Of all blazing stars in general, as well supernatural as natural, to what country or people so ever they appear in the world universal.  
¶ The iudgement of the right reverend fredrick Nause, Bishop of Vienna.  
♣ Written and dedicated to the most high and puissant Emperour Ferdinand.  
¶ Translated out of latin into English, by Abraham Fleming.  
¶ Imprinted at London for Thomas woodcock. 1577.   

To the Right worshipful, and my singular good patron, Sir William Cordell Knight, master of her majesties rolls, increase and continuance of health, wealth, and worship.  
REmembrance of vndeserued favour,( Right worshipful) is a present spur unto me to continue deserved duty: in consideration whereof, not knowing otherwise to seal an assurance of my thankful service, I haue( after my maner) employed my pen in translating a pamphlet, though brief and compendious, yet pithy and profitable: which with wonted will I dedicate to your worship, in hope of accustomend courteous acceptation. Prudent and learned was he, by whom it was compiled: puissant and mighty, to whom it was presented: presumptuous and vnskilfull, by whom it is translated: politic& grave, to whom it is exhibited. The first was a Bishop of great reverence, the second an Emperour of special renown, the third an abject of no reputation,& the fourth a Knight of good worship and countenance. Into whose sacred hands though this my travell deserve not interteinment, in respect of mine own person being the interpreter: yet the name of the Preacher by whom it was written, and the same of the governor to whom it was given, shall bring to my labour( I trust) such countenance, as it shall of your worship be favourably received, and of every indifferent reader religiously reverenced. The most mighty God and governor of all things, the everlasting King who hath power over life& death, and in whose treasury are reposed all good graces for the comfort and benefit of his elect, enrich your worship with all maner blessings both corporal and mental, that when the dayes of your pilgrimage are expired, you and yours may be received into Abrahams bosom, the happy harbour for all Gods chosen children. Amen.  
Your worships by duty bound, Abraham Fleming.   

To the Christian reader.  
THis general doctrine( Christian reader) published vpon a special cause, namely, the appearing of a blazing star at Mentz in germany 1531. when I had perused& pondered according to the measure of mine understanding and knowledge, I thought needful for the time to translate, and to commit to the present view of the world. Wherein, as there is nothing prejudicially spoken, which might kindle occasion of displeasure: so is nothing therein taught and discovered, but hath his groundwork of truth and verity,( conjectures excepted, which, for their vncerteintie and falliblenesse, are accordingly to be considered,) and therefore the more notable. Farewell.  
Thine to use Abraham Fleming.   

The sum or contents of this whole book.  

WHy and whereupon blazing stars haue their name. Chapter. 1.  
That blazing stars are sundry and diuers. Chapter. 2  
In what part of heaven blazing stars appear most commonly, Chapter. 3  
At what time of the year blazing stars appear, and how long they continue. Chapter. 4  
Whereof blazing stars be engendered,( according to the iudgement of divines) and what they are indeed. Chapter. 5  
Whereof blazing stars engender,( according to the rules of Philosophers, and the canons of Astronomers,) and what they are indeed. Chapter. 6  
Whether the star which conducted the wisemen, to the place where christ was born, were the blazing star whereof the Emperour Augustus did speak, calling it by the name of a star. Chapter. 7  
Whether blazing stars preport and foreshow some strange and wonderful thing to follow. Chapter. 8  
The good and evil which blazing stars do prognosticate and betoken. Chapter. 9  
The mischiefs which blazing stars forewarn to ensue. Chapter. 10  
sundry examples and testimonies declaring the diuers and manifold mischiefs which haue followed the appearing of blazing stars. Chapter. 11  
Whether blazing stars do not as well betoken good, as ill. Chapter. 12  
To what countries, and to what persons blazing stars do principally betoken ill. Chapter. 13  
Howe and what way blazing stars are forewarnings of somewhat to come, and of force so to do. Chapter. 14  
Why blazing stars do specially betoken ill to peers, Potentates, Rulers of realms and Common wealths. Chapter. 15  
Of a certain blazing star, which appeared in the year of our lord. 1531. the 19. of September, at Mentz a city in germany, and was sensibly seen likewise in other places. Chapter. 16  
Whether such evils as blazing stars betoken, may by any means, either be prevented or avoyded. Chapter. 17    

A Prognostication of blazing stars, after the opinion of the Poet Pontanus, and thus metrically Englished.  

OF whisking winds, with blustering blasts which blow  
Of bloody broils, by force in fatal fight:  
Of peoples pomp, the piteous overthrow:  
Of Potentates the death( ah hellish spite:)  
The blazing stars aloft like lamps of light  
In th'east or West of azure coloured skies,  
Fore warnings are and signs when they arise.   

If still they stand, and offer not to change  
The place, where first in sight they cast their beams,  
Then shall ensue much mischief rare and strange:  
As gaping wounds, yspowting bloody streams,  
In foughten field, twixt nigh adjoining realms.  
Such civil storms shall overrun the land,  
That some shall bath in kindreds blood their hand.   

And if they take their course unto the East,  
A sign it is that foreign foes with force  
Prepare apace, to spoil both most and least:  
With edge of sword sweet life( ah) to divorce  
From panting heart, saunce spirit of remorse.  
Thus East or West in sight, they haue their doom,  
And signs they are of things in time to come.   
Ab. Fleming.   

Why, and whereupon blazing stars haue their names. Chapter. 1.  
forsomuch as a man furnished with all kind of knowledge and learning, should so search after the understanding of lofty and high matters, that he haue not meaner things in contempt and disdain, by whose benefit( as experience teacheth) the greater are attained, because they minister certain helps and aids to aspire and reach unto them: whereupon it followeth, that lesser things are not to be neglected, without the which there is no passage to the greater, nor any possibility to pierce to the perfect proof of them, except by the forerunning of these, preparation be made for us to ascend& climb up to the hidden knowledge of the other: therefore, lest this our labour lent and laid out for common utility and profit, should be subject to the battering blows of furious envy, and lest such as desire perfection in profession, and certainty in delivering doctrine, should complain, that we sell shadows for substances, fantasies for verities, and imaginations for demonstrations, we will say somewhat, in the entrance of this work, touching the name of a comet or blazing star, and so pass orderly to our purpose.  

A blazing star is name after the form& figure which it beareth.  The star which the Grecians call comets, the latins Stella crinita, we Englishmen a blazing star, hath his denomination,( as well by the assertion of the one, as the other) from the form and figure which it beareth, at such time as it appeareth in the air: because this kind of star seemeth( in our opinion and iudgement) to shoot our long strakes of fire in the element, or bright and lightsome sparkles continued in length, like unto hair, which the grecians call Coma,& thereupon Cometa,& the latins Crinis, whereof it is name Stella crinita: so that the resemblance or representation which this star giveth, is the occasion that it is called a Comet or blazing star. As Augustus Caesar called that star which appeared at such time as he published pageants of pleasure, and shows of triumph, by the name of a comet: and which Suetonius Tranquillus called Sidus crinitum, and diuers others haue semblably termed.  
neither was the imposition of this name absurd, or against reason: for whosoever shall narrowly behold these kind of stars, he shall perceive,( though not most perfectly, yet not very darkly) howe it spiteth out long& slender lines of sparkling fire this way and that way: in so much as a man would think and suppose the same not unlike unto scattered hair, 
The likenesses of blazing stars, as sometimes they appear.  to a broom or a rod of Byrche, to the tail of a peacock, to the beard of a man, &c. as we are taught by demonstration.   

