Astrologia accusata pariter & Condemnata. OR THE DIABOLICAL ART OF Judicial Astrology, RECEIVING THE DEFINITIVE SENTENCE OF FINAL CONDEMNATION: BEING Delivered in this following Discourse, where the said Art is briefly and manifestly opened, justly arraigned, diligently examined, and experimentally condemned by him, who was a Student in the same.  Omnis planta quam non plantavit Pater ille meus coelestis, eradicabitur. Matth. 15.13. 
By JOHN RAUNCE, Sometime a practitioner of Astrology, and Student in the Magic Art.  
LONDON, Printed by J. Clowes, for W. Learner, at the Blackmore in Bishopsgate-streete, 1650.   

The Preface to the Reader.  
READER,  
MY desire is in this short Treatise, to disclose a part of my mind unto thee, concerning Judicial Astrology, and if it might be, to persuade thee, not to spend thy short and precious time, in the study and practice of this abominable Art; for I have been a Student in this very Art, against which I now write: also I was not quiet, nor at peace in my mind, until such time as I had seen all the secrets of the same. Now the time being come, in which I had attained unto my hearts desire, than did I blindly rejoice in my condition, and thought with myself, that I had now gotten the knowledge of that, which would for ever make me wise: thus having attained unto my Heart's desire, and being in my youthful Age, I here withheld no knowledge from myself, which might seem to give my mind content: So I mounting from degree to degree, upon the slippery scale of curiosity, at length I came to the height of uncertain principles; which when I was thus high gone, yet here found no resting place, wherefore I beholding that there was more than I yet understood, then did I here seek for the knowledge of those things also, the knowledge of which things was not from me withheld. Now I having gone to the ground of Astrology, I could then dispute of the events of things, etc. Lo here I did vainly glory in myself, as if that by the greatness of my Art, and the quickness of my ingenuity, made a Conquest of Pluto's Dominion. But this vain conceit of mine, did not continue long; for when I was in the prime of my practice, the Lord God from Heaven confounded my wisdom, and destroyed all my Babylonian skill. Now my Reader, it may be here thou dost expect the story of my conversion from my diabolical practices, but I shall say very little of that at this time; for all that I shall declare of it at present, is only thus, viz. when I was in the prime of my diabolical ways, one day I being in my study, very earnest in searching out the cause of future events: at this very time, when I thought myself to be at peace, and in a happy condition, than came the Lord God in a terrible voice into my heart, and wheresoever I became for many days after, I continually heard this most doleful sound in my mind, viz. After all such things only wicked men seek. And as I heard this voice sounding in my heart, so also I had my Conscience accusing me, that I was one of those wicked men, because I did spend my precious time in searching out the cause of those things which no man can attain unto, but by diabolical Learning. Wherefore my Reader, it is not without cause, that I have taken upon me to declare the vileness of Astrological Predictions. For if I am raised up by the Lord God, to be an Instrument to gainsay and withstand the Art of Astrology, then assuredly I shall be able, to stand before the faces of the Astrologers, to witness that which here I have delivered. Moreover, I say unto all persons whatsoever, before whom this Book of mine shall come, how that I have not gone rashly nor inconsiderately to work, in that I have taken in hand to declare against that wicked Art of Judicial Astrology: Also I say I would them to know, that I have set myself down seriously to consider, what it would cost me at the highest price, which if the worst come, I know what I have to do. And as for the scoffs and jeers of all my Antagonists, or any other whatsoever, I say their scoffing and jeering is no more to me, than the dirt that doth hang on my shoes; which dirt at my pleasure, I can shake off, when and where I please. Now if any man be unsatisfied in what I have here written, against the said Art of Judicial Astrology, because I do deny the said Art to be lawful. Therefore I say unto all such men, that if they can prove Astrology a lawful Art by sounder and better Arguments grounded upon the Scripture and reason, than it is here, or can elsewhere by me be denied, then am I willing to submit, and so for the present farewell,  
JOHN RAUNCE, Of the Burrow of Chipping Wickham, in the County of Buckingham. From my Study November 8. 1650,   

The Prological Oration of the Author, to all Practitioners of Astrology, and unto all other Persons whatsoever, that are lovers of the same.  
BEhold you vain Astrologers  
who gazing on the Sky,  
Search out the motions of the Stars  
for to Divine thereby;  
Of the particular events  
and ends of things which are,  
Known by the name of contingents  
which no Art can declare;  
Whose Rules are only natural  
and are contained within  
The bounds of learning liberal,  
which is without all sin.  
Where will you then a resting place  
for this vain Art out find,  
That so it may not have disgrace  
being numbered with the kind  
Of wicked and ungodly Arts,  
which are both vain and ill,  
And doth reside in rotten hearts  
for to fulfil their will.  
For all such men as do profess  
and folks which seek this skill,  
All such the Devil doth possess  
made Captives at his will?  
When born their Child, then suddenly  
the hour must be sought;  
And so they think to know thereby  
It's fortune good or naught.  
Or if on them doth fall some loss,  
contrary to their will,  
Then from some Planet came that cross  
who was not good but ill.  
Also if God on them doth lay  
for sin some sore Disease,  
Then presently they send away  
to Ekrons' God for ease.  
Or if they fear their time is nigh,  
Astrologers they send,  
To know if then they needs must die  
and may not more amend.  
Even as King Ahaziah, who  
when on his bed did lie,  
To Baalzebub (said he) now go,  
and ask when I shall die.  
And now then my own Countrymen,  
my council see you take,  
Consider what your Art is then,  
and from your sin awake.  
Let no man say I here dispute  
contrary to my mind  
As if I here were destitute,  
and this way would it find.  
For I myself have sometime been  
a Student in this skill,  
All secrets in it I have seen  
to satisfy my will.  
Now to the Lord be all the praise  
who of his own free grace,  
Hath brought me from my wicked ways  
and set me in this place;  
That so I should a witness be  
against these wicked Arts,  
As here it is set forth by me  
to the grief of your hearts.  
JOHN RAUNCE.   

A DISCOURSE AGAINST Judicial Astrology.  

CHAPTER I. Of judicial Astrology, what it is, the original of it, who was the Author thereof, by what Names or Titles the Professors of it are called, and their Profession what it promiseth.  
FOr as much as I have taken in hand, to set forth to the view of my Countrymen, the nature of that Art which is known by the name of judicial Astrology, that now my Doctrine may be understood of all men; 
What Astrology that is, which is by the Author called judicial Astrology.  I think it convenient here to set forth in few words, what I mean by judicial Astrology, which is briefly thus defined, viz. by judicial Astrology I understand Astrological Predictions, in which the ginger doth foretell the particular events of things belonging to man. For as much as it is my desire, that my Antagonists may know and understand my mind plainly: 
See my Declaration aghast Astrology, Page 2. line 2. 3. 4.  therefore I declare that this aforesaid Art of judicial Astrology, is a secret diabolical Divination, as it is elsewhere by me divulged. Moreover, I do affirm the said Art of Astrology, to be full of Idolatry and superstition, and is contrary unto the Scripture, as I shall here manifest and prove to all rational men, whom I desire well to consider this first, 
Note here  viz. That no ginger can or is able (according to the Rules of their said Art) to predict or foretell the event or end of any particular thing belonging unto man, but by their superstitious and Idolatrous observing and regarding of time, that this regarding of time is (as I have said) superstition and Idolatry, is evident from the words of the Scripture to be seen, 
Deut. 18.10.11.  in Deut. 18.10.11. verses. You may there find many unlawful things rehearsed and condemned for abominable and wicked practices; amongst which unlawful observations, there is also named this wicked Art of observing of time, in these words; Let none be found among you that is a regarder of times: 
Note.  here is to be noted, how that all observing and regarding of time is here forbidden and condemned, 
Eccles. 3. chap. from the 1. verse to the 8. verse.  which is not agreeable to the Scripture: now whereas Solomon saith, there is an appointed time, and a time to every purpose under Heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die, etc. Solomon doth not here say, that one time is better than another to be born in; nor that one time is worse than another to die in; again he saith, there is a time to love, and a time to hate, a time of War, and a time of peace. Yet he doth not say, that Men and Women do either love or hate each other, according to the several dispositions of the significators of their Nativities. Neither doth Solomon say that Wars and Peace proceed of, or from the conjunction of the Planets: nor yet that one time is better to go to war in then another, because of the positious of the Stars. Now we may see how that Solomon saith, and so with him all other wise men, that there is an appointed time for every thing under the whole Heaven. The say of this wise man Solomon, are agreeable to the mind and will of God revealed in the Scripture; for the Scripture doth evidently hold forth unto us, that there is a time for all things to be accomplished and finished in; but in no one place of the Scripture is it said, that one time is better than another, according to the Stars, or the positions of the Heavens, for to do the aforesaid things: wherefore we may clearly behold our Astrology what it is; for take from it that which the word of God doth forbid and condemn, and then it will be of no worth to the Astrologers, because it will then appear to be a beggarly Art, that hath no resting or abiding place, in any part of good learning. But to return to our matter again, I say, that Astrology is an unlawful Art, 
Of the observing of time, the first thing why Astrology is unlawful. Deut. 18. v. 10. 11. 14.  and ought not to be practised in a Christian Commonwealth.  
