contrariwise Astrologie dealeth with such things as are performed by Art and nature with the will of man indirectly and accidentally and his inclinations temperature and dispositions as also with his affections and body and with natural secondary causes and general accidents and contingencies but if men will contrary to the rules of Art undertake to go beyond it and abuse both the Art and themselves shall any one therefore conclude positively it is unlawful not efficacious or consistent with either reason or truth Sure thus to affirm is as simple in any man as for me to say Religion is Diabolical false frivolous inconsistent with reason and truth because there are heresies crept therein Schismes and Sects Wherefore I shall desire all to whom this my weake and small Treatise shall come that they would not so inconsiderately and rashly condemn what they understand not but first throughly weigh every particular argument and reason therein before a censure proceed from their lips yet I must be plain with thee I neither fear nor care for thy rash conclusions for since I know it will be acceptable to all impartial and judicious souls I shall rest content since no man living can please all people I shall be very glad if I have any whit been servicable to the Students herein to whom I wish all prosperity and could wish that all ingenious souls would apply themselves to the study thereof which they may lawfully and safely do for any hurt the antagonists thereof hath done it for I do with all my heart love all those that apply themselves to knowledge and my misfortune is so much the more increased that I am acquainted with so few of the students of this noble Art of Astrologie to whom as also to thy self I wish all happinesse and remaine Thy loving friend W. RAMESEY Die ☿ 4. Decembris 1650. The Contents of every Chapter and Section contained in this Treatise CHAP. I. IN Answer to his Distinctions Descriptions Observations and nature of Astrologie wherein he is taught what Astrologie is and his Distinctions and descriptions proved meerly erroneous and convinced as malicious ignorant and inconsistent with reason or honesty or to say sus sacerdos Page 1. Section I. Wherein is demonstrated and taught the definition of Astrologie p. 1. Section II. In answer to some cavils of Mr. Homes's wherein he denyeth Astrologie to be warranted by Scripture proved erronious and false p. 4. Section III. Proving Astrologie to be an Art p. 13. Section IV. Proving the lawfulnesse of Astrologie being not impugned by Scripture nor Councels but allowed of by the wisest and greatest of men p. 15. Section V. Demonstrating the antiquity of Astrologie p. 27. Section VI. Shewing Astrology to be the profitablest study revealed under the Sun to Mortals p. 29. CHAP. II. IN Answer to the opinions of the learned touching Astrologie wherein is further shewn the legality of Astrologie that the Stars are both signes and causes and that Mr. Homes his quoting the Fathers and learned is meerly fallacious and envious and no wise available to his intent and purpose p. 37. Section I. Wherein is farther shewn the legality of Astrologie p. 38. Section II. Wherein is shewn that the Stars are signes and causes p. 39. Section III. Wherein his Allegation against the ground of the Art is condemned and his bringing St. Austin and Galen against it proved fallacious injurious and malicious and how farre we ought to attribute to the power of the Stars p. 46. Section IV. Wherein Astrologie is defended against his Allegations from Mr. Perkins's words p. 54 Section V. Wherein his cavilling Mr. Briggs and others are convinced page 56. CHAP. III. WHerein his divine proofs against Astrologie are examined and confuted p. 59. Section I. Wherein his first Scripture proof viz. Deut. 18. verse 10. is convinced and cleared no wise condemn Astrologie p. 60. Section II. Wherein his second proof is refelled viz. Esay 2.6 p. 69. Section III. Wherein his third Text is convinced viz. Esay 44.25 p. 72. Section IIII. Wherein his fourth proof is refelled viz. Esay 47.12 13 14. p. 77. Section V. Wherein his fifth proof is proved weak as to his purpose viz. Ier. 10.2.3 p. 85. Section VI. Wherein his sixth poof is refelled viz. Dan. 2.1 2 3 4 5. p. 91. CHAP. IV. WHerein his reasons and arguments against Astrologie are particularly examined and condemned neither to consist with reason or truth p. 95. Section I. Wherein his first four-fold reason is convinced ibid. Section II. Wherein his objection touching the diversity of twins is refelled as also some other quirks against Astrologie examined and convinced p. 101. Section III. Wherein his indeavours to prove Astrologie of no truth or certainty as also it's rules and principles are themselves of lesse truth or ground nay and indeed sensless p. 113 Section IIII. Wherein he thinketh the ground of the Art wholly shaken and overthrown by affirming it meerly imaginary viz. the ninth and tenth sphear and in them the Zodiack therein proveth and sheweth his own ignorance the more apparently manifest p. 129. CHAP. V. Wherein the confutation of the objections that are brought for Astrologie are examined and refelled p. 130. LVX VERITATIS OR Christian judicial Astrology VINDICATED In Answer to Doctor Nathaniel Homes CHAP. I. In answer to his Distinctions Descriptions Observations and nature of Astrologie Wherein he is taught what Astrologie is and his Descriptions and Distinctions proved meerely erroneous and convinced as malicious ignorant and inconsistent with reason or honesty Or to say Sus sacerdos Section I. The Definition of Astrologie THat the Reader may the better judge of the controversie between Doctor Homes and my self I think best here before I enter upon any part of his discourse to set down what this Art of Judicial Astrologie is which I undertake to defend Ptolomie Lib. 1. Cap. 1. Of his Quadripartite defines it thus Astrologie is that Art joyning it with Astronomy as making no difference betweene them though Mr. Homes and other Adversaries thereunto do which teacheth by the motions Configurations and Influences of the Signes Starres and Coelestial Planets to judge and prognosticate of the natural effects and mutations to come in the Elements and inferiour and Elementary bodies And who so takes Astrologie to be any other thing is altogether ignorant of the Art or guilty of inveterate malice in traducing so noble and admirable a science esteemed and allowed of in all ages and that in great reverence and honour as well as the students thereof as in it's due place shall be made to appeare by the chiefest and noblest of the people Though Doctor Homes would faine perswade the vulgar and ignorant sort of people that it is a Doctrin of Devils unlawfull which shall in it's due place be made to appeare as also the rest of his weake arguments and cavils that they are meerely malicious ignorant weake and inconsistent with reason or the thing in question which that he
