he_o in_o former_a time_n a_o man_n who_o name_n be_v oenomaus_n famous_a among_o the_o grecian_n both_o for_o his_o singular_a eloquence_n and_o prosound_a philosophy_n who_o often_o deceive_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o delphine_n oracle_n with_o great_a curiosity_n gather_v together_o all_o the_o oracle_n he_o can_v glean_v and_o lay_v hand_n on_o and_o with_o exquisite_a knowledge_n and_o skill_n confute_v they_o as_o fallacious_a ridiculous_a and_o vain_a why_o the_o devil_n in_o foretell_v future_a thing_n so_o often_o err_v there_o be_v four_o reason_n why_o the_o devil_n in_o foretell_v future_a event_n so_o often_o and_o much_o mistake_n first_o they_o positive_o and_o peremptory_o affirm_v thing_n which_o have_v their_o sole_a dependence_n upon_o man_n free_a will_n which_o be_v both_o mutable_a and_o flexible_a unto_o all_o thing_n as_o real_o free_a do_v sometime_o operate_v after_o a_o certain_a extraordinary_a manner_n and_o again_o be_v other_o while_n divine_o inspire_v we_o do_v and_o act_v thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o we_o former_o have_v intend_v and_o by_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o imagination_n think_v expedient_a nay_o ofttimes_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o what_o the_o devil_n have_v foretell_v and_o determine_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v almighty_a god_n forbid_v and_o hinder_v it_o he_o can_v make_v it_o his_o desire_a catastrophe_n to_o conclude_v the_o supreme_a deity_n not_o unfrequent_o use_v to_o effect_v thing_n in_o a_o way_n different_z from_o the_o common_a course_n and_o ordinary_a providence_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o devil_n be_v very_o many_o time_n deceive_v and_o mistake_v and_o pray_v then_o what_o rational_a soul_n will_v believe_v astrologer_n infallible_o to_o speak_v truth_n when_o we_o see_v the_o devil_n himself_o can_v do_v it_o what_o do_v i_o thus_o trouble_v myself_o with_o this_o infernal_a fiend_n when_o the_o most_o learned_a divine_n and_o schoolman_n affirm_v that_o the_o beatify_v spirit_n and_o celestial_a intelligence_n who_o clear_o and_o face_n to_o face_n behold_v the_o divine_a essence_n know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o star_n and_o heaven_n and_o all_o other_o natural_a cause_n yet_o can_v prophesy_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o have_v their_o dependency_n upon_o man_n freewill_n unless_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o heavenly_a majesty_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o particular_a revelation_n thereof_o if_o it_o be_v not_o ridiculous_a to_o give_v more_o power_n to_o stargazing_a astrologer_n then_o beatify_v spirit_n and_o celestial_a intelligence_n i_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v call_v madness_n the_o truth_n and_o verity_n of_o christian_a religion_n can_v cohere_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o judicial_a astrology_n this_o discourse_n and_o argumentation_n questionless_a be_v most_o valid_a and_o convince_a if_o christian_a discipline_n and_o religion_n be_v exact_a perfect_a and_o true_a as_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v then_o of_o necessity_n must_v that_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a astrological_a science_n or_o prognostication_n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a as_o have_v be_v several_a time_n tax_v censure_v and_o condemn_v of_o vanity_n and_o falsity_n by_o that_o religion_n but_o if_o christian_a faith_n be_v false_a and_o deceitful_a which_o be_v spread_v in_o a_o manner_n over_o the_o superficies_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o have_v bring_v almost_o all_o nation_n under_o its_o sweet_a yoke_n and_o obedience_n and_o have_v now_o flourish_v and_o be_v resplendent_a these_o 1661._o year_n complete_a if_o all_o the_o action_n of_o mortal_a and_o humane_a creature_n proceed_v from_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n then_o must_v it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a study_n and_o propension_n which_o man_n have_v to_o embrace_v maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o law_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n must_v have_v its_o dependency_n upon_o some_o unresistible_a and_o most_o powerful_a constellation_n and_o therefore_o the_o heaven_n shall_v incline_v and_o induce_v man_n to_o evil_a for_o if_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v false_a questionless_a it_o will_v be_v more_o false_a and_o detestable_a than_o any_o other_o sect_n or_o opinion_n whatsoever_o for_o it_o teach_v inform_v and_o illuminate_v our_o soul_n concern_v god_n and_o divine_a affair_n which_o shall_v they_o be_v false_a will_v palliate_v and_o contain_v of_o necessity_n most_o damnable_a superstition_n and_o execrable_a impiety_n but_o see_v that_o that_o life_n which_o be_v square_v direct_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o modal_a frame_n and_o rule_v of_o christian_a faith_n deserve_v all_o praise_n and_o admiration_n hence_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o from_o the_o selfsame_a constellation_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a shall_v be_v produce_v bad_a in_o respect_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n its_o falsity_n and_o good_a for_o the_o admirableness_n and_o excellent_a perfection_n of_o that_o life_n which_o be_v direct_v and_o conformable_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o dictamen_fw-la in_o that_o doctrine_n add_v also_o that_o the_o great_a proof_n of_o our_o chrian_a faith_n be_v and_o the_o most_o perspicuous_a and_o clear_a argument_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o whatsoever_o have_v happen_v either_o concern_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n or_o his_o church_n all_o that_o i_o say_v whatsoever_o have_v many_o age_n since_o be_v predict_v and_o foretell_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n uniform_o exact_o distinct_o and_o most_o clear_o but_o if_o such_o a_o prediction_n can_v possible_o be_v make_v by_o astrology_n that_o most_o sound_a and_o firm_a foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v utter_o be_v shake_v total_o ruin_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o and_o infallible_o this_o doctrine_n of_o astrolological_a divination_n be_v not_o only_o destructive_a to_o moral_a philosophy_n but_o very_o even_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o all_o theology_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o its_o power_n for_o he_o who_o hold_v all_o the_o act_n and_o transaction_n of_o man_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o heaven_n the_o event_n chance_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v foresee_v foretell_v and_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o star_n or_o heaven_n this_o man_n must_v also_o without_o question_n think_v man_n soul_n to_o be_v mortal_a and_o material_a and_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o free_a will_n nor_o any_o such_o providence_n in_o almighty_a god_n as_o our_o faith_n teach_v we_o and_o also_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n have_v their_o dependence_n and_o be_v from_o