Anti-Prognostication

Henry Bennet Calesian. Sonnet.

Willyam Painter.

Comparatio omnis odiosa.

S VCHF is the nature of mankind, carnestely desprous to have knowledge of things to come, that in seeking out & inuētyng of such arts as n •… ight seme to pertain to the certain thereof, she hath taken great and laborous pains. For trauailyng to get out a science of Diuination, or foreseeyng, out of every element, she hath brought forth unto us Pyromancy, which is to for show things by the Fire: Hydromanci •… , to declare of things to come by the water: Geomancie by the Earth: and diverse other arts of this kind, promisyng the knowledge of hy •… de and secrete matters. And lest the practicers of these arts should at any time being destitute of their books and instruments, not be able to tell of things to happen: she hath found out that handlom art of foreshewyng by the hand (which is an instrument, that every man car •… eth about with him) so that by this sciēce of Palmestry, at no time nor place, they shall be to seek of diuina •… ion or (as they term it) Fortune telling▪ Finally, there is nothing so vain or of so lyt •… l importance, in w •… ich she hath not boulted o •… some cunning of forshewyng, seeing she hath already set forth. Capnomancy a •… Sciomancie, whereof the one teacheth to have understanding of things to come by smoke, the other by shadow. These things peradventure might seem somewhat tolerable, so long as man's wit is occupied in matters that are near to him (I mean the elements and such like) if that those false diuinours would not draw heaven it self and the stars, to their superfluous rules of Diuination, of whom a great number do not this modestly, and as it were dius •… yng or gessynge; but arrogātly do pronounce their oracles as though they had ben given of Apollo Pithyus, the god of foreshowing. It were a small matter if they told only of rain, and wethers, but also they must •… ill the whole world at their pleasure with war, sycknesse, and rebellion. What shall we say that they ar not content to set out their oracles generally and universally, but they must also thretten the life of every particular man, (as it were the goddesses of destenie) manifest •… lie against the order of all learning and philosophy. Neither is it enough for them to have lordshy •… and dominion over men •… bodies, except they did also charge they •… minds and souls with virtues or •… es, according to their own precepts & rules. gross error to desect, vanite to open, & au thoritie to eleuate & extenuate, I thought it worth the labor, because they so shameful lie now adais, do set forth their wares to sell among all mē, partly because they so proudly with all their force inuey ageinst such mē as contemn & despise these and such like their predictiōs. Yea some are not ashamed to commend a necessary use of their diuinati ons. But that only is necessary (if we believe Cicero) without the which we cannot live. Then how many thousands of men be there, which not only live, but also live well, and yet never have regard or care so much as ones to see prognostications. Other some there be, which call all men that be desirous of goodly arts and sciences, to their Almanach, as to a storehouse, replenyshed with all precious iewelles. Finally what sign of arrogance or boastyng can be named, which in the book of these pro phecies may not easyly be perceived? Ther fore who soever dare be so bold as ones to open his mouthe against these oracles, straight way shall be called an ignorant person, a detractour, and a sycophant. And this is the cause that so few have taken upon thē to detect & opē their trifling in pro gnostications, leste he should incur the reproaches and contumelies of the proud and arrogant rabble of Prognosticatoures. For in our time (as far as I have knowledge) among all men, the most famous and excellent Doctor, Peter Dacquet only hath both learnedly and plainly declared, that the use of this feigned art is altogether unprofitable for the works and practices of phisike. But I being (as I think) sufficiently armed against all the assaults of all prognosticatours, having also gotten convenient leisure (except my tongue or pen do fail me) will endeavor myself utterly to overthrow this tower of Astrology, when's they behold the signification of the planets & stars, that no piece nor parcel thereof that remain. Neither am I so ignorant of that knowledge (if any such knowledge be) as they would go about to persuade the common people, that all such are, which despise their for showing and premōstratio •… s: neither being moved with the desire of evil speaking or envy, do I address myself to writing: (for I am assured, that I do pro uoke wasps) but seeing many which are desirous to learn the sciences, to have also much set by this celestial divination, I thought good to admonish them by this little treatise, that they labor not in vayue, hopyng for that, which the place it self will not suffer them to have. that whē they have throughely seen and considered the whole matter, they may leave to have in admiration these inuencions of the prognosticatours: and if they will needs have knowledge of secretes and things pertainynge to the future time, they may learn to seek it out of such things as are more nere and better known unto them. For as it is said and not without a cause: Those things that are above us, pertain nothing unto us: and those things which are above our reach, ar not to be sought for, with much curiosity. Neither let any man slander me, as though I went about to impugn or assaulte the moste beautiful and certain science of Astronomye, as the Prognosticatours themselves, (such is their malice) cry out, if any man speak boldly against the vanity of Astrology: But that science as of all humayn sciences it is the most divine, so would I wish that it should be embraced, learned, & perceived of most men, especially of all such as bear and profess the name of Philosophy. And let not them be troubled with their proud brag, which say, that their calculation is the end •… and scope, where unto the noble science of Astronomy doth tend, seeing there is no community or felowshyp between certain •… y and vncertayntie, neither can truth and feigned falsehood, at any time be coupled and joined together. And as for the studious, they shall not be compelled in vain to con sider the course of the stars (although this divination be clean banished away) seeing the knowledge itself (if we trust Aristotle) is an end and scope of it self. Moreover be side the most pleasant cōtemplacion of the whole workemashyp of the world, doth not y ^e sciens it self bring w ^t it infinite profits and vtilities? What neade I to speak of so many kind of Dialles, so many differences of times and years? finally so many varietes and degrees of glystering lyghtes.