That blazing stars are sundry and diverse. Chap. 2.  
blazing stars are not onely very many in number, but also diverse in appearance. The sect of the stoics said, that they are beyond two& thirty, of whose sundry names and several effects Abienus( not unwisely) hath written.  
Concerning their number& names we are not curious, wherefore we will come to their colours and likenesses, wherein there is not a uniformity and general agreement, but a difference. For some blazing stars seem blood read, 
blazing stars differ in colour.  horrible to behold, and as it were crisped and curled in the crown, or vpper parte tending towards the skies, whereupon they are commonly called comets: of which the Poet hath this saying.  
Like as in moist and dewishe night,  
When Comets read as blood  
appear aloft: a spectacle  
and sign of little good.  
This figure haue they, 
blazing stars varie in figure  when they are thick on the one side, and stretched out in length on the other side.  
Some blazing stars there be, which haue a train hanging downward at their lower parte, in the likeness of a long beard, or the main of a horse: which happeneth by reason of the thin matter and substance which is in the other partes, which kind of stars are called Pogonii.  
Othersome there are, which appear in the likeness of a spear or javelin, and they are called Acontii: of such a one( as testifieth Plinie) did Tiberius Caesar in his fift Consulship, pen passing and excellent poems, or verses of notable invention and singular conveyance.  
Other some there are, shorter somewhat then the former,& they be sharp towards the top like a sword, whereupon they are called Piphii, resembling in colour gold after a sort, but yet so notwithstanding, that of all other they are most pale, wanting beams, blases, or strakes, having nevertheless a certain brightness in them, like the glittering of a sword.  
Other some there are which are called Phitites, in form and fashion like a tun, having in the hollow parte of it the show of a smoky and smoothering flamme, much like unto the black smiths forge, or vessels daubed and sméered with pitch set on fire, which cast a dark& misty light, which men haue sometimes used for the preserving and fresh keeping of their drink.  
There are besides them that we haue reckoned, Comets called Ceratii, because they appear to our sight in the similitude and likeness of a horn: such a one was seen when the Grecians encamped at Salamis.  
Othersome also are there, which be called Lampades, because they cast a show of a burning torch, or flaming lamp, of which sort sundry haue been seen, and that not very seldom.  
Furthermore, some there are which be called Hippei, because they seem to haue about them, as it were, a horse main, going round about them in circled wise, with strange moving and swiftness.  
To be short, 
A blazing star representing( as it were in a glass) the image of God  some blazing stars are seen in the air, glistering with strakes and streams like bright silver, that it passeth the ability of mans eye to look and behold them, wherein( as in a clear glass) God is represented in the likeness and shape of a man: and such a one( as some do hold opinion) was that which appeared to the wise men in the East, and conducted them to the place where christ was born: concerning the appearing whereof, thus said they to the Hierosolomites: For we haue seen his star in the East, and are come to do him worship.  
But touching this, we purpose( peradventure) to say somewhat in the winding up of this work. We know, that besides these which we haue rehearsed, there be many more forms& figures of comets or blazing stars,& many more sorts, of which particularly to discourse is not our meaning or intent, nor yet a matter of such weight& importance, that it should require present& perfect handling: we will pass therefore to that which is more necessary.   

In what parte of heaven blazing stars appear most commonly. Chap. 3.  
THey that haue written things notable and profitable of astrology, and haue discovered things concerning the influencies& governments of stars, in such sort& order that the knowledge issuing from their traueyles offereth fruit not deserving repentance, they( I say) haue affirmed, 
In what parte of heaven blazing stars are seen.  that blazing stars never appear in the West part of heaven: but either under the North, in some one parte or other, but vncerteine: howbeit most commonly in that bright and clear parte, which is called the milky circled: or else( which is seldom seen come to pass) they appear in the South pole, but yet without any blaze, in the seasons of Winter especially. Yet is it recorded, that a Comet appeared to the Aethiopians, and to the egyptians, and that the King of those people gave that blazing star a name, calling it Typon, because it had in it a double resemblance, namely of a round ball, and of a fire, in so much that, according to the iudgement of sense, it might not so aptly be called a Comet or blazing star, as a fiery or flaming ball, or a round compassed and burning knot.   

At what time of the year blazing stars appear, and howe long they continue. Chap. 4.  
ALthough Damascene( an author in my iudgement worthy reverence) is of opinion that a blazing star is a star newly made and created for the time present, which vanisheth out of sight, and ceaseth to appear, when the thing whereof it is a signification is accomplished and come to pass: yet notwithstanding, experience( whom writers name, the mistress of many mysteries) infourmeth and teacheth us, that a blazing star may appear at any season of the year: but more often in Summer: and then specially, when the star called Canicula ariseth and ruleth the weather& time of the year, according to the proportion of his influence: 
The continuance of blazing stars in their appearing.  and that they continue seven dayes at the least, and not above fourscore at the most, the authority of Plinie giuing countenance to this opinion.  
howbeit, this assertion, together with the testimony of Plinie, may be improved by examples: for( as it is universally known) a comet, which appeared before the overthrow of jerusalem, was seen blazing in the element, to the wonderful astonishment of the people, by the space of a whole year: as Eusebius and Iosephus verified.  
But we must note, that this Comet,& the appearance of the same, which was full of horror, is not to be ascribed unto Nature, but to be attributed immediately unto God, the father and founder of Nature: although the sect of the Pythagoristes thought, that all blazing stars were to bee referred unto Nature, who hath provided that their appearing should bee at certain definite and appointed times of the year.  
Touching these blazing stars also, of the same sect there were some, 
The opinion of the Pythagoristes touching blazing stars.  who supposed that they were perpetual stars, and not temporal, and that they had an ordinary course to run, as other stars haue their revolution and circular motion, and that their appearing proceeded from none other cause, then when they were forsaken and left of the sun, whose brightness and néerenesse is the occasion( as they think) that blazing stars do not appear.   

Whereof blazing stars be engendered( according to the iudgement of divines) and what they are in deed. Chap. 5.  
THE religious divines like very well of this plausible and true opinion, that blazing stars come of no other cause, then from the counsel and providence of God: that there is no matter of their generation as Philosophers imagine, but that God maketh them immediate messengers and ministers of his will, according to the time and place, as it best pleaseth his high& eternal majesty: that by them he might give us advertisements of afterclappes, to prepare ourselves onward to meet his fatherly mercy, or to suffer the bitterness of his sharp iudgement: whereupon they infer this consequent, that blazing stars are supernatural, and mere worlds wonders.  
To whose sentence I agree,& most willingly assent, being thereto moved by arguments of forcible persuasion, and in number infinite. Principally, because it is a Christians duty to ascribe more to Gods providence, then to the force of Nature, whom God hath not onely created, but also doth dispose and govern. Yet for all that, 
Some blazing stars natural, othersome supernatural.  I may not utterly deny, that they are natural, for so much as I am not( or at least ought not to be) ignorant, that Nature causeth blazing stars, howbeit so, that God is the original and principal worker of such wonders, and that their grounds and causes are natural, and not so secret and doubtful, but that other while the capacity and reason of man may conceive and compass them. And yet contrariwise, I stand not in denial, that those blazing stars are supernatural, which the most mighty monarch of the heauens, Creator of all creatures, and Maker of all stars& spirites, raiseth of nothing to something, upon a soudeine, in a moment and prick of time, to the admiration of all men, and to the revealing of his omnipotency.  

All things are possible to God.  Expedient and necessary it is to believe, that with God all things are in ability, and that whatsoever is done either by day or by night, naturally, or supernaturally, it cometh to pass by his appointment, and that it pleaseth him otherwhiles to create something of something, and otherwhiles again something of nothing: to that which never had matter, can he give fashion and figure: and beautify that with form and comeliness, which never had foundation or being. It consisteth in his might to moisten the earth with showers distilling from the clear skies, without the means of lowering& dropping clouds. He can work both ways, to whom nothing is impossible, now gathering the clouds together in an heap, from the uttermost corners and coasts of the world, now turning lightning into rain, now covering the heauens with clouds, and preparing rain for the land: For, Great is the lord, mighty is his power, and of his wisdom there is no number or end: and therefore I am easily drawn to believe, that blazing stars may appear immediately from God, and be supernatural, when it pleaseth God upon some singular cause to give them beginning, matter, and substance of nothing.  
Such a blazing star( no doubt) was that pillar of the cloud, 
The pillar of the cloud,& the pillar of fire were blazing stars supernatural.  whereby the lord in old time most miraculously went before the Israelites his people out of the egyptian soil, into the land of promise in the day time: and that pillar of fire which never left the face of Gods chosen people in the night.  
Not unlike to this, was that blazing star( as I suppose) which threatening destruction to jerusalem, 
The blazing star which appeared in jerusalem was supernatural.  was of no less continuance then terror, enduring the space of a whole year, which is not proper to natural blazing stars.  
To conclude, as well divines, as Philosophers& Astronomers, affirm thus much in this case, that always in a maner) blazing stars spring of causes natural, albeit the Lord God is the principal author and worker of them, as in the Chapter following it is evident.   