the_o heaven_n and_o that_o all_o the_o miracle_n as_o well_o in_o the_o old_a as_o new_a testament_n although_o they_o have_v be_v ever_o esteem_v as_o indeed_o real_o they_o be_v supernatural_a must_v notwithstanding_o be_v reduce_v to_o celestial_a cause_n virtue_n and_o influence_n this_o dangerous_a opinion_n beget_v a_o more_o dangerous_a effect_n viz._n neglect_n and_o pretermission_n of_o good_a work_n a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n to_o all_o lust_n appetite_n and_o sensuality_n a_o excuse_v and_o palliate_v of_o all_o vice_n whatsoever_o tax_v both_o humane_a and_o divine_a law_n of_o severity_n and_o cruelty_n cajetan_n in_o his_o summula_n where_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o observation_n of_o star_n though_o not_o altogether_o in_o so_o eloquent_a and_o polite_a a_o phrase_n yet_o most_o pithy_o and_o true_o thus_o write_v the_o observation_n of_o star_n concern_v nativity_n of_o man_n and_o humane_a occurance_n may_v three_o way_n come_v into_o the_o compass_n of_o sin_n first_o if_o we_o reduce_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v mystery_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o that_o pass_n as_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o celestial_a cause_n and_o constellation_n second_o if_o we_o look_v after_o future_a contingent_n as_o thing_n certain_a by_o reason_n of_o celestial_a cause_n three_o if_o any_o one_o tie_v his_o election_n or_o intention_n so_o to_o the_o law_n and_o guidance_n of_o celestial_a influence_n that_o he_o regulate_v and_o conform_v his_o life_n and_o action_n according_a to_o the_o position_n of_o the_o heaven_n or_o influence_n thereof_o each_o of_o these_o three_o be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n first_o because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o spiritualness_n or_o spirituality_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o mount_v above_o the_o heaven_n and_o be_v of_o power_n to_o change_v the_o course_n and_o motion_n thereof_o according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o 148._o psalm_n the_o confession_n of_o he_o above_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v manifest_a by_o experience_n second_o because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o verity_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o free_a will_n whereby_o we_o become_v controler_n and_o master_n over_o all_o our_o action_n three_o it_o be_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a law_n and_o humane_a understanding_n whereby_o we_o be_v elevate_v and_o place_v above_o thing_n corporeal_a and_o as_o we_o shall_v much_o mistake_v and_o err_v to_o make_v ourselves_o subject_a to_o the_o passion_n of_o
which_o tickle_v their_o fancy_n man_n credulous_a and_o itch_a to_o hear_v novelty_n be_v much_o take_v with_o these_o chimaera_n and_o give_v confident_a belief_n to_o such_o foppery_n and_o many_o shallow_a and_o giddy_a brain_a fool_n be_v take_v with_o this_o vanity_n rather_o for_o lucre_n sake_n than_o truth_n among_o scholar_n there_o be_v a_o self-conceited_a pack_n who_o like_o nothing_o be_v it_o never_o so_o profitable_a and_o commodious_a that_o be_v familiar_o know_v to_o all_o man_n they_o common_o be_v haunt_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o rather_o than_o not_o be_v contentious_a and_o in_o opposition_n with_o the_o great_a master_n of_o wisdom_n they_o beat_v their_o brain_n to_o be_v deliver_v of_o strange_a novelty_n and_o incomprehensibility_n the_o height_n of_o the_o ambition_n of_o these_o opinionist_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v verity_n as_o to_o seem_v to_o the_o vulgar_a to_o know_v that_o which_o the_o able_a of_o philosopher_n confess_v they_o can_v never_o attain_v unto_o i_o will_v put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o discourse_n with_o a_o notable_a say_n of_o st._n ambrose_n in_o his_o four_o book_n of_o hexam_n c._n 4._o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o chaldean_n be_v right_o compare_v to_o the_o spider_n web_n in_o which_o if_o a_o fly_v chance_n to_o be_v entrap_v there_o be_v no_o evasion_n or_o enlargement_n but_o if_o a_o creature_n of_o validity_n and_o limb_n pass_v that_o way_n it_o dissipate_v and_o bear_v away_o all_o those_o slender_a machine_n and_o infirm_a and_o feeble_a gin_n such_o be_v the_o net_n and_o tackle_n of_o astrologer_n in_o which_o fool_n and_o weak_a judgement_n be_v entangle_v and_o captive_v but_o man_n of_o strong_a sense_n and_o reason_n pass_v by_o they_o without_o any_o retention_n or_o impediment_n thou_o therefore_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v when_o thou_o behold_v these_o feignment_n of_o astrologer_n tell_v they_o their_o frail_a gin_n and_o spider_n web_n have_v no_o power_n to_o ensnare_v thou_o unless_o like_o a_o feeble_a and_o silly_a fly_n through_o thy_o own_o imbecility_n thou_o suffer_v thyself_o to_o be_v entangle_v therein_o whereas_o a_o strong_a judgement_n like_o a_o sparrow_n or_o swift_a fly_a dove_n break_v through_o and_o carry_v all_o before_o it_o a_o argument_n against_o three_o fundamental_o of_o astrology_n judiciary_n the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o this_o art_n be_v either_o very_a weak_a and_o infirm_a or_o none_o at_o all_o then_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n so_o be_v the_o fabric_n raise_v and_o construct_v thereupon_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o gain_v any_o repute_n and_o credit_n among_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o capacity_n there_o first_o principle_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o star_n have_v all_o the_o same_o propriety_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o element_n they_o be_v partly_o cold_a and_o partly_o humid_a and_o dry_a if_o not_o formal_o at_o least_o virtual_o that_o be_v not_o in_o act_n but_o in_o effect_n if_o not_o by_o have_v the_o quality_n themselves_o yet_o by_o have_v the_o efficient_a faculty_n of_o those_o quality_n saturn_n by_o their_o opinion_n be_v too_o frigid_a the_o moon_n humid_a mars_n dry_a but_o this_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n confute_v reason_n thus_o if_o all_o the_o star_n be_v lucid_a and_o cast_v forth_o light_a they_o must_v be_v all_o hot_a and_o produce_v heat_n let_v we_o grant_v their_o adage_n that_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o star_n shine_v by_o a_o light_n borrow_v from_o the_o sun_n if_o then_o the_o reason_n and_o origin_n of_o the_o light_n and_o brightness_n of_o all_o the_o star_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o how_o then_o can_v the_o reason_n of_o act_v and_o operate_n by_o they_o be_v so_o discrepant_a unlike_a and_o different_a experience_n give_v this_o a_o check_n for_o when_o it_o be_v full_a moon_n and_o that_o planet_n most_o resplendent_a and_o replenish_v with_o light_n and_o lustre_n aristotle_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o night_n be_v warm_a than_o either_o before_o or_o after_o our_o stargazer_n beside_o this_o luminosity_n or_o light_n have_v discover_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o star_n strange_a power_n and_o virtue_n differ_v both_o from_o the_o light_n and_o jar_v among_o themselves_o yet_o