One star (which is the son) as it were the image of one god, communicateth his light to all the rest, whom so longe as the residews of the stars behold, resplendishynge with most bright beams, they •… hine over the whole worloe: But if any of them by the envious shadow of the earth, be dep •… ued of his sight, straight way as it were mor •… yng, and without light, it is void of all beautye and glory: Doth it nothing avail to know the cause of so diverse forms and shapes of the moon? Suche varieties of days in length and shortness? So many differences of heat and cold by reason of the Sons coming near or departynge far from us? They therefore which styffely affirm, that Astronomye cannot co •… siste without Astrology, and that the knowledge of the one is unprofitable without the use of the other, are here reproved of a manifest error, or rather convicted of a shameful lie. Lest therefore under the beautiful and glorious cloke of this sciens of Astronomye, they should any longer proceade to commend their false and hyppocriticall art, I would wish that this little book were but ones perused and red over of all such as seme to favor this deceyte: and except either their willful and per uerse affection, or elles to gross ignorance did let them, I am assured they would utterly forsake and reject this kind of forshewynge by the stars. For longe time under the pretexte and color of Astronomye, this auguration or diuinotion hath been cloaked, in so much that the professoures thereof have not doubted openly for Astrologians, to call them selves Astronomars. Other some confoundynge the names of Astrology and Astronomy, both in teaching and also in wrytyng, have so mixed the one with the other, as though they were not distincie sciences, but the one of them did hange of another, after the manner of relatives. And herein they are •… ot unlike to men of ungracious living, which to the intent they may with less danger and suspicion committee he ynous offenses, will gladly use and frequent the company of such as be taken to be good and honest men: but the difference of those arts, I think is manifestly known to all men, so that I am certainly persuaded, it were but lost labor to stand longe in putting a diuer •… e between them. Wherefore it shall suffice to admonisshe the simple sort, leste when we speak against the art of foreshewyng by the stars, they should unadvisedly think that we dispute against the course of the stars, their law, order, or learning. But whereof shall I take my beginning, or of what parte shall I chiefly go about to publyshe and desorte so great vanity, whether of the vncertainte, thereof▪ 〈◊〉 of the unprofitable, yea hurtful observation thereof that so much troubleth the common wealth, or rather of the impossibility, shall I show that there is no such science of divination? If that which is vncertayn deserve not to be observed, for what cause, I pray you, do you cleave to the do •… yng of Astrology? If that which deserveth not so much as to be considered is worthily called vain, or of none effect, wherefore shall men more trust the divination of the stars, then they will credit the unconstant waves of the sea? It shall not be needful in this place to allege Aristotle's opinion of the future contingēt, nether to vouche thauctoritie of other philosophers, concerning the uncertain and vnknowē proceeding of matters. For who doth not see clerer then the son at noon days, that not the fourth part of those presages or fortellyngs come to pass, as they before have pronounced them? Yea who is so forgetful, or of lyttel memory, that cannot record and remember, that the moste parte of their predictions have chanced clean contrary to their calculations. It is not therefore without a cause, if we m •… uayle with what face they dare he so bol •… to propound such vain and foolish varicinatious, to be considered of wise and discrete persons. Certainly every science, of what sort soever it be, consisteth on things that be true certain and immouable: but Astrology which standeth on things that most commonly are false, but always vn certain and unconstant: Tell me all you prognosticatours, by what reason it may •… be called a sciēce? but if this your method & rule of prophesieng be not to be noumbred among those sciences, which consist of thin ges certain and immutable, what other thing is this your knowledge but folishnes so great, that folly her self could not light lie invent a thing more fond and foolishly. But peradventure your predictiōs, be they never so uncertain, yet they may be profitable to the public wealth, so y ^t which your art lacketh of certayntie, it recompenceth with utility: Nay rather with how great euyls do you burden the city (I speak not of the horrible wonders that you threaten to fall on them) but what a dearth of vitayles youcause in the commē wealth, while the farmers of the country (as I have good understanding) believing your oracles of the imtēperaunce of wethers do so craftily dyspose their wares, y ^t in abundance of all things, the common people suffer a great and grievous scarcity. What? is it to be kept in silence, howe slowlye and coldly the people in the last year, seduced by the foolishly prophesye of Nostrodamus addressed them self to set up the true worshippynge of GOD and his religion, good Lord what tremblynge was there? What fear?

What expectation? What horror? Leste all things suddenly should be turned up sydowne, so that none almost of them that gave any credit to prognostications, durst be bold to open their faith and religion, which they bore in their hearts. Yea this Nostrodamus reigned here so like a tyrant with his south saiynges, that without the good luck of his prophesies it was thought that nothing could be brought to effect. What shall I speak of the common people's voice? Thys day the Bishoppe of Rome must be driven out of the parliament. To morrow the Queen shall take upon her the name of supreme head. After xx. days all thing shall ware worse. Such a day shall be the day of the last judgment, that except the true prechers of God's holy words had sharpelye rebuked the people for creditynge such vain prophesies, there should have been none ende of fear and expectation. But our crafty Nostrodamus, that could wrap his prophesyes in such dark wryncles of obscur •… ye, that no man could pyke out of them, either sense or understanding certain. Without double he hath heard of the oracles of Appollo, which the denyll at Delphi, gave out of an ydoll to them that asked counsel, which were obscure, double, and such as might chance both ways, As that which was answered to king Pyrtus, demaundyng of him:

Neither is that unlike, which the rich Cresus entendyng to make war against Cyrus, had given him, that is:

So that you may wrest them to what sense you liest. For Pyrrus while he did promise himself victory over the Romans, might have also understood (as it came to pass in deed) that he himself should be overcome of the Romans. Lykewyse Cresus, while he turstyng thoracle, persuaded himself, that he should overcome Cyrus riches, that were so great and abundant, brought his own kingdom, riches, and whatsoever he possessed into utter ruin and destructon The same trade of fortelling Sibylla Cumana did also depe, of whom Uergile reporteth, that the recorded fearful circum stances and doubts, resowndynge in her cave. Finally, all they which inflamed with the diuelles sprighte, told of things to come, gave either dark or doubteful answers to them that required their oracles. The same manner of foreshewyng in dark and double riddles our prognost •… catours, as it were received of the heathenyshe prophets do observe and keep unto this day fornot only Nost rodamus telleth things darkly and doubtfully, but diverse others: yea many of our countrymen, an Cunyngham, a man otherwise both learned and honest, Hyll, Lou, Uaghan, and not longe ago Askham, with six hundred more of that sort, among which, the afore named, may challenge the chief place, not that they prophecy truer then other, but that they have more exactely (as they say them selves) formed their calculatiōs to the course of the stars. And leste any man should think that I sclander them, I entende to rehearse certain things out of their books, in which we will plainly note a double doubtful forshewynge. By reason of Saturn in Cauro (say they) and the eclipse in April, there shall follow mur muryng among the common people: but Mercurius, with his eloquence doth pacify them. Likewise Mars this year shall save England harmless from many evils, except the Eclipse of the Moon do somewhat abate his courage. After the some manner do they pronounce of wheat, bar ley, and otes, that they shall prosper well, except the heat, moisture, or other vnsea sonable weather do endamage them. Finally this almost is general, if they foreshewe a thing to come without exception, it is false: if they pronounce it with exception, howe soever the game go, their error is without danger of reprouyng. Moreover they them selves confess, that there bediuers impedimēts which cause y ^t many things to come not to pass, not only about in the heuens, but also here beneth. O good lie science, O divine knowledge, which so many causes do frustrate, and bring to none effect. To what purpose then serve so many prohibitions against the surgeōs, that they take nothing in hand, but in a a prescripte time? Shall they tarry seven days before they let a man bloudde that is sick of the Pleuresie: Why do you not by the same reason forbydde them that be poisoned to take any medicine, before the sign apt to comfort the virtue expulsiue. But these matters by doctor Da •… quet are so plainly set before men's eyes, that onelesse these Prognosticatours even yet did give such cautions, it were but 〈◊〉 vain for me asmuchas ones to make men cion of that super •… tious abuse.

Hytherto as (as I suppose) we have sufficiently spoken of the inconstancy and vn certainty of these pred •… ons, yea and enough also of the vn •… rositable observation and credityng of the same.

Now therefore let us prepare our selves to that argument, which is all the prognostitators, whatsoever thei be, & where soever thei be, ar able without all couin or deceit to remove: they shall not only defend their are, which otherwise must needs fall down and utterly decay, but also they shall hau •… the writer hereof, with shame enough, to retract and recant all that he hath hitherto against Astrology said or written.