laugh when he should weep and sow when he should reap is unseasonable and maketh himself ridiculous according to that of the Poet Virgil. Multi ante occasum maia caepere sed istos Expectata seges vanis elusit aristis Wherefore if this be the true interpretation or signification of the word he must speak against that superstitious observation of times which the Heathen used and that superstitious people at this present do use the very same I may say to Mr Homes if he know any practitioner of the Art that maketh any superstitious use thereof let him be brought forth and condemned I 'le assure him he shall see me as ready to assist him therein and be as forward as himself But that it can be applyed against observing of such times as depend upon evident causes and reasons in nature which onely Astrologie prescribeth as abovesaid none but that man that hath no judgement can imagine Looke the 2 chapter of this Treatise where Astrologie is helpful o husbandry And you have heard before Ptolomy himself as well as St. Augustine and all the best learned Astrologers do absolutely neglect the superstitious and sortilegious elections of the Heathen wherefore the Reader seeth that this text were the interpretation admitted impugneth them nothing at all But in answer to Mr. Homes his expositors take the interpretation of the word Gnonan as the same Sir Christopher Heydon delivers it by Mr Edward Lively professour of the Hebrew in Cambridge to Queen Elizabeth being a man for his singular knowledge in all kind of good learning but especially in Divinity and the tongues of great estimation and authority in that University who was solicited by Sir Christopher Heydon to deliver his opinion and judgement of the Hebrew word because it was objected by Mr Chamber that Tremelius did interpret it planetarius wherefore for the Readers better satisfaction I have hear delivered it verbatim as that worthy Knight hath it I have looked in all the Hebrew Scripture wherein that word is used examining as well the judgements of the Hebrew Scoliastes in their Commentaries as also many of the best translations Caldee Greeke and Latine among whom for the signification of that word I find this general agreement that it signifieth an unlawfull and forbidden Art of Soothsaying or Juggling or Sorcery or Witchcraft but touching the certaine and speciall kind thereof there is such dissention and disagreement among them as thereby it may sufficiently appear the very proper and clear signification thereof in specie to be utterly unknown for Aben Ezra in his Commentary upon the 19. Chapter of Levit. ver 26. deriving it from the word Gnonan which signifieth a cloud understood those thereby who by the formes and movings of the clouds foretold things to come Avenarius from the same root understood Juglers which cast a cloudy mist before their eyes to cover and hide their deceitful slights R. Solomon on the same place referreth it to a word Gnonah which noteth time supposing such to be meant as took upon them to define times of good or bad luck for the doing of things others fetching it from the word Gnanath which signifieth to answer understood Soothsayers which being asked of secret matters answered according to their skill as by like reason barioli were so called quasi farioli a fando as some of the ancient learned have observed some from gnajin signifying an eye thought Juglers to be noted which do perstringere oculos that their legerdemaine may not easily be espied here is great diversity of opinions but none commeth to Tremelius his mind for a planetary or of Mr Homes his Arabrick versions which it seems he is loath or at least ashamed to nominate yet he might as well have wronged them as Moses who he saith bringeth five strong arguments against the Astrological Art when al the world cannot shew that in all those verses viz. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16. of the 18. of Deut. nor indeed in the whole chap. that Astrologie is so much as mentioned yet some for a Jugler have agreed with him which signification of this word even Tremelius himself retaineth in the 19. Chap. of Levit. ver 26. and in the 2. of Esay ver 6. and divers other places thereby shewing the vanity of his own planetarius for if it properly and truly signifieth Prestigiatorem in any place I dare boldly say that it signifieth Planetarium in no place I may here omit anotable place in the 57. chap. of Esay ver 3. where this word is taken for Witchcraft beni gnonenah Witches children So it is interprepreted in our Geneva translation so likewise expounded by the Hebrew Doctors on that place Jarchi and Chimchi so translated by Mr Calvine a man for understanding of the Scripture indued with an admirable gift of judgement filii veneficae which by Kimchy is proved to be true by this reason Yet Mr Homes affirmeth Kimchy maketh mention of attributing good to one time and bad to another that the word Gnonenah there used is for the foeminine gender pertaining to a Woman because women saith he for the most part are given to the practising of this devillish Art it were madness to thinke women should have given themselves to the study of Astrologie or Planetary aspects a thing never used in any Common-wealth that ever I heard of but for Witchery every where to be found in them rife and common Here therefore I end for this matter confidently affirming that neither Tremelius if he were alive nor Junius nor any for them can prove that Planetarius is the clear and sure signification of Gnonen in any place of Scripture Thus far Mr. Lively And I may conclude this point with Sir Christopher Heydons words next ensuing viz. Wherefore I do conclude that if that which is before spoken be indifferently considered there is no man able demonstratively to argue to the condemnation of Astrologie out of this text SECT II. Wherein his second proof is refelled viz. Esay 2.6 ANd if so or rather seeing it is so then I may with more confidence affirme his second passage of Scripture to be lesse materiall in all respects for the blindest of people may clearly see it doth no whit by his owne words nay and argument so much as either hint or mean Astrologie Esay 2.6 Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob because they are replenished from the East and are Soothsayers like the Philistims where is Astrologie in all this the text tels us God had forsaken his people because they were Soothsayers but as for their being Astrologers I see nothing mentioned is not this a pretty scare-crow thinking any passage of the Scripture enough to condemn Astrologie whether it speaketh of it or no what does he thinke Astrologie to be Soothsaying then he should prove it so and I will assure him I shall endeavour then to speake as much against it as he can but if it be