cause_v of_o strange_a and_o wondrous_a effect_n and_o these_o to_o the_o great_a credit_n of_o the_o business_n they_o style_v influence_n a_o invention_n so_o modern_a and_o modish_a that_o the_o ancient_n and_o learned_a philosopher_n be_v never_o acquaint_v with_o any_o such_o nomenclation_n nay_o the_o astrologer_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o their_o write_n in_o ancient_a time_n be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o these_o nicety_n but_o this_o monster-influence_n beget_v by_o fortune-teller_n of_o a_o late_a brood_n nurse_v by_o their_o abettor_n and_o defend_v by_o their_o follower_n have_v at_o all_o time_n be_v hiss_v out_o of_o the_o school_n and_o academy_n of_o learning_n as_o spurious_a and_o abortive_a and_o one_o among_o the_o more_o accurate_a sort_n of_o philosopher_n call_v they_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o refuge_n of_o ignorance_n and_o fool_n paradise_n and_o to_o these_o prodigious_a influence_n the_o baffle_a astrologer_n betake_v himself_o as_o to_o his_o last_o lurk_v hole_n be_v a_o ambuscado_n to_o entrap_v simpleton_n and_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o their_o eye_n who_o be_v not_o ground_v in_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o this_o they_o do_v when_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o can_v show_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o wondrous_a effect_n of_o those_o thing_n call_v influence_n which_o if_o they_o be_v admit_v farewell_o all_o philosophy_n her_o glory_n be_v eclipse_v authority_n annihilate_v and_o her_o high_a esteem_n quite_o abolish_v what_o need_v great_a wit_n and_o eminent_a philosopher_n puzzle_v and_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v the_o occult_a and_o hide_a cause_n of_o thing_n if_o in_o a_o trice_n and_o as_o it_o be_v twinkle_v of_o a_o eye_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a influence_n the_o obstruse_a and_o hide_a secret_n of_o nature_n may_v so_o easy_o be_v attain_v unto_o ask_v by_o what_o undiscovered_a power_n the_o loadstone_n attract_v iron_n you_o shall_v not_o stay_v long_o for_o a_o answer_n for_o you_o shall_v quick_o hear_v a_o oracle_n tell_v you_o that_o its_o proper_a celestial_a influence_n have_v invest_v it_o with_o that_o virtue_n from_o whence_o have_v the_o little_a fish_n call_v remora_n such_o singular_a power_n as_o for_o to_o retard_v and_o stop_v a_o ship_n under_o sail_n in_o her_o full_a career_n and_o height_n of_o speed_n oh_o the_o proper_a celestial_a influence_n of_o that_o poor_a and_o silly_a fish_n have_v give_v it_o that_o power_n what_o need_v more_o to_o be_v say_v no_o problem_n nothing_o so_o reserve_v by_o nature_n from_o man_n knowledge_n nothing_o so_o full_a of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o philosopher_n have_v labour_v to_o discover_v but_o these_o ignorant_a pedant_n and_o vagabond_n gipsy_n will_v quick_o resolve_v and_o enode_n by_o tell_v you_o of_o the_o celestial_a influence_n but_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o to_o these_o youngster_n if_o saturn_n because_o he_o be_v lucid_a by_o his_o light_n produce_v heat_n how_o can_v the_o same_o by_o his_o influence_n produce_v cold_a be_v it_o not_o absurd_a that_o in_o the_o same_o star_n there_o shall_v be_v two_o contrary_a faculty_n the_o one_o of_o produce_v heat_n the_o other_o cold_a not_o only_o divers_a but_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a we_o see_v that_o nature_n have_v so_o provide_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n where_o there_o be_v two_o difference_n and_o propriety_n as_o philosopher_n say_v the_o one_o general_n which_o be_v common_a to_o one_o thing_n with_o many_o other_o the_o other_o special_a which_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o thing_n as_o in_o man_n to_o be_v know_v and_o rational_a so_o that_o the_o specifical_a and_o proper_a difference_n and_o propriety_n be_v more_o noble_a and_o perfect_a then_o the_o general_n as_o be_v that_o which_o do_v contract_n and_o determine_v it_o give_v it_o a_o reason_n and_o degree_n of_o new_a perfection_n as_o in_o the_o example_n of_o man_n it_o be_v more_o noble_a to_o be_v rational_a then_o to_o be_v know_v but_o this_o happen_v quite_o contrary_a in_o this_o strange_a doctrine_n of_o the_o astrologer_n for_o they_o teach_v for_o instance_n sake_n that_o in_o saturn_n there_o be_v two_o propriety_n or_o faculty_n of_o operate_a the_o one_o general_a and_o common_a to_o he_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o star_n which_o be_v a_o power_n of_o illuminate_v and_o by_o that_o illumination_n to_o produce_v heat_n another_o special_a and_o proper_a to_o saturn_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o he_o differ_v from_o other_o star_n which_o be_v a_o faculty_n of_o produce_v
little_a and_o little_o will_v wither_v away_o in_o no_o case_n therefore_o have_v recourse_n unto_o those_o man_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o curiosity_n of_o know_v future_a contingent_n how_o vain_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o astrologer_n can_v tell_v any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v choose_v chief_a bishop_n or_o pontifex_n this_o thing_n among_o many_o other_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o art_n astrologer_n for_o example_n will_v persuade_v some_o one_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v elect_v chief_a bishop_n but_o the_o promotion_n of_o any_o one_o to_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o honour_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o the_o party_n himself_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a person_n but_o upon_o the_o decree_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o whole_a conclave_n who_o charge_n it_o be_v to_o elect_v the_o chief_a bishop_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a suppose_v i_o affirm_v peter_n to_o be_v the_o man_n to_o know_v the_o constellation_n of_o his_o nativity_n but_o i_o must_v also_o know_v exact_o the_o constellation_n and_o position_n of_o the_o star_n in_o the_o several_a birth_n of_o all_o those_o who_o joint_a suffrage_n vote_v and_o elect_v peter_n to_o that_o high_a preferment_n if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o swetonius_n relate_v concern_v augustus_n that_o nigidius_n figulus_n a_o man_n eminent_a among_o the_o roman_n for_o his_o rare_a knowedge_n in_o astrology_n have_v take_v the_o hour_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o right_o consider_v the_o star_n predominant_a at_o his_o birth_n cry_v out_o aloud_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v now_o bear_v we_o must_v conclude_v that_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v by_o art_n and_o ground_v upon_o reason_n but_o casual_o and_o rash_o and_o that_o it_o be_v mere_a chance_n that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o he_o have_v foretell_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o augustus_n to_o that_o height_n of_o command_n and_o monarchy_n be_v effect_v by_o rise_v unto_o several_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o depend_v upon_o the_o favour_n study_n and_o procurement_n of_o many_o man_n so_o that_o to_o know_v and_o