And that we may by little and little proceed to the effect of our matter, we dare bebolde to affirm, That this is common to all sciences, that they may be demonstrated. For although the principles and grounds in every art, be of such nature, that they can not be shown and confyrmed by things more general, and therefore it is said, that they cannot be proved, yet by demonstration or induction they may be so plainly set before our eyes, that no man need to doubt, but that they are moste true and certain. For either they are shown by a manifest figure that they must needs be true, and that it were impossible to think otherwise of them then so, or else by recital of all the particulars, one universal is evermore concluded. Therefore of such foundations every art is grounded, which being surely laid, meruallous works are built upon them. But if the soūdatiōs which ought to be most strong and sure, in any point do fail, streighte way y ^t whole building with great weight falleth down and is destroyed. For dately experience teacheth us, that no structure can be firm and of continuance, except the foundations thereof be first surely laid. And reason teacheth the same lesson, which with open mouthe crieth, and biddeth always to beware of the beginnings. Which thing although we see daily in buyldyng of houses, yet may we see it also, if we will use a little diligence in every art and science. As in Geometry, it to a principle, that from one point to another, you may always draw a streighte line, this now by exaumple may be demonstrated very easily. Likewise it is another ground that all the three angles or corners of a triangle, howe soever they be taken, are equal unto. ii. rectangles. If this be shown in every particular kind of triangle, as Orthogonius Oxygoni{us}, Aequilaterus Scàlenus, and such like, we shall plainly understand that which is required. And that we have here said briefly in a few, the same to be true in all other propositions, he that hath but meanly trauayled in the sciences can bear witness. But perchance some prognosticatour will start up & say, that although this is easy to be shown in such things as almost we may perceive by our senses yet the same in things farther of; can scarcely be declared, As y ^t greatness of the stars, or their distance from theearth, or from themselves one from another: Doo not learned men teache, that the Sun is an hundredth sixty and six times greatter then the earth? and that the Moon is thirty and nine times lesser thā the earth? We grant that these matters be difficult, and such as hardly can be per swaded to the common sort: yet as difficulte as they be, and hard to know, there is a mean whereby men may come to the science and vnderstādyng of them. We have the shadow of the earth as it were a ladder, whereby we ascend into heaven, and behold many things, whereunto gross wits cannot frame. But by no way is it possible, that the principles of this art of Astrology, may be either demonstra •… d or proved. Ther is no mean whereby mans wit may attain to so great knowledge, there is no method, no inductiō, y ^t cā main tayn truth of th •… se propositions, which they take for their principles.

Now therefore (as I have said) the foundation of this tower, being shaken, the whole weyghte of Astrologye, must needs have a great and saubdeyne fall. And as Capitaynes experte 〈◊〉 feactes of war, when they determine utterly to subuerte and overthrow a tower, castle, or other fortress of their enemies, with vnderminyng they loose the foundations of it, or else setting under it a quantity of gunpowder, blow away the whole substance: So we autendyng not only to prove, that youre art is vnproufytable, but also to condemn it to perpetual prison of Oblinion and forgetfulness, go about to show, that there neither is nor can be any such art of diuynation or forshewynge. For by what reason are ye able to demonstrate or show, that Saturn is so hurtefull, malicious, and pestilent? By Induction? What if he have do mynyon as you term it) in the Natiuitie of a Prince, a warryoure, or a Sanguyne? Nay, there is nothing doth oftener fail, then Predictions of natiuities: Howe thenne are you able to prove, that this Planette doth so much, and so great euylle amongst men. I for my parte, could rather prove by probable reason thei contrary. For it is nothing like, that Saturn which is farthest from the earth, should have the most earthely nature. Besyde this, he that is far higher thenne Uenus, and nearer to the immense and large. Fyrmamente, which the Hebrews do call, A stretchynge abroad, by no means can be counted worse. Wherefore is the Planette Iupyter, more wholesome than Saturn? In whose time (while that he reygned or ruled on the earth, the same antiquytie wytnessethe, that the golden world was, the which flattering their king Jupiter, oscribeth to him better effects then to his father. But how unjust a thing is it, and against all reason, that the Son it self, without whom the other planettes have no more beauty then the earth, can searcely of them be compted among the good •… wholesome stars: where as he, which with his heat giveth life, with his •… hynynge light, and with his beholding, gladness to all living creatures. (If an arre of astrologie were to be inuen sed according to reason) should have the thiese rule among all stars, as well planettes as fixed. Lykewise the Moon whi the governeth humors, should be seconde to the Son, specially in dominion of lynyng creatures, for as much as by these two, that is, Heate and Moisture, whereof the Son ruleth heat, & the Moon moist nes, all life is proserued and nourished. By what argument are you persuaded to prefer a trine aspecte before a quartile, where as the number of four among the Pytha •… rsens, which had the exact know Judge of numbres, and to them referred all things, was more reuerentely observed then the rest: in so much that by four they were wont to swear. But you will say •… , that for the holy •… rinities sake the number of. iii. is preferred. Thā grantyng the number of three is good, booth it follow that the number of four, in which God concluded the elements, their qualities and all perfect essences to be eu •… l? What persuadeth you to think, that the. xii. signs of the Zodsake have so divers qualities, and according to resons judgment, contrary to nature. For you will have Aries to be fiery, which is the beginning of the spring: more over you teach, that Taurus which is a sign of the spring, should be of earthly nature. Which thing how much it striveth against reason every man may perceive, that knoweth aptly howe to refer the spring time to the element air. Cancer also the beginnynge of Summer is safed to be a watery sign. Howe fond therefore 〈◊〉 vain are your principles, which you are not able by any reason to demonstrate or prove, euvn fools may easily understand, seeing you so foolyshly refer fire to water, and air to earth. Besydes this, it is no smalle matter in youre cunning, to attribute to every plnner his proper signs. But here also howe much you diffre from your own doctrine even Chor •… bus himself if he were present, would perceive, When you •… iuide the. xii. lignes of the Zodiake into sowed orders or bands. To some you ascribe a nature erthy, to some watery, to some ayry, and to some fiery. Lykewyse when you give to every householder (as you call the planettes) their serving signs: you grant sem to Saturn some to Jupiter, and so forth to everyone their proper signs. But this I cannot pass over with silence that almost every householder will maintain and keep in his service any seruan •… es that are so reyugnant from his own nature and disposition. That ys they use them as ministers in bringing their works to effect, I marvel how they do not rather execute their own wille, than the will of their masters. As for example, Saturn which is said to be earthy, hath Aquarius to wait upon him, which all together consisteth of asry qualities. Jupiter reported to be ayry, hath two servants, Sagittarius and Pisces, of whom sagitarius is fyry, and pisces warry. Likewise Ma •… that is whose and dry, is content with the service of Scorpio, that is cold and moyste. Uenus boyng full of cold and moisture, hath Taurus an earthy sign, and Libra an ayry sign, dooyng her service. I leave here to speak offeigned the distinctions and difference of houses, angles, dignities, and other like of this kind: of all which if they can prove but one principle by good and sownds reason, the way should be more easy for them to depend the rest. But now seeing they have nothing that can testify of the truth of their principles, it remaynethe, that the art it self being grounded of fall propositions, and of them heaped to a huge and great buildynge, this so selender and weak a foundation being taken away, must needs fall down, and lie prostrate.

