BRITAIN'S Royal STAR: OR, An Astrological Demonstration of ENGLAND'S future FELICITY; Deduced From the Position of the HEAVENS as they beheld the earth in the Meridian of London, at the first proclaiming of his Sacred Majesty King Charles the Second, on May 8. 10 h. 56 m. A. M. 1660. And an Enquiry made into the Use and Abuse of ASTROLOGY, resolving whether it be convenient to be continued or contemned. ALSO, An admirable Observation of a Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars made in the year 1170. by a learned Monk of Centerbury, communicated to the Learned in ASTRONOMY. Together With an Examination and Refutation of that Nest of Sedition, published by Mr. H. Jessey, concerning Frogs, Dogs, etc. in his Pamplet falsely entitled, The Lords Loud call to ENGLAND, etc. By JOHN GADBURY, Philomathematicus. Dei igitur altissimi coelum est instrumentum, quo inferiora agit, impellit regitque. Card. Seg. 1. Aph. 58. London: Printed for Sam. Speed, at the sign of the Printing-Press in St. Paul's Churchyard, Novem 22 1661. To the understanding Reader. As a testimony of the Affections and good will I we to the Land of my Nativity, I have here adventured to publish the true intention and significations of the Heavens toward the same; having with a considerable portion of pains and care observed them, as they weren posited at the time of his Sacred Majesties proclaiming, May 8. 1660. in the Palace-yard at Westminster. There are two things that have principally prevailed upon me for the composing and printing this Discourse: 1. The Quiet and Peace of these Nations, and satisfaction of the people thereof. 2. The neglect of other Astrologers in forwarding so necessary a work. 1. The Expectations of the people generally are mounted (as it were) upon Eagles wings, earnestly desiring; and seriously wishing to know, whether Peace and Quietude be like to be continued to us, in these (of late) distracted and bleeding Nations. whose wishes and D●sires, I hope, I have fully and satisfactorily answered, in the following Tract; wherein I have written nothing but secundum Artem, according to the true meaning of the Heavens. I have not, with gay Flourishes, guiled over any thing; but taken a just Cognizance of the very worst, as well as of the best of things.— flattery and sycophantick Practices, aught as well to flee the face of a Princely Science, as it should the Sanctuary of a Prince's Presence. 2. The neglect and backwardness of Artists in so necessary a work, may seem to persuade with many, that things are not likely to succeed so happily and well as they may expect. But this is only a sullen silence in some of them, because they see no probable hopes of a reward to follow such an undertaking; and Dull Jades never go well without a spur. In our late times of confusion it was a hard matter to hold them from showing themselves Incendiaries to purpose; then they could make Art speak any thing. But now, although here be a far better ground to presage England's happiness from, under the Government of his sacred Majesty, this is hardly worth the considering with them; they will rather, then take notice hereof, hang down their heads like Bulrushes, and obliviate their Art. This hath been a second Argument to Prevail with me for the publishing this Discourse. What I have here written, and published, I have done with an upright intent; not to sow sedition, but cement differences; not to set men's brains a madding, but to season and compose them: Not to render any opinion odious, but to rectify those that are overrun with Errors and Mistakes. I am not conscious to myself of commiting any sin herein, either against the Art I profess, or the honour of the Nation. I may (I presume) be as bold to write truth in the defence of England's peace, and be protected for so doing, as others are to write falsities and untruths, and publish them to its prejudice. I may justly expect as good quarter for publishing a fair and sober piece of Art, as those that print Lies, Forgeries and Libels. I have no design at all, unless it be to preserve such that would destroy themselves; and to render the Art of Astralogie (as it ought to be) amiable. I would not be misunderstood; when I plead for Astrology, and the honest Astrologers, I desire not the propagation of Incantations, witchcrafts, and sorceries, Gaeodemologic, dealing with Angels or spirits, Theurgic, calling up Dic-mie in a Crystal; with other to be aborted Devices, and hellish cheats: nor yet the toleration of Conjurers, Witches, Magicians, sorcerers, Divinators, etc. that under pretence of Astrology have set whole Nations on fire, with their black skill and cunning. Nor shall I plead for any that have canred the downfall of kings, Nations, Laws and Ministry, Lawyears', and Divines, etc. from Pictures and Prphecies, which are the highest sorceries that can used; and against which there are very particular and express Laws. I desire and plead for the toleration of Astrology no further than it is serviceable for mankind. As, by the Decubital and Critical parts thereof, Physicians are befriended; by the Agricultural part, the Husbandman; by the Nautical parts, the Seaman and Navigator; the Genethliacal part assists each particular person with the good and adverse times of his whole life, acquainting him (by gods permission) when he may with thankfulness receive a benefit, and when with pious prudence, reverbirate, or at left mitigate a mischief. these (with many others too long to mention here) I do d fend; there being a Demonstration of the use, worth and excellency of them; as Bellantius, Cardan, and sir Christopher Heydon, have largely proved; unto whose works I refer the Readers. But for the beforementioned Villainies, and the Pract sers thereof, they cannot be too severely dealt with; the Ruin of thousands cries aloud against them; and every honest ginger abominates them. Of my Answer to Mr. Jeffey, the reasonless and falseness of most of the things by him Pulished, and his partial Applications thereof, were the main inducements, no disrespect to his person at all. I desire to live peaceably and quietly under the Government established; and hold is not a sin, but duty, to proy for Kings. I earnestly wish England's welfare. I envy no sort of person in the world, yet am not of every opinion. If Episcopacy be held the safest way for the church's settlment, and a means to mike England happy, I shall not grieve to see it established. I esteem full as well of the common-prayer-Book, as others do of their precatory Enthusiasmi. God preserve his Majesty, and the Royal Progeny, and continue the (happily begun) Peace of these Kingdoms! Amen. From my house without Temple-Bar, near Strand bridge John Gadbury. Page 2. line 19 read. hath. p.3.1.2.r. was first; and in the Ascendent of the Figure, r. O.A. 219 d. 49 m. p. 4.1.16.r. Dominium. p.9.1.21.r. hope. p.12.1.12.r. Astris. p.13.1.21.r. per anitum. 1.30 r. will. p.15.1.11.r. Bellantius. P. 20.1.23.r. were. P. 21.antep.r. Auomalie. P. 24.ult.r.21 P. 25.1.6.r. Harmenicon. 1. 16.r. Apogaon. 2.28.21.29 P. 26.1.12.r. Anomalia. 