LVX VERITATIS OR CHRISTIAN JUDICIAL Astrology VINDICATED AND Demonology Confuted In Answer to NATH HOMES D.D. Wherein his allegations of the Learned Reasons Divine proofs and Arguments are particularly examined and convinced With the legality of the Art maintained and warranted by Scripture Whereunto is annexed a short Discourse of that Great Eclipse of the SUN March 29. 1652. By WILLIAM RAMESEY Gent. Student in Astrologie and Physick London Printed by J. B. for Nath. Brooke at the Angel in Cornhill 1651. To all wel-willers and lovers of ART Gentlemen IT is true I may looke for when I seriously consider my own insufficiency and lack of good utterance and a pleasing oratorious phrase many censures and be perplexed with doubts whether I have or no chosen the better part since most or the generality of men are carried away sooner with a pleasing and deluding tongue then truth delivered in an homely or mean stile especially since this most noble study that I undertake here to defend is so vulgarly traduced and commonly both ill spoken of which indeed at the first was some disheartning to my undertakings yet because my Antagonists Coat is such as that a word against Astrologie sheltred under it will by the vulgar be more heeded then an Oration from another and this noble Art in danger hereby to suffer most falsely an ill esteeme in their opinions for the well wishes I owe both to it the truth and all ye the students therein and lovers of learning whatsoever I thought good rather to incur the harsh censure of some then by my silence to give occasion to the ignorant and enemies thereof to vaunt themselves against it and truely notwithstanding all this I had not thus taken him up since neither he nor any one else can say ought against this science but what hath been formerly most fully answered Looke Pirovanu Goclenius Bellantius Maraseallettes and Sir Christoph Heydon but for the Readers satisfaction who perhaps would have concluded had no body undertaken to answer him he had been past answering I very much fear there are many most grosse faults and mistakes in this Treatise it being pen'd at that instant of time I was more perplexed and troubled then in all my life before my occasions being such that I had no time to study a better method or correct what hath escaped it being the fruits of what my weake Genius did produce in every house and place I came in in pursuance of my then occasions where I could happily meet with the least occasion Yet my hope is that in what I have been defective as I doubt not but your piercing judgements will soon discover you will both support supply and amend hoping also ye will accept of the will for the deed to whom I here Dedicate both my self and weak labours to serve you to my weak power W. RAMESEY Die ☿ 4. Decembris 1650. To the unpartiall READER Courteous Reader AS there is nothing more ridiculous amongst the learned then to conclude before a through understanding be in the matter in question and controversie so is there nothing more worthy or commendable in a man then to be patient and hear all nay and indeed both tales before judgement be given for the old saying is one tale is good till the other be heard and if this discourse be a thing beyond thy knowledge I should desire thee first Legere perlegere tunc judicare Read and read it over and over before thou judge This very same Art of Christian Judiciall Astrologie which I here defend being by the vulgar in general some few years since and also by some otherwise knowing and discreet condemned as Illegal Diabolical and indeed to be little better then Witchcraft I also as ignorant therein at that time as themselves concluded so too yet upon an cccasion one day I desired a Gentleman that was extream hot in words onely against it to do me the favour as to acquaint me with his knowledge of the unlawfulness thereof that so I might have some ground for my then ill conceit thereof as also to be better able to uphold my opinion but to be short I could get nothing of consequence out of him that could any wise prejudice the validity of the Art but onely he believed so and how could any man tell him any thing that he knew not himself without dealing with the Devil or being a Witch which me thoughts was so ill becoming a man of judgement and understanding to have no better reasons nor grounds for his high words that I was even ashamed I was of his opinion and therefore thought it much more commendable to be silent thereafter in such matters which I understood not then to condemn an Art onely with words and no sound argument Whereupon being very much desirous to be satisfied in the verity and legality of this most famous Art of ASTROLOGIE The Authors first inducement to the study of Astrologie which so many discreet Gentlemen would sometime ignorantly condemn I applied my self to the study thereof which after some expence of time and paines I found to be so apparently true and lawful that these flashes of my friends against it was quickly manifest to me proceeded meerly from ignorance and tradition Wherefore Reader that thou maist not in the least be mistaken herein as the antagonists and enemies thereof are to condemn the Arts legality for the abuse of the Artist who will out of vaine-glory and pride often undertake to predict impossible things I mean which this Art cannot reach unto and so for their simplicity abuse thereof give occasion to condemn that which of all studies is the most delectable comfortable true and lawfull not knowing indeed what it is they would condemn and so deceive both themselves and reader But that thou maist not herein be deceived I say I will here declare unto thee the whole power and subject of Astrologie The whole power subject of Astrologie and that first Negatively and next Affirmatively Negatively First that the Rules of Astrologie doth not meddle with vaine contingents or such as have an indifferent respect to the opposites as depending upon unknown or indeterminate causes which may happen one way or other Secondly mans will is not subject to the influence of the Stars neither hath Astrologie to do with it but accidentally so far as the soul with the faculties thereof follow the temperature of the body neither doth Astrologie meddle with the providence of God Astrologers most falsly impeached to be searchers of the secrets of God or shew a cause of miracles nor with the secrets of God for they are past finding out saith the Scripture Ergo Astrologers that are but men that contemplate natural causes are falsly and most scandalously abused when thus impeached And thirdly Astrologie or the influence of the Stars have no fatall necessity except some contingency be mixt therewith for this were to deny the providence of God But