These things I do the oftener repeat, that all men may know what vain brags they make, whiles they take that whi che is no cause, in stead of a sure and certain cause. For by what reason Saturnus should sygnifie this or that, neither they them selves, nor any man elles can show, and that we have spoken of Saturn, the same also may be said of all the rest of portendynge signs. Excepte peradventure they will boast of some revelations to be given unto the snuen •… rs of their art, which if they be not ashamed to confess (as is their mad boldness they shall turn the folly, which now a little, repentance would correct, into mer •… madness. Let us grant them their private revelations, visions, and fantasies, for so we shall encreace their follisshenes, with pride and vainglory, yet we are sure they are not to be trusted. And to declare that more p •… ninely, because all revelations are not of one sort, let us deuyde them into two kinds: for some are given of good angels, and some of evil: They that are given of good angels are such, as the nature of good spirits is wont to be, that is to say true, profitable, and to be thorte, generally good. The oracles of •… uyl spirits agree in quality with the givers of them: that is, they be false, hurtful, & evil. Now of whether sort this revelation is, by which the principles of Astrology at the first were revealed: let us in few words consider. Now vncertayn these principles are, and to speak plainly, howe false, we may both see by daily experience, and also we have sufficiently above declared. Seynge then it appeareth, that your science is not derived from a good angel or spirit, whe there you will have it to come of an evil spirit, or of neither, the choice at this •… yme (O Astrologians) shall be yours. In the mean season either cease to boast of your rotten and cancred art, or else by some •… way persuade your principles to be true, to such as without proof can believe nothing. whether you intend to do, we that shortly perceive: for if you bold your peace we have overcome, and will celebrate a triumph for ouerthrowyng your mighty giant Atlas. But if any of you be so •… ham les, that he dare enter into battle again •… truth, and us, that maintain her quarrel, if he be found it •… onger in arms then we are, we will give place, and yield, but if he be not able to abide our strokes, we will take the castle of Astrology, and destroy all things that maketh resistence, with weapon, fire, and famine. Now we have cast our darts both in number and fo •… sufficient among the thickest of our •… mies, it remaineth that we beat back the weapons thrown of them, or at the least take them clean away, that they being destitute of them, may run about as it were fighting and beatyng the air with vain strokes. And to begin of that part, in w •… che they put no smalle confidence: I have herd many which boasted, that they were able to prove their divination out of holy scripture: which mē whē by reason of cōten tion they wer compelled to bring forth what they could for their defense, would sain have concluded their vaticination out of the first chap. of Genesis. For whē God the most excellent wise workman, of nature had crea ted heavē & orth, with his almighty word, had put also a difference between the light which he had made, & darkness: more over had placed the firmamēt in the midst of the waters: Furthermore gathered y ^e waters, y ^t before covered y ^e whole face of y ^e erth for preseruatiō of living creatures that he entē ded to create into one place, & finally had garnished the earth with a moste pleasant ve •… ure of trees & grene herbs, the fourth day determinyng to create lights, to make distinction between day & night, appointed then their proper use, saying: The •… shall be unto signs unto appointed seasons (for so the Hebru word soūdeath) unto dais & unto years, & the lights shall be in heaven to give light vpō y ^e erth, whose eternal will theffect straight way followed. For god made two great lights, a greater light to rule y ^e day, & a lesser light to rule y ^t night, & also y ^e stars. Here the prognosticators take no small cou rage, y ^e god ordened the lights, y ^e thei should be unto signs. But how little these signs make for y ^t purpose of their predictiōs, he y ^e •… rarketh y ^c order & discourse of y ^t words shall easily •… cesue. For y ^t which followeth of appointed sesons, likewise y ^t which followeth of dais & years, these seme to me to expon̄d what manner of signs thei shall be, y ^e is, thei shall be tokens of sprig, sonmer, au •… ūne, & win ter, of dais natural & artificial, long or short of years, according to y ^e sons course, or to y ^e moons course, & so of y ^t rest. And whereas here is chiefly mention made of y ^e son & y ^e moon, if we will needs by signs, vnderstad for showing, thei shall be unto signs of he •… whē y ^t son oraweth nere to us, of cold wh •… ̄ •… h departeth, of abūdāce of humors whē y ^t moon increaseth, & y ^e contrary whē she is in the wane or decreasing. But vf of necessity you would have us to understand fatal •… dictions, notw ^e standing the argument is in force, seeing you know not what y ^e stars do signify, you cannot by their aspects tell of things to come. But there be some, whi che as they think will defend their science w ^e much more strength, requiring that we should grant them y ^t all things in erth ar ruled & governed by the power of y ^e heavenly signs. Truly I am not so hard to be entre •… ted, y ^e . I would deny the Astrologiās being oppressed w ^e such calamite so little a matter but rather I will give thē more thē they de mand, & such thigs as I would beni thē if thei 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 were obstinate and stubborn, now flying to their shoot an •… re and last help, I will gentilly grant them. All higher things saith Aristotle, worketh in the lower bebies. Let all the power in these lower things be confessed to come from above. Nei there will we greatly at this time strive against that derivation of causes (deuysed by M •… rcutius Trismegistus) from God to the angels, from them to the heuens, that it pertaineth to Fortune or fate, which he calleth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , neither do I see how it should hurt our cause that we have in hand, if we granted them that which they moste desire, and moste earnestly require, that is, that the stars have dominion & exercise their power on men's matters contingently, that is, as it were a certain inclination or some secrete motion, (for if destenye consisted of the stars it could not be changed) but as for the signification of the stars both we learn by experience, neither do the Prognosticators deny, but that they may, by diverse means be averted or turned to some other effect. Therefore seeing we have granted this, that could not be compelled, I long to see what help you can from thens transfer to youre selves. And now me thinketh I hear an Astrologian triumphyng on this manner: If the course of the stars, their reuolutions and aspectes do so strongly work in these lower bodies, that they should be causes of many effects in the earth: what fellow is this, that will deny a proposition bearing witness to so many learned men's writings being allowed by so many authorities of all ages, That the cause being granted, the effect must needs follow, by what reason dare he affirm the cause, and deny the effect •… ? But these so thretnyng words, what are they at the length but very words in deed? For giving to every cause her proper effect, yet will I not grant effect to that which is no cause: or if it be a cause, I will not grant that to be the offect which they will have. For they know not what the stars do cause or sygnifie, but embracyng an art delivered of their ancestors, without any sure ground or foundation, have it in estimatiō as a divine knowledge which containeth in it no more divinity and truth then the rest of the Chaldeans superstitions that yet remain: of whom this science was received: which learned & wise philosophers in all ages contemned and utterly despised. And not only heathē men as Porphyrius, which to Iamblicus saith, That it is impossible that a manu •… should know the signification of the celestial reuolutions. Iamblicus himself whi che denieth, that any virtue or power descendeth from the stars, & divers other contemned the vain ostentation of this art: But the prophet Hieremye himself with loud voice forbiddeth the Israelites to fear the influence of the stars, as the heathen do. But therefore (say you) do they signify nothing? Wherefore I pray •… you, are they not to be feared? either because they signify nothing, or because the signification of them to men is uncertain and unknown? What, doth not Paul thapostle of the Gentiles exhort his scolar Titus, that he regard not foolishly and su perfluous questions of Genealogies and natiuities? F •… r what cause then doth Jeremiah forbydde to fear, and Paul to regard Predi •… ions of Astrologye, if in them were any thing either to be feared or regarded? Go youre ways now, and make the people afraid with horrible threatnynges, proclaim great calamity to follow •… : Of pestilence, bat tail, and famyne: or if any thing be more grievous then these? Warne them of a sodayn destruction that shall fall upon them. As two years ago Cunyngham threatened to Egypt, Babylon, Constantinople, and the Cities of Italy a most lamentable and utter subversion. Had not the Italyans, Egyptians, Grecian •… , and Chaldeans great cause to fear, consyderyng that by the judgment of astrologians so great ruin hanged over their heads? Who would not in this case have be •… afraid, except it were such as (I cannot tell howe preposterously) would prefer Hieremies pro •… hecie before Cunynghā •… prognostication? Lykewyse he that had rather give credyte to the Prognosticatours thenne to saint Paul, should he not having his nativity caste, forsee by it, what good things, and what evil •… things he should in all his life attain? so shall he deuyse to avoid the euylle, and bring the good things to effect. O blockeheade, that must have thy Natiuitie caste, howe dooest thou determine to lead thy life, like a brute beast, that thou will suffer all things to work upon thee. Wherefore serveth thy reason which thou dost not use? nay rather which thou dooste abuse in such vanities. •… wynge thy fortune (y ^e sayest) by thy nativity thou wilt endeavor thyself to seek for good things, and avoid evil things. Why wouldest thou not have doon so, although thou haddest never asked counsel of the 〈◊〉 ? Alas, when will the world leave to have in admiration such curious vanities. But now another objection. Berosus the Chaldean, a most ancient histo riographer reporteth, that the holy Patriarke Noah did forsee the universal flood by the aspect of the stars: and to the intent that he might avoid the danger thereof, he made the ark to preserve the life of himself, his sons, and their wives, and beasts of every kind. Then is not so ancient a science much profitable •… omans▪ life, which the holy patriarch did practice, and by help of which mankind, beasts and whatsoever in all the world was pleasant or profitable in time past was preserved from utter destruction? This no light or contemptible author hath reported, but even Be •… osus the Chaldeā. But Moses the Hebrew, being also a most just law giver and history writer, as moste ancient, so moste faith worthy, witnesseth, That the Lord God spake unto Noah, and foreshowed the universal •… loud, commandynge him to make the Ark. And lest the Astrologians should dream of a revelation by the stars, prescribed unto him a determinate form and measure of the ship that he willed to be made. Then where is your boastyng of the antiquity and necessarys use of Astrology? where be your brags of the patriarch Noah, whom you would have to be a patron of your folly? Shall we believe Moses, which write that, which was revealed by God? or else Berosus whic •… studieng to advance an art invented of the superstitious Chaldeans, imagyned and feigned, that the flood was foreseen by the practice of that art.