7.24.49.21 P. 29.1.12 r. mildly. P. 32.1.24.r. Etenim. In he Answer to Mr. Jeffey: In the Title for Num, read Non. P. 1.1.12.r. Ninus. p. 20 l.4.r. know. AN Astrological Demonstration OF England's Happiness, FROM The POSITION of HEAVEN, At the time of his Sacred MAJESTY King Charles The Second Being proclaimed King of Great Britain, etc. WHile the Moon sets, or keeps beneath the Horizon, not a Dog offers once to bark at her; it is her shininig only that opens their venomous mouths: So while his Royal Majesty was traversing the tedious Road of a twelve years' Affliction, being all that time debarred the Possession of his proper Birthright and Kingdoms, few then snarled at him or seemed to express their prejudice, or Currish Nature against him, because they deemed him then low enough; as low indeed as possibly his greatest Enemies could have wished him, on this side the Grave. But when by God's especial providence there was room made in the Hearts of his Subjects for him to ascend the Royal Throne of his Ancestors, then behold how viperously do several of his Treacherous Subjects (conscious to themselves of a more than common guilt) in Scandalous and Invective Libels five out against him, and his constant and suffering Friends; endeavouring to disparage his great and honourable Actions, and fly-blow his Princely Designs and Intentions, Being not ashamed, to these their Lawless and Rebellious Devices, to add Treasonable Threats not only against some Honourable Personages by name, but the Government also. Which Malicious and Chimaerical Designs of theirs, I shall demonstratively prove, had not the least ground, save in their Enthusiastic Brains; and that they are only mere, empty and idle Conceits, such as will ever be without that effect they wish; yet of such unhappy consequence and import, that will most certainly, if long embraced and cherished, sink the Ship of the Promoters thereof, and then both may perish together. Sic ego torrentem qua nil obstabat ennti Lenius, & madico strepitu decurrere vidi. At quacunque trabes, obstructaq: saxa jacebunt, spumeus & fervens, & ab apice saviour that. Thus Englished by one: I have sometimes a stream of water seen, With little noise, and gently, gliding on, Where no Obstruction in their way hath been But where by Dams of Timber and of stone Their passage was denied, they in disdain of being barred, swelled, foamed, and raged amain. Behold with what a Princely Countenance the Heavens smiled that minute his present Sacred Majesty Was proclaimed, by order of this present Parliament; and then consider, oh ye wilful, obstinate, yet ignorant Creatures, how vain and unsuccessful, yea, and dangerous, it must needs be for you to fight against the Decrees of the Almighty, as they are legibly written in the Heavens. In this Figure, we have the Regal Sign Leo ascending on the Eastern Finitor, and the Royal fixed Star 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Heart of the Lion, Secundum Longitudinem, arising therewith; it being the Degree of the Horoscope of his late Majesty of blessed memory and the very opposite Degree of the Ascendent is 〈…〉 of the long Parliaments first convening, Novemb● 3. 1640. The Moon is in the Ascedent, in Conjunction of that Fortunate and Benevolent Star Jupiter, between the Sextiles of Saturn and Venus, and applying to a Sextile of Mars, of whom she disposes in the House of Friendship. All which Testimonies, plainly portend a happy, pleasant and durable Reign into his Sacred Majesty, (or indeed to any King) being at so happy and suspicious a time proclaimed, notwithstanding all the public Endeavours, or Clandestine Conspiracies and Conservances of his known or secret Enemies used to the contrary; and absolute impossibility of the long Parliament or Rumps returning, which divers wish, and pray aloud for; and a certain frustration of all those Chimeras and Enthusiastic, and Fanatic Fancies and Delusions, with which the Fifth Monarchy Saints do so vainly solace and please themselves. At si quando ascendens fuerit signum fixum, & Lundin bono loco Figurae Dominum longo tempore durabit, maxim si fuerit in Leone, vel in ejustriplicitate: If at the time of proclaiming a King the Horoscope shall be fixed, and the Moon in a good place of the Figure, (i.e.) Fortunate in an Angle, or a succedent House, it portends that his Kingdom or Dominion shall remain a long time; chiefly, if Leo shall ascend, (which in this Figure it doth) or a sign of the same Triplicity. Haly de jud. Astr. fol. 334. He goeth on— Etiam si fuerit in Ascendente fortuna, significat bonitatem illius Regis, & bonos mores, & bona facta, Haly ut supra. And if (faith he) a fortunate Star shall be in the Ascendent, it signifies Goodness, Clemency, Worth and Justice of the King so proclaimed, and intimates him also to be active and freely forward in good things. I shall spare to Comment upon these most full Texts, because I would not be esteemed a Flatterer: But were I minded to be as free in my writing for his Majesty, as his sinewless enemies are proud in being liberal against him, I could hence take occasion to speak such things, (and not go beyond the limits prescribed a Writer) that the reading thereof should make the Adversaries to the Peace of this (of late bleeding, but now flourishing) Kingdom, hang down their heads, and blush at their Adust zeal, and Choleric Confidence. — Pone Ascendens Leonem, sitque Sol tunc in Tauro in decima ab Ascendente, sit etiam Luna in primo juncta Veneri aut Jovi, etc. faith Guido Bonatus, pars 3. fol. 480. When you would proclaim a King, (faith he) place Leo upon the Ascendent, and let the Sun be in Taurus, in the tenth from the ascendent, and posire the Moon in the first house, joined either to Jupiter or Venus, etc. And here in this figure, You see the Rules in each Circumstance there of fulfilled so exactly, as if Heaven had striven to 〈◊〉 the Election of the most Loyal Artist upon Earth. Ergo, it must be a most happy and propitious time for the proclaimig of a King. Hear Haly yet again,— Si Jupiter fuerit in Ascendente, etc. When Jupiter is posited in the Ascendent of such a Figure, (here he is so, and is in Conjunction of Luna also) he portends the King or Prince that is then proclaimed, to be just, prudent, and desirous of the good of his Subjects. And that as he is honoured with Victory, so will he be a great Cherisher and Preserver of the Laws, and a Lover of all Acts of Clemency and Justice. The Sun (faith the Learned Cardan) hath signification of Kings, and the Moon of Subjects; in this Figure both being fortunately placed, beyond peradventure, happiness, from this so happy and glorious Turn among us, must emerge both to King and People. The Sun, the grand Significator of Sovereignty, Rule and Dignity, is Nobly fixed in the Angle of Dignity, in the House of the benevolent Planet Venus, and Exaltation of the Moon; whence it is apparent that this great Conversion and Change, will not only be for his Majesty's happy and peaceable Reign, but the People's joy and delight: so happy an Intertexture is it, that in the general, both Prince and People should endeavour each others safety. Away with those Erratic Brains from among us, that wander only to do mischief. — Grextotus, in Agris Unius scabie cadit; & porrigine porci, ●aque conspecta liverem ducit ab ●va. — One scabbed sheep will spoil A whole some Flock; thus Swine their Friends desile: And sickly Grapes by lodging near the sound, Force them partake of their ne'er-curing wound. That the Government thus founded shall remain fixed and immovable, is seen by the fixation of the Angles, the prime points of the Figure; but chiefly of the fixed position of the Sun.