Whereof blazing stars engender, according to the rules of Philosophers, and the Canons of Astronomers, and what they are in deed. Chap. 6.  
COncerning blazing stars, I find some disagréement between Philosophers and Astronomers. Anaxagoras and Democritus said, that a blazing star was nothing else, but a certain bright shining in the element, procured by the coniunction of two stars: to the which opinion I myself of late did somewhat incline and lean.  
Othersome also there were, which supposed a blazing star to bee but a certain dim and dark light compassed, and( as it were) closed up in a cloud. Other some said, that it was a cloud purged and clarified from all earthly matter and grossness, which receiving light from the other stars, casteth abroad clear strakes of brightness, small and slender like hair or fine wrought flax.  
Othersome again, thought a blazing star to be but a certain cloud, kindled and set on fire with a hot flaming clearness, 
Aristotle his opinion of blazing stars, and their generation.  whose opinion Aristotle seemeth to haue favoured, who supposed that a blazing star did consist of a dry vapour, which being drawn upward into the highest air, is there set on fire: and that this blazing star taketh substance of earthly exhalations, very hot, dry, fat, and clammy, which being carried into the vpper region of the air, is there kindled and burneth. To whom all Philososophers( in a manner) of this our age, haue subscribed,& some Astronomers also, who with Aristotle think no less, then a blazing star to bee but an earthly vapour, somewhat thick, fast,& fat in substance, like oil or birdelime, which being drawn upward, nigh to the Sphere of the fiery element, and touching the hollowness of the orb or circled, is there by heat rarefied, made thin and set in a flamme. So that by the consent& mutual agreement of these two sects,( although some do varie) it is concluded, that a blazing star is engendered& made of air set on fire, by reason of the néerenesse of the element of fire, that air containing in it the matter& stuff of a blazing star,& that the air next adjoining,& being by the element of fire, is called a blazing star,& is no less in deed then it is name: which representeth the colour of fire to our eyes, because the dry vapour in it is kindled, burneth,& lasteth with the light of the flamme, which is moved to& fro by the under air, where vapours of like nature, quality& substance arising, give continuance& length thereunto, whereby it purchaseth the name, after which it is usually called.  
upon this agree our late Philosophers, in a manner all, counting the doctrine of Aristotle worthy credite& subscription: although as well the sect stoical varie therefro, 
The opinion of the Stoiks touching blazing stars.  affirming blazing stars to bee but ordinary stars, not differing from other stars which appear in the air,& to be above thirty and two in number: as also they, which hold this for a verity, blazing stars to bee perpetual stars, and to keep a limited course or compass, but never to blaze and glister in the air, save when they are left and forsaken of the sun, whose clearness dimmeth and dampeth up their brightness, that it can neither appear nor be perceived: and they in like sort, which lean to this opinion, the blazing stars, be stars, having their certain appointed times of appearance.  
Now, as I dissent not from the first, those I mean, whose opinion draweth nearest to reason and truth: so I varie not altogether from them, who hold opinion that a blazing star may be supernatural, and also natural,& that the same taketh generation of a fat humour, and of fiery force, whereby it is dissolved, and at the length consumeth.  
whereupon this consequent is to be inferred, that we cannot call a blazing star, properly a star: but catachrestically, as we may so term them, I mean, using in our phrase of speech a certain abuse: although Augustus Caesar( whereof we haue given a caveat in the beginning of this our treatise) called that blazing star which appeared at such time as he published his pageants of triumph, by the name of a star: and which usurped name also Suetonius applieth to the self same thing: they both adding unto it this word Crinitus, which we also, with no less abuse then they, call blazing.  
This blazing star aforesaid, which appeared in the time of Augustus Caesar, 
An erroneous opinion misiked and improved.  and shined so gloriously, some imagine, and suppose, to be the self same star which directed the wisemen to the place where christ was born. But I cannot allow of this opinion,& why I do so much mislike thereof, the reasons in the next Chapter following, do declare. In the mean season, I would not wade in wonders above my capacity, least I wander in wildernesses of doubts, but I desire rather to be wise with soberness.   

Whether the star which conducted the wise men to the place where Christ was born, were the blazing star, whereof the Emperour Augustus did speak, calling it by the name of a star. Chap. 7.  
CHristian duty admonisheth me, in few words to make mention what maner of miraculous& strange star that was, which after a rare and wonderful fashion, led the wise men unto christ being in his infancy: which some men, very rashly,& with want of advisement, conjecture to be the blazing star, which appeared and cast a great light at the same time that Augustus Caesar made shows of great pomp and solemnity: whose arising was in the North parte of heaven, about the eleventh hour of the day, and continued( as Plinie plainly testifieth) seven dayes space full and complete.  
Of which thing, although Picus Mirandula hath both godly and gravely discoursed, yet think I, that it is my duty, compendiously to reason, what in this point may be maintained, without hurt or prejudice: and so much the rather, because I would not seem in this matter, to favour the Astrologians, for somuch as they serve as far from truth, as the world is wide,& the heaven is high.  
Concerning the star, therefore, which appeared at Christ his nativity, the evangelist, whose evidence is tried with the touchstone of truth, writeth in this wise. 
For we haue seen his star in the East.  {αβγδ}: Among all which words of this clause, penned by the finger of the evangelist, the latin interpreter turneth this word {αβγδ}, Stellam, learnedly( no doubt)& truly. The evangelist yet again saith thus: And, behold, the star which they saw in the East, went before them, until by approaching, it stood over the place, where the babe was. By these testimonies, it is apparent and manifest, that neither {αβγδ}, nor {αβγδ}, signify a blazing star. Whereby the errors of Phlegon and Harpocrates are convinced, who also deemed that the star which shewed& shined in the East, and was the wisemens direction to judea, was the self same blazing star, which in the time of Augustus Caesar( as is aforesaid) so gloriously glistered: when it is as evident as the sun shine at noon day, 
They appeared in contrary regions,& at sundry times of great distance, ergo they were different stars.  howe that blazing star appeared many yeres before the nativity of Christ, and arose in the North parte of heaven: whereas the star which was the wise mens guid into Bethlehem, appeared in the East. Furthermore, what man would so soon be alured to believe, that a blazing star would be thought of the wisemen, a thing of such certain& infallible prognostication, that the arising& proceeding thereof should embolden them to commence such tedious iorneys,& to attempt so many weary lalabours, when they might bee of this opinion and iudgement as well, that the blazing star gave foreknowledge of something else, besides the nativity and birth of the King of the Iewes.  
Wherefore it is more credible, that those wise men followed the star which then appeared, either vpon persuasion of the book which Seth compiled, or else by the motion of Balaams prophesy: for that they were of the kindred and affinity of him, as some held opinion: or else by the ministery of Angels, or by heavenly inspiration, or else by admonition and warning given in sleep, which might( why not?) give them understanding as well of this, as it gave them knowledge afterwards to avoid the presence of Herod, and to return another way into their country, and not the same, by which they came.  

julianus the Apostata his opinion, as repugnant to reason& verity, refuted.  No man is able sufficiently to declare the erroneous opinion of julianus that irreligious reuolter, who affirmeth this star, which he calleth by the name of Asaph, according to the opinion of the egyptians, of custom and wont, to appear every four hundreth yeares,& that it betokeneth many things both marvelous and mortal. But tell me thou false Prophet and perverse Apostata, if thou wilt haue thine opinion carry away countenance of credit, How cometh it to pass, that those wise men never attained to the understanding of that star, and the determinate arising of the same at a definite and appointed time, but that they then came to the intelligence thereof, when it was within the contemplation and view of their eyes? Howe cometh it to pass, that the appearance thereof was so far from horror and mortality, that it gave presignification of ioy, that to them was born the King of the Iewes? And if it be effectual to work wonders,& to compass strange and prodigious events, why then did it not every four hundreth yeares, by succession, season and degrees of time, prognosticate some semblable thing, like unto that which was communicated to the knowledge of the wise men? Why did it not, after a thousand, five hundreth and thirty yeares, or within the compass& revolution of that time, bring forth a new King to the world, or some other rare and wonderful effect, to kindle in the hearts of men, manifest admiration? Or else, if it suffered an Eclipse or deprivation, of that singular quality, and so became dry, barren, and unfruitful, why did it not appear still, though weakened in working, but lost utterly and for ever appearance in the heauens?  