Now therefore which way will ye turn the sails of youre safety? The Patriarke Noah doth renounce you, Hieremie and Paul doth hate you: Porphy •… ius & Iambli cus, doth contemn you. Who shall then be your standard bearer? or who the trompettour to blow out your praise? Ptholomeus ascribeth as much certainty to you as to the wind: For he affirmeth, That your prediction •… do not bind any man, but only draw them that be willing. Then by this reason their will should because of those things that chance, and not the stars. For against them that will not, the stars can do nothing: and them that he willing they can not let to •… oo what they will. If this be true, as it is moste true what power is left to the influence of the stars: We grant, say they that of those accions which a man doth, his will is the next cause: But of those actions which be not in a man's power, that is such, as he cannot bring to pass as he would, the stars be governors. But then to what purpose or end dryueth that notable saying, which being sprong from anercellent learned man, all men by their consent do •… e allow, that is, (A wise man shall rule the stars) Is not this meant, that the signification of the stars although they were known, have not so greatte power in men's mattiers, but that a wise man's prouydence is of much greatter force, so that not without a cause, A wise man is said to re •… ls the startes, that is to say, the Iufluence and signification of the stars.

Yet sommetyme it cometh to pass, that in castynge a man's nativity, you do hyt •… e right of his lyse or manners. And we will not greatly str •… ue against you, but seeing you do so often and so divers things foretell to every mann •… e by his nativity, yt were impossible, but that some what must needs chance according to youre predictions: yet this is by chance and not by art: for he that wysely and •… lie gently reuolueth in his mind, that hen uenly reuolution, cannot be certainly per suaded, that so momentaneous and short face of the heuens should work any thing strongly so long time after: for in the moment of an hour it is continually chau •… ged from one to another: and this is the cause, that Iamblicus thynkethe, that the differences of time, which the Astrologiaus observe, availeth lyttell or nothing to the effect of strong and meruaylous works. Besydes this a certain Astrologian or Palmester, Johannes Indagine affirmeth, that this short and momentaneous reuolution of the heavens is of less effect and power then that, which he •… l leth natural astrologie, reducyng all fortes of men what saeuer they be •… , unto xii. horoscopes, according to the number of the twelve signs. Therefore as well he as the other do ascribe so many and so divers qualities to every man by his nativity, that of necessity some of them must be in every man, As he whythe saith, That a man shall be apt to anger, Pryde, Love, Pytye, and 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 such like: where as there is no man but he shall find these & such like qualities in himself, if he enter into his own mind.

But to proceed, howe every star hath a name, which oftentimes seemeth to be given by the signification thereof. Wherefore it shall not be out of the way, some thing to tarry in resonyng of their names, left perchance the Astrologians of them (as of a gnatte) would seem to make an Elephant. Fyrst therefore that the names whereby the stars are called, are not of their own nature, but given to them by men. Johannes de sacro Bosco, sufficiently heareth witness, with whom Uer •… ll agreeth in his first book of Georgikes, saying

Neuertheles all the stars had not their names given them of the same occasions yet they were all devised for difference that they might be one known from another, as Bernardus Syluestris saith very pretily.

But of the names some were attributed unto them for the form which they seme to bear in heaven to them that behold them: Of that sort ar the wain, the crown, the ship, the serpent, the harp, and such like. Some bear their name of their proper place, in which they be set: As Aries the ram first of the stock, and first of the signs. Cancer the crabbe, 〈◊〉 beast that goeth backewarde, gave name to that sign, in which the son retourneth to the lower hemispher. Libra, the ba lance, that maketh evē weight, so being the name of a sign, it maketh nights & days of equal length. Aquarius, the water he arer and Pisees the fishes, for the abundance of water, that is, when the son keepeth his course in those places, gave name to those signs. Caper the goat, which in fedyng lifteth up himself, and seemeth to hang on the rocks, was thought a mete name to be given that sign, in which when the Son is, he daily riseth up toward us from the Antipodes, or men that go with their feet right against our feet. A great number also of the names whereby the stars are called, were given of the Eth •… kes, partly flattetyng their princes, and partly believing that their souls being translated after their death into heaven, had the do •… mon of certain stars, and thereof from ancient time came the names of Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, O •… ion, & such like. The men of later time perchance think that they either have changed or retained certain names, by reason of the qualities which they ascribe to the stars them selves. But this is specially worth the markyng, that they are accustomed not of the qualities to give the names, but of the names to derine their qualyties: as to the Crabbe, which is a fyshe by the water side (although he be a sign of the summer, yet being in heaven, they ascribe a wa •… ry nature. Likwise to the Bull, which is a melancolike beast even among the signs, they attribute an earthy dispolition: The rāme in deuē also they will have to bear domini on of the pe in erth, like as the bull of oxen. So also to Saturn which of the poetes was feigned to be a lur king god, they ascribe melancolike qualities, but Jupiter which in the Fables is found a gentil & favorable God, is also judged to be a well willing planet. Venus which was gentyl and amiable, even among the stars is said to key y ^e same nature still. Mereurius which is reported of the poets to be a these and a crafty fellow, being translated to the number of gods, is also unstable & inconstant, applying himself to every company, for with the good, he is also good, and with the evil, agreeable in quality with them. And now by this means we have veriued the significations of moste part of the planets, from the very fountain out of which they are drawn, whereby every man may se upon what reason their principles both consist, out of which they feine themselves as it were gods, to have knowledge of thin ges past, things present, & things to come. But abide for, bid not the. iii. wise men by aspect of a star in the east, understand, that Christ was borne, and by leading of the same, come to the place of his birth, to worship him, how then do you cry that the predictions of the stars are to be contemned? If you intend to wrest this to the con firmatiō of your art, by y ^e same reason you shall conclude y ^e inumerable wonders which at y ^t time chā •… ed in all places were done by y ^e order of nature. But at y ^e time all things ministered unto god: & y ^e his power might appere, Nature herself went our of her ac customed place. For at that time great & wondrous marvel happened, in so much y ^e the diuinors, soothsaiers, magitians, and all they that were wont to tell the significations of such matters, being demanded what these wonders meant, answered, That Nature was in travail with the LORDE of all things created. There testeth no more now, but to dissolve Cunynghams confutatione (set forth by him iwa certain Epistle, which he calleth his Inuectiue) by like force as we have doon the test. Master Cunynghā thinketh y ^t he hath reduced all adversaries calūniations unto ii. points: The first is, that y ^t knowledge of Astrology, is enemy to the most laudable sciēce of phisike: The other, That the Astrologiā cannot foreshewe things to come by his stars. Concernynge the former parte he sendeth us over to Hipocrates the prince of phisike, in his boke De aëre, aqua, & locis. Seyng therefore it was needful for me to read over that book (although not agreeable with my study and profession) yet having one lent me, according to the small leisure that I had, and the little capacity of my poor wit, I red him over both in Greke and latin. And truly as far as I remember the notes of the margent in the latin translation proclaimed open war between Hipocrates and me: but when I looked nearer to him self, I found no man so friendly to me, which prescribed so profitable necessary use of astronomy (not ones dreaming of fatal signs, as they would seme to have him. But seeing peradventure I shall seme to dispute on these matters beyond my cunning, I would sayne learn of doctor Cunyngham what argumentt to confirm Astrology he can gather out of that book. In the mean time such things as I red and understood, I will briefly recite. Hipocrates speaketh much of the risyng of certain signs and stars, as of the Pleiades, Arcturus, Canis, and such other, all the which sayenges are most plainly to be referred to the state of Tyme that is, when those signs rise or go down. And not here only, but also in his Aphorisms, Hipocrates dryuethe to the same ende. Wherefore he concludeth, That the knowledge of Astronomye, not of Astrology, is profitable to the science of phisike Bicause that by the course of the stars the physician may forsee many things ne cessary to his science. Not that the stars •… oo foretell him of any thing, but that their risynge or falling is coincident with such state of time. Secondly, master Cu nyngbam concludeth, that things to come may be forsene by aspect of the stars, by this argument. If the Maryner by his signs can forshe we the tempest to follow, the Physician by his tokens, can forsee the increace or declination of the liknes. The husband man by his argument can fortell the state of the year to follow, why may not the learned Astrologian by his stars have knowledge of things to come? As for example, Mars is whotte and dry, now yt he see many fiery things mete with him, may he not boldly pronounce that the year following shall be much inclined to heat. But of howe smalle force this argument is, we shall understand by the easy solution thereof. For grauntynge that the maryner, physician, and husband man can forsee things by his certain signs and tokens: Yet what fatal necessity (in gods name) compelleth us to think likewise of thastrologians. For the example that is brought to confirm the matter, is more doubtful then the matter it self: for we cannot tell of what nature Mats is, nor thastrologians them selves, so that is they will prove any thing by this argument, they must first show by what reason they call Mars hot, or Saturn cold.