— Si ☉ fuerit in fixis, significat durabilitatem & firmitatem longum tempus. (i.e.) If the Sun shall be posited in a fixed Sign, he portends the Government and honour thereof to continue firm and durable a long time. But besides his being located in a fixed Sign, and the chief Angle of Heaven, he is in partile Sextile of Mars, the Patron of Victory and Conquest, who is posited in the eleventh House; which is an eminent Argument, and most clear Testimony, That his Majesty cannot want assistance and support (should he (which I dare be confident he never will) stand in need) even from the very best of men: (i. e.) from those that are most active, powerful and skilful in Arms. Nor should he be any manner of way less respected from those of the meaner Rank, Quality and Degree: Is not Luna in Sextile of Venus, who is Lady or Governess of the Medium Coeli? Is not Mercury Lord of the eleventh and second Houses, in Gemini in the tenth, and he simply most strong in the Figure? I know some may be apt to urge a backsliding in Friends from Mercury's Retrogradation, and the Position of Mars in the eleventh House; but let such know, that the Retrogradation of a Planet is no Essential, but Accidental Debility: nor are the Planets retrograde per se, but per Accidens, as Dr. Wilkins hath learnedly and acurately demonstrated, Vide Nem Planet, etc. Lib. 2. Cap. 10. p. 226. Ergo, Retrogradation is no such eminent affliction as some esteem it; chiefly, if a Planet be essentially dignified, as in this Scheme Mercury is Nor is the Position of Mars in the eleventh House the prodromus of any dangers, he being in Sextile of the 〈◊〉. Besides were it not that there was that happy Radiation between the Sun and Mars, yet the injury his single position portends, is alleviated by the benign presence of Venus in the same house, she being in perfect Amity with the Moon: for it is a known Rule among Astrologers, Quicquid ligat Mars, Solvit venus: Whatsoever Mars by his ill influence, harms; Venus by her benevolent Rays, helps. Therefore neither Mars his position in the Angle of Friendship or Mercury's Retrogradation, can have any evil signification that is not otherways over-balanced. Yet I will not deny, but the Platique Squares of the Moon and Mereury, and of Saturn and Mars also, may so far operate upon the overheated brains of some, and those somewhat religious too, (is not Mars Lord of the ninth?) that their Actions may render them most unfit to be either trusted, or connived at: yet I aver, those that are the most desitous, and most powerful to do or act anything against this most happy, and (to England) natural Government established, will in their Actions & Doings be most suddenly discovered, let them in the management thereof wear what kind of Vizards they please. Having therefore, answered the Objection, I reassume what was built upon the aforesaid Arguments, That his Royal Majesty shall be assited and supported from and by Person of Power, and those also of the most inferior Classis, viz. the Multitude. And must not that Prince needs be happy, and reign honourably and prosperously, whom the Heavens bless, and honour with the Assistance not only of those that are of a superior degree, but the Multitude also? I should think that the enemies to his sacred Majesty (were they not blind) might read their inevitable Ruin in the concurrent Affections of the People at his Majesty's proclaiming, and Reception! Who ever either saw, read, or heard of a more general Unanimity and consent of Hearts and Judgements of all forts of people, than there was at the proclaiming and coming in of our dread Sovereign? If Vox Populi, be Vox Dei; if the Voice of the People upon be the Voice of Gods, how dare any sort of people, upon the Cynical Cinceits or Humours, turn Separatists and cant the downfall of that happy and blessed Edifice: which is built nor only upon the Suffrages of the major part of the People, but of Heaven itself? The Learned Strafford by experience found, (and it was his dying expression) That the breath of the People were the Organs of Destiny. And certainly, that which hath power to abate of the Majesty and Greatness of the one, hath Potency also to make another Mighty. Let me add yet a little further, (for I presume I may, and that rationally too, while I have Authority for my support.) The Arabians in these manner of Judgements, did make use of several parts, as the parts of Fortune; Victory and Nobility, which (you may see) are all placed in the foregoing Figure, Aspice ad partem fortunae, & ad partem Nobilitatis, quae accipitur in die a gradu Solis in gradum ipsius Exaltationis— & projicitur ab Ascendente. Aspice etiam partem Regni & victoria, quae accipitur in die & nocte a gradu Solis in gradum Lunae, & projicitur a gradu Medii Caeli. (Id est) In the Figure of the proclaiming of a King, you should have regard to the Part of Fortune, and to the part of Nobility, which by day is gained by substracting the Degree of the Sun's place, from the Degree of his Exhalation, and projecting it from the Ascendent. Behold also the part of the Kingdom, and of Victory, which both day and night you must take from the Degree of the Sun, to the degree of the Moon, and then project it from the Degree of the Mid-heaven. Then for the use of those Parts, examining the same learned Author, he tells us— Si quando he paries venerint in bonis locis & fortunatis, & cum fortunis, significat magnam nobilitatem & honorem illi domino, etc. (i. e.) If when any or all of these Parts happen to be placed fortunately in the Figure, and with the Fortunes also, they portend great Nobility and Honour to that Prince then proclaimed, etc.— Here you see these several Princely parts are posited in the chief places of the Figure, and the Part of Nobility near the body of Venus: beside, they are all near eminent fixed Stars, viz. the part of Fortune near Cor Scorpit in the fourth House; and the part of Victory, etc. near Cor Leonis, in the Ascendent or first house; and the part of Nobility in Cancer, nearly in Conjunction of Ras-Algense, a splendid, shiming, fixed Stat in the eleventh house: therefore I pronounce the Aphorism to take full effect It is no mean Argument of lasting honour and happiness, in which the fixed stars are so eminently concerned: For, according to Ptolemy, Stella fix a mirabiles & ultra rationem faelicitates tribuunt etc. The fixed Stars do design most admirable Felicity and honour, etc. prol. Cent. Aphoris. 29. The Reader must pardon my repetition, for I cannot avoid it here; besides, I have a warrant from Cardan for so doing, Seg. 4. Aphor. 85. Repetitio neocssaria est, in hac scientia, vel ob difficultatem, vel ob necessitatem, velob utilitatem ingentem, vel obcontradictionem. Repetition is necessary in this Science, either by reason of difficulty, necessity, exceeding benefit, or else to avoid contradiction. I must therefore (unless I should rob those weighty Arguments of their Conclusions which are drawn from those parts before mentioned) here again affirm, That hence also is portended a happy continuation, and convenient duration of his Majesty's reign, and the Government of these Nations, maugre the most malignant and subtle Designs of the most inveterate Opposers thereof. Now, as we have spoken of (and we have satisfactorily demonstrated) the glory and happiness, and the happy continuance of this Heaven-favouring Return of our gracious Sovereign, and Monarchical Government into these (of late) confused Islands; so give me leave to add a word or two concerning all those that shall set themselves against his Majesty by reason of his happy Restauration; or against the Government of these Nations as it is now established. The Enemies of his Majesty, and of England's peace, are signified by Saturn: Ergo, they are envious, malicious, covetous, jealous, timorous, suspicious, sluggish, sordid and mistrustful. This is the true Character of the inclinations and dispositions of those persons signified by Saturn