly I have brought in some examples both from History and Scripture of those, which have been students in this Art: So having finished the first part, I will by Gods assistance, as eagerly as may be, press on towards the other, which is the especial, and chief thing hereby intended: yea, the onely cause of my present writing: but this happening to be my first public astrological judgement, I thought good to demonstrate what astrology is. Now commending this to God, from whence it came, I desire it may tend likewise to his Glory.   
Laus Deo.   

Of the Motion, and situation of the Comet seen Decemb. 1652. and how it hath a signification of a Man to arise, and that That Man is His MAjESTY CHARLES, King of SCOTLAND.  
WHereas ( Courteous Reader) I have hitherto spoken of signs, onely in a general way; now will I therefore briefly make distinction: and so they are ordinary, and extraordinary. Ordinary signs are the Eclipses of the Sun, and moon, the conjunctions, Oppositions, and mutual Aspects, and Configurations of the rest of the stars, which being celebrated according to their common natural Motions, a man might by calculation easily demonstrate ad Punctum, for a thousand yeares to come, should the World so long continue.  
Extraordinary signs are such, which depend not on natures course, and therefote natural man is altogether incapable to know, or speak of these before they manifestly appear. Such was that in Joshua's dayes, when at Gods command the Sun, and moon stood still until the people had avenged themselves of their enemies Josh. 10. ver. 12, 13, 14. likewise in Hezekiah's time, the great Jehovah by his Almighty power did make the Sun, contrary to the course of nature, return ten degrees backward. Isay 38: ver. 8. And also that famous, and unparalleled Eclipse of the Sun, which was celebrated at our Saviours death, might well be brought in amongst those signs of wonder: for the Sun cannot naturally suffer an Eclipse, but when he is in conjunction with the moon, or as we commonly call it, at the new Moon: but this happening near the full moon,( for it was about the time of the celebration of the Jews Passover) the moon being near diametrically opposite to the Sun, could not at that time with her dark body interpose between him, and our sight; and so it was not a natural, but a most wonderful Eclipse; which when Dionysius Areopagita saw, did( being amazed at so strange a sight) cry out, Aut mundi Authorem pati, vel Machinam ejus dissolutam iri. Either the God of Nature suffered, or the fabric of the World shall be dissolved.  
Here could I also speak of many more wonderful signs, as of the star which appeared at our Saviours Birth; of the Comet which Josephus mentions in his book of the Jews war; that hung over Jerusalem, by the space of a whole year before its destruction: divers other Comets, and new stars, which have appeared a certain time, and then vanish away again; yea, of many strange prodigies, which may very well be reckoned amongst those signs extraordinary: but aiming at the matter in hand, I will onely briefly demonstrate, and speak of this one, and so proceed: That is the star which appeared at the Birth of his said Majesty the King of Scotland( yea, and by right of England and Ireland too; which I doubt not but within a few yeares, God will give him in possession:) concerning which star those verses hereunder written were presented unto his said Majesties Father, as he was going towards Pauls-Crosse, to give God thankes for the safe deliverance of her Majesty the Queen, and the birth of his Son, 
Rex ubi Paulinas accessit gratus ad arras,  
Immicuit medio lucida stella Polo.  
Dic divina mihi tractans aenigmata coeli,  
Haec oriens nobis, quid sibi stella velit?  
Magnus in occiduo princeps modo nascitur orb,  
Monque sub eclipsi regna orientis erunt.  Englished thus by Mr. J. B. 
When to Pauls-Crosse the grateful King drew near,  
A showing star did in the Heavens appear,  
Thou that consults with Divine mysteries,  
Tell me what this bright Comet signifies?  
Now is there born a valiant Prince i'th West.  
That shall eclipse the kingdoms of the East.   
