§. 1. IT is an Excellent Rule, which the Learned Dr. Henry More gives us in his Mystery of Godliness, Lib. 9. cap. 4. p. 461. That Men should be so modest as not to think That utterly un-intelligible that Themselves for the present cannot apprehend; and believe that God imparted all knowledge to the World for Vse, and not for curious and vexatious Speculation.— And had my Learned Opponent but read, and well consider'd this Rule, He would scarce have given Me the Honour of this Literary Combat. Nay, had He either truly known Me, or but set so many Schemes upon various occasions, or seen so many different Genitures as I have done; I am confident He would have thought there had been no need of his inviting Me to this unhappy (and yet it may be useful) Contest.

§. 2. When I had once read this Learned Person's Piece which He calls Cometomantia, and well weighed the vast and various Learning, the quickness of Fancy, the commanding and flowing Eloquence of the Author; and at the same time reflected on My own Inabilities and want of Skill for the maintaining of such a Duel; I began to consider what I had Wrote that could justly provoke so great a Son of the Muses. 'Tis not usual for Lofty Eagles to catch at Silly Flies. And I am the more driven into admiration [Page 2] that this Gyant in Learning keeps himself behind the Curtain▪ concealing his Name, but yet defends Himself, and Book, with an Angel and Flaming Sword, as God was pleased to Guard the Tree of Life.

§. 3. I well knew that I never publish'd any thing to the World but with an upright Mind, and Intention to befriend it; and if My misfortune have been such as not to be plainly and charitably understood, yet I hoped never to have incur'd the Sensure of ob­truding Frauds upon it, as now, by this my unknown Antagonist, I am charged.

§. 4. Every Man has as good a Title to his Reputation, as to his Life or Fortune; and ought as carefully and zealously to se­cure it. And although my Antagonist be a Person of such Intel­lectuals, and Acquisitions, as may make a Mean Man more affraid than asham'd to take up his Gage; yet, finding my Credit and Veracity wounded, I resolved to give him the best Satisfaction I was able in my own defence; with an assured hope thereby of Healing up the Gash that He had unkindly given Me.

§. 5. This Task I also found incumbent upon Me for another Reason; For when I remembred that I had now been a Student in Astrology more than Thirty years, and had nearly as Many (as well as I was able) defended it; and knowing that Great is the Truth, and it must prevail, even against the most Towering Anta­gonist; I could not be easily brought to believe those things to be False, which by Experience I had so often proved otherwise: Espe­cially when I had taken nothing upon Trust, nor credited any thing because Ptolomy and Cardan said so, but because by a con­stant Experimental proof of their Doctrine, I found they had spoken True. Therefore it is that I esteem my self engag'd to give this Opponent, and the World together, (to which also He hath render'd Me accountable) as clear Satisfaction to these things I stand chargable with, as I am able: In the doing whereof, I hope to acquit my self of having broached or maintained either Paradoxes, or plain Falshoods under the specious pretence and Guarranty of Astrological Truths.

§. 6. As for this Learned Gentleman's impugning sundry of the main Principles of the Art, I hold not my self concern'd at all (unless Obiter) to make any reply; He directing himself there­in, [Page 3] not to Me in particular, but to Astrologers in General, of whom I am Minimus: and do therefore hope, if at least there be any need (a thing I question very much, the Art having been often and Learnedly defended already,) that some Person more worthy than my self (like another Sir Christopher Heyden) will step in, and ease Me of that Task, which I do not esteem to be my particular Province.

§. 7. In pag. 257. of Cometomantia, this Author is pleased to fall Foul upon the Doctrine of Genitures ( my DIANA indeed!) taxing it as liable to Fraud and Deceipt. In this He hath neither injur'd Me, nor the Truth; for there is no Science in the World that can boast of its being free from either: No, not▪ Divinity. But not thus content, He is pleased to fall roughly upon Me by Name, citing some passages out of my Collection of Genitures, which He thinks gratifies his humour and design in dealing with Me: but how justly, and with what fair shew of Reason, (will, I hope, by God's Blessing,) soon appear.

§. 8. This Doctrine of Genitures (by the way) is the most Noble, Worthy, and Delightful, of all the parts of Astrology; and hath in all Ages had many Great, Wise, and Learned Favourers and Defenders. And good Reason there is for it, since it is daily demonstrated, by fresh Experiences, to be True and certain, in the various Accidents and Fortunes (good Reader be not offen­ded at the word) attending on Humane Kind: I wish all the other Parts thereof, were as well and as truly understood.

§. 9. The Great Oracle of this present Age, (though lately Deceased, I wish I could not tell the News) The excellent Author of Religio Medici, hath given his suffrage for it; and on its behalf, thus Learnedly and Modestly Argues.— ‘We need not labour with so many Arguments to confute Judicial Astrology; for if there be a Truth therein, it doth not injure Divinity. If to be born under Mercury disposeth us to be Wity, under Jupiter to be Wealthy, I do not owe a Knee unto those, but unto the Merciful hand that hath order'd my indifferent and uncertain Nativity unto such benevolent Aspects.’ Rel. Med. Sect. 18. And, as if God had inspir'd this Excellent Man with one of his greatest Truths, the very par­ticular verity here impugned and contended against by my Anta­gonist; Sect. 23 He most truly and happily predicts, and that [Page 4] according to the Rules of Art, thus▪— ‘If there be any Truth in Astrology I may out-live a Jubilee, as yet I have not seen one Revolution of Saturn, nor has my Pulse beat thirty years.’ This ever to be admired Author was but twenty eight years Old when he wrote that curious piece of Learning. Yet, for an In­fallible proof of Astrology, and his excellent Skill therein, He lived unto almost Seventy years of Age, to the Honour of God, the Father of all good Arts, thereby affirming that Divine Axiome, That the Sun, Moon and Stars do constantly praise their Maker, and that even by the Science of Astrology; Even that Art, I say, which only teaches and instructs us how to understand their Influences.

§. 10. Nor is it hard for an able Astrologer to give an account of some, never, or at least, rarely failing Instances of the Truth of this Art, which the Aphorisms thereof (allowed by this my Lear­ned Opponent: and I thank him for that, for so far He is a Friend to what He opposes) do most plainly and liberally affirm and prove. I say, the Aphorisms allowed by my Antagonist: (For, He will not sure, own some part of the Centiloquium, and disallow the rest.) Which if He keep to, then hath He Warranted the Doctrine of Genitures, which He labours to confute; And as for its being liable to Fraud and Deceit, I will not refuse to grant him that, that being no Plea against its Verity; when He is pleased in p. 282. to concede, that both Law and Physick, yea, and Divinity too, are subject to the same Misfortunes.

§. 11. What if divers Astrologers happen to have different Opinions upon the same Horoscope? This doth no more annul or Destroy the Truth of the Doctrine of Genitures, then the several Judgements of sundry Lawyers upon the same Case, or Statute, does impugne or invalidate the Law. Bradshaw, Dorislaus▪ Cook, Harrison, &c. (those sad wretches) understood Bracton, Fleta, &c. all in a Republican sence, whereby our late Glorious Sovereign (with many of His Nobility, and other of His Faithful Subjects) was barbarously Murdered. But the Learned Forster, Mallet, Bridgeman, Palmer, Finch, &c. Interpreted them in favour of the King and Monarchy, by which means Rebellion hath been pu­nished, and the Church and State supported. Veritas est Vna, says; the Excellent and Reverend Bishop of Salisbury, in his Sermon at the Lord General Monk's Funeral; p. 3. And I will be bold (with [Page 5] that Reverend Prelate) to affirm▪— That Truth is but one; tho' the Pilates of the world may always be enquiring what it is.