When he is ill dignified, as now in this Figure. Origanus de effectibus, fol. 590. when Saturn and Mars both are concerned (as here they are) in the descriptions of any kind of Persons, he tells us they are Turbulentos, Seditiosos, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, immisericordes, implacabilcs, inftatoes, gloriasoes, ventosos, frandulentoes, tyrannicos, austeros, improbos, inhumanos, fallaces subdolos, etc. And a little, further the same Author tells us, That if those Planets be ill beholding, (as in our Figure) than they signify persons that are— Raptores, grassatores, maleficos, contumeliosoes, insidiatores, furaces, sacrilegos, sepulchrorum violatores & speliatores, per juros, omris humanitatis violatores, voraces, &c, Ishall not English these words, because I would not have the world be any more commonly acquainted with such a Generation of Miscreants, or that there are such Creatures any where, save in Hell. We in England have had our share of the Company of such a Race, for many years together; many Ages will not wear out the memory of their Actions: They have made greater Impressions upon the Happiness and Peace of England's flourishing Kingdom, than ever the surious Planet Mars by his being Promittor in a fiery Sign, could make by that loathsome Disease termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in the face of a beautiful Virgin. But I return to Saturn again, and to his significations, as he is placed in our Figure, because he is Lord of the seventh house, and placed in the third in Scorpio. The Learned Haly in this manner of Judgements, seems to decipher the Enemies of a King, and their conditions also, by the Infortune's at large, as appears by this Aphorism of his: Siquando infortumium fuerit cadens &: c sub terra maxim, significat debilitatem, inimieqrum; & depressionem, & vilem, eorum estimationem, etc. which sonnds to this purpose in English: If when the. Infortune's shall at the proclaiming of a King be cadent, it signifies the Depression and Debility of high Enemies; portnends their Credit and Estimation to be vile, not only in itself, but in the eyes of men; ancf this shall happen chiefly when they are cadent under the earth; as in this Figure. Hence it is as clear as the Son. in his Meridian Glory, that all those who shall appear to be Enemies, (I would not be misnniderstood; I mean only Domestic Enemies; for. by this Figure I have to do with no other; but from other cause I dare also include Forragin Enemies, but dare not do it here) I say, who shall appear enemies unto this Kingdom's Peace's, will also prove such unto their own Happiness and Quietude. For let their Designs be what they will, they are appointed to fall and fail under them; and by prosecuting their cruel (nay, I may add, accursed) Purposes and Designs, they will never feeble to bring the Brat their Brains have conceived, and begin to grow big of, unto a perfect birth: The Midwise Time become, and will continue their absolute Enemy and Hater. This very Position of Saturn in Scorpio, in Square of Mars, will discover their weakness and folly, and so far befool them in their contrivances, that when they think to be at the most likely and probable point of attaining to the Haven of their Wishes, they will meet their own destruction, and sufferr such a sad Catastrophe, that will not only ruin and destroy themselves but eclipse the Credit Fame and Estimation of their Posterities for many Ages to come. Saturn you see is in Quartile of Mars his Enemy; hear what Bethem says to such a Position, Aph. 10. Quando Tlanetaest in aspectu sui host is, est ut vix timens hostem sunm: A Planet in Aspect of his Enemy, is as a man fearing tosuffer, or be endamaged by him. And in the 31 Aph. he sigh, Planeta in domo inimici sui, est, nt vir in domo alterins, inter quos fame advenit odium & ira: A Planet in the House of his Enemy, is as a man in another house subject to the Ire and Hatred of those among whom he is. Saturn is not only in Quartile of Mars, but disposed of by him also. Ergo, these Rules are the more to be heeded. Let me persuade all you that are the pofessed and avowed Enemies to this Nation's Peace and Happiness, to change your evil purposes, and to turn the, destructive current of your Treacherous Inclinations; unless you have a desire to meet your Misery and Ruin in prosecuting the ill grounded Theme of your insuling and reasonless prejudice; which is (I unrefeignedly protest) most plainly to be read in the Heavens; and you yourselves may also perceive it by the divers positive Authorities I cite. I scorn and abominate to substitute my own Opinion in the room of Art; or to wrack and torture the Science I study, with unwarrantable Devices, to force and compel it to speak what the, Heavens do not intend or intimate. It is sufficiently known I have made it my design all along to detect and discover the Errors, Forgeries and Vanities of the highest Abusers of this noble Science in our Age. And should I attempt any such thing, or wilfully suffer my Pen to walk either contrary to, or besides the Rules of my Art, I should then be as bad as he, who pretending to abhor Idols, was not ashamed to commit Sacrilege. Perhaps these my serious and seasonable Premonitions, because they are deduced ex Artis from the Stars, maybe contemned, neglected and slighted; and myself for the same derided, if not detruded, by those who are mostly concerned in them, and ought chiefly to consider and observe them. It is a practice among the ignorantly resolute in shawing a Foolhardy valour, rather to run into the Jaws of Ruin, then be wrought upon by the most gentle Persuasions to reform. I know Astrology. is suffciently under Hatches at this day in England, and by tne major sort, of wise and ignorant, not only neglected, but condemned, by reason of the Sychopincy, Leidgerdemain, and Grand Juggling of that Arch-Parasite Merlinus Anglicus; who for many years together hath been felsly reputed the chief ginger among us. If fettery be the only distinguishable Character to know an Artist by, the general Cry and Commendations will the more easily reach him. But if true knowledge in the Art shall take place, I here publicly. maintain, He is not guilty of the tithe of the knowledge that the people have generally believed of him. This may seem somewhat Paradoxial and strange, That a person that hath born the Bell I cannot tell how many years in the common Fame of the Nation, should not be most excellent in the thing he pretends unto: but it is most true, and I dare publicly aver it, That his skill is so mean in the Art he prerends unto, that he knoweth not how to calculate one Stars or Planets place: nay, I shall go further 3 he scarcely Knows how to reduce a Star truly from one Meridian to another It is common for the major part of the world, whose judgements are unseasoned, to be taken with pretended Flourtishes of skill, whether they be certain and true, or not. I have heard of a Mustian who (with his Youth) was psaying before it great number of persons; and the Youth having obtained a little superficial skill, did with the same so enchant the Ears of the Auditors, that they broke forth into a great Commendation of his rare skill: His Master observing this their applause, came near to the Youth, and struck him on the Ear, saying, Sirrah, If you had been true to your Notes, those misjudging-Ears could never have commended you. So, if that grand Abuser of Astrology have been commmended in all things he hath written, it hath been by unseasoned Judgements, Persons that were not acquainced with his Wiless