pronounce_v the_o advancement_n of_o augustus_n to_o so_o eminent_a a_o degree_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o empire_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o calculate_v the_o nativity_n of_o he_o alone_o for_o the_o star_n which_o be_v prevalent_a at_o his_o birth_n can_v not_o have_v power_n upon_o the_o nativity_n of_o other_o who_o be_v his_o abettor_n stickler_n and_o coadjutor_n to_o obtain_v the_o imperial_a diadem_n and_o dignity_n of_o who_o many_o be_v bear_v before_o and_o many_o several_a year_n after_o augustus_n that_o the_o art_n and_o science_n of_o astrology_n be_v none_o or_o not_o considerable_a the_o six_o reason_n every_o art_n and_o science_n be_v versant_a in_o thing_n which_o always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n fall_v out_o as_o that_o art_n teach_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o thing_n show_v by_o astrology_n very_o seldom_o &_o rare_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o she_o foretell_v as_o have_v no_o stable_n or_o ground_a foundation_n and_o therefore_o can_v constitute_v a_o formal_a art_n or_o science_n be_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a that_o astrological_a prediction_n be_v most_o common_o false_a and_o very_o seldom_o true_a and_o veridical_a it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o art_n or_o certain_a observation_n but_o be_v speak_v temerarious_o and_o at_o random_n for_o which_o cause_n phavorinus_n give_v we_o a_o caveat_n not_o to_o be_v over_o confide_v in_o chaldean_n though_o at_o some_o time_n by_o great_a chance_n they_o stumble_v upon_o a_o truth_n and_o verity_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o speak_v not_o thing_n certain_a define_v and_o know_v but_o fallible_a and_o ground_v only_o upon_o ambiguous_a conjecture_n and_o so_o betwixt_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n they_o steal_v hoodwinked_a along_o poco_fw-it poco_fw-it in_o a_o mist_n of_o obscurity_n and_o so_o try_v many_o conclusion_n by_o hap_n hazard_v and_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a they_o unknowing_o stumble_v upon_o a_o truth_n and_o sometime_o also_o by_o the_o credulity_n and_o information_n of_o those_o who_o come_v foolish_o to_o ask_v their_o counsel_n they_o seem_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o verity_n and_o this_o present_o cry_v they_o up_o to_o have_v knowledge_n in_o thing_n both_o past_a and_o future_a but_o such_o truth_n as_o they_o discover_v either_o hab_fw-mi nab_n or_o cover_v with_o the_o cloak_n of_o subtle_a knavery_n compare_v with_o their_o lie_n and_o falsity_n amount_v not_o to_o the_o thousand_o pan_n thereof_o cicero_n in_o his_o 2._o book_n of_o divination_n have_v these_o word_n what_o need_v we_o desire_v more_o the_o chaldean_n be_v daily_o confute_v how_o many_o thing_n have_v these_o chaldean_n tell_v pompey_n crassus_n and_o cesar_n himself_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v die_v in_o their_o own_o habitation_n age_a and_o full_a of_o year_n and_o in_o the_o very_a height_n and_o top_n of_o honour_n and_o renown_n it_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o that_o any_o man_n will_v follow_v and_o give_v credit_n to_o these_o fellow_n who_o prediction_n and_o prognostication_n which_o daily_a experience_n make_v manifest_a to_o be_v mere_a leasing_n and_o foppery_n seneca_n in_o a_o small_a pamphlet_n which_o he_o entitle_v ludus_fw-la in_o mortem_fw-la claudii_n caesaris_fw-la bring_v mercury_n upon_o the_o stage_n negotiate_v with_o the_o fatal_a sister_n the_o procurement_n of_o claudius_n his_o death_n and_o by_o the_o way_n to_o put_v a_o jeer_n and_o frump_n upon_o the_o chaldean_n among_o other_o his_o pathetical_a and_o rhetorical_a argument_n that_o astrologer_n may_v not_o always_o be_v tax_v with_o lie_a be_v please_v quoth_v mercury_n most_o dread_a and_o powerful_a lady_n that_o fortune-teller_n may_v sometime_o speak_v the_o truth_n who_o have_v so_o often_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o or_o that_o year_n this_o or_o the_o next_o month_n claudius_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v not_o the_o like_a do_v in_o these_o our_o present_a time_n do_v not_o our_o astrologer_n prognosticate_v the_o death_n of_o potentate_n as_o they_o find_v the_o people_n affection_n to_o wish_v their_o life_n prosperity_n and_o preservation_n or_o death_n overthrow_n and_o utter_a confusion_n st._n ambrose_n in_o his_o four_o book_n in_o hexem_n ch_n 7._o have_v these_o word_n some_o few_o day_n since_o when_o we_o fall_v into_o discourse_n how_o welcome_a and_o grateful_a rain_n will_v be_v one_o in_o the_o company_n make_v answer_v fear_v not_o neomenia_n will_v send_v some_o true_o though_o we_o wish_v for_o rain_n yet_o wish_v we_o not_o such_o affection_n verify_v for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o much_o please_v that_o no_o rain_n fall_v till_o we_o obtain_v it_o by_o the_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o hope_n and_o confidence_n be_v not_o to_o confide_v in_o change_n and_o moon_n but_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o providence_n and_o mercy_n of_o our_o most_o gracious_a and_o omnipotent_a creator_n by_o which_o the_o vanity_n of_o astrology_n be_v confute_v the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o power_n of_o religious_a and_o godly_a prayer_n make_v manifest_a the_o vanity_n and_o falsity_n of_o astrological_a prediction_n albumazar_n a_o prime_a ringleader_n of_o superstitious_a astrology_n or_o astrological_a superstition_n through_o the_o observation_n and_o precept_n of_o this_o art_n divine_v that_o christian_a religion_n shall_v continue_v only_o 1460._o year_n but_o the_o year_n which_o have_v elapsed-since_a that_o prediction_n prove_v the_o predictor_n a_o liar_n abraham_n a_o jew_n out_o of_o his_o astrological_a observation_n calculate_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v 1464._o after_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n because_o i_o know_v not_o what_o the_o same_o constellation_n and_o position_n of_o the_o star_n shall_v then_o happen_v and_o be_v as_o when_o moses_n bring_v the_o hebrew_n people_n out_o of_o egypt_n but_o how_o true_a this_o prediction_n be_v time_n have_v discover_v petrus_n de_fw-fr aliaco_n have_v leave_v record_v that_o the_o astrologer_n of_o that_o time_n when_o the_o general_a council_n of_o constance_n be_v call_v to_o extirpate_v and_o root_v out_o heresy_n and_o schism_n which_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v the_o church_n foretold_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v enjoy_v no_o tranquillity_n but_o the_o heaven_n threaten_v dissension_n and_o discord_n even_o to_o the_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_v of_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o by_o that_o very_a council_n that_o long_o continue_a and_o pernicious_a schism_n be_v extinguish_v and_o a_o settle_a peace_n and_o quietness_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o happy_a event_n so_o contrary_a to_o their_o vain_a prediction_n may_v have_v move_v honest_a peter_n