§. 12. Theologers do also vary in their Commentaries and Expo­sitions on several places of Scripture; Raise several Doctrines of different Natures from the same Text: as was evident in the Lear­ned Stillingsteet's Sermon, called the Mischief of Seperation: and the Opposition he receiv'd to it from five several angry Antagonists. Nay, Curse ye Meroz, suffer'd the Rack in the late Rebellion, and was forc'd to speak in the behalf of Treason and Sedition; when we know it bears another Interpretation, and may be pleaded for the Honour and Safety of Government ▪ The truth whereof Mr. Hickringill hath prov'd both from the Pulpit and in Print; tho' since indeed he hath been Anomalous in some things, though the comfort is he doth not persist.

§. 13. If then it be so clear, plain, and Sun-like a Truth, that the Noblest and most useful Sciences, or Mysteries, are liable to Fraud and Deceipt (I will keep to this Learned Objectors words) and yet in themselves are not the worse or less serviceable to Mankind. Why should Astrology, and therein the Doctrine of Genitures, be rendred the less worthy or useful, or yet thought more cheaply of, for being liable to the same? Let the chaff be winnow'd from the Wheat, the Dross be seperated from the Oar, the good Wine from the Dregs, i. e. Purge and Refine Astrology as much as you will, or can; but have a care of destroying it. Promote no Bills of Exclusion against Legitimate and long Experienced Truths; least the Honour of him who guides Arcturus and his Sons, be thereby Eclipsed, and the native Glory and Influences of the Stars, by such Artifices come to be darkened Men may erre, the Stars can not; let not the Art suffer for the errour, or insufficiency of the Artist. 'Tis unreasonable, 'tis unjust.

§. 14. But, to be ingenious, I will confess that among the many things which I have published to the World, I may not possibly have performed all of them with an equal wariness: (Shew me that Author that ever did so!) and am very glad if at any time I meet with so much Civility from any Gentleman, Schollar or Artist, as to give me a kind and friendly notice thereof, that I might thereby be taught to avoid the like misfortune for the future. I am not Obstinate in Opinion; yet can, and dare struggle hard for [Page 6] a Truth. But am most certain, whatever it be in my Nature (by reason of Adams transgression) it is not in my Will to promote Error: and no Man can chuse his Temper or Complexion.

§. 15. I had Iupiter in Sagitary at my Birth, and the Moon in his Domal Dignities, in a benigne Sextile of Mercury; and Trine to the Lord of my Horoscope. And to the Honour of God, and Credit of Astrology, I can very justly say, that I abominate Fraud and Falshood both in my self and others; as those positions natu­rally incline. I Honour the Truths of God and Nature wherever I find them: and, methinks, when I meet therewith either in Man or Book, I can scarce forbear paying a respect, even to Adoration; the Image of God (in my Opinion) being there; and, Magna est veritas. And if at any time I have been so unhappy as unwarily to promote any thing that looks like Fraud or Deceipt, my Will not consenting thereunto, I own it a Fault to be repented of. It is cer­tainly a Crime to commit Fraud, or be guilty of Deceipt: but to teach others so to do, duplicates the Errour ▪

§. 16. But here, by the way, I must premise, That if in the Art I Study, there should happen to be any False Principles shuffled in, and inhabit among the many True Ones, and that I have un­wittingly imbibed any of them, not discovering them to be such; (for Truth hath its Counterfeits as well as Coin,) I hope I shall not therefore, by Men of Learning and Reason, be esteemed a wil­ful abettor to Errour and Falshood. For to suffer such Censure upon so poor and weak a ground, would conclude Costs and Dama­ges against all Writers in any Faculty whatever. What Science is there free from Errour? Or what Man dares to call himself a Master of Truth, or Perfection in any one Faculty? We are only Men, and must own St. Paul's Motto, Scimus ex parte. The fore­named excellent Prelate, in his admirable Sermon on the Mysteries of the Gospel, most truly tells us,— The Notions of Truth and Falshood lie more abstruse than those of Good and Evil, and Men are more apt to be deceived in their wit, than in their honesty. p. 14. And in p. 26. of the same Sermon, He most justly exclaims,— Even in Geometry and Arithmetick how many things are forcibly concluded to be true, which are inexplicable, un-immaginable, incom­prehensible. And again,— No Truths are so liable to mistakes and prejudice, as the professedly Mysterious. p. 14. ut aute.— In cu­rious [Page 7] Speculations it is very easy to Erre, and to be imposed upon: And of all Liberal Sciences, Astrology is the most Mysterious. It is called a Secret Art, although it be now so publickly Disputed, Pro­fessed.

§. 17. I was Condemn'd by my Stars (God so permitting it) to be an enquirer into Astrology: The Moon and Mercury were both Subterranean, and in Friendly Aspect at my Genesis; and as I have been convinc'd of any Errors in that Knotty and Difficult Science, I have abandon'd them, as may be seen in several Tract's which I have published to the World, viz. Britains Royal Star; Nuncius Astrologicus; Obsequium Rationabile; The Iust and Pious Scorpionist, &c. Nor shall I fail to follow the same course for the future; and as I discover any thing therein, really Rotten and Vnsound, will not be affraid or asham'd to own them, and make them known. But, I must assume the Liberty to tell the World, that what my Learned Opponent hath laid at my Door for an Error, I am so far from seeing, or knowing it to be such, that I doubt not (by God's assistance) to evince it the contrary, by plain and well grounded Experience, (for that is the Foundation whereon I chiefly build) and that to His and the Worlds Satisfaction.

§. 18. To come more closely to the matter, the Learned Ob­jector is pleased in the first place to Question our Principles; and thereby He thinks to disable Me for the Contest. If We poor silly Astrologers were such inconsiderable Brutes as He seems to make Vs, and altogether unable to answer for Our selves; yet, it is not fair for him to take away even a Poor Cripples feeble Crut­ches, and then to beat him with them. Contra Negantem Princi­pia, &c. Against him who denies Principles, who shall maintain a Disputation? Let Me assume the liberty of Questioning the nine Digits in Arithmetick, and I will soon be able to set all the Masters of that curious Art upon an almost un conquerable difficul­ty, how to make any reasonable Harmony with their Numbers. VVhereas by allowing them, of what excellent use are they found in Astronomy, Physick, Musick, Trigonometry, Trade, &c.— But as I have said before, I will leave the general cause of Astrology to be defended by some more Learned and Able Pen, and only concern my self to prove, that the very Principle upon which I am Impeached, is Firm and Good, and so far from being shaken or [Page 8] weakened, though briskly impleaded by the Antagonist, that it carries the Face of Truth in it, and ever will be found to do so.

The PRINCIPLE is this,

☞ §. 19. Cardinal Signs possessing all the Angles of a Nativity, renders the Native Famous and Notable in his Generation.

This is a Truth so Conspicuous, Great, and Undeniable, not on­ly in the Genitures of Men, but of Kingdoms, Cities, Castles, &c. and, in all the other parts of Astrology, the Cardinal Signs on Ang­les are ever of so Famous and Remarkable signification and import, that it stands in need of no other Proof, than the attestation of Antiquity, and the consent of Modern Astrologers. And thus it hath been proved before this Learned Opponent, or my self were born; and will remain a Truth, when We shall be no more.

§. 20. The year it self is govern'd by the Cardinal Signs, or Points of Heaven. The Moveable Feasts of the Church depend up­on the Equinoctium Vernum, the grand Cardinal Point of all. The Church begins its Year at or about the Vernal Equinox. Nay, God hath honoured the Cardinal Points of Heaven, by dispensing his greatest blessings and benefits unto the world under them; and thus in the time of the Law, as well as Gospel. The Iews Pascha, and their Feasts of Azymes, and Tabernacles were appointed to be Celebrated under Cardinal Signs. God sent his own dear Son (our Blessed Saviour) into the world, and permitted him to suffer on the Cross for our Sins, both under Cardinal Signs. The greatest Actions of the world depend upon Equinoctial and Solstitial Points, viz. Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn; and if instances of Mens Births may pass for proof (and I know no reason why they should not) I could produce a Multitude to confirm it.