First, because the thing without which Astrology, cannot be practised, is by, and in the Scripture plainly forbidden and condemned: now this thing is the regarding of times, which you may see, is positively condemned in the 18. Chapter of Deut. v. 10. Let none be found among you that is a regarder of times. Now that the name Astrology is not here named I confess; but that the practice of Astrology is here condemned, is evident from what I have, and shall set forth against the said Art. In the next place I will declare to the World (so far as I know) who was the first inventor of Astrology, that so they, who are ignorant of this secret Art, 
The original of Astrology, who was the Inventor of it.  may understand from whence it came, and who was the Author of it, and thereby they may the better judge of its illegality, according to the judgements of many very learned men: the invention of Astrology is attributed to the Devils; wherefore I have for the witnessing of the said position, the Authority of that learned man, G. Carleton, Bishop of Chichester, whose words are these, viz. 
vide. Astrologomania, fol. 57 Tertul. Lib. de Idololatria. Origen. Hom. 13.  The first Invention of Astrology, is by many learntd men attributed to the Devils. With whom agree the say of many ancient Writers, as Tertullian, Clemens Alexandrinus, and Lactantius, with others who shall be mentioned in their proper places: hereupon it is apparent from what these Authors have written in their own works, that Astrology is by them condemned for a wicked Art, whose original is from the Devils, and therefore is not fit to be suffered in a Commonwealth, much less in and amongst those, who are Christians and Professors of the Gospel; 
St. August. Lib. de Doc. Chr. Aug. Lib. de nat. Daemon.  for as Augustin saith, it is a great madness and folly to go about to tell by the Stars, the manners, actions, and events of men; which saith he, true Christian piety expelleth and condemneth. Also the same Author affirmeth, that it is not lawful for any Christian to cast Nativities. These things which are here alleged out of Augustin, (I think) are able to satisfy any rational man, that Astrology is a wicked Art, because as he himself confesseth in his book of Confessions, 
Chamber. ex August.  that he was of that ungodly society of Astrologers, for his words are these, viz. Now also I had renounced the false Predictions of Astrologers, whom Christian and true piety expelleth and condemneth: the Astrologers cannot say (except they will lie) that this great Doctor, and ancient Father St. Augustine writ against Astrology, through the weakness of his learning; nor can they say that he condemned their Art, because he did not know it; but we find that he speaketh against the said Art, because he had experience of its unsoundness. In the nexr place, I suppose it is convenient to say a little of the Names and Titles of the professors of this said Art of Judicial Astrology, they are called or known by there names, 
Names belonging unto the Astrologers, both in English and Latin.  viz. Astrologers, Prognosticators, Almanac-makers, Figure-flingers, Wisemen, Cunning-men, Wizards, Magicians, Starre-gazers; with many such strange names they are called, and in latin, Chaldae, Astrologi, Mathematici, Planetarij, Magi, Genethliaci, Babylonij, Divini, Fatidici, etc. this which is said already of the Names of these Professors of the aforesaid Art, shall suffice for the present; but to proceed, now I am to show what this abominable Profession promiseth to perform: 
What the Art of Astrology, promiseth to perform.  wherefore you are to understand, that Astrology promiseth to foretell what shall be the issue, event or end, of any thing belonging to man, which things the Astrologers do say, are signified by the 12. houses of Heaven: these are some of those things which the 12. houses are said (by the Astrologers) to signify, viz. That the first house signifieth the Life and Body of him that is born, or doth ask a question: the second his Riches, the third, 
The significations of the twelve Houses.  Brethren and Sisters; the fourth, his Parents; the fifth, Children; the sixth, sickness, the seaventh, Marriage; the eighth, Death; the ninth, Religion and God; the tenth, Rule and Dignities; the eleventh, Hope and trust; the twelfth, private enemies: these, and such like things as these are, the Astrologers do busy themselves about, to search out their Events; for so much as these things aforesaid, are by the Astrologers feigned to belong to the 12, houses of Heaven, and that they can by the motions and influences of the Stars, know what shall be the event and end of these, or any such things: therefore I say and affirm, that no man can by the Stars, know what shall be the issue or event of these, or any such things: Also, that the Stars do not signify any such things as these are: Likewise I deny, that your twelve houses can signify any of these things, or any such as these are. Moreover I deny, that any man is able by any lawful Learning, to attain to so much knowledge as to know thereby, what shall be the issue, event; or end of these aforesaid things, or of any other belonging to Man. Yet notwithstanding, what is here delivered, viz. (that no man is able by any lawful Art, to attain to so much knowledge therein, by good and lawful learning, as to know thereby what shall be the particular events of things belonging to Man:) yet I say, I would not have any man think, that it is my judgement, that the ginger doth not sometimes by his Art, predict or foretell the events of some things belonging to man. But this is that which I say, viz. That no man can by any lawful Art, come to any such knowledge of future events; but as for Astrologers, and such vain men as they are; I confess, that they may by their knowledge and skill in filthy and unclean Arts, (such as is Judicial Astrology, with Magic, and the like abominable Arts) come to know somewhat of future events, 
1 Sam. 28. chap. v. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19  through the instigation of the Devil, by the permission of God; for did not the Witch at Endor, with the help of the Devil, predict or foretell to King Saul, what should be his end? which prediction proved true. Now who can prove the going of Saul to ask Council of the Witch, or the practice of the Witch, in foretelling by the Devil the ruin of Saul; 
1 Sam. 31.6.  I say where is he that can prove it lawful, because the event answered to the Prediction? And yet our Astrologers have no better Arguments to prove the legality of their Art, of Astrology; but only because the event falleth out, to be according to the Prediction; for when any one questioneth with them about the legality of their Art of Astrology,) then shall you have them, to prove the lawfulness of their Art. Rehearse certain Historical Predictions which proved true by the events of the things foretold, and so to say with Sir Christopher Heydon, 
Sir Christ: Heydon in his Defence, page 195.  who saith, that he for his own part doth freely confess, that there is no one thing that hath made him so confident in the validity of this art, as that which he hath seen to fall out true. Now here you may behold that this great Champion of our English Astrologers after that he had made a long and tedious discourse for the defence of Astrology, at length thinking with himself that all his former Arguments were too feeble to prove what he had undertaken, doth here in this place, lay down as his strongest Argument, (which as himself saith) made him so confident of the validity of Astrology, 
Mr. Lily in his Introduct. page 148.  and it is this, viz. The event falling out, according to the Prediction. Now where is he, that by this Argument, is able to prove Astrology a lawful Art? Almost such another Argument, but to the very same purpose is to be seen in the works of Mr. Wil: Lily, who writing of the marks, moles or scars, that the Querent hath, saith that the verity thereof, hath been one main argument of his engaging in all the parts of Astrology so far. But if Mr. Lilly hath no better Arguments to prove the verity of Astrology by, assuredly he will not be able to prove the legality of the Art, which he as yet professeth.   

CHAP. II. That Judicial Astrology is a vain and foolish Art, being full of Idolatrous and superstitious Fables contrary to the Scripture, and the practice thereof is a Diabolical Divination.  
THe vanity and foolishness of Astrology, 
Astrology is a vain and foolish art. Eccles. 8. Chap. 6. 7. verses.  may many ways be proved. But to begin, I will bring the sentences of that wise man King Solomon, who saith, that for to every purpose there is a time and judgement, because the misery of man is great upon him; for he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? Now from this saying of Solomon, it is very apparent, that none can know the future events of things belonging to man; for he positively affirmeth, that no man knoweth that which shall be, or who can tell when it shall be? 
The foolishness of Astrologers, and the vanity of Astrology.  here you may see Astrologers to be unwise, and their Art of Astrology to be a vain and foolish Art; for that which the wisest of men saith cannot be known, that do they take upon them for to foretell: Moreover, the vanity and foolishness of Astrology doth herein appear.  
First, because it hath no one place of the word of God to warrant its legality.  