to_o shake_v hand_n and_o bid_v farewell_n to_o astrology_n especial_o see_v that_o he_o himself_o either_o delude_v by_o his_o own_o observation_n or_o circumvent_v and_o fool_v by_o other_o man_n be_v strike_v into_o a_o deadly_a fear_n lest_o that_o most_o damnable_a schism_n and_o horrid_a heresy_n shall_v be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o antichrist_n immediate_o to_o follow_v and_o ensue_v error_n of_o astrologer_n in_o chronology_n albumazar_n the_o grandfather_n of_o astrologer_n admire_v i_o wist_v not_o what_o revolution_n of_o saturn_n for_o he_o affirm_v that_o after_o saturn_n have_v perfect_v ten_o conversion_n or_o wheeling_n round_o of_o his_o orb_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o space_n of_o 300._o year_n that_o then_o some_o rare_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n will_v be_v effect_v for_o say_v he_o 300._o year_n after_o alexander_n arelasor_n the_o son_n of_o bell_n appear_v who_o vanquish_v and_o overcome_v the_o persian_n and_o 300._o year_n after_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n jesus_n the_o master_n and_o captain_n of_o the_o christian_n o_o intolerable_a and_o incredible_a ignorance_n in_o computation_n of_o time_n for_o neither_o be_v the_o son_n of_o bell_n live_v at_o that_o time_n which_o he_o set_v down_o and_o nominate_v neither_o do_v there_o intervene_v 600._o year_n betwixt_o alexander_n and_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o his_o most_o happy_a and_o bless_a nativity_n happen_v 320._o year_n after_o alexander_n decease_n which_o be_v another_o of_o albumazars_n feignment_n but_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n wonder_n at_o this_o mistake_n in_o albumazar_n since_o he_o will_v needs_o make_v ptolemy_n the_o mathematician_n to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o ptolemy_n who_o be_v king_n of_o egypt_n and_o reign_v after_o alexander_n whereas_o ptolemy_n the_o mathematician_n be_v never_o in_o all_o his_o life_n honour_v with_o such_o a_o stile_n nor_o do_v he_o ever_o king_n it_o but_o live_v under_o hadrian_n the_o emperor_n above_o 160._o year_n after_o the_o last_o of_o the_o egyptian_a ptolemy_n another_o grand_a vapour_n the_o astrologer_n make_v avouch_v that_o no_o mutation_n of_o law_n the_o birth_n of_o no_o famous_a prophet_n the_o conversion_n of_o no_o country_n how_o great_a soever_o nor_o any_o remarkable_a passage_n ever_o happen_v but_o that_o some_o great_a conjunction_n of_o planet_n especial_o that_o of_o jupiter_n and_o saturn_n antecede_v that_o conjunction_n say_v they_o begin_v at_o the_o world_n creation_n prognosticate_v the_o deluge_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n abraham_n and_o moses_n foretold_v the_o incarnation_n of_o mankind_n redeemer_n and_o point_n out_o the_o origin_n of_o mahomet_n but_o how_o scandalous_a lie_v commenticious_a and_o full_a of_o error_n these_o brag_n be_v shall_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o this_o argument_n peter_n de_fw-fr aliaco_fw-it over_o confident_a in_o these_o feignment_n and_o hug_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o conceit_n concern_v the_o concord_n of_o history_n and_o astrology_n to_o make_v good_a what_o have_v be_v relate_v lay_v this_o foundation_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o noah_n flood_n be_v 2242._o year_n from_o the_o flood_n to_o the_o birth_n and_o nativity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 3102._o have_v lay_v this_o groundwork_n he_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o whatsoever_o in_o this_o universe_n have_v fall_v out_o memorable_a and_o worthy_a of_o servation_n to_o have_v happen_v when_o some_o notorious_a constellation_n appear_v in_o the_o heaven_n but_o to_o confute_v this_o examine_v his_o computation_n of_o time_n which_o he_o make_v the_o basis_n whereon_o to_o ground_v his_o argument_n and_o assertion_n and_o if_o upon_o examination_n you_o find_v that_o most_o false_a and_o untrue_a then_o needs_o must_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v underpropt_v with_o so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n be_v erroneous_a &_o fallible_a but_o from_o the_o world_n first_o fabricate_a and_o adam_n creation_n and_o noah_n flood_n intercede_v not_o above_o 1656._o as_o be_v manifest_a by_o holy_a scripture_n be_v few_o year_n in_o number_n then_o his_o computation_n by_o 600._o and_o the_o constellation_n which_o they_o imagine_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o precede_v its_o creation_n 600._o year_n and_o the_o number_n of_o year_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v not_o full_o complete_a 2400._o year_n and_o therefore_o that_o conjunction_n of_o star_n can_v not_o appear_v till_o 684._o year_n after_o the_o flood_n the_o other_o grand_a position_n of_o star_n they_o will_v make_v you_o believe_v have_v its_o existence_n 942._o year_n after_o the_o immersion_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o 17._o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o abraham_n and_o yet_o the_o sacred_a text_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v 292._o year_n after_o the_o inundation_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n that_o constellation_n must_v exist_v 630._o year_n after_o abraham_n nativity_n they_o observe_v that_o the_o six_o great_a conjunction_n be_v 225._o year_n before_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o most_o absurd_o as_o rely_v upon_o the_o former_a principle_n and_o computation_n which_o be_v erroneous_a and_o false_a for_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o exact_a chronology_n that_o great_a conjunction_n shall_v have_v happen_v almost_o 500_o year_n after_o the_o quire_n of_o angelical_a spirit_n sing_v that_o sacred_a canticle_n glory_n to_o god_n on_o high_a etc._n etc._n to_o conclude_v that_o this_o our_o learned_a peter_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o christian_a chronography_n by_o this_o observation_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v he_o affirm_v that_o in_o the_o year_n 700._o after_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o which_o he_o say_v the_o seven_o great_a constellation_n fall_v out_o that_o that_o great_a scourge_n of_o christian_n the_o arian_n heresy_n shall_v breed_v distraction_n in_o the_o holy_a church_n and_o yet_o that_o heresy_n that_o most_o viperous_a heresy_n which_o have_v its_o origin_n about_o the_o 300._o year_n before_o the_o 600._o year_n be_v full_o crush_v and_o extinguish_v who_o be_v so_o half_o sight_v or_o purblind_a that_o will_v not_o see_v their_o prediction_n rely_v upon_o most_o lie_v and_o unperfect_a chronology_n to_o be_v most_o vain_a false_a and_o pernicious_a but_o to_o what_o purpose_n spend_v we_o our_o time_n to_o collect_v example_n of_o such_o frivolous_a prediction_n every_o history_n and_o age_n be_v so_o full_a of_o they_o for_o my_o part_n i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v the_o prediction_n of_o astrologer_n true_a concern_v future_a event_n although_o they_o happen_v sometime_o casual_o and_o by_o accident_n to_o be_v true_a and_o veracious_a by_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o even_o past_a number_n so_o perspicuous_o false_a and_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n themselves_o and_o event_n confute_v cato_n pleasant_o say_v that_o he_o wonder_v that_o one_o