A conclusion of reasoning interlaced with a short and sharp reprehension.  Thou swaruest therefore and wanderest far and wide from the sincere truth, and givest a witness of thy pertinacy to all people, and of thy foul impiety towards God, in that thine own opinion, which is mere erroneous, seemeth unto thee passing plausible: thou in the mean season derogating from Christian religion due reverence, and struggling with tooth and nail to make it contemptible. But all in vain thou wrestlest with the waves, which in the end will overwhelm thee in thy wilfulness. For, the truth giveth in a contrary verdict, against thee, with the which whosoever haue armed themselves to enconter, their success hath not been prosperous, because they attempted combat with a mightier then themselves, and being overmatched were carried into captivity, and cast into confusion. This star therefore, which the wisemen saw, 
The authors iudgement in the windeing up of this controversy.  was no Comet or blazing star, as diverse haue dreamed, but some new star, which of purpose was appointed to express the providence of the almighty, as in the Gospel it is apparent: not being of the number& host of them, where with God garnished the firmament in the universal creation, but differing from all stars, both fixed, wandering,& blazing: which to be true, this testimony affordeth authority: for that there be some which are of this iudgement, and hold it for a verity, That in this star, as in a glass, was included the likeness of a child: into which opinion they might( peradventure) bee induced, by the words of the wisemen, saying: Behold we haue seen his star in the East.  
It could not choose then, but be a new star,& a star importing a miracle: for so much, as neither the self same, nor any like unto it, ever appeared in the former ages, nor at any time shined in the skies, for the space of a thousand, five hundreth, and thirty yeares, after the nativity of our comfortable saviour: being, I say, a star by the grace of God created, for the execution of his message, whose pleasure being accomplished, it consumed, vanished, and was no longer object to the eyesight of men, being causal and temporal, not natural and continual.  
But of this discourse sufficient is said as well for the improving of vnsauourie opinions, as also for the discovering of the infallible truth, requireable in this present purpose. Now will I make a retrogradation, and return to mine argument concerning Comets or blazing stars, having thought my pen not vnfruitefully occupied in this last particular.   

Whether blazing stars preport and foreshow some strange and wonderful thing to follow. Chap. 8.  
IT is called in controversy, whether comets, commonly termed blazing stars, preporte any prodigious thing and worlds wonder. Some in this behalf, seem to be resolved, 
blazing stars are signs of some strange thing to come  and make their answer in this sort: That as blazing stars are rare and seldom, so they signify some thing that is rare and strange: unto which opinion they cleave, being thereunto drawn partly by daily experience, and partly also led by the causes from the which they fett their original.  
And, to say the plain truth, when haue blazing stars cast their glimmering beams, and lightened the air with their glistering brightness, but something hath followed, contrary to common course, and far otherwise then by usual and accustomend order is received? Why then should not blazing stars as they are rare, so infer and draw with them rare effects? And why should we otherwise think, then that by their generation also, some strange thing is signified: seeing that other stars shining in the firmament, are thought, not only to haue been created for the service of men, but also for the distinguishing of times& seasons, of dayes, houres, months and years, and for other ends also, which are privy only to Gods secret counsel? Specially, for that our Lord Iesus, judged not the superstitious Pharisées( notwithstanding his sore denunciations of woes against them) altogether deserving reprehension: 
The Phariseis and Sadduce is not altogether condemned for their due& precise observation of the weather.  nor utterly blamed the Sadduces, for their diligent observation of the weather, and marking the face of the firmament, giuing iudgement: that if the help of heaven were such& such, then semblable to be the success of the seasons: as if it were covered with red clouds in the evening, that then men should be in epectation of the next dayes bright clearness. Which ceremony of theirs, purchased in process of time, such credit and belief, that it grew into a common and familiar proverb.  
What man can say of certainty?  
The evening this doth signify.   

The good and evil which blazing stars do prognosticate& betoken. Cap. 9.  
AS it is received for an undoubted truth, that Comets carry with thē a prognostication of some strange wonder: so on the other side, it hath been precisely noted,& by due observation confirmed, the they threaten some imminent evil and mischief. 
A blazing star is a token of great fear,& a sign of horror.  For which consideration, a blazing star was called a sign of horror, or a token of great fear, by which name excellent men, authors( I mean) or writers of singular learning& iudgement haue termed it: not that the blazing star is to be feared, as if it could do harm unto man: but because the omnipotent God,& guide of the heavenly host, by the same, as by a burning beacon, giveth us warnings and watch words of afterclappes& punishment: and to assure us, that he it is, and none besides him, that is universally to be feared, not with a servile, but with a filial fear: considering that he hath peremptory power over the whole man, body and soul, upon which partes he consisteth: and is of ability to adjudge us to temporal chastisement for our amendment: or else to condemn us to eternal destruction, as instruments of reprobation.  
But to return to the prognostications of comets or blazing stars, it is found by authority, that in the time of Charles the Emperour, 
A blazing star in the time of Carolus Magnus.  surnamed, The great, a blazing star appeared, in the contemplation whereof the Emperour having his eyes earnestly bent,& considering profoundly thereupon, at length he was rapt into a great astonishment, touching the signification of the same: and sending for a Philosopher, name Egmard, conferred and reasoned to& fro with him about this star, saying in conclusion, that the appearing thereof did threaten unto him some miserable calamity: which words the Philosopher hearing, to the intent that the Emperour should not be more amazed then need required, rehearsed the saying of the Prophet in these words: A Signis coeli nolite metuere: fear ye not the signs of heaven, and let not the visions of the firmament strike terror into your heartes. Which sentence the Emperour not misliking, gave him thankes for that comfortable counsel, saying, that he remembered the duty of a christian man to be this, namely to stand in fear of nothing, but only of him, who both created us and also this star. Which notable speech of so famous an Emperour, giveth a sensible instruction, why a blazing star may be called a token of terror, or a sign of horrible fear.  
Plinie also( many yeares past) affirmed, a Comet to be a terrible star, 
A blazing star threateneth destruction. & so inclined to destruction, that it deserved to be called mortal: as in the civil commotion, which was in the time of Octauius his Consulshippe: and also in the war between Pompeius and Caesar, many probabilitis are to be gathered, or rather, many verities to be aduouched. To the words of which Plinie, Vergil( the prince of all Poets and Plinies predecessor) alludeth, in this wise.  
More flashing flames of lightnings clear,  
From clouds shine not beelowe:  
Nor blazing stars, whose burning beams,  
Some fatal fall doth show. &c.  
And the same Poet, in another place inserteth these words: 
Strange stars did shine from skies in darksome night  
And flakes of fire did fill the air with light  
A blazing star with silvered straks did shine,  
And made mens harts for fear away to pine   
whom the Poet Lucanus imitating, and setting before him, as a president, for the observation of order, useth these terms and phrases of speech in his poems: 
Not blazing star with glimmering strakes of light  
And lengthened hairs of colour read& white,  
Which brings to men( as many make report)  
Destruction dire in lamentable sort.   
Whereby it is to be gathered, that those kind of writers were not ignorant, that a Comet or blazing star, did most commonly presignify and foreshow some imminent mischief, which in tract of time came to pass, and thereupon grew in use to be called, A terrible or fearful star.   