§. 21. Now knowing it to be purely rational for us, from a con­stant experience of an Effect, to conclude the cause thereof Aphoristi­cally true; and that Ptolomy, and all other Astrologers have made their Aphorisms from a continued Observation of the Truths they contain, and so wrote Probatum's on them. From the same ground of Observation, I adventured in my Eighteenth Aphorism, Printed at the end of my Collectio Geniturarum, to assert,— That Cardinal Signs possessing the Angles of a Nativity, makes the Native [Page 9] (of any condition or capacity) most Eminent and Famous in his Generation; and to do such Acts, that after Ages shall admire.— Which said Aphorism, together with my illustration thereof, up­on the Geniture of that Immortal Arch bishop of Canterbury (as the Reverend Dr. Pierce justly stiles him) Printed in my foresaid Book of Genitures; is the presumed ground of my Adversary's dissatisfaction.

I shall therefore endeavour to support the Truth thereof,—

• 1. By sundry Authorities, and Reasons.
• 2. By Experience from 10 Notable Genitures, which Astrologi­cally do little less, than Demonstrate the Truth of it.

§. 22. First, by Authority. Cardinal Signs, as Cardan teaches, Sig. 5. Aphor. 129. are the grand Distinguishers, and Dividers of the several great parts of the World. Nay, we know the several prime Seasons of the Year are observ'd to receive their beginnings under the Cardinal Signs. And thus the Learned Childrey, (my late worthy Friend) Prebend of Salisbury hath truly termed ♑. Capricorne the conception of Vegitables, and ♈. Aries the birth of them. Iudag. Astrol. p 13. Sect. 26. And suitably we see ♋. Cancer to be the Perfection and Glory of them; and to ♎. Libra we most reasonably and justly attribute their decay. And this is of so constant, certain, and undoubted verity, that every Year gives us a fresh Demonstration thereof, and no man that hath his Sences serviceable unto him, will offer once to deny it. The Learned Vossius, who is willing to exclude Starry Influences, yet affirms, That the greatest motion of the Winds and Tides are observed about the Equinoxes, viz. the two principal Cardinal Signs. If then it be found reasonable to allow it the true office and business of Cardnal Signs, to Distinguish, Divide, and Declare, not only the Grand parts of the World, but likewise the most Emi­nent and Observable Seasons of the Year, viz. such as all the Crea­tion are affected with. Then, by an Argument, à Minori, They may most reasonably be pre-sumed to Distinguish, and Denote the most Active and Prodigious Persons, of any degree, when they shall be found posited on the Angles of their Genitures. But Ex­perience is a most constant and never failing- Evidence of this Truth, as shall be more fully shewn anon.

We might further confirm unto you the Truth of this Aphor­rism, [Page 11] or Argument by an Observation taken from the most com­mon and ordinary acting belonging even to Domestick Imploy­ments or House-keeping. 'Tis even become a Proverb, that of all Drink your March-Beer bears away the Bell. And why so? why should March have the Reputation? but because the Sun is then in the Equinox, i. e. the chiefest of the Cardinal Signs. And let it be observed, I pray you, whether the rest of the Cardinal Points be not also peculiarly influential in this matter; although not fully so much as Aries, yet much more then any of the other Eight Signs, termed By-corporeal, and Fixed.

§. 23. Nor is it thus in the grand Seasons of the Year only, which are marked out by the Suns progress through the Cardinal Signs; but in the peculiar Quarternions of the Moon also, as she passes the Equinoxes and Solstices: ever remembring, that as the Sun hath the greatest virtue in Aries, the Moon hath most power in Cancer. And of this Truth every good House-wife may frequently make tryal if she pleases, in Baking, Brewing, &c. For the Lunar Year (though it be a lesser,) is as compleat, as the Solar: and the Moon transiting the Cardinal Points in her Circuit, is as surely, though not so largely serviceable to the use and ne­cessities of Humane kind, as is the Sun. Let any one, for Ex­periment sake (it is not much trouble) make use of the same re­quisites, as at other times, either in Baking, Brewing, &c. when the ☽. Moon shall be in ♈. Aries, ♋. Cancer, ♎. Libra, or Capri­corn, ♑. and put those Signs on the Angles also, at the beginning of the Work: and, having used your ordinary honest endeavours, as when no such care is taken, then observe the Issue; and if you find a better effect, of your Labour, than at any other time when the Moon and Angles are not so related, I hope you will not refuse with me, to attribute somewhat to the Virtue and Do­minion of Cardinal Signs, beyond any of the other Eight. Let Me also remember that it is happily observed by a Learned Re­verend Author (of whom the World will receive e're long, a Ple­nary Account of the Influences of the Stars in the alteration of the Air, &c.) that the vigour of the Moon is most seen in the Tides, upon her Appulse to the Equinoxes and Tropicks. Which Obser­vations the Philosophical transactions happen to confirm: And the Learned Virtuosi know that it is no great Secret.

[Page 10]§. 24. But to make this more Conspicuous by Authority, let us call to mind what the Learned Ludovicus de Regiis affirms, Aphor. 24. that Equinoctia Signa & Tropica, &c. Equinoctial and Tropick Signs are the Horoscopes of the Kingdoms of the World, and those are principally subject to them, who at their beginning (or first possessing of them, by Conquest, or otherwise) had either of them Horoscopical. And why so? but because Kingdoms are the most Glorious Bodies or Constitutions of the World, as the Cardinal Signs are the chiefest, and most noted among the Twelve. How? Those Kingdoms who at their beginning had either of them Horosco­picals? Why, this over-reaches the matter in question, and more than proves what I have asserted. My Aphorism only affirms, Those Persons to be Eminent that had all the Angles of their Genitures possessed with Cardinal Signs. But this Author tells us, (and that truly too) That those Kingdoms are most subject to Cardinal Signs that had either of them Horoscopical. And Astrologers teach, that the Heavens Operate upon Men, Cities, and Kingdoms equally with respect to their Natures and Differences.

§. 25. Now if Kingdoms, &c. the most Eminent and noted Bodies of the World, are subject to Cardinal Signs, and naturally owned by them; 'Tis a natural Consequence, and follows with­out drawing or straining; that Men born under them according to the Limits of my Aphorism, must be most Famous and Notable, and not less than the wonder of the Age they live in, (with respect to the Sphere of their Activity) and Admiration of Posterity. Good Sir remember, I do not say that they must be most Famous for Actions of Honour and Virtue, only; There may be such that are, and have been as Famous for bad Deeds, as for good Ones: For Treachery, Murder, Perjury, &c. as for Prowess, Piety, Charity; for Burning of Cities, as well as for Building of them. And ma­ny Persons that have been, or are the grand Feavers of their Coun­treys, Companies, or Families; are, or have been as Famous as any that are, or have been the most Fortunate and Successful, in, and for their Support. Honour, and Preservation. Catiline will be as long liv'd in the Treasury of Fame, as Cicero: And Oliver Crom­well will be remembred as often as the Glorious Albemarl shall be mentioned.

[Page 12]§. 26. But we proceed with our Authorties; Cardan, Aphor. 6. Seg. 7. affirms, Quando Saturnus in Libra fuerit, & Jupiter in Cancro, tunc magna in mundo mutationes contingent. When Sa­turn shall be in Libra, anst Iupiter in Cancer, mighty changes and alterarions will happen in the World. And what is the reason? both Saturn and Iupiter are the Superiour Caelestial movers, and there­fore bear, or carry with them greater power and force, than any of the other Planetary Bodies, as having the largest Orbs to move in, consequently are endued with ability to Act and Per­form the greatest and most stupendious Changes and Alterations. They are the greatest Wheels in the Caelestial Clock-work, and all the lesser motions wait, and attend upon them. Moreover ♋. Cancer and ♎ Libra being Cardinal Signs, when those stately Superiour Planets are gotten therein, they inherit the greatest Authority and Energie which they can possibly reach unto, where­by to Operate upon Sublunaries; because in those very Signs they receive the Dominion of Exaltation. The more Potent any Man is, he is the better enabled to perform his Intentions, and that to the most Eminent, and Worthy, or unworthy purposes.