may not be ignorant of as also for the better understanding of the Reader I doe here more plainly rehearse by way of Quere viz. First whether Astrologie or fore-telling or Prognosticating by the Starres be a lawfull Art free from all Diabolical practises and devices Secondly Whether Astrologie may not lawfully be studied and practised by the best of Gods people without offence in the least either to the law of God or man if they concur with the rules of the Scripture which is the full matter in controversie and to be in this following discourse discussed handled and cleered and if so then certainly the malicious ignorant condemners of this Noble and most profitable Art studied by mortals as in it's due place shall appeare ought to be severely punished and that with examplary infliction that posterity may take warning how they condemne what they are ignorant of and likewise be incouraged to apply their minds to the contemplation and knowledge of all Arts and Sciences especially this most heavenly and divine study of Astrologie or the language of the Stars Now you have heard the distinction of Astrologie the subject intended by it you may not onely see the causes which concur to the constitution of the nature of the Art but also the finall cause whereunto all the precepts of the Art are to be referred seeing then the knowledge of the effects of the Starres in the Elements and their bodies dependeth of the motions Configurations and Influences of the Coelestial bodies Astronomy and Astrology both are one Art Astronomy or Astrologie for by the learned there is made no distinction between them as severall Arts but generally conclude them as indeed they are one and the same Art is divided into two parts the first speculative or theorical which consisteth in the knowledge of the heavenly motions the other part is that which consisteth in the effects and properties of the former motions and without this viz Astrologie the other is meerly vaine and of no use or to none or little purpose the former viz. Astronomy furnisheth the Astrologer with matter and stuff wherein to exercise himselfe the other viz. Astrologie disposeth the matter and accordingly judgeth as the case doth require and therefore to be esteemed the more noble part of this Science SECT II. In answer to some cavels of Mr. Homes his wherein be denyeth Astrologie to be warranted by Scripture proved erroneous and false HAving thus painted forth the matter and forme of the thing intended to be insisted on I come now to shew you what Mr. Homes his utmost power and malice against it is and first his blind zeal begins to shew it self in perswading the Reader it is condemned by the Scripture and no wise thereby tollerated his words are It is no where allowed in the Scripture under the notion of Astrologie but every where spoken against as we shall see afterward and all that he can shew us and make us see is but six places of Scripture which is farre from being worthy of the Title of a generall condemnation when there is none but knowes the extent of the Scripture to consist of many halfe dozen Chapters nay of books Ergo not envy where condemned and those places neither but imagined by him to condemne Astrologie when indeed they serve no whit at all for his purpose as in it's due place shall be made appeare But he thinks these words to be of force enough to astonish and discomfort the ignorant from the study thereof and therefore as a warning peece or that his other windy reports may better take and be more heeded and beleeved he prefixeth this slanderous and most false and wicked saying and truly for his pollicy he is worthy applause for mistrusting his words should be little regarded he colours them with a preface as it were of Religion Astrologie allowed of by Scripture yet this will not keepe him from being ridiculous to the wiser and more learned sort of people But by the way is it every where condemned doth not the King and Prophet David say The heavens declare the glory of God Psal 19.1 and in another place The language of the Stars which is the signification of the word Astrologie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the language of the Stars and is it not allowed any where in Scripture under the notion of Astrologie Is heard over all the earth or the utmost parts thereof Psal 19.3 as if he had sayd there is no part free from the power of their Influences for their power hath a general extent over all Nations Kingdomes Countries Provinces and Languages I pray who can restraine the sweet influences of the Pleiades Job 38.31 And did not the Starres in their courses fight against Sisera Judg. 5.20 One of these places had been enough to have convinced him of great wickednesse in denying the Scripture doth any where allow of Astrologie for if he never read these places then he is wicked and no lesse then wilfully wicked to conclude what he understands not if he hath perused them then most malicious to speak against truth I may even as well say diabolically wicked Mr. Homes himself rather to be imputed a teacher of the Devils Doctrin then Astrologers and that he teacheth rather the Doctrin of Devils for the Devils Doctrin is falsehood and if he preacheth such gross lyes as these he is the Devils preacher and not Astrologers neither is Astrologie a Doctrin of Devils as shall be made clear to him before the closure of my discourse as he in his 160 page line 21. is pleased to terme it So then now I hope the Reader doth clearly see these his first words of his discourse to be meerly envyous slanderous and malicious or at the best most ignorant for it will puzzle all his braines and Mr. Raunces nay and all that dare or will take their parts to make any one of those passages of Scripture he brings to confute or condemne Astrologie to serve in the least for his turn as in it's due place shall be cleared Then saith Mr. Homes as other things that are naturall which are brought to countenance Astrologie are not tollerated by the Encyclopedia and general order and seales of all Arts and Sciences within their own spheres to be accounted Astrologie For instance First saith he Some urge that we know the tydes of the Sea by the state of ☽ and tempests by other Stars which I am confident Mr. Homes cannot denye but he will render himselfe more ridiculous then already which he indeavours to do thus these and of the like nature are properly handled in that part of natural Philosophie which we call Meteorologie and so likewise are all fiery Meteors Comets c. and so by consequence are made an integral part of Physicks for if you will say because of their external efficient cause viz. the Starres they are to be handled as a part of Astrologie by the same reason there will be left