For except they be sure of this, that they make their priciples true, thei may at their pleasure conclude what thei list. But their propositions shall have no more credit then truth & certayntie. Wherefore not because the phisitiā or the mariner can know anything, therefore the astrologians shall do the like, except they fetch their premō strations of as sure grounds as the other do. But lest we should to insolently inuey against these false tellers (foretellets I would say, master Cunyngham hath given us ensaumple of two years that chanced according to the predictions of moisture, 1524, and dryness. 1540. But here I appeal to Cuninghams wisdom, why he bringeth exaumple of two years only, and them so longe ago past? and why he did not she we exaumple of three years last paste? if he will boast that his art is certain and true, why doth he not declare, that the event of every year was such, as thastrologiās for shown it should be, whether because all men with one voice would say nay •… or else because of time longe paste he may feign, and no man reprove him. but there shall need no such cō tention we will grant. xx. years sense astrol. first began, which happened according as the prognosticators fortold them: wylyon then boast that your diuinatiō is true, because of. 2000. years only, twenty serus for youre purpose. But these things being so clear I omytte.

And that we may make haste to the had uen that is not now far of, seeing this ap •… she art is unprofitable to the works of phisike, to the profit of the students, to the state of the common wealth: and seeing that without principles nothing can be known: but astrology consisteth either of no principles, or of false, in is soft labony that is spent in thobseruation thereof: in vain it is to credit their predictions, vnsust it is, that she is of the unlearned people reverenced, more worthy to be buried under the channel of Lethe, the river of ob liuion, than that she should enioyeng the clear light of men, be had in any estimation. But if there be any Prognosticatour that will take upon him to defend Astrology thus battered in pieces, let him make haste to do it, before she utterly false to ruyne.

The preface to the Reader.

C Onsyderyng with myself, (gentyl reader) that so manynotable workmen at this time, hath by their cunning, & also by their diligent labor, have laid the foundation of a moste worthy buildynge: & also brought the same a good way above the ground, intendynge by gods help not only to finish the plain work thereof, but also to garnishe it with such ornaments as might beseem so princely a palayce: I thought it not my parte for the good affection that I heart to the work, to stand altogether idle, if by any means I might be profitable in the same. And walking about to see the compass and fasshion of it, I perceived that the great stones which pertained to the structure were such as neither by my strength I was able to lyste them, nor yet by my cunning in that kind of mas •… ry to place and join them: but as for hewyng or fashionyng them, I saw it was so far above my knowledge and understanding, that I did not ones apply myself to have any medlynge with them. At the last when I had •… ewed all other things sufficiently, I espied a little heap of rubbyshe which not only hyndered them that went to and fro o •… er it, in specdynge their work, but also seemed to be no small deformity to the levelled playnesse of the statte form, whereon the buyldyng should stand, I might see also that some of the master masons them selves had taken pains in remouynge the same unprofitable Chaos: which caused me to think, that I could not be better occupied then to conney the same quight out of the way, that it should neither be a let nor an ill sight, in the proceeding of so necessary business. Wherefore I prepared and made for myself as it were a lyttell wicker baskette, which I might easily bear, so carry away this hyndryng heap, where it shall be confused and utterly dispersed abroad. And although the substance of my bas kette be simple and weak, yet it is good enough to carry tubb •… •… he and such light stuff as I put therein. But as soon as I began to tourne up the upper parte thereof, I understood, that because it had lying longe compacte together, thers was bred in it a great number of toads and snakes that began to hysse and spewe out their poison against me, because I diseased them of their nesle and barrborowe. But God be thanked I come not naked among them, I have an armoure called Veritas, that is able to withstand the malice even of dragons, and crocodiles. Som men perchāce would marvel why I would not strike •… eim, that so furiousely have gone about to sting me. In deed I have prepared all ready moderate defense, but I stay upon certain dóubtes that are these:

Fyrst, whether it be the point of all •… ned man to rail or no •…

Secondely, whether the conclusion in Syllogismo litigiolo be good or no?

And thirdly whether there be a kind of argument called Syllogismus conuciatorius, or no? these doubts resolved I would •… proceed. As for Uaughan I have nothing to do with him, but to wysshe him his tyghte wyttes and a good tongue.

I have taken vpō me to dissolve this mass at astrologie, and that by gods help I will do to the uttermost of my power, so that my contention is against no mā. But my labor is to remove this obstacle out of good menues ways, and if any ill men hereafter exercise their malice upon me, I must needs say as Socrates said: Though an asse spurn against me, I will not go to law with him. Therefore they that have delight in railing, let them rail and spare not: They that have pleasure in scoffyng, let them scoff and flowte till they have proved them selves common parasites and sycophantes in so dooynge, I will not ones be moved with such vnhoneste means. But if any man shall propound any probable argument to maintain this cause, I will do the best I can to answer it, and if I be not able (as I have always offered) I will yield unto him. Wherefore gentle reader, if thou cansts find thyself eased with any of these two small trauayles, I have my request.