soothsayer_n laugh_v not_o at_o another_o by_o reason_n that_o very_o few_o of_o their_o presaging_n come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o any_o do_v it_o seem_v mere_o by_o chance_n what_o cato_n say_v of_o soothsayer_n the_o same_o may_v we_o of_o our_o astrologer_n for_o see_v we_o will_v not_o believe_v a_o know_v and_o common_a liar_n though_o he_o speak_v truth_n why_o shall_v we_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o astrologer_n for_o one_o true_a prediction_n who_o tell_v so_o many_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o verity_n and_o among_o so_o many_o false_a prediction_n it_o be_v better_a to_o believe_v one_o that_o may_v be_v true_a then_o by_o reason_n of_o one_o which_o may_v prove_v so_o by_o chance_n give_v credit_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n some_o will_v say_v astrologer_n now_o and_o then_o guess_v aright_o and_o predict_v thing_n which_o the_o event_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a but_o this_o ignorant_o rash_o and_o without_o judgement_n he_o who_o shoot_v all_o the_o day_n long_o may_v hit_v the_o mark_n we_o may_v just_o say_v of_o astrologer_n as_o be_v former_o say_v of_o apollo_n oracle_n such_o as_o happen_v true_a be_v record_v but_o those_o which_o prove_v false_a be_v lay_v aside_o and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n man_n who_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o oracle_n divulge_v and_o spread_v abroad_o the_o true_a one_o with_o great_a applause_n and_o specious_a encomium_n but_o the_o false_a one_o they_o hush_v up_o in_o silence_n those_o who_o contemn_v they_o all_o neither_o regard_v false_a ortrue_a the_o cause_n why_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o chaldean_n be_v reprove_v in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n shall_v be_v manifest_v astronomancy_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v explode_v and_o condemn_v by_o prudent_a and_o know_a man_n the_o seven_o reason_n if_o this_o divine_a astrology_n be_v true_a and_o certain_a it_o will_v appear_v without_o all_o doubt_n to_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o philosophy_n and_o
divine_a revelation_n disclose_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o good_a angel_n for_o sometime_o almighty_a god_n to_o bring_v thing_n to_o their_o allot_v end_n use_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o devil_n other_o time_n the_o same_o chapman_n will_v discover_v to_o man_n that_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v resolve_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o incomparable_a celerity_n of_o his_o motion_n he_o inform_v his_o friend_n in_o a_o trice_n and_o moment_n of_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o most_o remote_a region_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o more_o this_o cunning_a enemy_n of_o our_o hope_a for_o felicity_n from_o cabinet_n counsel_n private_a conference_n letter_n write_v in_o never_o so_o conceal_v and_o unknown_a cypher_n and_o character_n from_o private_a mark_n which_o be_v either_o interior_o inherent_a or_o exterior_o in_o man_n body_n by_o a_o too_o too_o vigilant_a and_o solicitous_a investigation_n will_v shrewd_o guess_v at_o and_o discover_v man_n occult_a and_o hide_a cogitation_n and_o inclining_n and_o those_o discover_v to_o his_o best_a belove_a favourite_n another_o way_n he_o go_v to_o work_v which_o be_v by_o the_o cause_n which_o necessary_o must_v concur_v to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n and_o last_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o extreme_a subtlety_n and_o diligence_n of_o his_o understanding_n his_o long_a experience_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n his_o great_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n in_o all_o natural_a thing_n he_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o strong_a advantage_n to_o search_v out_o and_o manifest_v future_a event_n the_o very_a thing_n of_o which_o we_o have_v now_o discourse_v be_v by_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n upon_o gen._n chap._n 7._o most_o exact_o and_o candy_o demonstrate_v and_o therefore_o i_o judge_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o set_v down_o his_o word_n concern_v fate_n and_o subtle_a quirk_n of_o the_o star_n and_o documental_a experiment_n draw_v as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o art_n of_o demonstrate_v or_o mathesis_n herself_o which_o they_o call_v apotelesme_n we_o utter_o reject_v as_o be_v incoherent_a and_o opposite_a to_o catholic_n and_o christian_a faith_n for_o by_o such_o like_a disputation_n the_o force_n and_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n be_v take_v away_o sin_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v correct_v bolster_v up_o the_o fault_n be_v rather_o lay_v upon_o god_n the_o author_n and_o creator_n of_o the_o star_n then_o upon_o sinful_a man_n wickedness_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v confess_v and_o say_v that_o when_o any_o truth_n or_o veracity_n be_v predict_v it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o occult_a and_o inperceptible_a instinct_n which_o our_o weak_a capacity_n unwitting_o entertain_v which_o since_o it_o be_v do_v to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v poor_a man_n into_o error_n questionless_a it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o work_n and_o operation_n of_o seduce_a spirit_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o know_v some_o certain_a truth_n concern_v temporal_a affair_n partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o strong_a acumen_n of_o their_o most_o subtle_a intellect_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o long_a and_o cunning_a experience_n proceed_v from_o the_o vast_a longitude_n and_o time_n of_o their_o be_v and_o continuance_n and_o last_o revelation_n from_o the_o holy_a angel_n be_v appoint_v so_o to_o do_v by_o their_o almighty_a creator_n who_o distribute_v and_o dispose_v humane_a merit_n according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o most_o secret_a and_o hide_a justice_n and_o sometime_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n '_o predict_v some_o thing_n which_o they_o themselves_o be_v resolve_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o way_n of_o pprophecy_n or_o divination_n and_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o avoid_v and_o fly_v this_o sort_n of_o mathematician_n or_o any_o other_o whosoever_o profess_v to_o tell_v fortune_n although_o sometime_o they_o tell_v the_o truth_n lest_o they_o entangle_v and_o ensuare_v their_o deceive_a soul_n by_o some_o clandestine_v and_o implicit_a contract_n with_o this_o grand_a enemy_n the_o devil_n thus_o st._n augustine_n how_o many_o several_a way_n and_o how_o grievous_o man_n sin_n who_o either_o make_v use_v of_o the_o devil_n or_o help_v of_o his_o servant_n the_o fortune-teller_n to_o know_v future_a thing_n man_n plunge_v himself_o in_o a_o gulf_n of_o sin_n whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o devil_n or_o astrologer_n the_o devil_n instrument_n or_o trapanner_n to_o dive_v into_o future_a contingent_n in_o this_o case_n many_o and_o several_a be_v the_o