and lgnorance. Yet for his sake alone, hath Astrology been hardly censured, yea, plainly abused, neglected, scorned and condemned. It is not Astrology, but Sycophancy, and arch-Villany, to turn tide & tale with every, interest. An houest ginger scorns to fawn, ftatter, and write for and against a Parliament for. 200 and l. 100.l. per anuum. Is he an able ginger that shall trapan the Kingof Sweden to his ruin, and yet receive from him both money and a Gold Chain? Is he not a Villain rather?. Is he an. honest Artist that shall traitorously traduce his. lawful Leige-Lord and So, veraign, and call him Titular King, Pyratical Prince; threaten him with a stab, or poison? Is he a Eriend to the Scince he pretends, that for a Bribe shall (sine ratione) doom the. King of Denmark to ruin, and the Prince EleEtor of Beandenburgh to repent in sackeloath and ashes? Is he not a Mercenary Killain rather, that for a handful of earth shall assassinate the most splendid reputations in the world? Nor dare I esteem him other then a rancorous hearted Wretch that shall aggravate a difference between his own Prince and Subjects, or that shall abuse his Royal Majesty's Friends by name, as the before mentioned Merlin's Brat hath ihe Earl of Ormond calling him arch-Rebel, and indiscreet Earl, and threatening him with inglorious death; and Prince Rupert, whom he villainously styles Plunder-Master-General, etc. Thus you see how Astrology is come to be evilly spoken of, and for whose sakes also Astrology is too Princely a Science to be thus a bused! but by the soil and black Actions of this Proditorious Fellow, the Diamond, Lustre and Beauty of the Art, is the more excellently shadowed and set off. I abominate to threaten or terrify any sort of men in the world with false fears, or indeed with any at all! Howbeit, I shall endeavour to persuade all those that are wilfully precipitating themselves into the Gulf of Misery, Ruin and Destruction, to avoid running the Road that leads necessarily thereunto: If the cause be taken away, the effect of course ceaseth. And that I may use a pertinent and proper Argument to persuade with them, I shall acquaint them, and the world at large, That Astrology is not so vain, so empty, or so idle a study, as the ignorance and villainy of the beforementioned Person hath seemed to render it. There is more Worth, Truth, and certainty therein, than the weak & yielding Brains of Men are generally able to conceive or comprehend: And that may most probably be the ground of the Right Honourable the Lord Chancellour's Caution in his Learned and Elegant Speech to the Parliament,— That we should not too much despise the influence of the Stars. We do not (faith the Learned Dr. Brown) reject or condemn a sober and regulated Astrology; we hold there is more truth therein, then in Astrologers; in some more, than many allow; yet in none so much as some pretend. We deny not the influences of the Stars, but often suspect the due Application thereof: Pseud. Epidem. Lib. 4. p. 194. And what man of Reason, will deny the Reason of this Learned Author? Shall we through a conceited or zealous ignorance, confound the good use of the Art with the abuse thereof, for the knavishness of a known Impostor therein? Are there no Grapes ripe, or fit to be eaten, but those that are within our reach? Shall we wilfully damn and destroy all things we are not able to understand? This were ridiculous, and most unworthy the Reason of men! Is there no sober Distinction to be made between the good Wine and the Dregs? between the skill of an honest Artist and the practice of a Sycophantique Pretender? That it is unjust for any to blend or mingle the true use, with the abuse of an Art, I shall endeavour to satisfy the world, by remembering them of some few, but admirable examples, in which the true worth and certainty of this honoured Science hath to the great credit thereof, been verified. And to avoid the repetition of those famous Predictions Lucius Bellanticus, Gauricus, Cardan, Spurina, Guido, etc. (with whose worthy skill, and famous Presages, we might fill some Volumes) I shall relate here only some few, but remarkable things, forecold by the assistance of the Syderal Science, of late years, and among us also. I. Mr. H. Johnson in his Book called Anti-Merlinus, page 23. predicted the ruin of the Long Parliament in these words— That notwirhstanding the Parliament shall stourish yet a while, yet in the end they shall be conquered, and brought low; and many of them shall die a death shameful and ignominious, etc. II. Mr. Wharton in p. 42. of his Hemerose, 1653. predicted the routing of the Long Parliament most exactly in these words: Mars transits the Degree culminating in the last Conjunction of ♄ and ♃ in the watery Triplicity, which will manifest itself in one or other grand accident to befall some, and they none of the meanest in power; but men (if I sin not in calling them so) of the first Magnitnde: and this by means of the Soldiery, or of such persons as are Martially disposed. And this (he faith) should happen at the beginning of the year. And behold in April O. Cromwell turned out the Parliament that had sat twelve long years, and upwards. III. In the year 1658. I verified theText of Haly de judciis Astrorum pars 8. cap. 19 in predicting the death of Oliver Cromwell Which came to pass exactly, as was foretold, See my Almanac of that year, and page the 11th of the prognosticon. IV. In the year 1659. in my Ephemeris, I plainly predicted the downfall of Richard Cromwell from the Text in fol. 124. of Johan: Anton: Guiffus de Eclipsibus: and the Confusions of the (then) Persons in power, I did foretell in Nudis verbis; and that from, the great Eclipse of the Sun, as also from Prolomy and Origanus their Aphorisms and Judgements thereof. V. The beginning of the same year, I published the Nativity of the King of Sweden, viz.. when he was in all his glory; and therein did from Schoner, and other Aurhorities, presage his death; and in February 1660. he did die accordingly. VI The same year I published his Royal Majesty of Denmark's Nativity, and therein predicted his Recovery from his troubles; and the Peace also (now confirmed and ratified) between him and the Swedish Crown. See Nuncius Astrologious, lately printed. I spare to speak of the most fortunate, happy, and heaven-favouring Predictions that are to be found in my Ephemeris for this year, because the Book itself (and things therein contained) is still fresh in each man's memory. Not is it requisite for me to take notice of each auspicious Prediction my Pen hath been the Author of; otherwise for one of these, I could have produced ten. But my business is only to prove Astrology useful and worthy; and that the Predictions thence lawfully derived, aught to be seriously and carefully heeded and considered. Shall we say that the Lute is a dull Instrument, because a poor Piper cannot tell what to make thereof? Is AEsop's Jewel of no use, bacause a Cock preferred a Barleycorn before it? Astrology was never yet condemned by any that understood it. And that alone preseves its honour with the ingeniously learned. Neither let any man under pretence of opposing Astrology to Divinity, take occasion thence to give the less credit unto it. For.