Some there are which say that this star was the Planet Venus, others deny it; but whether it was or no I cannot positively affirm, for I saw it not myself, nor that or any other star in five years after the time of its appearance, but yet I gather from the report of some, who saw it, that it was the Planet Mercury; which if it were, its very likely it was the sign of that prophecy spoken by Ambrose Merlin, The splendour of the Sun shall languish by the paleness of Mercury, and it shall be dreadful to the Beholders. I could enlarge on this, but consider, any Planet within 17 degrees of the Sun is accounted very unfortunate: And Mercury, being the Lord of both the principle Angles, that is, of the Ascendant, and Mid-heaven, was a chief significator Astrologically of his said Majesties Person; who being thus accidentally afflicted by the presence of the sunbeams, yet miraculously God by his Almighty power did make this star to shine brightly in the midst of Heaven, in a clear Sun-shine day, which is very contrary in nature. I could give you a large astrological judgement concerning this star, but seeing I am uncertain( for I hear it by others, who perchance have forgotten the true position of this star in so long time) whether it were Mercury, or no, or any other Planet, or a new star, as some have said; therefore will I give no positive judgement hereon, but will for the present pass this also; and poceede to my hereby especial intended matter, and that is to declare my judgement on this extraordinary sign, the aforesaid Comet, as it hath a particular signification of his said Majesty King Charles.  
 depiction of comet 
December. 1652   
And first of all will I speak of the Motion of this Comet, or blazing star, with its time of continuance, and that principally according to the most accurate observations of that most excellent Divine, and Learned Mathematician Mr. Oughtred and others: whose first sight of it being the ninth of December in the Evening, did then observe that it was with a star of the fifth magnitude in the head of the hare, near 10. Degrees of geminy, having about 39. Degrees South-latitude. And again on the tenth day in the Evening near about the former time it was seen with a star of the fourth magnitude, in the 5 degree 40′. of geminy; having South-latitude about 28 degrees: so that it moved in Longitude by a retrograde motion about 4. degrees 20′. in the space of 24 houres; and in Latitude towards the North in the same time full 11 degrees: and in this manner it continually moved, contrary to the succession of the signs( yet every day slower than other) till it came unto the latter part of the second decade of Taurus, which was about the 25. of the same December; from which time it vanished, having then about 49 degrees North-Latitude: moving all this time in its proper motion from South and by East, to North and by West, about 20 degees in Longitude, and 88 degrees in Latitude: whose Diameter also, at the said M. Oughtred his first sight of it, seemed to be about fourteen inches, but towards its disappearing it was not above seven, for the outward hare vanishing, the inner part shewed more clear, though less. This is the account which those that could make Observations of the same have given; but I have been certified from Scotland, and other eastern parts, that many have seen this four dayes sooner than those Observators, viz. on the 5, 6, 7, and 8. dayes of the same December, which being considered according to its motion by the aforesaid Observations, we shall find its first appearance was about the latter part of the sign geminy: yea, and some affirm that they saw it sooner than this also, that is one the first day of the same month, which if it were so, it's likely, yea, very consentaneous to reason, that it began nere the quadrate of the degree of the last great Eclipse of the Sun, celebrated on monday the 29. of March. 1652. which is near the 19. degree of Cancer: but however, were it not so, sure I am, from the infallible testimonies of many, who saw it on the 5, 6, 7. and 8. dayes, that it appeared to them in or near the last degree of geminy, and so transited that whole sign, steering a retrograde course till it came about the 19 degree of Taurus, and from thence disappeared.  
And this is all I can speak concerning the motion of this Comet, wherefore I shall think it convenient in this place, to demonstrate unto you how this Comet hath signification of a man to arise, &c. comets si in 3. vel 9. loco apparuerit, &c. But I cannot enlarge, my time requires brevity; And therefore know, that it s a received maxim amongst Astrologers, that when a Comet happens to be in the third, or ninth Houses of Heaven, in respect of the sign ascending of the revolution of the year, in which the Comet appears: that it hath signification of a Prophet, or Great man guided with a more than ordinary power of God, to arise and elevate some Nation, beyond expection, and seeing it is so, then let us examine, in what House of Heaven, this Comet first appeared, according to the Figure erected, for that moment in which the Sun entred the first scruple of the equinoctial sign Aries 1652. and wee shall find according to Mr Vincent wings Harmonicon Coeleste, that Libra 23 degree 34′. doth ascend in the first House; on the Cusp of the 9 House doth descend geminy. 18°. 59. through which sign this Comet transited: but if some object, and say it first appeared in Cancer, to such I answer that the sign Cancer was also intercepted in the ninth House of that Revolution; all which you may apparently behold, in this following figure for that year.  