¶ The mischief which blazing stars forewarn to ensue. Cap. 10.  
FOrsomuch as it is declared already, that blazing stars always signify nothing else, then the approaching of some pernicious and mischiefous thing likely after to ensue: it remaineth, that this question be demanded, What maner of evils they be, whereof blazing stars are premonstrations, and foretokens? whereunto I make this answer, That as blazing stars are diverse, so are their effects& evils which they signify, not all one, but sundry& differing: and forsomuch as the variety or diversity of them is to be considered, therefore it is necessary that the effects which follow such causes, be accordingly conjectured.  
Some hold opinion, 
The observation used of some at the appearing of blazing stars  that it is to be marked, which way blazing stars shoot their light, because( say they) that part of the earth seemeth to be threatened, towards which the Comet casteth his beams thickest& most directly. again, it is to be noted, from what star they receive their force,& whence proceedeth their influence, what things they resemble, and represent in likeness, and in what places they appear.  
Furthermore, to touch the effects of blazing stars, 
The effects which haue followed blazing stars, proved true by experience  experiences manifold and innumerable haue sealed this for a truth, that sometimes they signify barrenness of the earth, sometimes the sickness of the plague& pestilence, sometimes dearth, and scarcity of victuals, sometimes great winds& tempests, sometimes extreme heat, sometimes earthquakes, sometimes the flowing of waters beyond their bounds& banks, to the drowning and loss of the land, sometimes seditions, insurrections, cruel commotions, tumults,& battels, sometimes change of Kings and kingdoms, alterations of Common wealths, and such slaughters as seldom are seen, with many mo calamities, infinite and innumerable: in so much that Lucanus the Poet thought it no matter of doubt, but of assured certainty, to call a blazing star, such a star, as changed the state of Empires,& wrought the alteration of principalities. His verses follow in this order.  
strange stars were seen in darksome nights,  
The heaven was on a flamme:  
And flakes of fire like burning brands,  
Sore sights in skies did frame.  
The fearful star which blaseth bright,  
And spreades his beams abroad,  
And changeth kingdoms in the world,  
In th'air above abode.   

sundry examples, and testimonies, declaring the diverse and manifold mischiefs, which haue followed the appearing of blazing stars. Chap. 11.  
least any man should think this mere fabulous,& a very forgery, because I haue said thus much, and that upon the opinion and authority of other writers, that diverse blazing stars presignify, and give a forewarning of diverse mischiefs& evils like to come, it seemeth unto me an enterprise worth my labour, to set down in a few words, and the self same conspireing with the true reports of Histories, the assertion above mentioned, not to bee imaginarious or feigned. Wherein it shall not seem a matter depending vpon necessity, to run through all particular example, and to make a universal repetition of testimonies from the worlds creation:( which passeth the capacity of my wit to comprehend, because they exceed in multitude:) But it shall rather be sufficient,& much more profitable, out of many to gather a few, and such indeed, as authors most worthy of credite haue set down in their works and treatises.  

A short enu●●●●tion or rehearsal of mischiefs which followed vpon the appearing of blazing stars.  And first of all to begin with the noblest writers, and best approved: who is ignorant, that after the appearance of a Comet in the time of Iulius Caesar, not only civil warres followed, in maner most lamentable, but also the death& murdering of Iulius Caesar his own person, which was most miserable: who being six and fifty years of age, was assaulted and set vpon in a conspiracy, of three score Princes and more, among whom were C. Cassius, Marcus, and D. Brutus: and being gored through, and slashed with three and twenty wounds in the Court of Pompeius despitefully perished: whereof P. Virgilius, Lucanus, Plinie, Suetonius, Appianus, Plutarchus, and diverse other writers of great authority are witnesses.  
What should I linger long in the repetition of those strange tempests, of snows, hails, inundations of waters, and other like calamities, that followed the appearing of the same blazing star? which F. Horatius doth not nakedly describe, but singularly set down, with a kind of complaint.  
Who knoweth not, what an unspeakable desolation, and wonderful overthrow of jerusalem city, followed after the appearing of a certain blazing star, which was seen in the air,( Iosephus and Eusebius faithfully affirming no less,) by the space of a whole year, burning with flames of lamentable destruction?  
The self same miserable massacre and desolation followed shortly after this blazing star, which the lord himself, the Father of all mercy, and judge of all revengement, did not only foretell many yeres, yer it came to pass: but also wept for very sorrow of heart, as he was prophesying to jerusalem, her sharp visitation. For our saviour christ( as the evangelists testify) beholding the city, wept over her,& sounded as it were in her ears this sorrowful sentence: If thou hadst known,( saith he) in that thy day, those things which belonged unto thy peace, and now are hidden from thine eyes &c.  

A blazing star appeared before the death of the Emperour Constantine.  Did not the death of that most godly and religious Emperour Constantine, follow and ensue the appearing of a blazing star, which was seen in the year of our Lord 304. being of an unaccustomed bigness, and of no less horror to behold? And did not thereupon likewise follow an exceeding dangerous insurrection in the Empire, wherein, among many murders and bloudsheds the Emperour Constantius was spoyled of his life, in the castle of Helena, not far from spain?  
In the year of our lord 444. a blazing star was seen, which as it gave presignifications& foretokens of afterclaps, so did there ensue most miserable slaughters and calamities, specially in france:& not long after Colen being assaulted and besieged of the huns, was ransacked, spoyled,& made even in a maner with the ground: and the most catholic Emperour Martian, was in a conspiracy of his own subiectes, contrary to the religious oath of allegiance, murdered and made away at Constantinople.  
After the appearing of a star in the year of our lord, five hundred, 
A marvelous inundation of waters with other notable calamities fore warned by a blazing star.  four score and four, there followed such an inundation of waters, in every place of the land, that it was averred and believed, a second deluge or universal flood to haue been prepared for the drowning of the whole world. After the ensued in italy, so hot a pestilence, that within the compass of a little time, many thousands died in maner most lamentable. Not long after that Rome tasted of the whip: for the Lombards laying séege against it, made havoc therof out of measure. upon the tail of which sharp punishment, there followed a worse: for the saracenes rose up with stern looks and bending brows, compelling the third part( almost) of the world which professed christianity, to fall to apostasy, and to take parte with them in their damnable sect of devilish idolatry, and detestable ungodliness.  

A blazing star appeared before the death of Carolus Magnus.  In the year of our Lord eight hundred and between, there was a blazing star seen most strange and terrible, whereupon ensued the death of that most Christian Emperour Carolus Magnus. The Saracens assaulted italy and with violence of sword and warlike engine overcame and prevailed: not without the ruin of many a beautiful building,& shedding of much blood.  