—. If there be a truth therein, (as faith the aforesaid worthy Author) it doth not injure Divinity: If to be born under. Mercury disposeth us to be witty, under Jupiter to be wealthy; I do not owe a knee unto these, but unto the merciful hand that hath ordered my indifferent and uncertain Nativity unto such benevolous Aspects: Vide Religio Medici, Sect. 18. Besides, Divines themselves have been the greatest Propagators of this Science; as Junctine, Ficinus, Hartgil, Dr. Gell, Burton, Origanus, Lindholt, Reeves, Swadlin, Carpenter, etc. And can we in reason believe or conceive, that they would advance, or set up, any thing contrary to their own profession? Nay, most of these have affirmed, That Astrology is necessary in a Divine; for he cannot truly understand some places of Scripture without the knowledge thereof. And that was the reason that formerly in Egypt none were admitted into the Sacred Order without being competently versed in the Science of the Scars. This being now considered, I see not reasonably how the greatest Antagonists can hoodwink themselves from the knowledge of Celestial Influences. Nor can we understandingly conplude, that he which gave virtue to the Mazzaroth (or twelve signs) the Pleyades, Arcturus, and the Stars of Orion, should refuse to enstamp an insluence proportionable upon the rest of those glorious Creatures. Nor ought we in reason to. condemn, slight and neglect all Astral insluence or ponrer, for the Imposturisms of any one either pretending to or practising Astrology, any more, than we ought to make light of the Deity, because Caligula and Lucian would nor grant any. Will any man esteem him Wise or judicious, that like Aesop's Dog letteth slip the substance to snatch at the shadow? Is it not a most blush-worthy fault in any that shall catch at Vanities on purpose to carp at Verities? He puts the greatest Fallacy and Cheat upon himself, and robs his Reason of its proper food, that in derision and scorn of an Art shall hug, cherish and embrace the Abuse and Imposturism thereof, on purpose to wound the true use and worth of it. The Error of the Artist is but the Organ of his unwary and imperfect Nature, and no impeachment to the honour of the Art at all. It would be highly unjust in any to condemn the true use of Physic, under pretence of crying out against the knavish and unwarrantable practice of Empyricks. Astrologers seldom commit Errors, except when they (for bribes) turn Parasites, etc. Amor odiumque ne vera eveniant judicia prohibent si quidem minunt maxima, augent minima; (i.e.) Love and Hate will occasion great Error in judgement; The one causerh the Artist to magnify things trivial, and the other to lessen things considerable, Ptol. Cent. Aphor. 12. The true ginger therefore aught to avoid running upon, either of these Rocks, as carefully as he would avoid the giving a false judgement. But I wave this Apologetique Discourse, and would not indeed have spoke so much here, but that the cause is so pressing; And to acquaint the world, that Asthologie is not sit to be contemned, but continued, notwithstanding the Abuses of the greatest Pretenders thereunto. I have partly proceeded thus far in it, to check the vain conceits of Unbelievers: and to assure them, as there is truth in starry Influences, and in the forementioned proofs thereof, that England's happiness cannot be endeavoured to be undermined, but by the absolute destruction and ruin of the Undertakers and, Projectors of the same: and this without Flattery, or by-respect to any Interest, I send into the world, there to remain an Astrological Truth with the rest of his Fellows, when the Author of it shall silently rest Inter Mortuos, among the Dead. Let. us but observe the grand Harmony between the Figure before going, and-that of the Revolution of the world, viz of the Suns intrat into Aries; and we shall find, that Luna in this Figure is in Sextile to her place in that, and on the place of Jupiter also; and the Benevolent Planet Venus' Lady of the tenth here, upon the place of Luna in that Scheme; and the Cusp of the eleventh of that Figure ascending here in this. From all which auspicious Transits and Radiations, we may once more boldly affirm— That Peace and Unity is intended to these Islands by this so happy Renovation and Change among us: and that there. will be both harmony, concord and agreement between both Prince and people. And most wretched must that man, or those men be, that shall endeavour to disturb our long-expected, and now growing Felicity. Thus much I have thought sit to publish upon this occasion; presuming, as it may be of very good use to some, it can be of no bad consequence or import to any that love this Kingdom's Peace. AN Admirable Observation commended to the Learned in Astronomy HAving an opportunity of the Press, I shall, for the honour of Astronomy, present unto the Learned in that Act an Observarion more ancient than any commonly extant, as it was made by one Mr. Knighton a Monk of Canterbury, An. 1170. Sept. 13. at midnight, and lately discovered by the reading of my worthy Friend Mr. J. Childry, who (to the end it might be serviceable to the Lovers of Urania, and claim their serious notice) gave me the same to publish in the very words himself met with it, viz. An. 1170. Idibus Septembris nocte media, duo Planet & it a conjungi videbaniur, ut quasi una eademque stella fuissent appareret, sed illico ab invicem separati sunt: In the year 1170. in the Ides of September about midnight, were seen two planets so nearly conjoined, that they seemed to appear as it were one and the same Star; but they did suddenly separate from each other. Mr. Childry gave me also a Calculation of this Conjunction from the Tables of Mr. Vincent Wing in his Astronomia Instaurata, by Mr. Rich. Fitz-smith, a person excellently versed in this knowledge, (by which without trouble I knew the Stars conjoined near Jupiter and Mars) with which I shall present my Reader. But first I shall take the pains to try how near the Tables in my Doctrine of Nativities will answer this rare appearance. 1. For the Sun's place to that time given. ☉ Mid, Long. 5 29 19 2 2 28 47 32 Apog. Sub. 2 28 47 32 Anomalia. 3 0 31 30 Log. ☉. 500, 007. Equat. Sub. 2 2 40 ☉ true place. 5 27 16 22 ♍ 27 d. 16 m. 22 s. For Jupiter's place. Long. ♃. Aphel. ♃. Node. ♃. si. deg min. sc. sig. deg. min. sec. sig. deg. min. sec. Mid. Long. Aph. S. 1 25 31 52 5 27 21 27 3 5 41 13 5 27 21 27 Anomalina. Equ. add 7 28 10 25 Log. ♃ 570, 758. 4 52 42 ParsCurt. 4. Ecc. place. Node Sub. 2 0 24 32 Log. Curt. 570,754. 3 5 41 13 Log. ☉. 500,007. Arg. Lat. Reduct. add 10 24 43 21 T. A. 11 6 929,253. 0 28 Add 45 0 Ecc. reduced ☉ Place. 2 0 25 2 T. C. 56 6 9,82735. 5 27 16 22 T. 58 26 10,21154. Anom. Orb. ½ of it. 3 26 51 20 T. 47 34 10,03889. 1 28 25 40 Tang. ad Elong ☉. S. 1 17 34 0 3 15 59 40 ♃ true place 2 11 16 42 TWO 11 deg. 16 min.. 42 sec. For Jupiter's Latitude: Tagent of Inclination. 837656 Sine Elogation 998284 Sine Arg. Latitude 976164 S. C. Arith. Anno Orb 4955 Tangent of Latitude South 817059 0 d. 51 m. For Mars' place. Long. ♂ Aphel. ♂ Node. ♂ si. deg min. sc. sig. deg. min. sec. sig. deg. min. sec. Midd. Long. Aphel. Sub. 0 20 29 25 4 19 34 41 1. 9 59 38. 4 19 34 41 Anomalia. Equat. add 8 0 54 44 Log. ♂ 516. 591. 9 45 22 Curt. P. 1. Ecc. place. Node Subst. 1 0 14 47 Log. Courtesan 516, 590. 1 9 59 38 Log. ☉. 500,007. Arg. Lat. Reduct. add 11 20 15 9 T.A. 34.19. 983417. 0 18 Add 45.0 Yclept. place ☉ place 1 0 15 5 T.C. 79.19. 927565 5 27 16 22 T. 73.31. 1052885. Anom. Otb. ½ of it. 4 27 1 17 T. 32.31 980450. 2 13 30 38 Tang. add Elong. ☉. s. 1 2 31 0 3 16 1 38 ♂ true place. 