way_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n first_o when_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o astrologer_n his_o decoy_n to_o know_v future_a event_n confide_v that_o the_o devil_n for_o certain_a know_v whatsoever_o shall_v happen_v for_o see_v that_o it_o be_v only_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o high_a and_o divine_a majesty_n to_o know_v future_a contingent_n he_o who_o so_o impious_o attribute_n that_o knowledge_n to_o the_o devil_n fall_v into_o the_o horrid_a sin_n of_o impiety_n and_o idolatry_n and_o if_o it_o be_v account_v a_o sin_n to_o consociate_v and_o keep_v company_n with_o one_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o holy_a church_n how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o league_n drive_v bargain_n and_o make_v contract_n with_o the_o most_o malignant_a enemy_n of_o god_n church_n a_o blasphemer_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o most_o envious_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n who_o god_n himself_o have_v banish_v from_o the_o society_n both_o of_o man_n and_o angel_n unto_o the_o dark_a and_o hideous_a shade_n and_o infernal_a cloister_n and_o have_v inflict_v upon_o he_o eternal_a and_o everlasting_a plague_n and_o torment_n and_o will_v man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o take_v and_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o accurse_a fiend_n for_o his_o master_n friend_n and_o guide_v and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o enter_v into_o this_o devilish_a familiarity_n and_o combination_n run_v the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o lose_v his_o soul_n be_v lull_v asleep_o with_o the_o sweet_a incantation_n and_o sirenical_a allurement_n of_o these_o divine_a prognostication_n which_o the_o devil_n lay_v as_o a_o ambuscado_n to_o entrap_v and_o circumvent_v poor_a man_n he_o again_o high_o offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o consult_v with_o astrologer_n to_o know_v the_o secret_a and_o hide_a sin_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o last_o he_o be_v inexcusable_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o run_v after_o those_o miscreant_n the_o devil_n and_o astronomancer_n his_o disciple_n whereby_o to_o enable_v himself_o to_o perpetrate_v some_o horrid_a villainy_n and_o mischief_n these_o kind_n of_o astrologer_n be_v for_o most_o part_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o conversation_n these_o quack_n be_v imp_n of_o the_o devil_n familiar_n and_o comrade_n of_o satan_n for_o no_o better_a be_v our_o fortune-teller_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v first_o by_o the_o impurity_n of_o their_o life_n and_o brutishness_n of_o their_o conversation_n second_o by_o the_o contempt_n they_o have_v of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o practice_n of_o devotion_n three_o as_o owl_n they_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o shun_v the_o society_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n seldom_o appear_v in_o public_a but_o lurk_v in_o hole_n and_o private_a corner_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v any_o overseer_n of_o their_o exorbitant_a and_o unlawful_a proceed_n of_o who_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o not_o without_o cause_n the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n make_v a_o groat_n scruple_n and_o question_n and_o to_o conclude_v in_o spain_n and_o where_o the_o inquisition_n be_v in_o force_n many_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o fellow_n have_v be_v secure_v and_o put_v in_o durance_n and_o due_o examine_v by_o the_o learned_a judge_n of_o that_o court_n and_o tribunal_n have_v open_o confess_v their_o unchristianlike_a commerce_n and_o familiarity_n with_o the_o devil_n the_o second_o cause_n the_o second_o cause_n why_o astrologer_n sometime_o divine_a true_o happen_v through_o the_o occult_a and_o hide_a dispose_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o as_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o four_o and_o seven_o book_n of_o confession_n say_v do_v so_o agitate_v by_o a_o private_a and_o unperceptible_a instinct_n the_o blind_a and_o wicked_a mind_n of_o these_o diviner_n that_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o yet_o they_o tell_v to_o their_o client_n and_o customer_n such_o thing_n as_o either_o through_o their_o own_o demerit_n or_o out_o of_o the_o inscrutible_a abyss_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o high_a be_v most_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o hear_v of_o the_o use_n of_o cast_v lot_n among_o the_o ancient_n to_o discover_v future_a thing_n among_o the_o ancient_n be_v a_o solemn_a custom_n to_o select_v certain_a verse_n out_o of_o poet_n and_o roll_v they_o up_o as_o we_o see_v in_o lottery_n of_o our_o age_n or_o choose_v of_o
most_o set_v by_o and_o wish_v for_o by_o mankind_n first_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o worthy_a and_o excellency_n of_o the_o subject_n which_o it_o treat_v of_o to_o wit_n the_o heaven_n and_o star_n and_o then_o especial_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o event_n and_o casualty_n of_o man_n life_n and_o death_n beginning_n and_o end_v which_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v most_o curious_a to_o know_v but_o see_v that_o that_o doctrine_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v contemn_v and_o reject_v by_o the_o most_o eminent_a philosopher_n and_o many_o astrologer_n themselves_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n that_o the_o art_n of_o divine_a be_v account_v frivolous_a impertinent_a and_o void_a of_o all_o probability_n xenophon_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr sectis_fw-la socrat._v as_o eusebius_n relate_v lib._n 4._o of_o evangelical_n preparation_n have_v these_o word_n the_o cognition_n and_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n can_v be_v obtain_v by_o mortal_a industry_n neither_o be_v it_o please_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n nor_o possible_a to_o screw_v into_o those_o secret_n which_o his_o heavenly_a pleasure_n will_v have_v occult_a and_o mortal_n must_v not_o dive_v into_o pythagoras_n democritus_n and_o plato_n after_o long_a and_o wearisome_a journey_n come_v unto_o the_o persian_a magican_n the_o sage_n among_o the_o chaldean_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o egyptian_n from_o who_o they_o suck_v some_o thing_n more_o occult_a and_o obstruse_a concern_v mathematical_a discipline_n the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n but_o the_o art_n of_o divine_a they_n either_o altogether_o neglect_v or_o if_o they_o bring_v any_o smattering_n or_o fragment_n thereof_o they_o make_v no_o use_n of_o it_o as_o it_o may_v appear_v through_o the_o whole_a context_n of_o their_o write_n aristotle_n a_o man_n cry_v up_o in_o all_o university_n and_o school_n of_o literature_n a_o man_n most_o copious_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o he_o express_v in_o several_a of_o his_o book_n make_v no_o mention_n or_o speak_v the_o least_o word_n concern_v this_o kind_n of_o astrology_n when_o in_o his_o book_n of_o meteor_n and_o concern_v the_o part_n and_o generation_n of_o animal_n but_o