Secondly, because the Scripture is not only silent in the Commendations thereof; but because it is full of plain sentences which declare openly the foolishness and vanity of the said Art, in that the Scripture doth deride at the Practitioners thereof, and condemneth the practice of it as unlawful, as it is to be seen in Isaiah 47. ch. & the 13. & 14 verses. 
Isaiah 47. c. v. 13.14. Jer. 10. c. v. 2.  Let now the Astrologers, the Stargazers, the monthly Prognosticators stand up, and save thee from these things which shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble, the fire shall burn them, they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame, etc. Again, the practice, and the Practitioners thereof are condemned, Jer. 10. chap. 2. verse. 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, etc.  

Astrologers do superstitiously regard times, as by imagining one time to be better than another, according to the Planet that is, Lord of the hour, as is set forth hereafter, and this is condemned Deut. 18.10.  Thirdly, Astrology is a vain and foolish Art, because that the regarding of time, without which, Astrology cannot be practised, is by and in the Scripture condemned for an abomination, as it doth appear in the 18. of Deut. and the 14. verse, which saith thus. For these Nations which thou shalt possess, harkened unto observers of times, and unto Diviners; but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. And as you may see in the 12. verse, aforegoing in the same Chap. these words, viz. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations, the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Wherefore my beloved Countrymen, abandon these your Astrological follies, which if you do not do, I proclaim from the Lord God, that destruction shall come upon you, which you shall not foresee by all your art of Astrology, and when it is upon you, then shall you behold yourselves in misery, but you shall not be able to help yourselves by all your Babylonish skill; consider what I say. But from this I hasten to the next thing, which is this, viz. That Astrology is full of Idolatrous and superstitious fables, contrary to the Scripture: 
Astrology is full of Idolatrous and superstitious Fables.  now to the end that this position may be made manifest: therefore in the first place I will begin with your Houses of Heaven, and I say that those significations, which you give of them, are superstitious Fables; but to the end my Reader may understand what those significations are: therefore I do insert them into this figure following, according as they are appropriated to the twelve Houses by the Astrologians.  
1 Life and Body of him that is born, or doth ask the Question; this is the Horoscope angle.  
2 Goods, Traffic, Substance, Riches, Gain, Damage, Loss, Wealth or Poverty.  
3 Kindred, Brethren, Sisters, Cousins, small Journeys, Faith and Religion, Changes.  
4 Fathers, Houses, Heritage's, Lands, Tenements, hidden Treasures, end of any thing belonging to Man.  
5 Children, Gifts, Presents, Pleasures, Plays, Voluptuousness, Banqueting, Bravery, Dancing.  
6 Grief, Sickness, Infirmities, the Quality & Cause of it, Curable or not Curable.  
7 Wives, Marriage, Suits, Quarrels, Strife, known Enmity, Debate, Love questions.  
8 Death, Sadness, long Torments, envy the Quality of Death, Inheritance apparent.  
9 God, Religion, Wisdom, Faith, Science, Voyage, Ceremonies, Sects, Paradoxes, Sacrifices, Dreams.  
10 Honour, Dignities, Offices, Magistrates, Governors, Rulers, Estimation, Profession, Action.  
11 Friends, Companions, Hope, Confidence, Favour, Help, Succour, Praise, Estimation.  
12 Private Enemies, Witches, Captivity, Prisons, Torment, Lamentation, Sadness, Hate.  
There are many other significations belonging to these 12. Houses, which are so many in number, that it would be over tedious for me to name them every one; for they are so manifold, according to the judgement of Mr. Lilley in his introduction page 50. where he saith, that there is nothing appertaining to the life of man in this World, which in one way or other hath not relation to one of the twelve Houses of Heaven, and as the 12. signs are appropriate to the particular Members of Man's Body; 
Mr. Lily his Intred. page 50.  so also do the 12. Houses represent not only the several parts of man, but his actions, quality of life and living, and the curiosity and judgement of our forefathers in Astrology, was such, as they have allotted to every house a particular signification, and so distinguished humane accidents throughout the whole 12. Houses, as he that understands the questions appertaining to each House, shall not want sufficient grounds whereon to judge or give a rational answer upon any contingent accident, 
That the signs cannot signify the particular Members of Man's Body, neither can the Houses signify his actions, life, or living.  and success thereof, thus far Mr. Lily with his Forefathers the Astrologers: And now here again I say, that whatsoever Mr. Lily hath said, or any of his Forefathers affirmed of the aforesaid positions, is by me denied from these considerations.  
First, I say, for as much as there is not a corporal Heaven, representing the form and nature of a humane body; therefore I do deny, that the several parts, life and actions of a humane body, can be appropiated thereunto; for because that thing which doth represent another thing in body, must have the very selfsame form of the thing represented. So that if the several parts of Man's Body be appropriated to the 12. houses and signs than must the houses and signs represent the body of Man in form and shape; but how manifestly erroneous this assertion is to all reason, is proved thus.  
First I say, that the houses cannot represent the body of Man, because that they are only imaginary circumstances in the circumference of the 9 Heaven. Wherefore or as much as that the houses and signs have but only an imaginary being in form and shape: therefore they cannot be appropriated to the particular Members of Man's Body, because the Body of Man hath a visible and real Being in form and shape. which the 12. houses and signs have not, because they are only imaginary things as I said before. Now seeing I have from sufficient grounds, denied that the 12. houses and signs can be appropriated unto the particular parts of Man's Body: In the next place I am to write of the life and actions of man, for this is the position of the Astrologers, viz. 
The quality of the life & actions of Man, cannot be known by the Houses, nor from the signs of Heaven.  The 12. Houses represent not only the several parts of Man's Body; but his actions, quality of his life and living: this Position is already afore by me denied, and I have given reasons for my so doing. But to the end, my Reader may be the better able to judge between me and my Antagonists: Therefore I say, that the quality of the life and actions of Man, cannot be known by the Houses, nor from the Stars or signs of Heaven: which thing although I have spread abroad sufficient Arguments for the proof of what I have delivered, yet nevertheless, this I say again, that for as much as the 12. Signs, as also the 12. Houses of the Astrologers, are only imaginary things, feigned by the Astrologians: therefore I deny, that the quality of the life and actions of Man, can be known by the Houses, or from the 12. Signs of Heaven; because that no conceived Idea, which is as it were a substance, but is not a real substance in being, can represent the humane nature of Man, which is a rea substance, and hath a visible being: wherefore seeing, the Houses and Signs cannot truly and really represent the Body of Man, in substance, form, and being: Therefore I say, that the quality of the life and actions of man cannot be known by the Houses, nor yet from the Signs of Heaven; for that thing, which doth not truly and really in nature, represent the very substance, form, and natural Being of the thing represented, cannot in any wise signify the quality of the being; nor yet the nature of the actings of the thing represented: from which Argument I infer this conclusion following which is this: That for as much as the 12. Houses and Signs do not truly and really represent the very substance, form, and natural being of Man: therefore I say, that the quality of the life and actions of Man, cannot be known by, 
Mr. Perkins against Witchcraft. page 620.  nor from the Houses and Signs of Heaven aforesaid.  
Now then in this place, to insert something out of the works of that godly Man, Mr. Perkins, I judge it very necessary for these two Reasons. First, because he was a very godly man, and therefore all men ought the more readily to believe that which he wrote to be truth. Secondly, because he was a Student in the said Art of Judicial Astrology; and therefore he was the better able to judge of the legality or illegality of the Art of Astrology. Now what he faith of Astrology, you may see in his discourse of Witchcraft, page 620. where his words are to this purpose, viz. That divination by the Stars, is commonly called Judicial Astrology, of which we may read, Deut. 18.10.11. where the Holy Ghost doth of purpose reckon up all those kind of devilish Arts, 
Deut. 18.10.11.  whereby men have deal and society with Satan, either in divining or practising: amongst which this is the second.  
The word there used may carry a double sense, for it signifieth either him that observeth times: under which acception Astrology is comprehended, or him that observeth the Clouds; 
Megnonen.  and howsoever, the best learned Interpreters do descent about the Notation of it, yet all agree in this, that the profession of divining by the Stars, is condemned: and that it is to be numbered among the rest expressed in the prohibition, may further appear by other places of Scripture, as in Isaiah 47.13.14. where the Lord threatneth the same judgements against the Diviners by the Stars, 
Isaiah 47.13.14. Dan. 2.2.  that he doth against soothsayers, and Magicians. Again in Dan. 2.2. Enchanters, Astrologers, and Sorcerers, are joined together, as being all sent for about the same business, viz. To expound the King's Dream.  