§. 27. The prudent Dassipodius assures us, Aphor. 79. That, Signa Equinoctialia sentiuntur Dominium habere super statum Le­gum, &c. The Equinoctial Signs have Power and Dominion upon the Constitutions of Laws, Religious Rights and Ceremonies, He­resies, Schisms, &c. What! can Cardinal Signs influence the Acti­ons and Affairs of Kingdoms, Societies, and Conventions of Men, either in Church or State? and shall we think them unable to In­fluence, or wing the Actions, Passions, and Inclinations of single Persons? What Man of Reason can be guilty of such a method of Reasoning, with hopes of credit or belief.

§. 28. Nay, the never to be enough commended Cardan af­firms for a Truth, Seg. 3. Aphor. 117. Cometae— In Cardinibus Regum Mortes, &c. That Comets (those Heavenly Flames and Torches) when ever they appear in Cardinal Signs, they betoken the Death of Emperours, Princes, Potentates, &c. Cardinal Signs you see, still do carry a Signal of Wonder and Amazement in them: as if indeed they were not designed by God to take cog­nizance of Mean or Ordinary persons or matters. Yet further, doth not the same Author teach us, that— Animae per cancrum descen­dunt, [Page 13] per Capricornum ascendunt. &c. Seg. 4. Aphor. 155. That the Spirits of Vegitables, and the most vigorous Actions of the World Descend, or lose their Energie by Cancer; and that they Rise, and recover fresh strength by Capricorn. And surely it is not for nothing that the Sun (the most Glorious Body of the World, the visible Deity, and Fountain of all vital Power) doth perambulate annually 23 Degrees and a half, towards the North, and as much again towards the South, while this his stately, and constant progress is bounded by the two Tropicks, Cancer and Ca­pricorn: when as we see, that according as is his Accession and Recession, to, and from those Famous Points, so we have the larger or lesser Portion of his Presence; our Days are longer or shorter; we have more or less Sunshine or Shaddow: and all Creatures are more or less Active, Brisk and Vigorous.

§. 29. Yet again; hear the same Author (for we have not done with Cardan yet) he tells us, that, — He who is born at Noon when the Sun enters the Vernal Equinox, will be Great and Famous without other Testimonies. Nor need we fear to believe him, since at such a time all the Angles of the Caelestial Figure will be adorn'd with Cardinal Signs. This is the most convincing Proof that can be of the Truth of the matter in Question: Car­dan asserts herethe very same thing, with me, in the Aphorism im­pugned by my Adversary, although it be in different words.

§. 30. The Noble Firmicus, as an admirable and close proof of the Argument in dispute, gives us the Natalitical Schemes, of sundry Famous Men, as Pindar, Archilocus, and Archimedes; all which have Cardinal Signs on the Angles of their Genitures. And let me modestly ask my Learned Opponent, whether all those Men have not been Famous in their Lives and Actions? And, if they have not been admired since their Deaths? and so shall re­main to all Posterity? — Here is some Authority the Adversary will say, and Probability perhaps; but where is the Proof? The Noble Firmicus.

§, 31. Add in the Genitures of Homer, Demosthenes, and Her­madorus (for which all Astrologers are Indebted to the same Firmi­cus) we find the Luminaries in Cardinal Signs: And Genethlia­cal Astrologers do esteem the Moon alone, plus quam dimidium Geniturae; the better half of the Nativity. Plato, indeed, that [Page 14] Excellent Philosopher, and as high in the Treasury of Fame as any of them, hath none of the Cardinal Signs on the Angles of his Nativity. (which I rather make mention of, to prevent its being hereafter objected to me) yet, nevertheless, Saturn, Lord of his Horoscope was in ♎. Libra, a Cardinal Equinoctial Sign, in △ to ♂▪ ♀▪ ☿ and the ☽ was in △ to them all, and from Active Aereal Signs; which are undoubted Arguments (as there placed) of an almost Immortal Fame. And this the more certain, Eminent, and durable, for ♄ Saturn his being posited in Libra, the place where­in he receives Exaltation.

§. 32. And though we plead for the excellency of Cardinal Signs above all others, yet, no Astrologers (that I know of) ever said that there might not be Men very Famous born into the world, without having Cardinal Signs on the Angles of their Genitures. For so to affirm, were to make Astrology purely to depend upon Arbitrary Principles; and would be nothing less than to betray the Interest of the whole Art for the sake of one particular A­phorism. A meer madness! And he that shall offer to hold, de­fend, or plead for such an Opinion, may be justly remitted ad Antyciras for a Cure. Astrologers have many other Arguments of Eminent Honour and Fame, and its Opposites, besides Cardinal Signs on Angles: as may be seen among the Aphoristical Authors of that Art, chiefly: which were it pertinent to my business in hand, I could with much ease produce. Albeit, it must not be for­gotten what we said just now, that even in Plato's Geniture, a Cardinal Sign is not meanly concern'd, but most eminently helps to Illustrate that great Man's Fame, viz. ♄. in ♎. and he posi­ted in that very Angle too, which represents Philosophy, Wisdom, Learning, Arts, &c. the true Cause of that excellent Man's great, and never-dying-Fame. Which very Position whispers into my Ear, a Secret worthy of further Examination of the honest and in­dustrious Genethliacaque, viz. A possibility of discovering the Terminus à quo, or place whence Fame, (with its reverse, Infamy) hath its Original. I commend it to him, and to his more curious and careful enquiry, it being no way proper for a Digression in this place.

§. 33. Any reasonable Man would think that our Aphorism here contended against were most happily and sufficiently suppor­ted by those Instances; and ought to be allowed to wear the Li­very [Page 15] and Character of Truth. And, unless it can be proved, that there have been Persons born into the World with Cardinal Signs on all the Angles of their Genitures, who having lived unto years of Maturity, and have not been Famous in their Genera­tion in one kind, i. e. for Honour or Dishonour; Vice or Virtue; Wealth or Poverty; Learning or great Ignorance; Courage or Cowardice; It must needs be conceded unto, that the Aphorism is Good and Valid; and the complaint brought against Me for using it, is Vnjust.

§. 34. Well, but what then? Admit the Aphorism to be good: yet my Adversary hath a further design in dealing with Me, than it may be I am aware of; and would fain render me guilty of sundry Repugnances, and Indicts me upon them: from which Charge, he supposes I cannot so easily free my self. For, (saith this my Antagonist) a person and his actions being once known, you pre­sently make some Star, House, Aspect or other, answer to his actions, and make Those, to be the certain Arguments of These.

This is the common Objection against Astrologers in general. And were it true in the Objectors sence, I should readily acknow­ledge it nothing less than gross Iugling, and the worst of Deceipts: and that such Practices cannot be too severely Censur'd.

§. 35. Now to give this Learned Opponent some satisfaction in this Point, and not deal with him as Eugenious Philalethes did by Doctor More, turn him off with a company of hot headed scur­rilous words: I will tell him, that Astrologers as aiming at Per­fection in their Studies (although they must be content to miss of so great a Bliss, with all of other faculties) when they hear of any stupendious and amazing accident that hath befallen any Man, they presently endeavour, (possibly) to procure such Persons Na­tivity, to try by their Art, what satisfaction may from thence be afforded, reasonably to own or countenance the same. In the do­ing whereof they neither injure the Truth, nor yet do wrong to any Man; but endeavour only to Infranchise the Rules of their Art. A thing so reasonable, and so far from Iugling or Deceipt, that it is the only way to bring the Obelisque to a Point.