T O begin plainly as we entende to proceed, we must first call to remembrance, what matter we have in hand and then with like plainness declare, what plain order we ent •… nde to take in discussyng of the same. Therefore omyttynge all colors of rhetor •… ke, and all impediments of painted speech, our pur pose is (to speak it at one breathe) utterly to overthrow the science of astrologie. Astrology (leste any man should doubt, because it is no English word) is said to be a knowledge, whereby the practicers of it say, that they can tell of all thing that are not come to pass, before they come to pass, by the course & mouyng of the stars, or else to describe it more plainly, is y ^t knowledge by which the prognosticatiōs be made, that tell of rain and fair weather, sickness and health, war & peace, plenty and dearthe, with such like: By which also they cast your natiuities, tell you •… our fortunes, pretend to give you knowledge of things that be lost: and last of all appoint you days and times good or evil, for all things that you have to do. As, for works of phisike, to let blood to take purgations, and all other medicins for other common matters, to sow, to plant, to journey by lande, to journey by water, to bye and sell, to marry, to begin any work, and finally to attempt any thing that men use commonly in their life to do. Our intent is therefore in this short Trea tise to persuade all such as he thereto being deceived by a false opinion of learning, have given credit unto them: that hereafter (if they see that all is not only vain, but also ungodly) they clean forsake them and their prophesy •… as things that let them to prosper well in their business and also hynder them to put their trust in God and his promises. For what confidence hath be in god or his word, that dare not take in hand any honest and ver •… ous affairs (in which God hath promised to aid and set forward all them that love him) except •… e must first ask counsel of a blind southsayer and Astrologiā? And let them not be offended though I call them blind, for according to the proverb, Who is so blind as, he that will not see? But perchance so •… me will say •… , that because I am blind and ignorant in so goodlye a science, therefore I 〈◊〉 dysprayse it. As towchynge that matter, they have no cause to say so, for be it spoken without diswoorshyp of any of them, and with smalle pride in myself, I know what the art is as well as they, and so much the rather do I condemn it, leste seeing the vanity and uncertainty thereof, I should be counted as they are, wylfully blind, and not seeing when their eyes be open.

Thus much for our entente, our order shall be such, as best may be perceived. For we will first speak •… against the whole knowledge generally, and thenne particularly against every member and parcel thereof. And because we will spend no paper in superfluous sentences, we must remember what was said in the former book, that it was impossible for any man to have any knowledge of thing •… to comme •… y the course of the stars. Wherevnto we will add for playnner •… nderstandynge this that followeth. As towchyng t •… mouynge and course of th •… he •… ens, because men may see th •… ym, they might also (as they have do •… ) by longe and dilygent observation find out a learning, that should •… each the truth of thē, but seeing the stars be all of one form or facion, y ^t is sphericall or round like a ball, 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 (although some be greatter then some also some higher then some) it cannot be, that a man beholding or looking upon them, should understand of what qualities or significations they are. As for the color of them (although to speak exquisitely by the rules of natural philosophy they have no color) is •… o like in moste (exceptynge the son and the moon) that in so smalle variety of colors, a man cannot discern so divers and many qualities. And not withstanding that they imagine the planette Saturn to be black or blue, and Mars to be red or fiery, they can if they were disposed (I mean the learned sort) give another reason of their color, nothing serving for the auauncement of their pretend •… knowledge. By this it is manifest, that by seeing, lookynge, or beholding the stars, no man can know what they signify, forasmuch as by the sight nothing can properly be perceived but color and fashion. Then what way is it possible, that a man should understand what those high bodies all of one color •… and fashion should betoken? Some will say peradventure, that as the course of the stars was found out by diligent observation, so likewise their sygnifications were learned by earneste markyng wha •… chanced always under every sign or planet. Howe untrue this is, we shall part lie now declare, and partly leave till we come to the particulars.

Fyrst therefore that their significations could not so be learned, it is manifest by this reason: That those things which chance or come to pass be infinite, that is innumerable to men, howe then could a certain number of men know or learn whether all those things came to effect as they had marked in a few? for although they had taken their observation in as ma ny as they could, yet were there many mo, yea ten thousand times as many which they knew not of, that might happen clean •… contrary to their devise. Dothe it not then plainly appear, that by observation no man could discern what those signs and heavenly bodies did forshew? Then if neither by beholding thē, nor yet by marking or obseruatiō of thē, it might be that man's wit could find out their signification: there remaineth no way howe to know them, but that fond fantasy of revelation by some spirit or aungelle. Which I have not without a cause before touched (although some would think that I ymagin that objection of myself) because that of some it is so objected, not only in words, but also in writynge.

Concernynge revelation we have some •… ynge said all ready, whereunto we will join this, that God use •… not by his mynysters to reveal any knowledge unto men, but such as is to his glory and their profit. Now what availeth it to God's glory, that mortal men should have understanding of all things that he purposeth to do, as who should say, he would have men as cunnynge as him self, or as though he should rule the world by their prognostications. And no profit can it be to men, to have such knowledge, which if it were true, (as it is moste •… alse) they were not able to preuente. If, God therefore doth not reueals any thing which is not to his glory, and the proufyte of his creatures, me think that vain objection is clean put out of the way. Lette this suffice for our purpose of inueyenge generally. Therefore proceed we to the particulars, which although there be as many as there be divers actions, yet we will entreat only of two •… sortes: the one of foreshewynge the states of things and times, that other of chusyng days and oportunyties. And to begin with that which seemeth chieffest among them, to prognosticate of war and peace, I marvel that men are so mad, as to look for war out of their predictions, knowing that the cause thereof proceedeth not of the stars, but of the devil, which alway labourethe to break the bonds of unity and concord, that should be among Christian men. And where doth he plant the cause thereof, but in the king, whose heart the scripture witnesseth, that as the divisions of waters, so is it in the lords hand, and whether he will, he moveth it. Seyng therefore that the king is not subject to the influence of the stars, neither is any thing that proceedeth from him, governed by them, and thenne consequentlye and necessarilye it folowethe, that all matters concerning the commune wealth, as war and peace, discord and rebellyon, laws, and such like, can neither be forshewen nor foreseen by Astrology: dearthe and plenty be caused by reason of seasonable weather, or unseasonable: Then if the stars have nothing to do with wether, they have less to do with plenty or scarcity, which ar caused thereby As for clouds whereof rain cometh, they are drawn up in thynne vapors, by the heat of the son, into the myddle region of the air, and there, by cold, are made gross, then by some winds they ar dissipated and driven abroad, or elles by some resolved and drop down. And this is the cause for the moste part, of rain & fair wether, so y ^e except the vncertayntie of the wynd may be known by the stars, rain and fair wether can never be foreshowed. But whereof cometh the wynd▪ I am sure they will not deny the Philosophers definition gathered out of the seconde book of his Meteors, which is, that the wind is an exhalation hot and dry, drawn up by the heat of the Son, and for the weight of it self falling down, is laterally or sydelonges carried about the earth. By this definition all power of signifying stars is clean excluded. And as towchynge the place from whens the wynd bloweth, the same philosopher doth also declare, that as it happeneth the matter thereof to be carried, so from that place it moveth. And here by the way where as I use the words of Happen and Chaunce, you must not take me, that I mean the thing should come by blind fortune or case: For I am of opinion, that nothing cometh to pass without a cause, but my meaning is, that by the causes and occasions thereof, so it came to effect. But to return into the way again, seeing the cause of the wind is not forsene by the stars, no more can the wether that is partly caused by it, nor yet the dearthe or plenty which chanceth by occasion of the weather, be by Astrology foreshowed. Then wi •… all those •… ut of your Prognostications, for what should they do there, of which it is impossible that you should prognosticate. Sycknesse and health depend upon divers causes, but nothing at all upon the course of the stars. for what way soever the stars run their race, if there be in the body abundance or defect, or from outward by corruption of the air infection it must needs be sick: and it none of these be, though all the stars in heaven with all their oppositions and evil tokens should meet in the house of sickness, yet the body should be whole, and in good health. But you will say, that those causes of sickness are wrought by the constellation of the stars. Well ones we have a good con fort of Hieremy the prophet, that those are not to be feared. And to answer this objection 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 I would have taken pains, 〈◊〉 that the moste parte of Astrologians ar by profession physicians, which if they be in deed as they profess, and have learning according to their degree (which I doubt not but they have) they know assuredly, that the causes of sycknes and health hang nothing upon mouyng of the celestial bodies. The more shame is it for them, if they stiffly and stoutely maintain and defend that which they know to be moste vain and false. But leave sycknesse and health to them that have chiefly to do with them, and comme to Natiuytyes or Fortune tellynges.