no such Science as natural Philosophie because all inferiour bodies below the Moon as sayeth the great Philosopher Aristotle depend upon the superiour Celestial bodies of the heavens In all which he doth but shew his great mistake in the ground of Astrologie and his envy thereto for how can Mr. Homes prove this is a meer urging or an opinion of some that the ☽ is the cause of the ebbing and flowing of the Sea or that it is rather to be attributed to that part of natural Philosophie which is called Meteorologie and so consequently to be a part of Physicks when all the world knows that hath any experience or understanding in Astrology that he is as far from hitting the mark as if he had mist the Butt Wherefore for his better instruction for I see he is not so well verst in Astrology as he pretendeth or as one that is to condemne it should be I will make it appear to him that the ☽ is the absolute cause of the ebbing and flowing of the Sea and this is the opinion of all or most knowing and learned writers both in this Art and other Sciences and not onely so but it is so clear to all the learned that his great friend Picus Mirandula which was a stronger Champion or at least more knowing in the Art then he against Astrologie doth confess the ☽ to be the positive and sole cause thereof And thus The ☽ the cause of the ebbing and flowing of the Sea if he have any understanding in the Art as by his writing I must confesse as I but now sayed I see none let him take the true time of the Seas flowing first and then observe in what part of heaven the ☽ is accidentally placed by her violent diurne motion and he shall find it to flow till she come to an absolute □ aspect of the place she was in at it's first beginning to flow and then will continue ebbing till she come to the direct ☠or opposite place in the heavens c. Still let him observe exactly when she comes to the □ or ☠of the place of her first beginning and he shall never erre in this point this is sufficiently well known to the learned Practitioners and the sonnes of Art yet note that ☉ and other Starres may hasten hinder and alter the ☽ influence as he may see at ☌ and ☠of ☉ or the change and full in spring tides and neap tides at quarters and half quarters I would he had not been ignorant of this and then perhaps this being the beginning of his discourse he had not undertook to lay pen to Paper against this most heavenly most admirable and most contemplative delectable study and science of the Stars and Coelestial bodies So by this time he clearly sees how inconsiderate and rash this his sophistical and false argument is Secondly saith Mr. Homes others say that by Astrologie we know Eclipses and Changes of the Moon but we say Astronomy doth challenge this as belonging to it c. My answer is that I say what ever he telleth me others may or do say he cannot but know that those that say so are not versed therein and are as ignorant to apply or attribute this part of the practick viz. Astrologie to the Theoricall part viz. Astronomy as he is to make a distinction between the one and the other as two distinct Arts when Ptolomie whom the most learned follow in his book chap. 1. of his Quadripartite as above said defining Astrologie maketh no distinction between the one and the other but that the one is Theoricall the other Practicall And thirdly How doth he define by all his rabble the Art of Astrologie saith he If any one urge that Astrologie bandles of the qualities and effects of the stars we Reply that so doth Astronomie of their qualities namely of their light and colour and naturall Philosophie of their effects in watry ayrie and fiery meteors as much as to say Astrologie is no Science at all but will give its property to another study if this be not slanderous and malicious let the weakest in the world judge he might as well then all this while have called it Natural Philosophy as Astrologie and then he tels us if we admit of the Title Alsted gives to Astrologie viz. Astrologia planetaria or Planetary Astrologie and of Doctor Willets titles viz. Astromaney Genethliaca then saith he for conclusion by all observe that there is no place left for Astrologie by which he clearly renders himself the most malicious of all wretches to deny that Art which above 298. The learned and famous Sir Christopher Heydon recordeth them which you have verbatim by and by of the most wise men of all ages have studied and practised their names you shall have hereafter in its place both before and since Christs time whose antiquity may be derived from our first father Adam maintained by Princes and Kings reverenced by that greatest of worthies Alexander the Great and not condemned by any of the Fathers or the practice thereof prohibited by the Church farther then that they should not hereby be drawn from the study of Divinity as you shall see by and by Mr. Homes me thinks being a wise man should not write against and that in such a zealous manner a thing which is not in rerum natura or in posse as in his first Section of his tenth Chapter he studies to make Astrologie appear to what purpose then are all his arguments against Astrologie when he will not admit of any such thing in the world what doth he write against then and why doth he so much condemn the students thereof because he knows not the validity thereof because he knows not the rules and fundamentals thereof because indeed he is altogether ignorant of the same and let him not be angry I plainly tell him so plain dealing is best among friends for if he did he would have been so far from writing or speaking against it that he would have been more furious and hot with any one should have condemned it then I am with him for he that will speak against what he knoweth not and bring false scandalous and sophisticall arguments to maintain his opinion he I say would certainly terme that man no better then a fool or at the best a knave to write against what he knows and can also prove to be true but I will not be so hot with him But now that he may see his errour in offering to undertake to put men out of conceit with this heavenly study I will shew him here before I begin to answer his second Section in that which I have to say to it though this will sufficiently refel it First that Astrologie is an Art Secondly the lawfulness of it being not impugned by Scripture nor councels but allowed of by the wisest and greatest men Thirdly the antiquity of it Fourthly that it is the profitablest study under