Now if the Lord himself have allotted the same punishment to the ginger, which he hath to the Soothsayer and Magician, and account them all one; it is manifest, that divining by the Stars, aught to be held as a superstitious kind of Divination.  
Thus Mr. Perkins hath declared against the Art of Astrology, whereby it doth appear from that which hath been delivered, that Astrology is contrary unto the Scripture, and is also full of idolatrous and superstitious Fables; for it doth manifestly appear to be fabulous, and to abound with superstition and Idolatry, in your Planetary days and hours; for thus say you Astrologers, viz. 
Bacon. Ganivetus.  That Saturday is not a good day for work, because of the Planet Saturn; for saith Ganivetus, if any one cometh to ask council in the hour of an evil Planet, viz. Saturn or Mars, it is a suspicion rather to evil then to good.  
Again saith another, 
Haly. Abenragel.  the hours of Saturn and Mars ought to be abhorred in all things; for saith he, you were best to take heed that you take no great matter in hand, or begin any long journey in the hours of the aforesaid Plan●●● etc. But of this more hereafter in this discourse. Yet nevertheless it is manifest, from what hath been declared, that the Art of Astrology is a Diabolical Divination. 
Psalm. 84.11. & 34.9.  For saith the Prophet David, the Lord will give grace and glory, no good thing will he uphold from them that walk uprightly.  
From hence I gather that much, viz. That the knowledge of all good things is, and hath been by the Lord manifested unto his People, so that if the foreknowledge of things by Astrology be a good thing, it hath been by the Lord revealed unto his People; but the Scripture doth in no place justify those that seek after the foreknowledge of things by the Stars: therefore I say, that the seeking to know future events by the Stars, which is Astrology, is not a good thing; because that whatsoever is a good thing, 
Isa. 47.10.11. Jer. 10.2.  the Scripture doth not condemn it, in deriding at the professors thereof.  
But the Scripture doth condemn Astrology in deriding at the Professors thereof: therefore Astrology is not a good thing. Again, whatsoever is an evil thing, the word of God doth condemn it with those that practice it; but the word of God doth condemn the Practitioners of Astrology: therefore it doth condemn Astrology.  
Now then, for as much as Astrologers do take upon them for to divine by their Art of Astrology, of the particular events of things belonging to Man: therefore I say, that the aforesaid Art of Judicial Astrology, is a Diabolical Divination, because it is condemned by the Scripture, with the Professors thereof for a wicked Art; for saith the Prophet to the Law, and to the Testimony, 
Isaiah 8.20.  if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.  
From the very word of God, you may here then very evidently behold, that Astrologers are workers in darkness, and their Art of Astrology is a work of darkness: 
Eph. 5.11.  wherefore consider the words of the Apostle, who saith thus: Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but even reprove them rather.   

CHAP. III. In which is set forth, that one of the first and chiefest points in Astrology; and without the said point, Astrologers can do nothing, is the regarding of times, the which regarding of times, is superstition and Idolatry.  

Regarding or observing of times, the great point in Astrology.  NOw in this place I will manifestly declare that which is one of the first and chiefest points in Astrology, and the point is this, viz. The regarding or observing of times.  
Now I say, that without this point of regarding of times, the Astrologers can do nothing in their Art of Astrology; for take from the Art of Astrology but this one thing, viz. The regarding or observing of times; and than it will be so poor an Art, that the Practitioners thereof, will be ashamed to own it; for than it will do them no more service, neither shall the Astrologers get any more pence by their Art, for telling of Fortunes, or resolving of horary Questions, nor for their making of Elections; for take away Regarding of times, and then no ginger can calculate your Nativity; for according to the Rules of Astrology, the very exact time must be known, in which the Man or Woman is born, before judgement be given by the ginger: so in like manner, it is in questions, elections, 
Mr. John Booker.  and all other parts of Astrology, that this is according to the rules of Astrology, it is very manifest from their own words; for that ginger Mr. Booker, saith plainly thus, viz.  
Ask what you will, would you resolved be,  
Observe your time, learn your Nativity.  
But to come more close unto the matter, I find that the Astrologers do regard and observe times, to be either good or evil, to do such, or such a thing in, because of the Stars and their positions, etc. for they have planetary days and hours, according unto which Planets, that then rule and govern: 
Lupton. page 107. ex Haly. Abenragel.  The Astrologers do account the time to be either good or evil; for saith one, the hour of Mars is to be abhorred in all things, both in the beginning, and when the thing is done.  
And a little after he saith thus, viz. And as I have said of Mars, so I say of Saturn, for there is never a good of them both, meaning their hours.  
Now this regarding of times, is Superstition and Idolatry, for these Reasons.  
First, 
Gen. 1.31.  because God hath not made any thing to be both good and evil; for saith Moses, God saw every thing that he had made; and behold, it was very good. So that here you may see, after God had created all things, behold, he seethe all things to be very good: then from hence I gather thus much, that is, that the making the Stars, and so times according to the Stars, and their positions to be evil, for such or such a purpose; I say that this making of times evil or unfortunate according to Stars, and their several positions, is not of, from, nor by the appointment of God,  
The Reason is, because the word of God saith the contrary; for saith the Scripture, God saw all that he had made, and behold it was very good. So then from this you may see according to the Scripture, the hours of Saturn and Mars, to be as good for to do any thing in them, as in the hours of Jupiter or Venus. Also the Moon may be in any of her Mansions, and yet you may not fear to do any lawful thing, although the ginger shall tell you, that you have taken an infortunate election, to do your operation, by reason of the position of the Heavens. As also because of the Moon, who is in one of her Mansions: which position of the Moon in the said Mansion, doth signify the destruction of the thing you have begun, or that it shall be marred by this or that means, before you can perform the work, etc. I say, that none that fear the true God, aught to regard these or any such like heathenish superstitions of the Astrologers, because that these things aforesaid are not of Gods own institution; but are of man's invention, that these things are not of God's institution: it doth evidently appear from and by the Scripture; for whatsoever is of God's institution, the Scripture doth bear witness of the same: but the Scripture doth bear witness that God made all things good, 
Gen. 1.31.  therefore all things are good, by and from God's institution.  
Again, whatsoever is by, and in the Scripture condemned, the same is not of God's institution; but the regarding and observing of times, 
Levit. 19.26. 2 Kings 21.6. Deut. 18.10.11.  is by and in the Scripture condemned: therefore the regarding and observing of times, is not of God's institution.  
The Arguments above written, do wholly depend upon the Scripture, as you may see; for the first Argument whose scope is to prove, that all things are good, by and from God's institution, is evidently seen to agree with the Scripture, and is therefore confirmed by the Scripture, as you may see Gen. 1.31. in these words, And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good. Now the Scripture saith plainly, that God made every thing good; so than we may now manifestly know, that God made all the Stars of Heaven good also according to his word, he made all years, months, weeks, days, and hours to be good, than that fantastical opinion of making a difference of days and hours, to begin a work in or upon, is in very truth, an Idolatrous and superstitious Dotage and fiction of the brains of the Astrologers.  
Also the other Argument, in which is declared, viz. That the regarding and observing of times, is not of God's institution, is proved thus, because it is condemned by and in the Scripture; for you find that Manasseh, that great Idolater, is in the Scripture reproved for his observing of times, among other his Idolatrous practices; for saith the Scripture thus of him, viz. 
2 Kings 21.6. Deut. 18.10.  And he made his Son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used Enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits, and Wizards, etc. 2 Kings 21.6. Again in Deut. 18.10. it is said, viz. Let none be found among you, that useth Divination, or is an observer of times, or an Enchanter, or a Witch, etc. Also in Levit. 19.26. it is said, Ye shall not use Enchantment, nor observe times. From these places of Scripture, it is plainly to be seen, That the regarding or observing of times is forbidden to be used, and the use of it is condemnen for Idolatry.  