2 11 14 44 TWO 11 deg. 14 min. 44 sec. For Mars' Latitude. Tangent of Inclination 850946 Sine of Elongation 998276 Sine Arg. Latitude 922878 S.C. Arith. Anom. orbe 26409 - Tang. Lat. 0 deg. 34 min. South 798509 Long. Lat. So the places of them both in Longitude and Latitude are ♃ 2 11 16 42 0 51 South. D. ♂ 2 11 14 44 0 34 0 0 1 58 0 17 And their difference in Longitude, I min. 58 sec. in Latitude 17 min. a thing inconsiderable both ways; and remarkably proves the exactness of the beforementioned Tables in my Doctrine of Nativities, which are founded upon the Hypothesis of the Learned Bullialdus. In the next place, I shall present you with the pains of Mr. Fitz-smith on this admirable Conjunction from Mr. Wings Astronomia Instaurata; which, as it was delivered me, take as followeth. The Sun's place. si. de. m. sec The middle Motion of ☉ 5 29 19 28 The Apogaeeon of ☉ S. 2 28 21 30 The Anomalia remains 3 0 57 58 The Equation of ☉ Eccentrick subtract 2 2 56 The ☉ true place 5 27 16 32 viz. in nz 27 deg. 16 min. 32 sec. The places of Jupiter and Mars. Jupiter. Mars. sig. deg. min. sec sig. deg. min. sec Middle Motion 1 25 34 2 0 20 28 33 Aphelion ♃ 5 28 17 3 4 20 17 31 Node ascending 3 5 22 43 1 11 20 42 Equation of the Eccentrick to be added 0 4 46 5 9 42 35 Place of ♃ from ☉ in his Orbite 2 0 20 7 1 0 11 8 Reduction add 0 27 0 22 Ecliptic place of ♃ from ☉ 2 0 20 34 1 0 11 30 Parallax of the Orb from the earth add 0 10 55 15 1 11 0 26 Longitude of ♃ is 2 11 15 49 2 11 11 56 Latitude South 50 51 83 12 Hence their places in Longitude and Latitude, is— d. m. s. Long ♃ ♂ TWO 11 15 49 11 11 56 m. s. Latitude 50 51 South. 38 12 Their Difference in both, od. 3 m. 53 s.— 22 39 I shall in the last place present you with a Calculation of this so famous Conjunction from the Tables of my worthy Friend Mr. Wing in his Harmonicon Coeleste, which differ very little from the Calculation thereof by the Tables in my Treatise of Nativities. For the Sun's true place, Ex Harmoni Coeleste. Time given. Long. ☉. Apog. ☉. si. deg. min. sec. sig. deg. min. sec. 1101 9 16 14 11 2 27 9 54 60 0 26 56 1 1 38 9 11 29 49 15 9 15 Sept. 7 29 30 44 42 D. 13 12 48 48 0 H. 12 29 34 Middle Longitude Apogae●on 5 29 19 28 2 28 21 30 2 28 21 30 Anomalia Remaining Equation Subtract The Sun's true place 3 0 57 59 Logarithm of ☉— 100001. 2 2 55 5 27 16 33 ♍ 27 d. 16 m. 33 s For Jupiter's place. Time given. Long ♃. Aphel. ♃. Node ♃. si. deg. min. se. si. deg. min. sec sig. deg. min. sec. 1101 3 9 11 30 5 29 33 30 3 3 37 38 60 21 47 0 1 0 6 0 13 0 9 9 3 14 48 9 1 1 57 Sept. 20 12 2 42 8 D. 13 1 4 50 H. 12 2 30 Mid. Lon. ♃ Aphel. Sub. 1 25 32 40 6 0 43 19 3 3 52 43 6 0 43 19 Dist. ♃ à ☉ 508565 Anomalia Equat. add 7 24 45 21 Curt. Pars 47 4 40 24 Dist. curtated. 501518 Ecc. place Node Ascen 2 0 18 4 Dist. ☉ à terra, 100001 3 3 52 43 Sum 6015019 Arg. Lat. Reduct. add 10 26 20 21 Difference 401517 0 27 Asdruball Sum 3,77913 Ecc. reduced ☉ place. 2 0 13 31 To Difference. 3,60357 5 27 16 33 So T. 58 d. 32 m. 10,21324 Anom. Come Halfpenny Sum. Parallax Orb 3 27 3 2 To Tan. 47 d. 13,81681 1 28 31 31 10,02758 11 4 0 Sum 106.0 Angle Elongation. Differ. 11.4 Parallax earth's Orb ♃ place. 2 11 17 31 TWO 11 d. 17m. 31 sec. For Jupiter's Latitude. As Sine Elongation, 74 d. o m. 9,982841 To Sine Angle Comitat. 62 d. 57 m. 9,9496987 so Cotangent Iclination, 0 d. 46 m. 11,873490 - 21823177 To Cotangent of Latitude sonth 0 d. 59 m 11,840336 For Mars' place. Time given. Long. ♂. Aphel. ♂. Node ♂. sig. deg. m. sec sig. deg. min. sec. sig. deg. min. sec. 1101 11 28 25 54 4 18 52 29 1 10 40 4 60 10 24 59 54 1 12 54 0 43 36 9 9 12 37 8 10 56 6 33 Sept. 4 7 20 57 49 28 D. 13 6 48 46 H. 12 15 43 Midd. Long. Aphel. Sub. 0 20 28 22 4 20 17 8 1. 11. 30. 41. 4 20 17 8 Dist. ♂ à ☉ 146270 Anomalia. Equat. add 8 0 11 14 Pars Curtration 4 9 43 49 Dist. curtated 146266 Ecc. place Node Subst. 1 0 12 11 Log. ☉. 100001 1 11 30 41 Sum 246267 Arg. Lat. Reduct. add 11 18 41 30 Difference 646265 0 21 Asdruball Sum 3,39128 Ecc. reduced ☉ place 1 0 12 32 To Difference. 2,66464 5 27 16 33 So T. 73 d. 32 m. 10,52932 Anom. Com. Half Sum Parallax Orb. 4 27 4 1 To Tang. 32 d. 25 m. 13,19396 2 13 32 0 9,80268 1 11 7 0 Sum is 105.57 Angle Elongat. Differ. 41.7 Parallax Earth's Orb. ♂ true place. 2 11 19 32 TWO 11 deg. 19 min. 21 sec. For Mars' Latitude. As Sine Elongation, 74 deg. 3. min. 9,982950 To Sine Angle Comutation, 32. 56. 9,735329 So Cotangent Inclinat. 0. 22. 12,193845 - 21,929174 To Cotangent Latitude South, o deg. 39 min. 11,946224 d. m. sec. d. m. Hence, the Lon-gitude of ♃ is TWO 11 17 31 Latitude 0 50 South Hence, the Lon-gitude of ♂ is TWO 11 19 32 Latitude 0 39 South Their Difference 0 2 1 0 11 I hope the Noble Students in this Study, will consider of what worthy advantage this choice Observation may be, and not grudge their pains hereon, if hereby (as I believe) they may rectify Astronomy; since it is Price enough for the pains of the true Filius Artis, if he have but the honour of elevating Art a minute nearer the truth then at the present it stands. And of what Emolument it might prove to this CoeIestial Study, if all Learned persons would follow the steps of this Reverend Churchman, and communicate all their Observations of this kind, that in their reading they shall have the good hap to meet with, I need not inculcate. This one Example will (I hope) prove an encouragement sufficient to irritate the more able Endeavours of the most knowing in this. Science, toward a Restauration of what the ignorant world admires, viz. The Motions of the Planets. The Author vindicated from lily's Scandalous Imputations. HAving been of late most unworthily taxed by that known. Traducer Mr. William Lilly, (a common scandalizer of Kings and Kingdoms) and by his means in several squirting Pamphlets untruly charged as guilty of that deformed and foul Crime of Ingratitude; He pretending himself (though falsely) my Tutor in Astrology; I having had the great unhappiness as well as many others) to be, to my cost, formerly acquainted with him: upon which acquaintance, he protends to ground his Scandals. And my being neglective of his S●omma's, and a mild for bearing to respond unto any of his Nefarious Forgeries against me, hath partly persuaded many persons into a belief of his wicked Insinuations. Which to correct with the Sovereign Antidote of Truth, I hold it requisite to acquaint the world, how I came first to study Astrology, and unto whose memory I owe my knowledge therein. Which make as followeth.— In the year 1652. going into Oxfordshire, in the way of a grateful Visit to my honoured Grandfather Sir. J. Curson, who out of his Nobleness was at the charge of my Education; I took with me some Pamphets as, The Copies of the Time's Humours, to present him with. And among the rest, Mr. Wharton's Hemerosc. for that year: upon fight of which, he was very well pleased, and began to enter into a Discourse with me touching Astrology. And (although my knowledge then was but mean therein) I answered his Demands according to the best of my skill. In brief, he was so well pleased with my mean Returns, that he not only commended my poor industry, but gave me somewhat to encourage me further; and withal, expressed a greater respect and affection to the Art, than Gentlemen in this Age commonly do; And advised me (for attaining perfection therein) to the Study of Astronomy; acquainting me, that (which I since found as true as the Oracle) he who was ignorant of the Motions of the Stars, must be so also in their effects. Finding myself so well entertained for that mean mite of knowledge, I was resolved then to make a further progress therein, and (if possible) understand the most abstruse parts thereof. And this my inclination wanted not an ample signification in my Nativity from the Heavens. For I had then operating M.C. add △ ♂, and this in ♍, the