If they follow their own opinions and conceits without sound reason and warrant I see no warrant or reason why I should regard either them their words or their quoters SECT I. Wherein is further shewn the legality of Astrologie HIs first learned man then he begins with is Tostatus who he saith in his Commentary on Levit 19. Quest 28 29 c. hath these words the which Doctor Willet gives him viz. Of things which are as to us accidental as the successe of businesse or their causes internal as mens will and free choice as to undertake a journey or to build or not build predictions are not onely uncertain but superstitious and the same is to be said of casting of Nativities by the conjunction of the Planets but if he had considered what reason or ground Tostatus hath for these words he had never thus laid them open and I much wonder he being a Divine he had not first himself considered and weighed the text which that he may now do Nunquam sera est ad bonos more 's via I will here set it down Regard not them that have familiar spirits neither seeke after Wizards to be defiled by them I am the Lord your God Levit. 19.31 where we clearly see there is no part of the text once in the least mentioneth or meaneth Astrologie it is against the seeking after those that have familiar Spirits and Wizards Looke what Astrologie is pag. 2. now that Astrologie doth not in the least savour hereof is clear in what hath been already said and the definition thereof see Ptolomies own words at the beginning of my discourse in the second page So that except the rest of his learned men as he calleth them can bring better proof or reason then this first he had better have been silent then thus to be overshot SECT II. Wherein is shewn that the Stars are signes and Causes HE then brings Doctor Willet to cast his squib also at this strong Tower viz. Astrologie in these words all manner of conjecturing which saith he is meant by Astrologie is not unlawful whereof any Natural or Divine cause can be yielded as first there be Natural signs in the heavens and ayre as of the alteration of weather of winds of raine c. This doth no whit hurt it and is onely a flash that at the most doth but whiz about it and at the last after a great crack vanisheth in smoke mark but the words all manner of conjecturing is not unlawful c. and saith Mr Homes see he calleth it meaning Astrologie but conjecturing onely but doth Mr Homes conjecture it to be no other if he do it is his ignorance I hope the reader sees by this time what Astrologie is and begins to be as much in love with it againe as ever before by him discouraged as also out of love with his cavils but this is not all when you see him stript of his Scripture proofs you will tell me something then when you see him as naked left as my naile of all his sophistications you will tell me then you are worse in love with him I 'm confident when his ugly malice is discovered against this most apparent truth But let me not forget my self and spend too much time about him but return to the discourse in hand which is that since there hath been already shewn that the Stars have the applause of power on the natural things of this world as also the great Ptolomie whose word in this case I believe wil be taken before Doctor Willets or Mr. Homes his gives his word for it Astrologie no way unlawfull besides experience also as above shewed and you know experientia docet there is no more to be said but that Astrologie is not as Doctor Willet sayeth unlawful neither doth he in any wise condemne it for in his following words he tels us There are natural signes in the heavens and aire which cause raine winde c. The cause of which is no other then the influence of the Stars which if he deny all Writers on this Art are contradicted as also the Scripture to boot if then this be not a strong Argument let himself judge But to clear this point more fully what sayeth Mr. Homes Nota. As anon shall appeare is the cause of Raine alteration of Aire and the like if his Master Doctor Willet did not in these words shew it me thinks he should not have left the Reader unsatisfied and not onely so but have proved the Stars to have no Influence thereon nor to be causes of these alterations and then his argument had been good but certainly he that wil carpe at such trivial words as these would not have omitted that could he but sufficiently have proved it which since he could not or did not he must give me leave to prove they are The Stars signes and causes And first let me give you Moses judgement herein who plainly tells us The Stars are for signes and seasons Gen. 1.14 which Mr. Homes will say is fullfilled in the words following viz. And God made two great lights the one to rule the Day and the other to rule the Night Gen. 1.16 To which then I answer by way of Quere to what end then are these invincible irresistable and innumerable hostes of Heaven were they made for no other use then to gaze on the ☉ and ☽ will sufficiently serve our turne for matter of light if we looke no further into their uses but the Scripture further putteth this matter quite out of doubt if we will beleeve Gods own word Joh 28.31 For he speaking of his Omnipotent power asketh his servant Job whether he or any one else Can restraine the influence of the Pleiades or loose the bands of Orion Saint Austine on Job On which words St. Austine referreth all men to the study of Astrologie for the understanding of that place and not onely so but shews us that under these two constellations the Lord doth comprehend the influence of all the Celestial host figuratively expressing pars pro toto and to shew you by experience the verity hereof if you wil neither beleeve Augustine Moses nor God himself except you see and feele not to insist long on this point which is cleared by such strong and invincible witnesses one whereof is able to be sufficient testimony against all Mr. Homes his learned Judges and condemners of Astrologie For confirming and clearing hereof then I might here again instance that palpable experience we have of the ebbing and flowing of the Sea by the influence of the ☽ as abovesaid but to manifest it yet further let him call to mind the increase and decrease of shel-fish the mutation and variation of times and innumerable other effects of the Stars which if time and conveniency would permit might be recorded and let him then study the cause hereof and he will then without doubt be of an other tenent let him observe also