 horoscope or astrological chart  
Then let us also consider in what House of Heaven this Comet happened, according to the figure of the last great Conjunction of ♄ and ♃, and because of the slowness of their motions the true Ascendent cannot be found; Therefore according to the Method of former Astrologers, we will make the very degree of the Conjunction, the Ascendant, and then seek out the other Houses in order: according to which Method, I must make the Ascendent ♓ 25 deg. 27′. which is the degree and minute of the said Conjunction, and then will the 15 degree of geminy also ascend on the Cusp of the third House. These two are sufficient testimonies to confirm that this Comet hath signification of a man to arise, who shall be guided by Gods special providence; yea, one were enough, but because this is the main thing intended, farther consider, and you shall find that at the New moon preventionall, there did also descend on the Cusp of the ninth House the beginning of the sign ♊. So likewise at the time of the Sun his entrance into the first point of the tropical sign capricorn, and at the full moon, about which time this Comet first appeared, the middle part of the sign geminy, did also descend on the Cusp of the ninth House: by all which testimones its very evident, according to the rule before specified, that this Comet hath in an eminent manner, a principle signification of a man to arise, &c.  
And now having cleared this point, farther consider, that as this Comet at his first appearance had great South-Latitude, yet always moved through northern signs. So from it may I draw this astrological judgement, that the man, hereby especially signified, both him, and his Ancestors, have been men of eminency, who sprung from an ancient and royal stock; who was essentially North, but by accidental position( for I speak Astrologically) was very much South, or by adverse fortune cast so low, that it were impossible, according to mans judgement, he should ever rise again; but with God all things are possible. It intimates I say a man, not onely deprived of all his just rights, but also of the privileges of the Law, and human aid to recover the same; yea, a forgotten and dejected man of the times; who coming to his own, his own received him not: and more than this, having enemies so inhuman, and uncharitable, that seeing God hath suffered him so long to lye under the trial of adversity, that stick not to say; Persecute and take him, for there is none to deliver him.  
And as this Comet contrary to the motion of all other stars, either fixed, or erraticall, did move twice as much farther in Latitude, and that Northward, than in Longitude; it prenotes that this man likewise contrary to all natural reason, and beyond human expectation shall be speedily empowered by the Almighty victoriously to overcome his enemies, who will not submit unto him, and also by Gods assistance to be exalted to such an eminent height of honour, that it shall administer matter of wonder, and amazement to all Europe, who considering the Almighty power of God that casteth down to the ground, and raiseth up again; will undoubtedly break forth. Glory to God.  
From the Retrograde motion of this Comet I also judge, that this Man shall make great alterations, turn many things topsy turvy, change Laws, settle the Government both in Church and State; and all contrary to that which hath been formerly, making as it were all things new, both Magistrates, and Government; Ministers, and Ministry; laws, Lawyers, Officers, &c. and what not? All which he shall be enabled to do by the assistance of his ever Blessed God, who hath not onely brought to the birth, but also will in his appointed time give strength to bring forth: therefore to him, yea, to have onely be given glory, and praise both now and for ever.  
But here will it be required of me, to demonstrate how this Comet hath a particular signification of his said Majesty King Charles; this could I by Gods assistance very well do, but because I would willingly answer some Objections raised against the like place in Mr. lily his judgement of the said Comet; which to do I must of necessity rehearse the words there specified: and seeing I would be short in prosecuting hereof, for my time hastens; I will onely follow his method, for it is exact: and I look on 
I could wish with my heart he did not so much run out against the Ministers of Gods Word, nor they against the pure science, Astrology, and both without cause; but that they would endeavour as much as in them lieth to live peaceably: and would each of them move only in the sphere, in which the Creator hath set them to his glory, and his peoples good.  him as the ablest Astrologer of England, yea, the onely Phoenix of the time: whose words are as followeth. And if we consider or very well observe, what person of quality is now born, having either relation unto this Comet in the tenth House of his Nativity, or place of the Sun, or moon; or if we observe the position of Heaven at his Birth in relation either to the eclipse of the Sun in 1652. or 1654. or what concurrence it hath or had with the former conjunctions of ♄ and ♃, or will have with the third Conjunction of ♄ and ♃ in Sagitarius 1663. Wee may I say assure ourselves that that Man, or the man so qualified by birth shall act his part upon the Stage of Europe with so much of Divine assistance, that it will not be in the power of any Prince, King, or Nation to resist him, &c.  