§. 36. Doth tthe Learned Physician commit Errour, or practice Deceipt (when being put to it by the unexpected, uncouth Symp­toms, and Diagnosticks of a Disease, of which his Patient dies) [Page 16] when he shall give directions to Anatomize the Corps for discovery of the Latent, Mortal Obstruction, that bid defyance to his wor­thy prescriptions? No sure: no one will offer to discommend or censure such a proceeding; he endeavouring thereby no injury to the Dead Patient, but to add to his own Experience, and to prevent (if it may he) the like Fatal Dangers in others that are living, where the like Symptoms shall appear. And, I would modestly demand of my Learned Opponent, what doth an Astro­loger otherwise, when he endeavours to obtain and inspect Geni­tures after the Fact is over?

§. 37. But my Objector goes too far, and treads too severely upon the Heels, not only of Mine, but of all other Astrologers Reputations, when He with a kind of an assurance to himself, inculcates, that We are able to predict nothing truly, but when We have observed the Event. If this were true it were something, but I must crave leave to tell it this Learned Gentleman, that such practice is not Prae but Post-diction, and desire that if any Astrologers stand chargable with such Gulleries, they may be estee­med Mountebanks, not Physicians; Preachers, and not Priests.

§. 38. Yea, but He goes on, smiling, (as glad I perceive to think He hath gotten Me on the Hip,) and resolving to give Me the Cornish Hugg, says, Richard Cromwel his Nativity is one of the mea­nest and poorest that ever I say saith a Student in Art (my Name and Book being Quoted in the Margin) there is not one Planet Essen­tially Dignified. Cometom. p. 257.— These words indeed I own; but have no fair Title to the Sarcasm in which they come Appa­rel'd by the Antagonist. And for a just and modest reply, I must in honour of Astrologick Truth, and in defence of my self, together, be bold to affirm, that this instance of Richard Cromwel, is most un­justly, and disingeniously urged against me; unless he had been very certain I had prestigiated therein, which I am sure he is not, cannot be. For, it is sufficiently known to many Persons of Worth and Honour, yet Living, that what I publish'd of Richard Crom­well from his Geniture, was, not only my single Opinion, but the Judgement of all the Eminent Astrologers of those days in Point of Art, concerning him and his Horoscope: and this long before he was decently laid aside, to make room for Him whose Right it was. And longer still before I adventured to Publish the same, [Page 17] and that this was really so, I dare appeal to the Knowledge and Memories of the most Worthy and Learned Elias Ashmole Esq Dr. Francis Bernard, &c. Gentlemen excellently vers'd in the Genethliacal part of Astrology; who were of the same Judgement with Me, and possibly before Me too. Nay, the Honourable Sir Edward Dering Knight, being then beyond the Seas upon the Death of Oliver Cromwell, and his Knowledge of the meanness of Richard Cromwell's Stars, immediately encouraged the Kings Friends there in Person, and on this side the Seas by his Loyal Letters with this usual assurance, [...], insinuating His Majesty's happy Restauration; and particularly did he write thus to a Worthy Learned Divine, and a present Dignitory of the Church of England in the year 1658, a Copy of which Letter I have seen, and I believe can yet procure the Learned Antagonist a sight of it, if at least That would help to excuse Me from his un­kind charge, or satisfie him.

§. 39. Yet further, Mr. William Lilly (from whom I own to have had this Geniture,) was of the same Opinion with Me, and for the same Reasons too; although afterward he was unfortu­nately engaged to write in favour of this fortunately unfortu­nate Gentleman; even against his Judgement and Knowledge in Art. Sed, auri sacra fames. It may also be remembred, and that most truly,— That the difference between Mr. Lilly and my self had its original before the death of Oliver Cromwell: And from the commencement whereof I never had the least conversation with him: and therefore could not joyn in Judgement with him, or re­ceive any kindness from him, which could any way gratifie my Adversary, or countenance this his unjust Sarcasm of Me▪—That I knew nothing of this Gentlemans Destiny until I saw his Scene Acted.

§. 40. It is a wonder to me this Learned Antagonist did not say as much against me concerning the King of Sweden's Nativity (which I own to have had from a Copy that the aforesaid Hono­rable Sir Edward Dering procured in Germany, and sent into Eng­land, as he received it from the Learned Olearius, Mathematician to the Duke of Holstein, and hath done me the honour to shew me the very original Scheme under the said Olearius his hand. I mention this to satisfie the Learned Dr. More how I came by it, which he [Page 18] seemed to wish for, in his Reply to Mr. Butler.) And His Majesty of Denmarks also; both which I published to the World before Their Scenes were Acted. So that Astrologers are not always guilty of Post-diction in the room of Prediction. Prediction is as clear as the Astrological Day; but some there are who do in Solecaligare,

§. 41 But my Learned Opponent may answer me to these things, by allowing, that future Events may be predicted, but not to be attributed to Astrological Skill, as he doth, p. 235.— A pretty Musical distinction! The Astrologer predicts future accidents by his Art, but this must not be attributed to Astrological Skill. That is, in plain terms, the Astrologer knows nothing by his Art, or Qua­tenus an Astrologer. But how will this accord with what my An­tagonist allows, in p. 227. That the Stars do point out some Futuri­ties to us. Do they so? yes, they do indeed. And if so, why should not the knowledge thereof be refer'd to Astrological Skill? Nay, this Learned Adversary of mine, (for such he is, be he who he will) in p. 206. Agrees Astrology to be a part of natural Phi­losophy, which from the knowledge of Caelestial Bodies Prognosti­cateth of Events in the Sublimary Bodies here below; and conse­quently the Actions of Men, who are partly made of these, depend in some manner on their influences. And again, he acknowledges, in pag. 229. That,— When the Astrologer is rightly accomplish'd for his work, his Iudgement may prove successful. May it so? why then sure an Astrologer may predict some particulars, and yet not be thought a Prestigiator; or his Art a meer piece of Leiger-de-main. But how must he be accomplished right for his work? I will answer in the first words of the Centiloquium, à te, & à sci­entia, viz. When he is, not only a Book-learn'd man (though that I acknowledge is of excellent advantage) but also when he is born an Artist. 'Tis from thy self and Learning! Ptolomy prefers the accomplishment of Birth in the first place; then that of Breeding or Education. Both together do the Feat to purpose. Nay, my Antagonist (sure the fairest and most worthy Enemy, that ever any man met with!) in pag. 273. When he is pleading against Astrology, brings in the Holy Father St. Augustine to support it. This excellent Saint, willing to give Astrology its just due, (my Antagonist says) expresses himself thus,— In ille perspicuitate Cor­porum Caelestium non omnes omnino motus Animi latere. That it [Page 19] is possible to arrive to a notice of some motions and inclinations of the mind from the Astral influences of the Body.

§. 42. But this Learned Gentleman, as if affraid he had gran­ted me too much, is pleased to urge, p. 217. what no honest, or modest Astrologer will deny him, viz. That no man can be positive in foretelling future Events of the Stars. [I am sure then they can be foretold no way.] But now if he mean, that they cannot be foretold in Specie, I agree with him: but if he mean in Genere, that no kind of Events can be foretold; He then, not only op­poses his own Concessions, but contradicts St. Austin and the Truth together.