greatest Dignities of ☿, the true Patron of Arts and Sciences. And upon the Effects thereof, I acquainted myself with that eminently Learned Mathematician and ginger, Dr. N. Fiske; who, in little time, had so far instructed me in the whole Art of Astrology, and a competent part of Astronomy also, that in 1655. I was able to present my honoured Grandfather with an Almanac in Manuscript, which was afterwards printed, and hath since been annually continued. And in that year also, I, together with my Uncle Mr. T.G. began to reduce the places of all the fixed Stars in the Heavens, as an Emendation of the Learned Hartgil's Tables. And these were printed and published 1656. And in the same year I published my Celestial Ambassador. In the year 1658. I emitted into the world my Doctrine of Nativities. In the year 1658 I published the King of Swedes Nativity, and Nuncius Astrologicus also. And in the year 1660. I published my Treatise of Prodigies. In all which works, my Enemles themselves can't say, I have done Astrology the least dishonour, or cast one blot upon the Divine Beanty of the fair Urania. Howbeit, I must ingenuously acknowledge, that all these Rivulets are sprung from the source of that great Seminary of the Mathematics, Dr. Fisk. beforementioned: for to him, and to him alone, next unto Divine Assistance do I owe all my knowledge in Art; and can boldly aver, I never learned the meaning of an Aphorism from any other man in the world. I have been acquainted with the best and worst knowing in this Science in England; and must acknowledge, there are more ingenious persons study if privately, than any that practise it publickiy. I cannot discover either more Art or Honesty in our highest Pretenders, then in the mear vulgar ginger. Nor am I able to discern any material Difference between a famed Mountebanks pair of Dial's, with a Non Cogunt, and the poor Bill-Posters Astra non necessitant, etc. only this, The one hath quacked under an especial Protection from the State, for a bribe of 100 l. and sometimes 200 l. per annum; and the other perhaps better deserving, for want of Clients; is compelled to the course he otherwise hates and abominates. I honour Astrology honestly considered, but hate the Sycophantick Pretender thereunto. I was more confident when I scarcely knew a ⚹ from a △, then now I dare to be after nine years' study. I have written more of Art, than any man of this latter Age: yet have not prejudiced Kingdoms or Families, or abused Kings, Princes. or meaner Persons, under pretence. thereof. I have carefully endeavoured to escape Tacitus his Censure, who reshly concludes Astrologers— Genus Hominus infiduns Principius. I have had the happiness to read Astrological (and still do) to many ingenious persons, and that satisfactorily, as many very well know: By which mean, I have much embettered my own understanding: For, Decendo discimus, by teaching we learn ourselves. And whereas person, as insolently, as unjustly, rearm me ungrateful, either to Litty or any other, I shall desire them, First Arguere, than Readarguers first, to prove the Crime they object against me; then, reprove me for it. I acknowledge readily, that Ingratitude is the greatest of Crimes a man can be guilty of. And it is a thing so contrary to my nature, that I desire no longer to live, then to be grateful. And if I esteemed myself a drachm behiad hand with any man in this, I would return him a pound in satisfaction. Nay; the beforementioned person that hath objected Ingratitude to me, upon my demanding his Reason, did before Mr. E. Carrant pronounce me (to him) the most grateful man in the world. And I am confident he cannot, neither dares he say, (unless it it be boastingly behind my back) that I ever learned a Line in Astrology or Astronomy from him. The later of which I dare, and do here publicly maintain, he knoweth nothing of; no, not to the Calculation of one Stars place, either fixed or Erratic; both which I was sufficintly able to perform before ever my ill Fortune directed me to his acquaintance: and how he should then prove my Tutor, I cannor in reason see. Nay, I protest freely, (and this without any boasting, or ambitious lifting up myself, for I know my knowledge is but mean) I understood more Art before ever I was acquainted with Lily, than he was ever capable of learning in his life; notwithstanding his great Fame for (doing nothing else in truth but) deluding the world. I mention not this by reason of the Difference between him and myself; for in matter of Truth I so far divest myself from Passion, that Reason might reign as King. Nor would I have any hereby think, that Labhor to learn of an Adversary; for I have always made that Adage my Companion, whicn says Etemin fasest, & abhoste doceri; It is both just and lawful for a man to learn of his Enemy. And I should not refuse so learn of him who hath as arrogantly as falsely styled himself my Tutor, and hath taught others to cant so, if I conld perceive in him any thing by which my understanding might be bettered. But although I shall so far submit myself to the truth; as to bow the knee of my Reason to any, and shall not refuse to stoop to the foot of a Shepherd, if Ingenuity and Reason keep Court in such a Cottage; yet I hold it the highest slavery in the world for any man that is discipulus ratiovis, to subjugate his Reason so far, as— Jurare in verba Lillii. I am too Masculine to believe the King of Sweden shall be greater than Charles the Great, because Mr. Lily rantingly says so; except he give me a better Reason, then ipse dixit; and Authority, than the Sibyls, and Mother Shipton. Or that we shall have no more Kings in England, because he Sycophantiquely, and for base Bribes, (laying aside his Art) writ so. I am too great a Disciple of Art, to betray my Reason and Knowledge therein, to the biased Interest of every confident Pretender. And if to defend the honour of Art, and detect and discover the Treasons and Cheatisms practised under it, and lay the Persons open to the World, that thus notoriously abuse it, be to be ungrateful; Sine Apologia, I desire to be ungrateful still. And whereas Lily hath printed it— That lay it in my power, I would swallow his Body, and spit his Soul into the Stygian Lake, I must tell him, The Fear is as scandalous as the Conceit idle and foolish: For, it must be a Grave of far larger Dimensions that must swallow his Body, had he not espoused himself to Villainies that swell him so much bigger than he naturally is. But if he mean by this Charge to set off my Hatred to him by a Sarcasm, or Hyperbole, I must return him as egregionsly mistaken in this, as he proved himself in the Swedish Victory, or R. Cromwel's continuance: For, I protest freely to the World, my heart is furnished with no such polluted stuff. Nay, I dare be bold to affirm, That were there an occasion offered me to try my Hatred toward him to purpose, I should prove as great a Friend to him, as he is a man, as any of his Hicks-hall Jury did in 1654. when he was indicted there for a Cheat. And whereas Lily is troubled that I have at any time reported him a Tailor, I here again tell the world, I do therein but call a Spade a Spade. And he knows I have not only his own Confession, and Witnesses yet living to prove it, but good, sufficient and uncontradicted Authority in Print for so reporting him. If Mr. Lily have aught else to urge against me, I shall, God willing, as soon as I hear thereof, return him a most seasonable, and civil Reply. This therefore shall content me for the present to return in answer to some of his scurrilities. FINIS.