And is it so indeed? then let us consider whether any of these rules will hold in the figure of the birth of his said Majesty; which if we diligently examine, we shall find that there did then culminate on the Cusp of the tenth House, the latter decade of geminy, in which sign( as most men say) this Comet first appeared; others upon good grounds say it was concreted in Cancer though not visible sooner: but it matters not much to inquire in this place, where it did first appear, since sure we are that it transited through the whole sign geminy, and so consequently by the very degree of the Medium Coeli, or tenth House of the Nativity of his said Majesty: And this is enough according to the aforesaid rule of Mr. lily, to judge that this is the Man; even His Majesty Charles, who descended from Charles, who was lately by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. I say that he is the man, by this Comet signified according to our astrological judgement that shall( as afore is said) act his part upon the stage of Europe, with so much of Divine assistance, that it will not be in the power of any Prince, King, or Nation to resist him, &c. But seeing this is the principle thing intended, yea, the very foundation on which I raise this judgement; let me search a little farther, that so I might confirm the aforesaid truth by divers other testimonies; and then shall I also find that at the birth of his said Majesty, the Sun, which is the next herein considerable, was near the 18. deg. of geminy, through which sign and degree this Comet also passed: yea, and farther yet, if we consider the aforesaid time, we shall find that the Moon at that very instant, was in the beginning of the latter face of Taurus, by which degree this Comet also transited, and then disappeared.  
From all which you plainly see, that his said Majesty, hath not onely relation unto this Comet in the tenth house of his Nativity, or in the place of the Sun alone, or only of the Moon, but in all three, which is a strong, and prevailable argument to confirm my aforesaid judgement, that this is the Man.  
Moreover, if we make farther inquiry herein, we shall find that this Comet also transited by the very degree, wherein was Caput Draconis, or the northern Node of the Moon, at the hour of the Nativity of his said Majesty, which degree of the ecliptic is held by Astrologers of the nature of Jupiter,& Venus which is of excellent and very admirable influence. But again to the Method prescribed, and then in the next place, am I to observe the last great eclipse. of the Sun, near the 19 deg. of the fiery equinoctial sign Aries celebrated on monday the 29. of March, 1652. and consider what concurrence it hath with the position of Heaven at his said Majesties birth: in comparing of which I find that the very degree of that eclipse, is almost in the partill Sextile of the Suns place at the Nativity of his said Majesty. From whence might I truly derive this astrological judgement, that as that great eclipse, had an especial signification of the subversion of Powers, Monarchies, kingdoms, States, Common-wealths, &c. and also as it signified that the honours of some, of the greatest men of England, and other places; were nere Eclipsing, and that all the chief Governours of this Nation especially▪ should stand on such slippery places, during the effects of this eclipse, that should they step never so little unadvisedly, they might suddenly get an irrecoverable fall. So at last, shall this strange Catastrophe pincipally, and in especial manner redound to his said Majesties honour; who will no doubt ascribe all to Gods glory; by whose assistance he shall be enabled to perform all his admirable Acheivements.  
And now the next thing successively, is to examine what harmony that great eclipse of the Sun, near the 19 degree of the fiery and fixed sign lo, which shall happen the second day of August. 1654. shall have with the position of Heaven, at the birth of his said Majesty; by observing of which, I find that this eclipse will also happen near the partill sextile of the place of the Sun, at the time of His said Majesties birth; which signifies Astrologically as aforesaid, that if his said Majesty shall( by Gods assistance) before this time come to his crown, and appease home-bred tumults, settling his kingdom in peace, he either personally, or some others under his command, during the effects of this eclipse shall( God aiding him) give Pope and Popery a mighty ruin; and all is to establish in love the pure principles of the Protestant Religion, that so all might come to the knowledge of God in truth: for I look on this Eclipse, as a sign sent from God to Rome, and Italy, and to their chief governor the Pope, and other their Governours, who must especially suffer, during the effects of the same: And seeing this is so, I could wish with my heart that all the English Nation would submissively, and that speedily aclowledge, and declare themselves with alacrity of mind to be the subjects, as by right they are, of his said Majesty, that both He, and they may valiantly fight the Lords battles to the utter destroying of Popery, &c.  