§. 43. None indeed but such as are Divinely inspired can predict the particular kinds of things; as Ptolomy most truly says, Gentil. Aph. 1. But what then? Nice particulars are not to be Predicted; Ergo, nothing can. Is this Logick?— Cannot an Astrologer, if he sees a direction impending in any man's Nativity, which of it self portends Death, Predict this by his Skill? and yet not be positive either to the precise time, or Distemper, &c. And, if he sees a King or Prince to have a Glorious Geniture, as the Illustri­ous Frederick the III. of Denmark had: Cannot He say, that this Prince (though he happen to be at present in great troubles) will not only recover Himself from His misfortunes, Add to the Glory of His Ancestors, and die peaceably possess'd of His Honour, and acquisitions? And this even by His Skill in Art, without op­posing Ptolomy]'s first Aphorism.

§. 44. I affirm it for a Truth, that more than 20 years before my late unfortunate troubles which befel me Anno 1679. I Prin­ted the cause of them in my Doctrine of Nativities, from my own Geniture. and that was Astrologically, my Medium Caeli ad □ ☉ by direction, falling on the twelfth Angle of my Nativity. Nay, I knew by my Skill, that it denoted the Frowns of Great Persons, Disfavour of Men in great place and Authority, Imprisonment, &c. But now, I must confess, I could not foresee the particular preju­dice I suffer'd: I might as well have pretended to praesage the par­ticular Prison I was to be confin'd to. I ever was, and I esteem it all mens Duty to be Obedient to the Lawful Establish'd Govern­ment both in Church and State; and was certain I neither would, nor indeed could (for it is not in my nature to) Act, speak, or [Page 20] commit any thing detrimental, or distasteful to either. I ow'd no Money, nor did I ever care to be in Debt. I am of a peaceable cheerful Temper and Disposition, not given to Quarrel; (and yet ♂ Mars was Lord of my Ascendent) was resolved not to do any thing that I knew might bring me into the Disfavour of my Prince, or His Councellors, &c. And yet, behold! how wonder­fully God is to be Magnified in his works? He would not alter the Caelestial clock work for my sake! But when my Direction touch'd, a malicious Varlet, scarce known to me, one that I had never con­vers'd withal in my life; and, another whom I never before saw to my knowledge: These came and swore High Treason against me, much to my amazement, more to my wrong: but to the cer­tain verification of the Truth of God by the Stars, so long by me foreseen and expected, though not in the same method it hap­pened.

§. 45. Sure this must be imputed to Astrological Skill. And yet we renounce the Opinion that maintains,— The first cause is tied to the Stars, God is not bound to his Creation, but his Creation to Him. Neither hath the Lord of all Mercy and Goodness bound us his Creatures inevitably to the Destinies. Gods Grace is of grea­ter influence than all the Planets united. For, had I forborn being concern'd at that time in some very innocent secular affairs, that I might have let alone; I had then not only prevented my own troubles by Ruling my Stars, but possibly saved the Souls of those Wretches that falsly swore against me; which without Repen­tance must needs be in a dangerous condition. But yet, we must not say, that because the influences of the Stars may be suspen­ded, or diverted, that therefore their natural order and influ­ence, as God hath pre-appointed to them, cannot be understood by Astrology.

§. 46. But these are Truths the Learned Antagonist had not the knowledge of. For had he been privy to, or acquainted with them, I fully perswade my self, that He would have Lessen'd, or it may be totally waved his Sarcasm against me concerning the Ge­niture of Richard Cromwell; For, I cannot believe he would have had me published the same while the Owner thereof was in the Saddle of Government, or yet in his Fathers time: That had been a pretty way indeed, to have gratified an Enemy with a proof of [Page 21] the Truth of Astrology, and have run the hazzard of Hanging for my civility. No! I bless God, I have no such Foolish or Dismal Stars in my Horoscope. Besides, I had read ingenious Cardan his Book de Astrol. Interog. where he teaches his Disciples more wit than that comes to, viz. Principi ne magnum Malum firmiter unquam praedixeris, &c. And that Gentleman was then (though never by me) esteemed a Prince, and own'd so by Addressers from most parts of the Nation.

§. 47. Having answer'd this concerning Mr. R. Cromwells Geni­ture, and I hope fully to my Adversaries satisfaction, I find ano­ther Knot for me to untie; another Load to disburthen my self of, and that is somewhat that I have Printed concerning Major General Lambert, which he is pleased to re-mind me of, Thus.— Major General Lambert began his March 1659. November 3. 10 th. 15! A. M. toward the North against General Monk. The position of the Heavens most sad, the ☽ was in a watry sign, therefore he had like to have been drown'd in Yorkshire, riding through a River towards his Army. The words I own, but not as they are reci­ted: for the Learned Opponent hath left the Marrow and Substance of my Words behind him. Therefore to satisfie him, and acquit my self of being culpable of any crime in this pretended Charge also, I will insert the reason of that my Labour, with the Story cavil'd against, together.

§. 48. The Experiment of Major General Lambert's March, being a great Ornament to the Doctrine of Elections, which is very nearly ally'd to Nativities (as the Penny is of the same Coin with the Shilling) both have the Impress of Starry Truth upon them: and therefore it was I thought fit to subjoyn it to that Gentlemans Geniture. Yet not to wrong Him, or to advance the Truth of Art by a Fraud; but to gratifie the ingenious Student in Art, with a Nativity and Election together: which my Learned Oponent (if he be one) ought to have thanked me for, and not requited my Pains and Civility with a Witty Droling Catachrestick.

My own Words, un-guelt, are These.

§. 49. This was the true positure of Heaven at what time Major General Lambert put his Foot in the Stirrup to March towards the [Page 22] North to meet the Valiant Lord General Monk, then advancing out of Scotland towards London: and a sad position it is, and exactly agrees with that Major General's success he had by that unfortunate un­dertaking. As the Moon was in a watry Sign, [in exact Conjunction of Saturn, the cruellest and unfortunatest of Planets.] (All which words are omitted) He had like to have been drown'd in Yorkshire riding through a River toward his Army; where his Horse left him to the mercy of the most merciless of Enemys, the Water, from whence he with much ado escaped.

§. 50. So that you see, it was none of my Judgement, nor did I say, that simply, because the ☽ was in a watry Sign, (as my Anta­gonist is pleas'd to make me speak,) but because She was in such a Sign in Conjunction of Saturn, &c. that render'd the Expedi­tion Infaelicitous and Dangerous.

§. 51. What strange Shifts and Slights will some Men use to put an affront upon Starry Influences, and to puzzle and confound the poor Astrologer? If we publish a Geniture, or an Election be­fore-hand, and praedict any thing that the Event shall fairly an­swer, then the Devil is our Assistant (say our Antagonists) and stands at our Elbow to help us. If we do it when the Person is Dead, or the thing design'd is over; then (say they) we put Frauds and Deceipts upon the World; being soon able to make some Star, House, Aspect or other, answer to the Action, and make Those to be certain arguments of These. Thus is the Poor Astrolo­ger treated for all his Pains!

§. 52. After this manner of dealing, how shall I expect to Fare hereafter, if it shall please God to lengthen my Life so far, as to Methodize some of my many Hundreds, or (it may be) Thousands of Experiments of several kinds, which I have faithfully made, and with great Labour and Industry accumulated in my long time of Study? In vain have I visited Goals and Hospitals, and used all other just and proper ways, to gain and heap up Experiments in Art; if after all, I must hope to be no better dealt with, for those my many years careful and painful endeavours after Truth?— If this be all the Portion the Poor Artist must expect, all the Reward he shall meet with; He that Studies the Stars is the most unhappy Person in the World.