Now then from hence it is apparent, that Astrologers are very Idolaters, because that they regard times, the which regarding of times is in the Scripture condemned: In the very like manner it is very apparent to all rational men, that Judicial Astrology is a secret Diabolical Divination. I say secret, because it is so close, and a subtle delusion of the Devil, whereby Satan doth delude almost all men at his pleasure, and maketh men which believe in this vain delusion, viz. Astrology, to think that the Stars of Heaven are the causes of those strange alterations here upon earth, in the Bodies of Men and Women, according as the Astrologers say the 12. Houses of the Heaven do signify. Now what those significations are, is elsewhere by me set forth in a Figure, 
See Chap. 2. of this Discourse.  and there you may find many of those things belonging to man, which the Astrologers do appropriate unto the 12. Houses; and withal the Astrologers do say, that these 12. Houses do give signification of the particular events of the said things, and also of many others which are not there by me mentioned. But once again I give all men to know, how that I do here again deny, that any Man can know the issue, event, or end of any of the things a fore by me, set down in the second Chapter of this Discourse, in the Figure of the Astrologers 12. Houses. I say that no man can by any lawful learning, attain to so much knowledge therein, as thereby to know the events of the aforesaid things; but that somewhat may be known of the particular events of those things, by unlawful and filthy Arts, I do not deny; 
1 Sam. 28. c. 7. v. c. 31. v. 6.  for we find, that the Witch at Endor did predict and foretell to King Saul, that which afterwards fell out to be as the Witch had said. What cause now then have our Astrologert to brag so much of their Predictions, because the event is as they foretold, I say they have no just cause to rejoice so much as they do, seeing a wicked Witch is able to do as much. Again, their art is such, that they are not able to prove lawful according to the Scripture; and therefore it doth appear to be nothing better, than an art of learned Witchcraft: 
Daemonologiae Lib. 1. cap. 3.  according to which position, is the saying of the late King James, whose judgement is this, viz. as there are two sorts of folks that may be enticed to this a●●, to wit, Learned or un-learned: so are there two means, which are the first stirrers up, and feeders of their curiosity, thereby to make them to give themselves over to the same: which two means I call the Devil's School, and the Devils Rudiments.  
The Learned have their curiosity wakened up, and fed by that which I call his School.  

Judicial Astrology is the Devil's School, for Learned men to learn orcery in.  This is the art of Judicial Astrology; for divers men having attained to a great perfection in learning, and yet remain without the spirit of Regeneration, and the fruits thereof, finding all natural things common, as well to the Country Clown as unto them; hereupon they assay to purchase unto themselves a greater name, by not only knowing the course of the Heavens, Stars, and Planets; but likewise to climb to the knowledge of things to come thereby, which at the first face appearing lawful unto them, in respect the ground thereof seemeth to proceed of natural causes only: they are so alured thereby, that finding their practice to prove true in sundry things, they study to the cause thereof.  
And so mounting from degree, to degree, upon the slippery and uncertain scale of curiosity; they are at last enticed, that where lawful Arts and Sciences fails, to satisfy their restless minds, even to stick to that black and unlawful Science of Magic. Where finding at the first, that such divers forms of Circles, and Conjurations, rightly joined thereunto, will raise such divers forms of spirits, to resolve them their doubts: and attributing the doing, to the power inseparably tied, or inherent in the Circles, and many words of GOD, confusedly wrapped, they blindly glory in themselves, as if they had by their quickness of ingeny, made a Conquest of Pluto's Dominion, and were become Emperors of the kingdom of Hell: where, in the mean time, (miserable wretches) they are become in very deed, bondslaves to their mortal enemy, viz: the devil, and their knowledge for all that, they presume thereof, is nothing increased, except in knowing evil, and the horrors of hell for the punishment thereof, as Adam was, for eating of the forbidden Tree. I will here end with that saying of Saint Augustine, who saith, 
August. de doc. Christ. lib. 2. cap. 23.  that the running to these Wisemen is, Genus quoddam fornicationis, A spiritual kind of fornication. For all such as run after this Art, or seek to those which practise the same, I say they go from God; and run after the Devil a whoring.   

CHAP. FOUR The Positions and Arguments, which the Astrologers use, and bring for to warrant the legality of their Art of Astrology, examined, condemned, and overthrown; Also their Objections opened, controverted, and Answered according to Reason.  
HEre I am to Dispute, of the Positions and Arguments which the Astrologers make use of, to warrant their Art of Astrology by: but if the said Positions and Arguments are warily considered, it will appear, that they have nothing in them, to prove the lawfulness of Astrological Predictions. Of which Positions this is the greatest and strongest, and the said Position is this, 
Sir Christo: Heydon.  viz: That the Stars are natural causes of such effects, as Astrologers foretell. From this Position the Astrologers frame many Arguments, to prove Astrology a lawful Art: for upon this very one Position, doth rest and depend that great Discourse of Sir Christopher Heydon, which he made in the Defence of Astrology. So that if I can but remove this Prop, you shall see Sir Christopher's Defence of Astrology drop down to the ground, and so with it, all our English Astrologers, and their Art of Judicial Astrology: for our Astrologers, if a man questioneth the lawfulness of Astrology with them, they are then at stand what to say; and have not any other way to resolve him that maketh a doubt of the said Arts legality: But to send him to Sir Christopher Heydons Defence of Astrology; and thus these idle Drones, which are not able to prove the legality of that Art which they daily practise: are glad with all their hearts to run, and hid themselves under Sir Christopher's protection, as in a Mousehole; for fear they should be catched in their own Arguments for it. Come out of yourselves, you idle Drones, and prove your Art of Astrology a good, true, and lawful Art, if you can. For if you are not able to prove the legality of Astrology by sound and substantial Arguments, then for shame give off your practising of such an Art, which you cannot prove lawful and honest: and think not with yourselves, that seeing we are not able to prove Astrology a lawful and honest Art yet we have on our side Sir Christopher Heydon, and Doctor Gell; and they shall prove it for us. I give you to understand, I will not be so satisfied; for I say unto you Astrologers, that if Sir Christopher Heydon, and Dr: Gell, and all the Friends Astrology hath, I say, if I were before their faces all at once, yet then, even than I would deny, Astrology to be a lawful Art. But now to return again, to the aforesaid Position of the Astrologers, which is this, viz: That the Stars are natural causes of such effects, as Astrologers foretell. First I will examine this Position, and then shall we see, whether those events which the Astrologers foretell, are caused by the Stars, or not. Wherefore in the first place we are to know, what those Effects are which the Astrologers say are caused by the Stars. Now the effects, which the Astrologers do affirm are caused by the Stars, are these, viz: The particular events of those things, belonging to man, which things are by the Astrologers appropriate to the twelve houses of Heaven. As for the things whose effects, 
Mr. Lily his Intro: pa. 50.  the Astrologers say are caused by the Stars, I have mentioned many of them in the second Chapter of this Discourse, and therefore I refer you thither; for there you have them inserted into a Figure, according as they are by the Astrologers, appropriate to the twelve Houses. Now in this place I am to treat, of the Effects of the aforesaid things; that is to say, whether, 
A question. The Answer.  or not, the effects of those things are caused by the Stars. To this I answer Negatively, and say, that the Stars are not the causes, of the Effects of those things belonging to man; as for example, I will instance in these particulars following, viz: Gauricus warned Henry the second King of France, 
Heydons Defence of Astrology. p. 194. Page 81.  not to run at Tilt in the one and fourtieth year of his age, for that the Stars did then threaten a wound in his Head. Paulus tertius, warned his Son long before, of the very day of his death. Mr. Christian an ginger of Prague, 
Rants zovi● fol. 97.  admonished Ladislaus Jagello King of Poland (by a Priest,) that he should beware of eminent Death, because that many Planets were conjoined this year, and there happeneth an Eclipse likewise of the Moon under the earth; notwithstanding the premonition he died that year, 1434. Anno aetatis 49. Also Picus, being foretell by three Astrologers, that he should not live above thirty three years, confirmed the prediction. Now that these aforesaid events, were foretell by the said men, (viz: Astrologers) I confess; But that those men could fore see those events by the Stars, or that the Stars were Natural causes of those events, both these things I do deny, for these Reasons. First then I say, that the Stars were not natural causes of those aforesaid Events; Because there is a dependence and coherence between the cause and the Effect, in Natural things; but in these things there is none. For every Effect and Accident, doth show its Cause. So that Natural and Elementary effects and accidents, show forth Natural and Elementary Causes. Also Metaphysical or supernatural Effects and Accidents, show forth Metaphysical or supernatural causes. Herein the Astrologers are beside the matter, and are deceived in their principles; for they take Metaphysical or supernatural effects and accidents, to be effected by Natural and Elementary causes. Now why the Astrologers are here deceived is this; viz: because they do behold and see, many Alterations, changes, events and accidents, effected in man's body; Hereupon they do believe that the said Alterations, changes, events and accidents, are effected by and from Natural and Elementary causes: because the body of man, upon whom the said things are effected, is a natural and elementary substance. Wherefore I say, that there are many things, which the Astrologers affirm to be effected by and from Natural causes; the which Position I do deny, and say, that those things are not effected by nor from Natural and Elementary causes: But I say that those things are Metaphysical, and supernatural Effects, and Accidents; and are effected and accomplished, in Natural and Elementary bodies, by a Metaphysical and supernatural Cause: as I will hereafter in these following examples declare. For whereas the Astrologers do impute the Flood, 

Albumazar, ca 3. de Max. conjunc.  