bloody battles which followed after the appearing of a blazing star.  In the year of our Lord a thousand two hundred four score& four, there appeared a blazing star, which did portend a manifest show of much mischief and misery: for in the year of our lord a thousand three hundred& two next ensuing, that memorable& bloody battle of Flanders was fought, which to the french men principally ministered occasion of many a lamentable Alas: for in that battle, the floure of the French army( I mean the chiefest in place and countenance)& the gem of all their glory went to wrack, suffering death no less ignominiously then tyrannically. And after that, Rodulph the Emperour, making séege against Verona, sustained great loss of his best appointed soldiers the swissers, whose blood embrewed the blades of their enemies, their bodies lying upon the ground groveling and senseless: and the Emperour himself fighting against Albert duke of Austria was slain, only Emperour elected but not crwoned. 
A blazing star shooting upward, what afterwards ensued.   
Now, what manifold miseries and mischiefs, a blazing star which shooteth upward, the head hanging downward, doth betoken, may soon be perceived and known by the experience of a blazing star, which appeared in the West,& took his course toward the North, which star was seen in the year of our Lord a thousand three hundred three score and three. The woes whereof this star gave foreknowledge, fell upon the frenchmen, to their no small smart& lamentable vnluckines:  
For in a foughten field against the Turkes, howbeit, out of the compass of the French dominion, they were discomfited and overthrown, a hundred thousand of them slain with the sword, among which number was the Duke of burgundy, who with the rest, lost his life without recovery.  
Not long after which infortunate conflict, namely in the year of our Lord 1406. Lodouicke Duke of Clarence, and brother to the French king, was murdered at Parise most traitorously, and fraudulently: the loss of whose life, was death and destruction to a great number.  
And( that I may grow to an end) who doth not remember, 
strange things which haue followed after the appearing of a blazing star.  what grievous calamities did follow the appearing of a blazing star, in the year of our lord a thousand four hundred three score and twelve, in the month of Ianuarie, over Colen, Eastward, to the terror of the beholders, and astonishment of the hearers? There followed hereupon, in the Summer next and immediately ensuing, a marvelous heat, engendered every where in the earth, which was of such strength and vehemency, that in some places, the fire burst out, and cast up with it, even the very sand and gravel. hereupon followed, not héere and there, but every where, battels and murders, mortal maladies, loathsome sicknesses, most noisome and infectious: yea, so horrible, that I want wit, either in writing to leave them witnessed, or by vterance to make them manifest. At which time also, the right renowned Charles Duke of burgundy, passed many warrelike adventures, and achieved many a Martiall exploit, to his no small commendation and increase of deserved praise, notwithstanding the success of battle is doubtful and dangerous.  
In the year of our lord, 
Further mischiefs which haue followed after blazing stars.  a thousand four hundred and eight, there appeared a blazing star, which as in sight it was wonderful and terrible, so it betokened mischiefs no less innumerable, then either to hear, see, or recount is most lamentable: For not many dayes after, Luyck fel,& certain men to the number of 40. 
Leege.  were cruelly slain. About that time also, the Prussians, entering battle against the king of Poland were foiled,& a slaughter, the like not heard of, made of them in the conflict. At the same time also was the Counsel holden at Pisa dissolved& ceased, by a schism most damnable: the cause of their convocation& meeting being for the making and confirming of unity.  
thereabout also began the Church to be ill appaid, and to stand in hazard of havoc: whose present assistant sigismond the king of hungary shewed himself to be: in such sort with valliauncie of spirit, that he might meritoriously challenge to be surnamed, The most Christian king. Thus far touching the evils, yea the heaps of evils which blazing stars haue portended, observed by experience and trial to be true, by the event and falling out of many misfortunes, which both long ago, 
The conclusion of this Chapter.  and also of late haue happened. It remaineth, that we know, whether they be not foretokens also of some good, which although many utterly deny, Yet nevertheless read our further iudgement.   

Whether blazing stars, do not aswell betoken good, as ill. Chap. 12.  
having before declared, by reasons not a few, and proved also by examples of verity& truth, that blazing stars for the most part are presignificant shows and tokens of some mischief and evil: my thinks I hear one asking me this question, Whether blazing stars are not tokens of good, as they are signs of evil. To whom I make this resolution. First, 
blazing stars supernatural signs sent from God.  so far forth as blazing stars be supernatural, there seemeth in this matter to rest no doubt: because almighty God, in the unsearchable profundity of his wisdom, is wont by the appearing of stars, to give signs to his beloved servants, whom no doubt he hath foreelected to salvation, well of joyful news as also of heavy tidings.  
For, hath he not by the rising of the rainbow in the clouds of heaven, 
The Rainbow a perpetual assurance of Gods faithful promise.  sealed security& want of fear to the world, from being drowned, as some times it was in the dayes of our great ancients? Did he not by the retrocession& backward going of the sun contrary to the order of his course, signify unto Ezechias, that his life should be prolonged,& that the number of his dayes were augmented? Did he not also signify unto all nations, that the light was come into the world, which should shine in darkness, namely Iesus Christ to bee born for the salvation of all people: which thing he would haue testified by the appearing of a new oriental star, visible to the eyes of the wise men,& gloriously glistering? even so doubtelesse, there is no cause, why the sight of a blazing star should not breed in us, as well hope of some good, as fear of some ill, according to the place and time where and when it appeareth, since it is said: fear not the signs of heaven, which the Gentiles fear: because the laws of the people are vain. Why then should we stand in fear of those things, which haue not in them power, either to do good or harm? again, 
blazing stars natural may betoken some good.  so far forth as blazing stars are natural, it is not to be doubted, but that the appearing of them may portend and foreshow some good: which is no hard or intricate matter to declare, as well by reason as also by example. For, in so much as blazing stars are made of five Planets( as Abienus affirmeth) namely of Venus, jupiter, Mars, Saturne, and mercury: and that those blazing stars which are made of Venus and jupiter are principally the best and luckiest, it cannot otherwise be, but that blazing stars, those specially which haue their influence from Venus and jupiter, should sometimes betoken good, and not evermore ill. An example of good credit may that blazing star be, which when it appeared, was judged so happy& fortunate to the Emperour Caesar Augustus, that then it was begun to bee worshipped in the temple at Rome, and no where else throughout the whole world: because the Emperour beeginning those shows and pageants triumphant, was by the appearing of that star of seven dayes continuance in the region of heaven, put in hope and expectation before hand of exceeding great felicity and happiness to ensue: which undoubtedly he obtained in such sort and manner, that none in regiment was counted happier then happy Augustus, as none was name better then the good Traianus.  
moreover, upon the appearing of that star, 
The vanity or superstition of the ignorant people& grosseheded multitude.  there bred in the mindes of the commonalty an opinion of great reverence, to wit, that by the blazing star was signified, the soul of Caesar to be received to immortality, and to enjoy among the Gods abundance of blessedness: then which signification, they believed nothing more joyful or comfortable. So that we see both by reason and example, that their conjecture and opinion doth not always deserve belief, which say, that blazing stars never appear, but thereafter followeth some mischief and yl. Touching which matter, more might be said to the increase of comfort, and the driving away of despair from the harts of the people, then we are disposed at this time to call to memory.   

To what countries and to what persons blazing stars do principally beetoken ill. Chap. 13.  
THe question is asked, To what countries, and to what people specially, blazing stars threaten mischief. unto which demand doubtless, I might think no certain answer can bee made: because all blazing stars are not alike, either haue their generation from one and the self same cause: but some of them are natural, othersome supernatural,& proceeding from God in the height of the heauens.  
again, 
blazing stars are universally to be feared both on sea and land.  they are without difference so doubtful in their significations, that Lucanus supposeth their influence to be so general, that the beholders of them, either on Sea or Land, cannot assure themselves of safety: and therefore they are universally to be feared.  
unto whose opinion I willingly assent, when blazing stars supernatural and proceeding from God do appear. For this is of a certainty, that it is Gods will, by them to betoken and threaten some ill, to all persons in general, which having offended and done wickedly against the prescript of his holy lawe, withdraw not themselves from that puddle of pollusion and filthiness, wherein they wallow, but continue a life laden& overcharged with all manner of mischief: whom he of his singular compassion and clemency, would revoke from their sinfulness, by the vision and sight of blazing stars, as it were by horrible threateninges& revokements, that by refourming their abominable lives, they might frame their conversation acceptable in his sight, according to his unspeakable bountifulness, long suffering,& patience, who still looketh for repentance before he taketh vengeance. As may manifestly be gathered, by his dealing with the Hierosolimites, whom he admonished of their wickedness, by a most horrible blazing star of a whole yeres appearing, daily looking when they would be warned,& well appoynted with penitence to prevent Gods sharp punishment.  
But touching natural blazing stars, 
blazing stars natural appear at Gods appointment.  Philosophers& Astronomers haue otherwise judged: howbeit, neither they shall at any time appear without the singular sufferance of God, or some notable cause worthy remembrance. For myself thus I say, that as I am not of belief that they betoken& prove in working as the Astrologians dream: So I do not utterly condemn such as hold it much material and greatly to be regarded, toward what parte of the world they shoot& cast their beams, from what stars they draw their influencies and force, in what similitude and likeness they appear, what colour they carry, at what season of the year they show, in what place, under what celestial signs, and under what Planets aspect. For some there are, which hold this opinion, though grounded upon no kind of reason, that a blazing star, bearing the likeness of a Lute, harp, or semblable instrument, betokeneth somewhat to music and minstrelsy, and to the followers of such vanities. So likewise, when they carry this representation or that, to haue in their likenesses semblant significations.  
again, other are of this iudgment, that such blazing stars as appear under Saturne, 
The colour of blazing stars appearing under Planets.  are of a leaden colour: under jupiter, white: under Mars, red: under Sol, Golden: under mercury, light azure: whereupon it is thought no hard matter, to tell what they signify in nature generally: Howbeit, to persons placed in dignity, as to Popes, Cardinalles, bishops, Emperours, Kings, Dukes, and such like as are of place& countenance in the Common wealth, 
The modesty and circumspection of the author.  they foreshow some evil: wherein as I hold it reverence to be silent: so were it overmuch boldness& presumption to be meddling. What therefore may bee said in this point, let Astronomers show their cunning.   