Thus have I proved by many certain, and infallible testimonies that this Comet had a principle signification of his said Majesty King CHARLES, and that he is that Man, who shall act his part on the stage of Europe with so much of Divine assistance, that it will not be in the power of any Prince, King, or Nation to resist him; for if God be with him, who can be against him and prosper: all which I gather from the pure science Astrology; as it is signified by this blazing star, which I doubt not but God, who is the supreme cause, wi l speedily bring to pass.  
But some there are which object, and say, why did not M. lily likewise particularise that Man, who should be assisted with Gods power as aforesaid; but in an obscure manner only said that he was so, and so qualified Astrologically, which scarce any man can understand?  
To answer this I say M. lily did herein imitate the Ancients, who when as they were to deliver a public astrological judgement that would be bitter to the taste of most, did usually publish it in a dark sense, that none but the Sons of art might understand it; knowing that man could not endure to be touched to the quick, and fearing lest they for sp aching such a truth plainly, should incur the displeasure of most, and withall suffer an unjust punishment from great ones, who can hardly endure reproof:( this indeed I look on as the grand obstacle that men have laid in their own way to keep themselves from knowledge) so likewise as aforesaid hath Mr. lily without partiality, declared his judgement freely after an astrological manner to those that understand it, that his said Majesty, Charles is the very man signified by this Comet: And very likely it was for the reasons before alleged, that he did not declare this truth more plainly, knowing that it would be distasteful to the now greatest of this Nation, wherefore in the conclusion of his astrological judgement of this Comets signification, says thus; Video taceoque, sapit qui pauca scribit, plus, qui nihil.  
I could have been far larger in my judgement concerning the effects of this Comet, in a general way, which shall apparently manifest themselves ere 19 years be expired: but seeing this is no part of my task, and being already undertaken, by that only able man of England the said Mr. lily, in his almanac for the year 1654. to which now referring you, I shall immediately conclude all, with a few words of humble advice to the whole nation of England, but principally to the Lord general, and that is ( Right Honourable) that you would be pleased( both for your own, and the common good) to bestow sometime in perusing of the books of that eminent saint and servant of God, Mr. Arise Evans, who hath publicly declared the truths of God these twenty yeares: for doing of which faithfully, hath he many times suffered from the World, imprisonment, persecution, derision, scoffing, &c. whose first and second books, the one called A voice from Heaven, the other an Echo to that voice; do plainly declare that his said Majesty King Charles shall come victoriously to his Crown, maugre all the opposition man can make against him; for he shall be guided by Gods special, and Almighty Providence to bring to pass wonderful matters: &c. Wherefore the said Mr. Evans ( having by Gods assistance) declared all this, did humbly desire your Honour, and the generality of this Nation, to sand forth to his said Majesty, beseeching him to come peaceably to his Crown; for God, saith he, shall give it him, and if he come by the Sword, we shall have much blood spilled, and yet at last he shall prevail.  