when ♄ and ☉ is in □ or ☠or when ♂ and ♀ is in □ or ☠or ♃ and ☿ are so posited and let him tell me then what alterations they produce in the aire both by Raine Snow Wind Tempests Thundering and Lightning and the like according to their several positions the nature of signes and houses and mansions they are in which if he be not altogether ignorant of the Art he may dayly see these and the like effects are most vulgarly known by experience so that therefore he might even as well have confessed those signes he speaketh of to be the Stars and causes their influence since he doth not nor cannot shew me any other thing they are without wronging and slandering the Art and contradicting the most learned therein as also the Fathers St. Austine Moses nay and GOD himself and if this appears not then to all the judicious an apparant Doctrin of Devils Mr. Homes proved rather to be a teacher of the Doctrine of Devils then Astrologers let the meanest of capacities judge but who could indeed looke for better stuff in so vile a meane warehouse or that beast not to be a monster or at least to be shun'd as very obnoxious that hath HELL written in it's fore-head for the title of his Bell and Dragon which he hopeth shal devour Astrologie with other frivolous and indeed unlawful Arts like an unconscionable judge condemneth the good with the bad is DEMONOLOGIE OR THE DOCTRIN OR LANGUAGE OF DEVILS I say is not this most wickedly or else most ignorantly done of Mr. Homes to deny these effects and operations of the Starres abovesayed to proceed from the Stars and seeing it is so of necessity then must Mr. Homes's Clerks in this point faile who have so palpably the word of God against them he might as wel then have left out that other addition of Doctor Willets where he saith that the Stars have not the same influence in summer and in Winter Spring and Autumne and so consequently will conclude them First not to be signes contradicting Moses and the word of God Gen. 1.14 as abovesaid Secondly Nor causes quia ex unitate causae sequeretur similitudo effectus of the same cause there should follow the same effect but there followeth not the same effect from the same signes appeares by experience As much to say the Stars are neither causes nor signes because they produce not fruits in Winter as wel as in Summer or because they cause not Snow in Summer or Buds and Blossoms in Winter O rare cavil but since he is already by what is abovesaid confuted I shal here add nothing but this that since the question is whether they are causes and signes because that passage in the first of Gen. manifests they are signes I wil if he wil be convinced by the word of God here give him to know they are also causes I will heare the heavens and the heavens shall heare the earth and the earth the corne and the wine c. Hos 2.2 And in another place the increase of the earth is referred to the Influence of the Sun and the Moon Deut. 33.14 By all which we may clearly see unlesse blinded with malice and wilfulnesse that they are both signes and causes of all our earthly injoyments and happinesses Et si scriptura ipse deus nobiscum quis contra nos SECT III. Wherein his allegations against the ground of the Art is condemned and his bringing St. Augustine and Galen against it proved fallacious injurious and malicious and how far we ought to attribute to the power of the Stars SEeing then it is most clearly so that the Starres are signes and causes as above said what need these envious carpers or malicious gainsayers of the truth be heeded or regarded but let their perverse rags of paper perish with themselves not worthy the least remembrance and indeed had it not been rightly to inform the vulgar and to make them see that high language serveth not to condemn truth I had buried both them and their filthy rags in perpetual oblivion but I hope since they must be remembred it will be but for their disgrace not Chronicled for their worthinesse but perpetual infamy But this is not all he comes next to condemn Astrologie by Keckerman and that with as weak arguments as he did the rest Keckerman saith he a most learned Philosopher and Christian although he favours some things which men now a daies call part of Astrologie did not in all his two great Volumnes in fol. of Arts and Sciences set forth any Astrologie a wise story indeed because Keckerman writeth not of Astrologie therefore there is no such thing but if Keckerman hath not yet as wise and as learned and greater Philosophers have Looke the second Chapter of this Treatise Sect. 2. as if the being of Astrologie depended on his writing hereof or a whit farther from being an heavenly Science and a lawful Art because he omitteth it fine Logick and rare reason if rightly understood and the depth thereof throughly searched because Aristotle knew not the reason of the ebbing and flowing of the Sea therefore no body else doth neither is there such a thing in Nature and because Moses writeth not of the creation of Angels Ergo there is none O profound and invincible reason but it savoureth so little of reason that it is rather rime-Dogril Brains and Staires or hot and block I had almost said head that I might make at least sence thereof if neither rime nor reason But to proceed he saith he is sure he hath these words against it Manent tamen c. the Stars abide as of other sublunary effects so of effects in man the common and remote cause which many wayes may be hindered not only by the first cause God but also by particular causes partly in the Heavens partly in the Ayre and other Elements so that the Predictions of Astrologers are with ifs and ands c. which is as much to the purpose as comes just to nothing for first that God can alter the course of the Stars there is no Astrologer but will confesse but whether he will or no or ordinarily uses so to do is the question so that Mr Homes gets little by this querk since he affirmeth nothing that any Astrologer will deny But if Mr Keckerman maketh it not appear what particular causes hinder the effects of the Stars me thinks for the strength of his argument Mr Homes should have done it for it standeth not with any reason that subordinate causes as are the Ayre and other Elements should predominate or rule over the first moving causes viz. the Stars this the weakest capacity that understands the Art will affirme and you have but now heard that the effects of the Stars cause alteration and mutation of the Ayre as we also daily see by experience and therefore his assertion that the principles of Astrologie are not confirmed on true