How and what way blazing stars are forewarnings of somewhat to come, and of force so to do. Chap. 14.  
ALthough it may seem diversely and many ways probable, that blazing stars foreshow somewhat to ensue: yet notwithstanding it is not necessary that we should believe( as the Astrologians rashly hold opinion) that they can be signs or tokens of that thing, whereof they are no cause. For a blazing star cannot be either the cause, or the effect of war or death, albeit, it prognosticate& foreshow as a sign from a natural cause, both the one& the other.  
It may bee( I will not deny) the cause after a sort: 
blazing stars are after a sort the cause of war. pestilence. &c.  as if that which is the cause of war and Pestilence, we suppose also to be the cause of the blazing star.  
As when abundance of vapours are drawn up into the air, which being kindled and set on fire, there followeth and ensueth the generation of a blazing star,& infection of the air, which breedeth plague and pestilence, moving mens mindes to mutinies, through the increase and plenty of choler stirred up in them: whereby they run with main force to harness and weapon, and so to battle& bloodshed, not feeling in them any rule of reason restraining them in this their rashness. hereupon( as it is not unlike) spring commotions in kingdoms, and mutations of Common wealths, then destruction: for, A realm divided within itself, being unable long to last, must needs come to loss.  

blazing stars foretokens barrenness.  Furthermore, seeing that the generation of a natural blazing star, importeth that in some place hath been great heat and drought,( for other wise such store of matter as is required towards the ingendering thereof, could not be drawn up:) it is wont to come to pass, that blazing stars do commonly threaten barrenness to sandy and not to fenny countries.  
Now, because it is likewise known, that by the force of stars, many envenomed and infectious vapours ascend, it seemeth credible that a blazing star is a forewarning of a following pestilence, 
blazing stars foretokens of pestilence and mortality.  engendered through the air being choked and poisoned by vapours of such quality. By which means in like maner, drought setteth mens hearts on fire, and driveth them forward to fall at strife, bralling, battle and bloodshed, it troubleth the brain, estrangeth the senses, and thus arise seditions. To conclude with the purpose, it is not greatly necessary in this declaration, to use longer delay, since I am of this belief, the God of the abundance of his love towards us, which is vnmesurable, by nature as a mean or meet instrument, causeth such and such blazing stars to appear: to the intent that he might by them as by premonishments and forewarninges, put us in mind to remember, that it is time to start from sin,& to prepare our heartes with repentance, for the preventing of those sharp and smarting whips of Gods vengeance, which by such blazing stars, at Gods commandment, are threatened. For he never, or very seldom, since the creation of the world plagued any people, but he sent among them some sign thereof, for their preparation to penitence, as in holy scriptures it is at large declared.   

¶ Why blazing stars do specially betoken ill to peers, Potentates, Rulers of realms and commonwealths. &c Chap. 15.  
IT is the opinion of some, though erroneous, that blazing stars do specially betoken yl to Princes and great men, and to their kingdoms also and realms threaten some mischief: in such wise, that it hath been observed& marked, that no blazing star almost hath appeared, but either death or else some ill hath happened after, to some noble parsonage in the land: as by our former examples it is left verified: which made Lucane the Poet to writ of them, in this wise.  
A blazing star in sight most strange,  
The state of kingdoms, which doth change.  
But it is héere demanded, what the cause should be, 
Why blazing stars beetoken ill to peers and potentates &c.  that blazing stars do specially betoken ill to Emperours, kings, and such like noble personages? I answer, that there is none other cause, as they suppose, so far forth as blazing stars be natural, then because such great estates and peers of realms, living more delicately and vntemperately then other, are sooner subject and surprised with corrupt and empoisoned air: and so they carrying close within them, and secretly nourishing the cause of ill in themselves, being unpatient and not able to endure the working of medicinable receiptes, quickly perish and miscarry.  
But so far forth as blazing stars are supernatural, 
blazing stars supernatural are immediat forewarnings from God.  and as they haue their proceeding and being from the omnipotent GOD, it is thought this to be the cause: namely, that GOD is preparing a plague against them, that the black tentes of his indignation are a pitching, that the weapons of his vengeance are whetted against them, whereof he giveth forewarnings, like a most merciful father: to the end they might understand, that the cause of this Gods just dealing,( being sin and wickedness,) is either in Princes themselves, or else in the people under their ungracious government: in consideration whereof, as well Prince as people might see the horror and abomination of their own sinful lives, and flee to repentance, whereunto God so fatherly would win them by forewareninges: that according to the example of that holy King, they might lift up both hearts and hands to heaven, saying. Enough now Lord, stay thy hand. It is I that haue offended: it is I that haue don wickedly: as for these innocent sheep, what harm haue they done? 
The wickedness of the people is imputed to the prince.  Furthermore, to whom doth a blazing star betoken somewhat to follow if not to the King? For in that it 〈◇〉 somewhat to the realm, it must ext●●d even is the person of the King, who hath the rule& government of that realm: because he is a king, by his kingdom,& because the wickedness of the kingdom, is reputed the wickedness of the king, who either by his insample giveth occasion of wickedness: or else having power and authority to suppress sin in the people, neglecteth notwithstanding the due execution and administration of iustice: so that the saying of the Apostle is most certain& undoubted, that: All those whom God hath placed in authority, 
A heavy reckoning, for such as are in authority& office.  and given préeminence unto, are tied to the necessity of this heavy reckoning, not onely to stand accountable to almighty God for their own, but also for the souls of all such over whom they haue charge. And therefore right aptly spake that most wise and worthy king david to all kings,( and under their title, to all such as excel other in office and dignity:) And now ye kings( saieth he) understand, bee ye learned which judge the earth, serve the Lord with fear, &c.  
And thus far touching this matter, which though it be but bluntly and shortly delivered, yet is it to be marked.   