But seeing none have hearkned, yea, even all have stopped their ears at this wholesome counsel, therefore the said Mr. Evans according to his bound duty hath published a third book, which is called A bloody Vision. wherein he relates that God doth signify by that Vision, that this sad distracted Nation is once again to suffer by the Sword, if there be not speedily a peace made with His said Majesty, that so he might re-enjoy all his just rights peaceably, which God hath given him by inheritance, and now will give him in possession: that so be might be his faithful Steward. What? and will ye not yet harken to this neither? will ye still cry Peace, Peace, when behold the Lord hath said, except ye do this there shall be no peace? Oh! dear Sirs, receive instruction, it will be for YOUR good: what and if some worldlings have been pleased to account the said Mr. Evans but a pseudo Prophet, I hope you do not so; consider, hath any of his writings, or Predictions hitherto proved him so? hath not God been pleased to bring to pass this twenty yeares whatsoever be before had signified by this Man? Alas! what former Prophet was there, which suffered not the like Buffetings, Aspersions, Vilifyings and Scoffings from man; and doth not this likewise argue him to be a true Prophet of God? But seeing none of these prevalent Arguments will serve the turn, God hath at last shewed a marvellous sign, to confirm the aforesaid truth by a star, and that a wonderful one, whose signification also God hath enabled me( who of myself am most unable) to deliver to all men publicly, which is, that His said Majesty charles, shall be empowered by God, marvelously to overcome all his Enemies, &c. which, if I have not derived from the pure Principles of Art, ask the learned Astrologers, and let them prove if they can that I have dealt partially; or rather testify with me that they sincerely believe that I have done this truly, and onely to set forth Gods glory, and for his peoples good, that right may take place which indeed is alone my aim: O then consider, and seriously ponder how merciful our God is, who never strikes before he gives warning; yea, wondrous merciful to England! who hath given divers and many warnings to it, first by his Word and Spirit, and now at last by his works, that if its present Governours do not willingly, and that speedily remove oppressions from the widow, and fatherless, and according to justice give every one his; and particularly to his said Majesty his three kingdoms, which they have wrongfully and a long time kept from him: He, even our God will arise, to execute right judgement; That as by the Sword they have unjustly with-held his Right, so by the Sword, even another war) shall he victoriously recover the same. Oh! a sad spectacle will it be indeed, to see more Christian blood  shed.  
Then( valiant Sirs) as God hath lent you the Government of this Nation for a time, so I beseech you be good in your Office: have you not solemnly professed yourself for Gods glory, and the common good? O as you tender your profession do this, that is, set the KING on his Throne peaceably; for God hath given you power to do it, and thereby shall you evidence to the World that your word, and your dead is one, that your professions, and actions do agree in discharging your duty towards God, seeing he will have this man to govern, to set forth his glory; and towards man, in that you shall hereby save many mens lives.  
And O London! London! learn in this thy day the things that belong unto thy peace; open thy gates wide that the King may peaceably enter in: let all thine inhabitants abide quietly in their houses, not offering to lift up their hands against him: but unanimously say, blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord: God save the King: but I am afraid mens hearts are so hardened,( either from the mistrust of Gods power, not to bring this to pass, or from their fruitless hopes of future security) that they will stand at a distance as long as they are able, and as it were draw down Gods judgements on themselves; and then will he execute his vengeance on them, who have unmercifully  shed innocent blood. 
geminy is the ascendent of London, through which this Comet transited.  O learn then to be a Nineveh, and be no more governed by thy vain thoughts, least at last they be thy destruction; but speedily go forth to the King lamenting thy former actions, and I doubt not, but thou shalt find the King of England a very merciful King.  
And now also do I desire ye, the whole Commonalty, out of the true affection I bear you; that you( as you render your lives and estates) would not lift up an hand against your sovereign Charles; for God hath shewed, that he shall overcome, and therefore submit unto him in all things, for God will be with him. O dear Sirs, have a care how you fight against God, against justice, against the right; none ever did it and prosper: but if ye will still delight in discord, ye shall have your fill of war, and at lest be shamefully conquered: O rather strive to be at concord with your King; how can ye expect, but daily to be devoured with wild beasts, as long as ye stand at a distance with your shepherds? How can ye ever think to be eased of the burdens of your task masters, as long as ye willingly abide under the dominion of Pharaoh? in a word, how can ye hope ever to be freed from those oppressive Taxes, and grievous impositions, before you fly to the King, whom God hath ordained to be your shepherd: who will have as much care of your lives and estates, as of His own? Speedily then declare your selves for him; and he shall conquer all your enemies for you; yea, under his Dominion shall you live in Peace.  
Thus by the Divine assistance have I discharged my duty in publishing these truths, and now do I commend them to all the English Nation, to receive instruction from them, but withall I humbly desire all men that they would by no means look on me, as though I do hereby intend to advance my private fortune, by publishing it; I tell you, and God can witness it, I am not to receive any p●ivate benefit by it. Therefore seeing it is chiefly for your instruction, and that you may by considering of it give glory to God, this shall be much more prevalent to convince you that I do declare this truth from a sincere heart. That King Charles shall victoriously overcome all his enemies, and that it will be your best way to submit unto him peaceably; otherwise he will make you submit enforcedly.  
 horoscope or astrological chart  
FINIS.