the Earth and ☿ twenty two times how then shall these at any posture at one and the same time effect or signifie any thing to all the world it is the opinion indeed and with very much reason of all the Mathematitians and Astrologers that ever writ that these three Planets under the Sun are lesse then the earth See Ptolomy Albotegnius Alfraganus Tycho but amongst the most learned of them there is much dispute of the certaine magnitude thereof but how equivalent this querke is against Astrologie is wonderful A candle is not able to give light to a bowle or any thing as big as a peck because it is so much bigger then the candle when we know and commonly see that it will give light to a great spacious roome a thousand times bigger then it self a strong reason indeed we know and see that the influence of a Planet extends it self ten thousand times beyond its visible light to our sight but to come closer to the matter hath not the ☽ ☿ and ♀ their ⚹ □ △ dexter and sinister and ☠to all and every part or utmost parts of the heavens that are millions of times bigger then both them and the earth according to their several motions and hath not these aspects as much power and influence as a perpendicular ☌ and whereas he asketh what is the difference of natures in Twins when the superiour Planets are proportionably bigger then the Earth but sure he never read that part of Ptolomy which I before cited concerning the several significators in Twins which is the onely cause and reason that can be given for his frivolous quirke but as he questions to bring his bald arguments about so he answers his own questions in hopes to confirm them If saith he this is because of the swift externall violent motion of the Stars why then I againe demand how the Stars can have time to make any distinct impression by any particular influence on one borne especially on one who perhaps may lie in the mouth of the womb partly borne partly unborne for a quarter or half an hour or many hours when the motion of the Zodiack is 60 times 60 miles in an houre which is 60 miles compleat in one minute But to answer to this weake cavill I shall say no more but that though the Heavens be so swift yet in comparison of us it is not so much as an inch is to 10000 miles for we see by dayly experience that the ☉ who is also by the same violence contrary to his own natural course carried in like manner doth not as to us move at all in two or three hours for marke how small a thing in a Diall gives this 60. miles in a minute so that this doth no whit at all hinder the influence of the Starres if they should be hurried ten times swifter for this great course is in relation to the circumference of the heavens not of the earth besides we know that those signes that are of longer ascensions as are ♋ ♌ ♠♎ ♠♠are sometimes an hour and a halfe nay perhaps two hours ascending or in the first House and so consequently may be in any House And for his long continuance of the Infant in the mouth of the wombe this may somewhat refell but there is no Astrologer that will take that part of a birth or the beginning of the mothers travell to be the ground or Radix of the infants Nativity When the Radix of a nativity is properly to be taken but that instant in which He or Shee is perfectly seperated from the wombe and entred this elementary world since no man can properly call that a birth which is but half a expelled or but halfe perfected when also sometimes the Infant may draw back again So that these frivolous kind of cavillings is neither available nor indeed any thing in the least to the controversie in dispute yet Mr. Homes is willing to help Astrologers to answer these his feeble questions with far weaker expressions and to say the truth ignorance it selfe for saith he If Astrologers will plead and thing to helpe themselves herein from the slownesse of other motions of the Stars that are natural to them viz. that the fixed stars move with so slow a motion from North to South back againe as that their courses are not finished in lesse then 7000. yeares Now I would very faine know of any rational man how this answer of his in the behalfe of Astrologers is able to availe them a rush or himself in his purpose since they are also hurried with the like violence as aforesaid every 24. hours once about the earth but as all these his quirks are brought into his advantage as he thinks so the advantage he strives to gain hereby he may brag of as much as of the former for all this his gaine is but the opportunity of this question viz. How then can any age since the beginning of the world have experence what the conjunction of the Starres may produce This is a great Conquest indeed but how slender an Artist he herein renders himself let the judicious judge since it is most certain that these stars we call fixed move not at all Ergo are nominated fixed for they move unanimously together in their sphere which is about 7000. years finishing its course not the Stars but suppose they do move yet they move not by several motions as the one being flower or swifter then another for they are all alike distant each from other continually and if these come not to aspect nor ☌ of the Planets yet the Planets come to configuration with them as ♄ commeth in configuration of them once in 29. years some odd months and dayes ♃ in 12 years ♂ in three years ☉ in one year or twelve months ♀ and ☿ in the like time or there abouts the ☽ in 28 dayes and some odd hours I hope then this experience may be learned in a far shorter time then 7 or 8000 years and if the motions of the Planets are not exactly for ever calculated by Astronomers in former ages and that of late to our hands I would faine Mr. Homes would do them better and since these is so apparently and vulgarly known it is sufficient ground for any one to take the exact position of the heavens either in Twins births or any others without the error that these motions he speaketh of can cause which indeed is none at all Wherefore if these assertions of his be not weaker then all his former cavils as also most apparently inconsistent with what he would faine prove I leave to the learned and judicious herein to judge and hasten to his remaining cavils SECT III. Wherein his indeavours to prove Astrologie of no truth or certainty as also it's rules and principles are themselves of lesse truth or ground nay and indeed sensless HIs third Argument against Astrologie is to prove the Maximes Theorems Axiomes and Canons