[Page 23]§. 53. Can my Learned Adversary believe all those great and voluminous Treatises which have been wrote by the Sages of Science, to be only the works of Knaves and Mad Men. Cardan, Gauricus, Iunctine, Goclenius, Camerarius, Argelus, Rothmannus, Orguinus, Hassurtus, and of late the Learned Mormus, cum mul­tis aliis, &c. All your Learned Labours are meer Trifles; of nouse at all; meer pieces of Iuggle and Leger-de-main: Mists before the Eyes of Us Poor Star-gazing Idiots; vain Phantoms, and aery Idea's, to make us believe only a Falshood for a Truth; and force us with Ixion to embrace a Cloud for Iuno. If it be thus, why then our Adversaries are in the Right, and our cause is lost. But, be it so then, however I am not alone deceived, I have a great deal of Good Company with me in the same predicament: Nor have I alone been a Deceiver of the World: others have trod the same Stage before me, and with me, and will do after me.— But, to come out of our Dream, we assuredly know,— That Day unto Day uttereth better Speech than this; and Night unto Night, teacheth more excellent Knowledge.

§. 54. But è diverticulo in viam, to come to my Point again; my Adversary to shew his readiness to load me, and render him­self at the same time Partial, (which for his sake, I am sorry he gives me occasion to mention) He, wholly omits my answer to such a Foreseen Objection. (He may see even by this that we Astro­logers can Foresee something; I wish we could as easily prevent them,) as now he brings against me, viz.—There are divers Emi­nent Persons about London that have heard me relate the misfor­tunes which happen'd upon that Expedition, long before the conclu­sion thereof; even as soon us the March it self was beginning. Collect. Genit. p. 167.— What would my Learned Antagonist have? I cannot imagine what he designs by his unkind curtailing my words and matter, to make me speak as himself pleases, unless he contrive to Stigmatize Me and the Truth together.

§. 55. It is now more than 24 years since this Praediction and Experiment was made; and therefore 'twill be hard for me to procure Witnesses of what was then said or done. Yet▪ I affirm it an absolute Truth, without any mixture of Design or Iuggle: and be­lieve I may be able (if occasion require) to produce some Evidence thereof; which I might been able to have done, had I been [Page 24] question'd sooner. But should I be uncapable of producing any, it is sufficient that I affirm the Truth there Printed, and deny all Fraud, Iuggle, or Design therein: And I do not doubt of bring­ing (as it is usual, and satisfactory in the Law, in the Case of Spu­rious Issue Father'd on a Man) very Honourable and Worthy Compurgators, who will not be affraid to affirm that they believe I speak nothing in this matter but the Truth.

§. 56. But alas! If a Man must be question'd for any thing of Fact after such a time, viz. 24 years, 'tis odds, indeed (were not the supreme Law of Reason on our side) but that the Antagonist would have the better, although in the present debate he must be content to be at a Loss.— But where all this while is our regard to Truth? when we shall offer to Play at Push-pin after this rate with a Science more Antient than any other, that the knowing World can boast of? Where is our respect to Humanity, when we shall provoke one another unjustly? Where is our value for true Honour and Conscience, when we shall, without colour of Reason, fasten pretended Frauds of our own Coyning upon the Names and Reputations of Men we know not, and that never did us wrong? Where is our Love to Christianity, or the blessed Author thereof; who hath taught us better Lessons, than to in­jure the quiet of another, or to cast Fiery Bombs at the Innocent; and this without first asking a Reason of a difference, or fairly proclaiming a War.

§. 57. Had my Learned Antagonist (in case of dissatisfaction about any thing I had wrote or published) but sent me a Letter of his Objections; as the Reverend Dr. H. More did to Renatus dos Cartes, &c. and that I had failed to give him a reasonable answer; it had then been time enough to have hung out his Flag of Defiance, and render'd me Odious in Print.

§. 58. But, no more by way of Exclamation or Complaint. This Quarrel will (I hope at least) quickly cease: I wish the Wars, Troubles, and Confusions of Europe, and of Christianity were like­ly to be of as short a Date. For I dare Augure, and that without a Figure (for in Schemes my Antagonist takes no pleasure; though I really delight to contemplate them.) That less than 24 years more will cover and conceal both our Persons, whatever it may do with our Errours: which if either of us have committed any [Page 25] in Print, they will lay a Title to a larger Alchocoden, and not meet their Oblivion so soon. 'Tis natural for Men to live longer in their Issue (good or bad) than in their Persons.

§. 59. Before I come to the second part of my Defence, viz. the Genitures promised, I have one or two more parcels of rubbish to remove out of the way; which I shall do with all Speed. One is this,— My Antagonist charges me with having affronted and abused the Learned Peter Gassendus. p. 258. These are my Ad­versaries words, I will recite him faithfully, and wish he had so done by me. Peter Gassendus, poor Man, because he wrote against Judicial Astrology, and check'd and confuted the Art of Genitures, had all things naught in his Nativity. His ill habit of Body, and worser (if this censor, is to be credited,) (meaning me forsooth) of Miud, is plainly to be seen in the Heavens. Never was wretch so Bespatter'd by Man of Art.

§. 60. It is my Antagonists design by this passage to render me guilty of doing Injury to the Ashes of the Learned Gassendus: and to that purpose He insinuates Me to be the real Author of the Judgment given upon Gassendus's Scheme; But if He had pleased to have done Me Justice, He should have told the World the Truth as I had done, which He could not but see and know, viz. That, that Character was none of Mine, but a Quotation made use of by Me, (and not in such words neither as He mentioned, but in words far different, as you shall see anon.) The Author whereof was Mr. (now Dr.) F. B. a Learned Physician and Astro­loger, and very well able to defend his own work. Whose parti­cular words I will relate; together with the Provocation given by Gassendus, which occasion'd that Smart, but true Animadversion upon his Geniture, which himself gave to the Learned Morinus of France.

§. 61. The words which I made use of, and annexed to the Na­tivity of Gassendus, are to be found in my Col Geni. p. 126. and Printed Anno 1660, viz. I shall not need to observe any more on this Figure, then I find already done in an Appendix to an Apology for Astrology, published lately by my Loving Friend Mr. Vincent Wing; the Author of which Appendix is Mr. F. B. and my very good Friend also, who hath responded both like an Artist and Schollar to Gassendus' s Objections against Astrology. For a sight of which I [Page 26] refer the Ingenious Reader to the Appendix it self, and shall only present him with what relates to the Scheme, viz. Here you may see the Malignant Planets ♄. and ♂: have the chief Dominion in the Scheme; ♄. is Lord of his Horoscope; peregrine Retrograde, and in his Detriment, and unfortunate in ♋. which made his Lungs much oppressed with Flegm, rotten and corrupt, of an ill habit of body, ve­ry sickly, subject to Catarrhs, &c. That for Manners, ♄. in □. of ♂. and both in ill aspect of the Ascendant, made him of an evil Disposition, Envious, Suspitious, Revengeful; Angry, Peevish, Contentious, In­jurious, Fraudulent; a Lyar, a Calumniator, an Impostor; Covetous, a Robber of other Mens Honours; a false Friend, a perfidious Tray­tor; a notorious Hypocrite, an Athiest, and (to say no worse of him, than he does of Mr. Des Cartes, though unjustly) a Toad swell'd with Pride and malicious Venom, as you may see in that Book against Des Cartes▪ and other of his Works. As he had ☿. in ⚹. ♂. and in the House of ♄. so he had a wit apt enough for Mischiefs, Quar­rels, and contentions, Sharp in Disputation: as in □. to the ☽. so it was turbulent enough; and had not ☿. applyed to a ⚹ of ♃ also, he had been so ill nature'd, he had scarce been sociable: But that good Aspect gave him so much wit as to dissemble it under Zeal to Re­ligion, and make that seem the severity of his Devotion, which was the Morosness of his Nature.

§. 62. These are the words contended against by my Antago­nist: And I will not refuse to confess they seem to sound some­what harsh and severe: what then? The ☌. □. or ☍. of ♄. and ♂: is a harsh and severe Aspect, and that all Astrologers know: and so little of the Character could be spared, that I might have gone further in this Discription, without injury to Astrology, and possi­bly too, without the breach of good Manners.