Marcilius Ficinus in his Treatise of the Star that led the Wisemen. Spine us in Catastro. Mundi.   which was in the days of Noah, to a certain great Conjunction of the Planets: so in like manner they say of the Birth of Moses. Also the coming of Christ, and the preaching of the Gospel, the promulgation and publication of the Law, the sedition of the people, their troubles, persecutions, banishments, bloodshed, deaths, wars, these, and many other such like things as these are, the Astrologers say are fore-shewed by the Stars. Now all these things are supernatural effects, that is to say, they are such things whose cause is not Natural, but above Nature. So then, for as much as the cause of these things, is a Metaphysical Agent, therefore I deny, that the Effects of the aforesaid things can be caused by a Physical constellation.  
But now I am come to the second thing which is this, viz: That no man can by the Stars foresee such Effects as is aforesaid. Now that no man can by the Stars foresee such events, it is very manifest, for if all the Stargazers in the world, if they were agazing all together at once on the Stars, they are not able to foresee those events in the Stars, which events they do not cause. That the Stars are not the causes of those events, it is the saying of some of your own Authors; For, saith Spineus, that as well the great Conjunctions, 
Spineus.  as Mo●kstars, Comets, Eclipses, and the like, ought not to be called the causes of future events, here than you may see, that there is so great contradiction, between the say of the Astrologers and their practices; that all Rational men may behold, the Art of Astrology to be a foolish lying Art: and that the Astrologers do profess such an Art, whose Rules they are ignorant of. For sometimes you shall have them say with Spineus, that the Stars are not the causes of Future events, but do they always say thus? No, for if we look upon their Astrological Predictions, then shall we hear them say the very contrary. For whereas they said at one time, that the great Conjunctions of the Planets, etc. are not the causes of future events. At another time you shall have them say, that the very same Conjunctions do produce great Effects. As for example, I will instance in the said Spineus who is cited afore, 
Spineus in Catastrophe Mundi.  whose words are thus in one place of his book, viz. That as well the great Conjunctions, as Mock-stars, Comets, Eclipses, and the like, ought not to be called the causes of Future Events. But this very man, Spineus writing of a Future Catastrophe to come upon the world, in the same book saith thus, speaking of the said Catastrophe, subversion, or end of the world, viz: that the principal causes are the great, mean, and lesser Conjunctions of the superior Planets, the other principal causes are Mock-stars; changing of the Absis of the Planets, Eclipses, and the like: so likewise the Genitures of Kings, Geniturae validae regna mutant: 
Segment. 7. Aph. 166.  Strong Genitures do change Kingdoms. Causes Adjutant, are Revolutions, the progressions of the greater Orb, of great Conjunctions; before Noah's Flood, the Birth of Christ, Mahomet, and the like; which things being rightly considered, may not only enable us to foretell the end of the world, but perhaps the time also: and a little after the same Author saith again, viz: 
Spineus in Catastrophe.  That seeing therefore the great Conjunctions of the weightier Planets, are wont to produce great effects, as the changes of Monarchies and Kingdoms, the coming of Prophets, etc. by them also shall the dead be changed, and all things shall be renewed; and again he saith, viz: for like as the Causes are, so shall the effects be; for good Conjunctions are wont to bestow goodness, and good Magistrates; but evil Conjunctions produce the contrary. Thus Spineus who is so much applauded by many Astrologers, doth one while say one thing, and another while he saith the very contrary to what he said afore, as it is to be seen from his own books: for one while he saith that the principal causes of that Catastrophe, are the great, mean, and lesser Conjunctions of the superior Planets, etc. and not long after he saith, viz: that as well the great conjunctions of the Planets, as Mock-stars, Comets, Eclipses, etc. ought not to be called the causes of future events, what shall I say, of such an Art as is Astrology? and of such Artists, as are Astrologers? As for the Art of Astrology, it is as I have elsewhere said, viz: a foolish and lying Art. But as for the Artists of this Art of Astrology, they are Astrologers: of them I say thus much, that for as much as some of them would needs be taken for to be Prophets: I deny that these Astrologers are any of God's Prophets; But that they are the Devils Prophets I grant: for if in their Astrological predictions, of the particular events of things belonging to Man; they at any time do predict or foretell such an event, which at the time limited by the ginger, doth come to pass accordingly: yet I say, that the said particular event could not before seen by the ginger in its cause, without the help of a Spirit. That this Position is according to your Art, 
Centiloqui Ptol. Aph. 1.  I prove by your own Authors, for your great Master in Astrology, Ptolemy saith, Soli autem numine afflati praedicunt particularia: that is, none but those inspired with a Daemon foretell particulars: 
Marcilius Eicinus in li. 3.  here also I will bring another great Artist, who speaking of Astrological Predictions, saith thus of them, viz: That such predictions stand not by Learning, but by some instinct. Wherefore it is apparent from what these two great Astrologers have said, that he who doth foretell, the particular events of things in Astrological predictions, doth not foretell those events, from the Positians and Qualities of the Stars: But by being inspired with a Daemon, or by having familiarity with some Spirit.  
Again here I bring another great Astrological Author, Cor: Agrippa, who saith, 
Agrippade occulta Philosophia, lib. 3. Astrologomania.  that Magic and Astrology cannot be separated: for, saith Agrippa, there is such affinity and agreement, between these two Arts, viz: Astrology and Magic; That as Magic cannot be performed without Astrology; so Astrology cannot have its end and perfection without Magic. So then the differences is not much, whether we call these predictions Magical, or Astrological predictions. Now here it is objected, viz: 
Objection. Solution.  that the ginger may stay himself in his Figure, and proceed no further. To this I answer: That for as much as the Knowledge of a particular event, cannot be known without the help of a Spirit; therefore I say, that the difference is not great, in whatsoever degree he proceedeth, so he proceedeth at all with the devil in his illusions. So that if he come to the knowledge of a particular event, whether it be by conference, or by some other means, than he doth proceed with the devil in his illusions, for we are herein certified, that this thing cannot be done by any lawful Art and Learning, but by the help of a Spirit; take that help which way you will, it is diabolical. For that judicial Astrology either hath been, or may be altogether separated from Magic; this the Astrolegers can never prove: if they can, then let us see them do it.  
But it is again objected by the Astrologers as followeth, viz: 
The great Objection of Astrologers.  That those events which the Astrologers do Predict, and foretell; many of those events do fall out to be, as the ginger foretell: therefore the Art of Astrology is useful and profitable in the life of man. To this I answer thus: That to come to the knowledge of any thing by unlawful means, 
Answer. Vide Epist. de T. Vicars. Deut. 13.1.  does not make the practice warrantable. For suppose that their predictions fall out to be as they foretold, yet this makes the ginger never a whit the more to be believed, nor his Art to be ever a jot the more lawful: as it is plain in the 13. Chap. of Deut. verse 1. If there arise amongst you a Prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder. And the sign or wonder come to pass, yet shalt thou not hearken unto him, for the Lord your God proveth you, etc. Again the devil in samuel's shape, 
1 Sam. 28.11.  being conjured up by the Witch, did foretell unto Saul those things which were true, and as the devil had predicted, the prediction proved true by the event, which fell out to be as the devil had said: as you may see, for said the devil, 1 Sam. 28.19. unto Saul, 
1 Sam. 28.19. Chap. 31.6.  And to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me, and the Lord shall give the host of Israel into the hands of the Philistines. 
1 Sam. 31.6.  Which thing was according to the devil's prediction, for in the 1 Sam. 31.6. you shall find these words, viz: So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men that same day together. Moreover we find in the Acts of the Apostles, that the Pythoniss there did give a true testimony of the Apostles of Jesus Christ: thus we may see that the devil telleth truth sometimes, and yet he is still the father of lies. Now here you may plainly see, that the devils can foretell what shall be the events of some things; so than it being so, that God is sometimes pleased, to permit unto the devils, the foreknowledge of some things, and that the said devils do many times declare the future events of things as is aforesaid. Therefore I say, for this cause we are not to think it a strange thing, in that we sometimes see the Astrologers foretell, that which afterwards doth come to pass, and when the thing is come to pass, we are not then to give ever the more credit to the ginger; nor yet to think Astrology to be any whit the law fuller; because the event falleth out to be, as the ginger had afore predicted. For, if because the event falleth out to be true, or shall come to pass according to the prediction, I say if any shall believe Astrology to be a lawful Art, from this ground (viz: Because those things foretold by the Astrologers, many times fall out to be true, and so come to pass as they predicted) again I say if they have no better arguments to prove the legality of Astrology than this of the event answering to the prediction. Here than I say to all rational men, viz: 
Note.  that Magic, Conjuration, Witchcraft, and all such abominable, wicked and unclean Arts may by the aforesaid argument, be proved to be as lawful as is the Art of Judicial Astrology. 