¶ Of a certain blazing star which appeared in the year of our Lord, a thousand five hundred thirty one, the nineteenth of Septemb. at Mentz, a city in germany, and was sensibly seen likewise in other places. Chap. 16.  
A question is asked, what that blazing star, which was seen in the year of our Lord, 1531. might signify, and to whom it is a foretoken of some evil to ensue? In answering whereunto, I would to God I might not tell the truth so directly, as I did of an earth quake 3. yeares past, the effects where, of the city of Mentz, not without trembling tasted. 
A blazing star betokeneth vengeance from God.  The blazing star therefore which appeared An. 1531. betokenes a heavy burden of vengeance, not onely to the state temporal, but also ecclesiastical: yea it threateneth a plague to the whole world. The fashion and likeness thereof signifieth no less, for it was to see to, in form of a broom, or a bundle of rods. Which figure of a rod, we doubt, forewarneth us of that rod, whereof the lord speaketh by the Prophet: I will visit their iniquities with the rod, and their sins with stripes. For almighty God useth for more certainty of forewarning, to give unto signs and tokens, the likenesses of things signified and betokened. As for example.  
At what time his will was to forewarn the Iewes of the Babylonicall captivity or bondage, 
Forewarnings by signs bearing semblance of things signified.  he spake thus to ieremy the Prophet: Make thee fetters& chains,& put them about thy neck, &c. thereby to signify their captivity. So the same God, gave a sign in the air, of Titus& Vespasianus his huge host against jerusalem, to lay it waste: armed men with spears and lances running to and fro in warrelike wise which though they saw manifestly, yet ceased they not to live as they were wont, most wickedly: the vengeance of God falling upon them, 
A strange sight and wonderful a forewarning of a blo●i● battle.  which by those forewarnings was prophesied.  
In the year of our lord a thousand five hundred, there were seen falling from heaven vpon mens garments, crosses, and there appeared in sensible maner, as certain signs what should after come to pass: namely, that bloody battle between the two worthy Princes, Rupert the third son of Philip, Palsegraue of rhine and prince elector:& the noble prince Albert duke of Bauaria: the ensigns of the one having black crosses, and the other red: so that in the year a thousand five hundred& four was fulfilled that, which in the year a thousand five hundred was foretold.  
Wherefore, it is to bee feared, least the blazing star, which was seen in the likeness of a rod, threaten unto us that rod, which the Prophet spake of, wherewith God is purposed in iustice to visit the wickedness of the people. For, if this blazing star be natural, wee shall perceive nothing in it, which betokeneth not some great evil. First, 
All mischief cometh from the North.  because it blazed so éeuen from the West to the North, from whence( as witnesseth the Prophet) all mischief doth proceed, having nevertheless an aspect into other quarters of the world, terrible and threatening enough.  
It was variable in colour, sometimes pale, that is Leaden and Saturnine, sometimes red and Martiall. moreover, in so much as it continued( by the auerrement of Astronomers) under Saturne and Mars, Planets and signs of unlucky influence, it seemeth to betoken not onely unto one or two countries, but to the whole world, famine, war, and pestilence: for it blazed most terribly into all partes of the world.  
Furthermore, if the same blazing star were supernatural, and immediate from God, contrary to the course& order of Nature, it might not otherwise be thought, but that it betokened to the world much misery& woe: for God thereby signified, that his vengeance was to come upon all wicked worldlings, and vpon all such persons, as to their impenitence join continuance in sin.  
now, who hath the face to say against this, 
The horrible sin& wickedness of the world provoketh God to plague and punish with sharpness.  that the world hath taken such a surfeit in iniquity,& is become so drunken in all abomination, that Gods mercy is changed into iudgment and his patience into punishment, his love into wrath, and his kindness into fury? In such wise, that it may be supposed, God to speak unto us by this blazing star, as it were out of a cloud, in this maner: 
A supposed speech of God expressing his wrath conceived for iniquity.  ( The end of all flesh is before me. The earth is filled full of their iniquity, and I will sweep them away from the face of the earth. For they haue all played the startbacks, they haue walked in the byways of wickedness, and are become unprofitable: in so much that there is none that doth good, no not one.) Which as none can deny, so I think none dares but thus confess, that the blazing star seen in our Horizon, betokeneth a common calamity, considering howe iniquity doth abound in all places,& that sin is grown to a perfect maturity& ripeness: which God of his mercy give us grace to amend, that wee feel not the heat of his consuming anger, whereof he hath sent us a forewarning.   

¶ Whether such evils as blazing stars betoken, may by any means either be prevented or avoyded. Chap. 17.  
IT remaineth,( most puissant Emperour) the premises considered, the your majesty taking the king of niniveh for an ensample, rise from your seat of royalty, and putting on sackcloth together with us your people, lift up our hands and heartes to heaven, like most humble suitors, saying with king Manasses in effect as followeth.  
O almighty lord and God, 
The means to prevent& avoid the evils which blazing stars foreshow, is to pray, repent and amend &c.  whose workmanship is the whole world, the heaven and the earth, with all the beauty and blessings of the same, at the presence of whose power all things quake and tremble, whose indignation when it threateneth vengeance unto sinners, is unsufferable: and whose promises of mercy are unmeasurable: because thou arte even the most high Lord over all the earth, full of patience, forbearaunce, pity, and repentance over the wickedness of sinful people: delaying the sharpness of thy judgements, for their amendment, and deliverance from punishment. Thou, o Lord, hast promised according to thy bottomless bounty and goodness, a penitent spirit, not to just and righteous Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, which haue not offended against thy majesty: but to those that are overwhelmed with the tempestuos tides of their transgressions.  
Wee( o lord) haue offended, and our fathers haue committed sin in thy sight: We haue defiled ourselves in the puddle of iniquity: and therefore wee bow before thee the knees of our hearts, beseeching thee to be gracious unto us, and to open thine ears to our prayers. We haue sinned( o Lord) we haue sinned,& we aclowledge our misdeeds, humbly beseeching thee to forgive us our offences. O forgive us, and deliver us not over to destruction with our iniquities: neither lay thou up in store vengeance against the day of iudgement. O reserve not for us the whip of woe& wretchedness: but in mercy pardon our misdeeds, and let not the fire of thy fury and wrath wax hot against us, to consume us in our iniquity, &c.  
Now, who is so blunt of iudgment, and dull of understanding, that seeth not this confession of offences, this repentance& contrition of heart, this humbling and submitting ourselves both in soul& body under the mighty hand of the omnipotent God, will pacify and assuage the fierceness of his fury,& so spare us in compassion, through unfeigned repentance, that we perish not as outcastes from his favour?  
Why should we not haue this hope and confidence in God, considering, 
God doth not exclude the penitent from the throne of grace, but receiveth them to his mercy.  that to the penitent ninivites he did not shut the gates of his compassion, but seeing their conversion and forsaking of sin, with the denial of themselves& all goodness in them, he received them again to mercy, from which by their sins they were before excluded.  
Furthermore, it is not needful that we stand in fear of the celestial signs: 
blazing stars, nor other signs appearing in the heaven, are hurtful to any without the permission of God.  because without God they haue no power at all to prevail against any people: but being his servants are at his commandment, from whom all stars and all creatures haue their office and ministery. To conceive terror and fear therefore at the appearing of a blazing star, as betokening some evil like to follow, it is extreme madness: let us rather tremble at his allmightinesse, and fear the consuming flames of his iustice, who is the creator and maker not only of blazing stars, but also of the sun, moon, and Planets, yea of reasonable man.  
And let us not think, but that God, who framed the whole world, the heaven above, and the earth below, is able as he made them, so to rule them: for at his commandment are all things within the compass of the heaven, be they stars, or whatsoever else: so that he can, according to the greatness of his power, which filleth all places, change and dispose them, after his own pleasure: yea the threatening tokens of his iudgment& vengeance, will he turn into forberance and forgiveness, 
To neglects the time of our visitation hasteneth Gods heavy and sharp punishment.  if we penitently neglect not( as did the Iewes) the time of our visitation. For they being warned by many wonders, and among others, by a blazing star of no less horror then continuance, lay slugging in the couch of security and carlessenesse: and not regarding the threats of God for sin, either of wilful blindness, or stout stubbornness, counted those tokens of Gods unsufferable wrath, elementary apparitions& toys mere contemptible.  
But let not us suffer ourselves to be lulled a sleep in the cradle of sensuality: 
It is good to be warned by the example of others.  let us not be droncken with the dregs of their abomination: let not the vanities of our own heartes so bewitch us, that we fall into a self love& liking of our own selves, neglecting the proffered time of grace and loving kindness, lest God delivering us over to reprobation in his vnappeaseable displeasure, plague us with the same rod of reuengment for our vngratiousnesse, wherewith he took vengeance vpon them for their wilful stubbornness. Which, that it may not come to pass, let us in time turn to the lord, and in due seson take his fatherly admonitions, as ready means to lead us to repentance,& the avoiding of the scourge of destruction, wherewith he punisheth the impenitent. From the which deliver us O lord God.  
To the almighty, everlasting, invisible, and Onely wise GOD, before All, above All,& in All, be all laud, Honour, glory, Dominion and majesty for ever& ever. Amen.  
FINIS.