especial_o in_o his_o book_n of_o problem_n he_o investigate_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o admirable_a and_o obscure_a thing_n to_o unriddle_v or_o enode_n any_o of_o the_o curious_a query_n he_o trouble_v not_o his_o brain_n or_o make_v any_o use_n at_o all_o of_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o astrology_n nay_o there_o be_v many_o parcel_n in_o his_o work_n which_o do_v altogether_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v this_o art_n of_o astrology_n as_o this_o for_o example_n of_o future_a contingent_n there_o be_v no_o certain_a or_o definite_a verity_n thing_n which_o chance_n and_o happen_v by_o accident_n can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o knowledge_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o fortune_n and_o casualty_n of_o humane_a affair_n which_o be_v not_o in_o man_n capacity_n the_o immediate_a proper_a particular_a and_o corruptible_a cause_n of_o particular_a and_o corruptible_a effect_n to_o have_v a_o perfect_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o these_o be_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o contemplate_v celestial_a and_o universal_a cause_n the_o heaven_n operate_v no_o otherwise_o upon_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sublunary_a then_o by_o motion_n and_o light_n neither_o do_v he_o approve_v the_o force_n or_o efficiency_n of_o any_o other_o star_n beside_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n quite_o contrary_n to_o astrological_a decretall_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o celestial_a sign_n and_o corporeal_a and_o sensible_a effect_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o hinder_v by_o other_o cause_n cicero_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n high_o commend_v eudoxus_n the_o most_o eminent_a man_n among_o the_o astrologer_n in_o the_o time_n of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n as_o also_o pinetius_n the_o stoic_a archilaus_n cassandra_n and_o saleyce_n halicar_n man_n applaud_v and_o renown_v among_o the_o astrologer_n for_o that_o they_o abandon_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o vain_a science_n of_o astrology_n avicenna_n who_o next_o after_o galen_n and_o hipocrates_n bear_v away_o the_o bell_n among_o physician_n advise_v to_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o astrologer_n in_o divination_n of_o future_a thing_n because_o they_o neither_o know_v the_o celestial_a point_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o inferior_a thing_n which_o not_o withstand_v be_v exact_o necessary_a to_o give_v a_o judgement_n of_o future_a event_n neither_o do_v they_o ground_n upon_o demonstration_n either_o probable_a rhetorical_a or_o poetical_a ptolemy_n who_o these_o man_n profess_v to_o follow_v as_o a_o grand_a master_n in_o their_o art_n in_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr judiciis_fw-la tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v upon_o necessity_n derive_v from_o supernatural_a cause_n that_o no_o other_o power_n can_v impede_fw-la or_o hinder_v their_o operation_n and_o in_o his_o treatise_n which_o be_v vulgar_o call_v centiloquium_fw-la a_o book_n of_o a_o hundred_o sentence_n the_o first_o sentence_n be_v this_o man_n only_o inspire_v by_o god_n can_v foretell_v future_a particular_n and_o his_o five_o sentence_n be_v a_o know_a man_n may_v prevent_v many_o effect_n of_o the_o star_n if_o he_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o they_o and_o dispose_v of_o himself_o before_o the_o event_n fall_v upon_o he_o from_o whence_o come_v the_o proverb_n a_o wise_a man_n shall_v command_v the_o star_n porphirius_fw-la in_o his_o book_n concern_v oracle_n confess_v that_o the_o exquisite_a knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n by_o gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n be_v not_o only_o incomprehensible_a to_o mortal_n but_o even_o to_o the_o god_n themselves_o and_o again_o in_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n he_o say_v that_o after_o he_o have_v spend_v and_o consume_v much_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o astrology_n he_o discover_v at_o last_o that_o no_o faith_n or_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o divination_n of_o astrologer_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o afterward_o both_o by_o word_n and_o writing_n he_o confute_v this_o vain_a art_n of_o divination_n as_o may_v appear_v to_o those_o who_o will_v read_v his_o book_n de_fw-fr fato_fw-la &_o providentiâ_fw-la but_o especial_o in_o that_o book_n where_o he_o dispute_v whether_o the_o star_n have_v any_o power_n or_o influence_n to_o produce_v such_o effect_n what_o sort_n of_o man_n delight_v in_o these_o astrological_a prediction_n who_o st._n ambrose_n compare_v to_o a_o spider_n web_n be_v this_o kind_n of_o astrology_n veridicall_a and_o infallible_a the_o convenience_n and_o commodity_n arise_v from_o thence_o will_v be_v hold_v in_o high_a esteem_n for_o by_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o monarch_n and_o potentate_n for_o the_o well_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o territory_n and_o principality_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o professor_n and_o master_n of_o this_o art_n will_v deserve_v immortal_a laurel_n and_o be_v advance_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n of_o the_o best_a govern_a republic_n but_o experience_n show_v the_o quite_o contrary_a for_o we_o see_v that_o by_o most_o strict_a and_o severe_a edict_n by_o decree_n and_o proclamation_n this_o unnecessary_a and_o vain_a art_n have_v be_v explode_v condemn_a and_o exile_v by_o many_o well_o deserve_a prince_n how_o oft_o be_v it_o banish_v rome_n with_o the_o astrologer_n and_o chaldean_n professor_n thereof_o by_o tiberius_n vitellius_n dioclesian_n constantine_n theodosius_n valentinian_n but_o especial_o by_o justinian_n by_o all_o who_o the_o study_n practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o this_o art_n be_v not_o only_o adjudge_v vain_a false_a and_o lie_v but_o also_o obnoxious_a and_o ruinous_a to_o city_n and_o society_n of_o man_n and_o in_o itself_o pestilent_a and_o detestable_a but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o conglomerate_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n or_o to_o use_v rhetorical_a circumlocution_n in_o a_o case_n so_o manifest_a i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n nay_o in_o all_o age_n sift_v they_o never_o so_o pure_o you_o shall_v not_o name_v a_o man_n the_o acumen_n of_o who_o wit_n surpass_v vulgar_a capacity_n who_o doctrine_n be_v admire_v who_o prudence_n in_o civil_a affair_n excel_v or_o who_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o eminent_a for_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n or_o admirable_a in_o any_o noble_a quality_n of_o the_o intellectual_a part_n but_o he_o vilify_v deride_v and_o account_v all_o the_o calculation_n of_o nativity_n and_o the_o vain_a prediction_n of_o astrologer_n as_o false_a ridiculous_a and_o to_o be_v explode_v from_o among_o christian_n and_o well_o order_v community_n true_o the_o vulgar_a who_o have_v ordinary_o dull_a and_o gross_a intellect_n apt_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n