1 Sam. 28.19. 1 Sam. 31.6.  As for example, I will instance in the death of King Saul with his sons, and the destruction of his great Army, for we find that the witch at Endor having conjured up the devil for to resolve the King of his doubts, the said devil being raised up by the Witches art, answereth unto the King after this manner, viz. 
1 Sam. 28.19  To morrow shalt thou and thy Sons be with me, the Lord shall deliver also the Host of Israel into the hand of the Philistims, etc.  
Now that this Prediction fell out to be true, 
1 Sam. 31.6.  according to the Devils predicting of the same, none can deny; for saith the Scripture, so Saul died, and his three Sons, and his Armour-bearer, and all his men that same day together.  
So then from hence you may see the aforesaid argument, cannot prove the legality of the art of Astrology any more, than it can prove the lawfulness of the Witch and her art, in raising up the Devil at Endor: wherefore we may evidently understand from hence as followeth, viz. What the greatest and strongest arguments are, which the Astrologers can, or are able to bring to prove the legality of Astrology from and by: I say that Magic Conjuration and Witchcraft, may from and by the said argument, be proved and warranted, as lawful and as honest as Judicial Astrology; 
Exod. 22.18. Mic. 5.12.  but how lawful and honest Witchcraft is, I leave unto all men for to judge from these places of Scripture; for it is said in Exod 22.18. Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live, again it is said by the Lord God in Mica, 5.12. and I will cut off Witchcrafts out of thine hand, and thou shalt have no more soothsayers.  
But to return again to my purpose, I have declared a little afore, that the greatest and strongest arguments that are set forth by the Astrologers, for to prove the legality of Astrology by, is this, viz. The event falling out to be according to the Prediction. Now that this is the best, 
The greatest argument the Astrologers have to prove the legality of their art.  and strongest of all the arguments, which the Astrologers can bring and produce, to warrant the legality of their said art of Judicial Astrology by.  
I say it is evidently to be seen, that this is their greatest and strongest argument, as it doth plainly appear by their own words and confessions, written by themselves in their own Books, as you shall see I will here again manifestly prove, although the same is elsewhere by me done.  

Sir Christopher Heydon in his defence of Astrology, fol, 195.  But to begin, I think it is my best way, to set their Champion in the first place, because if any man questioneth with our Astrologers, about the lawfulness of their Art, they in all the haste and speed as may possible be done, send him unto their Champion Sir Christopher Heydon's Defence of Astrology, where he may have a full resolution of all his questions and doubts which he hath ag inst Astrology.  
But now seeing we are in a Dispute about the Arguments that the Astrologers do commonly bring, to prove their art of Astrology a lawful art: now then seeing Sir Christopher is the chiefest of our Astrologers, and unto him they send all that gainsay their art; therefore let us hear what he can say for Astrology.  

Heydon. 195.  Now what he saith, made him believe Astrology to be a lawful art, is only, because he had seen the event fall out true according to the Prediction; as it doth plainly appear by his own words, which are as followeth in the 195 page of his Discourse, where he saith thus, viz.  
I, for my part (saith he) do freely confess, that there is no one thing that hath made me so confident in the validity of this art, as that which I have seen to fall out true.  
Thus the great Artist of Astrology, in few words, hath told us, what his strongest argument is, whereby he can prove Astrology a lawful and a mighty powerful art: now if this be a sufficient warrant, to make a man confident in the validity of an art, 
1 Sam. 31.  because he seethe the Predictions fall out true; then may these Astrologers be as confident, in the validity of Witchcraft, as they can be of the legality of Astrology by their own argument; for because the greatest and strongest argument, which all of them use to plead the validity of Astrology by, is this, Because they see their predictions fall out true.  
Again, to this I answer, as I said before, That this argument doth prove Astrology no more to be a lawful art, than it doth prove Witchcraft to be lawful; for all that which was foretold unto Saul by Witchcraft fell out true: Therefore Witchcraft is as lawful as Astrology, by the best argument of the Astrologers.  
Now that this is the best and strongest argument, which the Astrologers have to warrant the legality of Astrology by, this, I say, I will prove by their own words and confessions, as I said afore; and I will fetch out him first into the light, unto whom they all run to hid themselves in the dark.  
He it is, whom I cited a little afore, 
Heydon. fol. 195.  Sir Christopher Heydon in his Defence of Astrology, saith thus, viz. I, for my part (saith he) do freely confess, that there is no one thing that hath made me so confident in the validity of this Art, as that which I have 〈◊〉 fall out true.  
Now you having here understood what Sir Christopher Heydon's great argument for Astrology is, 
Mr. Lilly. page 148. of his Intr.  in the next place you shall hear what Mr. William Lillie hath declared to be his great argument, for the verity or truth of Astrology; his words are thus, speaking of the marks, moles, or scars of the querent, (saith he) I have many times admired at the verity hereof, and it hath been one main argument of my engaging so far in all the parts of Astrology, for very rarely you shall find these rules fail.  
Thus Mr. Lillie, with his feeble argument for the verity of Astrology, which argument of his, can prove Astrology to be no better than Witchcraft.  
But I have another of our English Star-masters, 
Mr. Booker in his Bloody Almanac.  Mr. Booker, who writing of the conjunction of Saturn and Mars, saith thus, viz.  
I am herein (saith he) much encouraged by those labours of my friend Mr. Lily, not only printed in these times, but made more memorable in the success, I have observed, hath followed his Astrological Predictions; a few of which I will repeat, that the misguided infancy against Astrology, may not be destitute of sufficient testimony in his only Writings of the verity of that Art; by which art, at this time, I writ the ensuing Discourse. Thus Mr. Booker.  
Wherefore, my Reader, consider what these aforesaid Astrologers have said for the verity of their art of Astrology, and thou shalt see that their best and strongest arguments that they can produce to warrant the legality and verity of A rologie by.  
I say, thou Reader mayst see, that by their own arguments the legality and verity of Astrology is proved no more; then the legality and verity of Witchcraft, by their own aforesaid argument of the event falling out, according to the Prediction. But seeing I have sufficiently declared against this argument, in showing the insufficiency of the same to prove Astrology any better than Witchcraft: therefore I here leave it, and so proceed on to the next position of the Astrologers, wherein they do affirm, that the World is governed by Stars and Angels. Now their said position is this, viz. that from the beginning of the World there were 7. Spirits appointed as Rulers to the 7. Planets, and every one of these Spirits ruleth the World 354. years, and 4. months in order. 
Tritemius. Avenazre.  Now then for as much as I am here to write of the Astrologers Planetary Angels or Spirits, therefore I will evidently set forth to the view of all men, what the said Angels or Spirits are, that so all rational men may understand and see, how the Astrologers would delude others, as they themselves are deluded, for that they believe a lie, in their affirming Gods governing of the World by planetary Angels, which said planetary Angels are very Devils. Wherefore I say again, and again, I will affirm it as followeth, viz. That the Astrologers 7. planetary Angels, are no other Angels or Spirits, than those 7. chief Angels or Spirits, which are the only Agents for the Magicians and Conjurers in their several operations of conjuration, that this is truth, I am able to prove by the writings of some of your Authors, and others. Also I can bear witness to the same, from my own experience; 
Mr. Lilly. Tritemim. Avenazre,  for you Astrologers say, that the names of your Planetary Angels are these, viz. 1 Cassiel, 2. Zachariel. 3. Samael. 4. Michael. 5. Anael. 6. Raphael, 7. Gabriel. Thus they are also called by the Magicians, and Conjurers, as you see here set forth by the Astrologers; for the Magicians know them by these names, viz. 1. Cassiel. 