If I had not been myself seduced by such a vain credyte that I gave to the wrytyngs of Astrologians, I would never believe, that any man endued with common sense and reason, should have respect to castynge of Natiuityes, or Fortune tellynges. For what madness ys yt to think, that beeynge but twelve signs and seven planettes, every singular man hath of them his singular constellation. I confess that every singular man by the providence of God is guyded and preserved, but that every man that is borne hath his singular influence, it is to much incredyble. For I dare be bold to say (and if I were driven to it by good reason prove it) that at one instant or Nunc, there is sometime borne a king and a sclaue, a warryour and a cowarde, a wise man and a fool, a learned man, an unlearned person, a true man and a thief, a rich man and a poor, a Christian and a Pagan, a man and a beast. Howe thenne shall the Astrologian telle all these their Fortune, by one constellation? Furthermore what a strange matter is it, that one constellation should work to so sundry effects? as if an Astrologian had erected a figure for one man's natiuytie, a nother cometh to know of a thing lost, at the same instant, the third cometh to hear if a sick man shall die or recover, All these must have their answers shapen them out of one figure. But they will say perchance, that all these can not happen at ones, then let them answer me to this question: Is there but one kind of thing done in the whole world, or under one meridian at one instant or moment? And be allother idle for that time▪ As for example, when one stealeth, is there nothing done at that time but •… alynge: When a king is borne, is none borne el •… but kings? Or when a sclaue is brought forth, is thir none else that season brought forth but sclaues? Therefore if they cannot avoid the mischefe of this answer, let them be ashamed to practice anymore such vain predictions, yea let them be astayde to use telling of fortunes, lest they be counted in that point as ill as wicked Ma •… asses, of whom the scripture reporteth, that among other his sins he had also regard to soothsayenge and fortune tellynge. As for Consurynge, I will not charge them, because their predictions ar not so sure as they are wont to make.

But perchance they will say that all that I have yet said, either against their art generally, or against these particulars, y •… of no more strength then stubble or straw. Wherefore to shut up the gap, I entende to lay a great block in their way. And I shall desire, them when they make answer, (if they make any at all) that accor •… ynge to the proverb, They will not stoumble at a straw, and leap over a block. And the block that I will lay is of the heavy burden that the Lord by the prophere Esays 47. Chapter threateneth unto Babylon the inuentresse of this art, where h •… saith: Now let the heaven g •… sers and beholders of stars, the moon prophets come and deliver thee, yea and let them show thee, whan these things shall come upon thee: Behold, (saith he) they shall be as straw, which if it be kyndled with syre, no man may rydde it from the •… hamence of the flame.

Doo you not hear, O you Astrologians, that the prophets saith, that you can have no knowledge of things to came, as of war, syckenesse, dearthe, unseasonable weather, destruction, and such other, which he threateneth unto Babylon. For it is manyfests, that this phrase or manner of speaking, which the Prophet useth, Lette them show when these things shall come to pass, is a stronger •… gation or denial, thenne if in plain words he had said: They cannot show •… the •… , when these things shall comme to pass. Mark also what reward is promised to the vsers of this foreshewynge, that they shall be •… in God's wrath as straw •… kyndeled with syre.

But I leave this to their wysedom and discretion to consider, and will proce •… ede to the second kind of particulars, that is Elections or chusynges of days. And here have I nothing to do with Galeues ( 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ) for it is marvel if that it be not objected against me, but I begin with good days to let blood. And what is the cause of bloudde lettynge? surely I think either to dyminishe humors in the body, or else to abate heat, or at least some such cause in the body. which if it be urgent, will not stick to kill the body, without consideration of sign or planet, or else if it be not so vehement will hurt the body, without respect of good days or ill. Therefore seeing this abundance of blood will not tarie for good dais or ill, but will proceed to annoy the body: wherefor should the body tarry for good signs to be rydde of it? And likewise of purgations, what sort soever they be: If any thing be needful to be pourged, yt will not cease from annoyeng upon good days, and work his malice only upon tuyll days: but who so ever is troubled with any such thing, shall feel that his disease little regardeth the course of the stars, and he, if he be wise, will as little regard them in seeking for remedy. Who so should narrowly mark this gear, should find out among them grievous absurdities, but we entende to make but short work. Now therefore must we leap from phisike to husbandry.

Good days to sow and plant, I think be whan the earth is moderately moistened, and gentilly warmed with the heat of the son, which must bring up these seeds or plants nourished with humors, and pleasauntly resolved with the southweste wind, or other of like nature, As for the sign or constellation if the aforesaid lack shall never prosper or increase, the seeds sown or plants planted, nor endamage them, if these causes d •… o not sail, and although both mete together, it is as much help unto the sedes as it was ease for the Camel whenns the Flye leapt of from his back.

To journey by lande is good when so ever a man hath honest and necessary affairs, the better if the weather be fair, & the way clean, specially if he be a foot man. But he, that having urgent business will tarry until he have a good day, is worthy to come to late, or as they say, A day after the fair. For he that will not take hold of occasions hear that is before him, when she hath ones turned her back may clawe on her bare skulle, and find 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 never an hear to take hold of.

Good days to iourneye by water, are partly as they are to journey by lande, and also it is required, that they have a good 〈◊〉 and prosperous wind. With which i •… they begin their course, it is a great 〈◊〉 that they shall have good success. If any man having wind and weather, ty •… and tide convenient, will tarry for •… err or planette, sign, or constellation, 〈◊〉 leese those former opportunities, though he had all the favorable stars in heaven an his side, shall have a troublesome voyage.

Good days to bye and selle, be market days, and all other whensoever a man can get a good bargayne with honesty. I think but sewe merchants will leese their mart in waightyng for heavenly help from the stars.

Euyll days to bye and sell be holydais, and such times as men should be occupied in prayer, and hearing gods word. Ill places to bye and selle, be Churches, and other places appointed for prayer and preaching. Other days and places be indifferent, if the bargayns he good.

Good days to mary are all the days in the year of their nature, in as much as to do a good thing it is good at all times: The marriage it self taketh not effect (as these superstitious diuinours say) of the day or time but of the cause and circumstance in which it is contracted. For if those be naught, not Uenus nor Jupiter nor all the loving signs can make that marriage good: And if thou marry in the fear of God, though Mars and Saturn satte over thee, and though it were on the moste dismal day that ever Egyptian or Chaldean observed, thou shalt be sure of the Lord's blessing, which he promiseth to all them that in his fear and love entereth into that honorable estate. So much the more is their vnholsome harmony to be hissed out, that appoints certain days, in which if a man should marry, the parties should never agree or love one the other.

But I leave the rest until such time as I shall be driven to answer them, where if they keep not modesty, as I think I have done, I will yet utter more to the confusion of them, and their art.

But to close this parte of Elections as we did the other with a sure bar, wherewith God would bar the Israelites, in the, xviii. chapter of Deuteronomy, saying by Moses, Chere shall not be among you any choser of days or soothsayer. For those nations whithe the Lord casteth out before you among other abominations have regard to choosers of days, and sorcerers. Therefore if this seem not enough to keep out the Astrologians, but they will needs enter with their predictions and Elections, at the lease let all them that now even with their hands feel and handle the truth, hereafter suffer them, as they are false prophets, so to prophecy to them, which in the myddest of light and truth, will peruersely embrace falsehod error and darkness.

Imprinted at London by Henry Sutton dwelling in Pater noster row at the sign of the black Boy. The. 23. day of December. And are there to be sold.

Perused and allowed according to the Queens majesties injunctions.