Heptameron Petri de Albano.  2. Zachariel. 3. Samael. 4. Michael. 5. Anael. 6. Raphael. 7. Gabriel. Again, these 7. Angels are thus by the Astrologers appropriate unto the 7. Planets, viz. unto Saturn, Cassiel, unto Jupiter, Zachariel, unto Mars, Samael, unto the Sun, Michael, unto Venus, Anael, unto Mercury, Raphael, unto the Moon, Gabriel: and as you see they are appropriate unto the 7. Planets by the Astrologers, even so in the very same manner, they are appropriate unto the ●. Planets, by the Magicians. Also in like manner as the Astrologers do divide the days of the week amongst the 7. Planets, and so from hence they call the 7. days of the week after the names of the Planets, by appropriating the days of the week unto the Planets as followeth, viz. unto the Planet Saturn, they give Saturday, unto Jupiter Thursday, unto Mars Tuesday, unto the Sun Sunday, unto Venus Friday, unto Mercury Wednesday, unto the Moon Monday: even so do the Magicians. Moreover, the Astrologers do divide the day into 12. equal parts, whether the day be long or short: these parts they call planetary hours, these planetary hours the Astrologers appropriate unto the 7. Planets for them to rule in: from hence it is, that they are called planetary hours. After this manner do the Magicians and Conjurers also, and as you here see, how Astrology and Magic do begin together, even so do they end together; for there is such a strong tye between these 2. arts, that they cannot be separated one from the other, without a renting of them both in pieces. But now here to return again to my former matter where I laid down this position, viz. That the 7. Planetary Angels of the Astrologers, are 7. Devils, etc. 
Mr. Booker in his this years Almanac. 1651.  Now whereas Mr. Booker saith, who dare or can deny God's Government of the World by Angels and Stars: and whereas Dr. G●ll hath made a Sermon of God's Government of the World by Stars and Angels, who in the same Sermon saith thus in the 2. page of his said Sermon, viz And therefore before the times of restitution of all things, Act. 3.21. which are at hand, appear before the many oppressed divine truths be set free: 
Dr. Gells' Sermon, p. 2.  the truths in nature, which together with those other, have been long time decried and trodden underfoot, must be revealed and publicly made known. Such is God's Government of the World by Stars and Angels. Thus Dr. Gell in the said Sermon, doth in divers places speak of God's Government of the World by Stars and Angels; and so he being deluded with a superstitious and heathenish opinion, of the Astrologers and Magicians, striveth and laboureth with all the might and power he hath to delude others, as he and his Auditory are deluded, in that they be of a heathenish opinion concerning the Stars, and also have a good conceit of the Devils, as if God did govern the World by them. 

Dr. Gells Ser. page 23.  
Mr Booker in his Almanac. 1651.   Now seeing Dr. Gell, and Mr. Booker say, who can deny, or who dare deny, God's Government of the World by Stars and Angels? therefore I say, and hereby I give them to know, and so with them all other of the same society to understand, that I dare and can deny their said position, in which they do affirm the Rule and Government of the World by Stars and Angels; the which I do deny as followeth, viz. That for as much as the Astrologers do affirm, that the World is governed by secundarian Intelligences, which said secundarian Intelligences, are Stars, Planets, Constellations and Spirits. Therefore I do deny the aforesaid assertion of the Astrologers, for these reasons following, viz. That whatsoever is immediately governed by the providence of God only, the same is not governed by secundarian Intelligences; but the whole life of Man is governed immediately by the providence of God only: therefore I deny that Man's life is governed by the secundarian Intelligences, which are Stars and Angels: Now that the life of Man is governed by the providence of God only, I prove it thus, 
Job. 38.41. Psal. 147.9.  That he who provideth for the Raven his food, the same it is who only governeth the whole life of Man; but saith the Scripture, The Lord God, he giveth to the Beast his Food, and to the young Ravens which cry: therefore it is the living God that governeth the whole course of the life of Man, and not only man; but also the whole course of the World likewise; for, behold the Fowls of the Air, 
Mat. 6.26.  for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into Barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Again, 
Mat. 10.29.30.  are not two Sparrows sold for a Farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered; so that a Sparrow cannot fall, nor a hair of my head perish, without the good will and pleasure of my heavenly Father.  
Wherefore we may see plainly, that God, the living God, doth govern all the World by his only wisdom and providence: So that we see here is no place for the secundarian Intelligences of the Astrologians; whereupon it is evidently to be seen, that their secundarian Intelligences, are only pernicious and superstitious Fables, whereby the Astrologers are deluded by the Devil, in that they Idolise the Stars, and are deceived in their Planetary Angels, who they think are the good Angels of God; but the Astrologers and all other that think those 7. Angels which the Astrologers call Planetary Angels, are good Angels. I say if any man say that the said Angels are good, I say that all such men are deluded; for whosoever saith that evil is good, the same is deluded; but Astrologers do call evil good, in that they affirm the Planetary Angels to be good Angels, the which said Angels, are Devils, as I said afore; for because that no man can by Conjurations cause the good Angels to appear in a visible form at his will and pleasure; But some man can cause the Planetary Angels to appear in a visible form at his will and pleasure, by Conjuration: therefore the Planetary Angels are not good Angels.  
Moreover I say, that these 7. Planetary Angels of the Astrologers, are the chief agents for Conjurors.  
Reader, to the end that thou in this place mayst have seen how that the said Planetary Angels of the Astrologers, are as I have aforesaid told thee, viz. Seven Devils which are also the Magicians chief agents in all Magical operations.  
I say, I did purpose with myself at the first, when I begun this work against Astrology, to have showed how Astrology is the foundation of Magic: as also I thought to have set forth how these Planetary Angels are the chief agents for the Magicians, in their several operations of Conjuration.  
Likewise, I could here have set forth unto thy view, their Figures, Circles, and many such things not fitting to be mentioned.  
Also I could have showed unto thee, how these 7. Planetary Angels are to be called upon by the Magician. To speak briefly of the matter, I could have here shown unto thee, the whole body of Magic, the which if I had done, when thou hadst seen it, 
The difference between Magic and Astrology, in the practice.  thou wouldst have told me that Magic is as lawful as Astrology; for the difference that is between Magic and Astrology, is only in the practice; for whereas the ginger doth work by his Houses, and from the positions of the Stars in them, he doth from thence with his superstitious regarding of times, conjecture of the events of things: but the Magician doth work after this manner, for the Magician having by Conjuration, called upon the Astrologers Planetary Angels, and many other. The said Angels do appear in many forms, but at the length, they appearing only which should, and in their proper forms, they will say unto the Magician, Pete quid vis. etc. which the Magician having made known, than the said Spirits will resolve him of his doubts, and if the Magician hath any thing for the said Angels to perform and do, then will they (if God permit) accomplish the same according to the desire of the Magician.  
Here I could have declared more of the mystery of this wicked art; but why I will say no more of the same at this time, this is my reason, because if I should here unfold and lay open the Rules of this art, men of corrupt hearts who are now ignorant of that wicked art, when they saw the Rules of the same made manifest, although they are as unclean, and as wicked as the very Devil: yet I say, those men would take the Rules of the said art, and join them together again, and so I should contrary to my own desire, help to build up that which I am appointed to destroy: wherefore it is sufficient, that I have declared the illegality of the aforesaid arts. But one word more, and then I have done, whereas I said a little before, viz. That the ginger doth work by his Houses, and from the positions of the Star in them, he doth from thence with his superstitious regarding of times, conjecture of the events of things; that is to say, viz. that whereas the Magician doth in his practice work, and understand plainly from the Planetary Angels, by conferring with them, I say the Magician is herein fully resolved, by this way of conference, what shall be the event of any thing he desires to know, (if the Devils know it; But for as much as Astrologers do not work in this way of conference with the Planetary Angels: therefore the Astrologers have another way whereby they work: now in the way the Astrologers go, they know things but only by conjecture; and the reason why they cannot determine positively in things, as can the Magicians, is this, because the Magicians have the help of the Devils, by having conference with them. Now the Devil maketh out himself unto the ginger in a dark hidden way, that the ginger cannot see him, although he work continually by him. Now than the way by which the Devil and the ginger do work together, is briefly thus, viz. That the Astrologers superstitious regarding of times, and their erecting of a figure, with their observing the position of the Stars in their said figure; to this end, that so they might know the events of particular things: I say that this regarding of time, and erecting of a figure, with the observing of the Stars therein, to the end aforesaid: I say it is nothing else but vain Ceremonies, whereby the Planetary Angels do come to understand and know, what it is the ginger would foretell, or what the thing is, of which the ginger would predict and foretell the event thereof. So then the Astrologers Figure being erected, he doth from thence conjecture what shall be the event of the thing, for which the figure was erected. Now the ginger having thus delivered his Oracle, from thence forth the Planetary Angels do all that they are able (God permitting them) to bring to pass that which the ginger did foretell: Now why the Devil doth all this, it is to this end, that so he may uphold and maintain his Kingdom of darkness.  
Thus Reader, I will here make an end, and if thou hast any thing to say against me, because I have denied Astrology to be a lawful Art, thou knowest where I have my abiding place.   
FINIS.