But yet, supposing (which I do not grant) that the words were too harsh, and that the same things might have been express'd in softer terms: Yet, I must let my Learned Opponent know,— That it is not customary for any man to speak of his Enemy in the same Key, and Character, as of his Friend. In such a case the Satyr should ever be debar'd the use of his Whip. Gassendus had proclaimed War against Astrology, injured the innocent Truths, and Professors thereof; not confuted either It, or Them, as my Antagonist thinks. That's a task not so easily perform'd as talk'd of. But besides, what [Page 27] if it be made appear that Gassendus's Rough and Moross dealing by the Truth, as well as by Des Cartes, hath pull'd this upon him? He hath indeed given too broad, and too foul a provocation for an Astrologer thus truly to depaint him. And that is the second thing I promised to give an account of.

§. 63. 2. The Truth of the matter stands thus.— Dr. F. B. in reading Gassendus Contra Astrologiam, met with many unwor­thy Provocations, Falsifications, Scoffs, &c. against Astrologers, (which he could not possibly without a mark of Indignation pass by,) and among the rest of his scornful and contemptuous Ex­pressions, These Vnsavory, Obscene, and Ridiculous words,— Nor are we to say such an Infant was born infected with a foul and contagious Disease, because the sixth House was his Horoscope, but, because his Mothers lower House was Impure and Infectious. Apol. for Astrol. p. 122.— In which words, here is (1.) a great Truth of Art impugned, which the Author of the Character hath very well answer'd: And (2.) a Wity Falshood is made use of in the room of Reason to defend it. And can any Artist be patient un­der such affronts as these? Must the poor Astrologer be laughed to scorn by the Waspish Spleenatick Gassendus, and not be suffer'd so much as to speak for himself? or to reply upon his Adversary without being term'd a Bespatterer of him? If Truth offend either Gassendus or my Antagonist, I cannot help that? nor shall I Trou­ble my self so far as to make an excuse for the offence. The Scan­dalum Datum is of Gassendus's side; He began the Quarrel, and was the real Aggressor.

§. 64. But I would fain know to what purpose Gassendus gave his Nativity to Morinus, if not to be inspected, and Judged by Astrology? And if Dr. F. B. meeting with it, happen'd to observe the □. of ♄. and ♂. therein (and that Artist must be blind that could not) was it a crime for him to declare the Effects which na­turally Issue from such a position, according to the Judgments of Astrologers? Or, for Me to Quote it from him with approbation, when I know he hath written like an Artist; What? shall Gas­sendus be suffer'd to Spit against Heaven? Scoff at Starry Influen­ces? Bespatter the honest Students in that noble Art? Make sport at Gods Glorious Host? And shall no Man be permitted (having his Geniture too, as given by himself) to acquaint him with Astral [Page 28] Cause of such Drivels? May Gassendus, as his own Spleen swells, be allowed to call the Renowned Cartesius— a Toad swell'd with Pride and malicious Venom; and for his so fulsome, and Anti-Philosophick a Character be esteemed otherwise than Ill-natur'd? Had I not seen Gassendus's Nativity, I could easily have Judg'd he had had ♄. ill posited, upon reading such words in him. Ill Water never flows from wholesom Springs.

§. 65. Howbeit, I do really love, my self, to keep within the bounds of Modesty, and good Language, and good Manners: And do heartily wish Gassendus had not given the occasiou for so rough (though true) a Treatment. I can look upon an Ill position in any Man's Geniture with Pity and Compassion, rather than Scorn or Derision: And bless the God of Heaven, that my own Nativity was not such. It is He that hath made us, and not we our selves. And nothing but a very severe provocation (and not always that) can make Me speak a Harsh or Vnpleasant Truth of any Man. I affect evenness of Temper in all things.

§. 66. But now, I wonder much how my Learned Antagonist could possibly over-look such Brotherly in Gassendus [as the Mo­thers lower House being Impure and Infectious,] and such Falshood, (for I allow him too good an Astrologer as not to know it to be such) as [ the sixth House was the Infants Horoscope] or, yet the Beastly expression used against Des Cartes, [That He was a Toad swell'd with Pride and malicious Venom.] I wonder I say, how he could over-look all these things, and yet look so critically and steadily upon what was return'd in reply to him?

§. 67. But letting this enquiry pass, what will my Antagonist say, if I produce the Authority of Astrologers (for no other Au­thority is fit or allowable in this case,) to confirm every part of the Character given to Gassendus; even to the very Rotten Flegm mention'd? will he still think that Gassendus hath had any wrong done him?

To this end, let Forman be consulted, as Printed in These: Astrol. p. 71. Saturn (saith He) worketh his malice more vehe­mently in ♋ than in any other Sign, because ♋. is his detriment be­ing in ☍. to ♑. and ♋ is cold, moist, Flegmatick, and doth aug­ment the cold and Flegm in ♄. and make him more Venomous; for all Venom and Poyson is ♄: and he causes the greatest Venom in ♋. [Page 29] And, a little further— ♄. in the first 12 Degres of ♋ is cold in the first (Degree) and temperate in dryth and Moisture, ingendring Diseases of much Flegm, and mix'd with thin Melancholly, causing Coughs, Stopping of the Stomach, Shivering and Pricking there, the black Plague, by reason the Blood is overcome with Flegm and Wa­ter, &c. And in p. 114. He says ♄. in ♋. indicates Flegm Vene­mous, &c. This sure may satisfy for the rotten Flegm and Distempers mention'd in the Character.

§. 68. Next, for the Manners which ♄. and ♂. conciliated give, let the Learned Origanus be call'd to give Evidence, who hath treated both largely and Learnedly of the Genethliacal part of Astrology; and see if he do not fully justify both Dr. B. and my self also in this matter. Si Saturno ♂. associatur in judicio mo­rum, in prospera constitutione efficiuntur homines abs (que) delectu multa inceptantes, nec ea ipsa perficientes, quandoquidem Martis fervor incitat, Saturni frigus, cohibet at (que) deterret: Ostentatores, Tur­bulentos, Seditiosos, [...], (timide audaces) Immisericordes, Implacabiles, Fastidientes alios, Inflatos, Gloriosos, Ventosos, Frau­dulentos, Tyrannicos, Austeros, Improbos, Inhumanos, &c. Orig. de Effectib. p. 3. p. 560. What thinks my Antagonist now, that is so much concern'd for the Honour and Cause of Gassendus? would not Gassendus (think we) have received the same Cha­racter from any other Astrologer (if at least, he had understood his Art) as here he hath? especially, if invited thereto by so pressing a Provocation.

§. 69. In this Character of the effects of a ☌. ☍. or □. of ♄. and ♂. all Astrologers consent; See Ptol. Parv. p. 109. Mars and Saturn conciliated,— In prospero constitutione reddit homi­nes citra delectum multa inceptantes ore libero, laboriosos, turbulentos, timide audaces, rigidos, immisericordes, fastidientes aliorum, aspe­ros, bellaces, temerarios, seditiosos, fraudulentos, insidiatores, im­placabile ira, perturbationibus inhiantes, Tyrannicos, publice rei ad­versantes, Cupidos, contentiosos, illate injurioe memores, funditus im­probos, vehementes, intollerabiles, tumidos, inflatos, importunos, &c.

Lilly 542. Let ♂. be associated with ♄. and let him be well for­tifyed, it shews the Native will begin to undertake any thing, but seldom conclude; for what the heat of ♂. stirs up, the coldness of ♄: destroys again; the Native usually proves a Bragger, tur­bulent, [Page 30] fearfully bold, implacable, disdaining other Men, vapou­ring windy people, Tyrannical, inhumane, given to all manner of Villany, dessembling both with God and Man.—

Cardan, Seg. 4. Aph. 24. Saturnus si Marti assimiletur, bene depositas, erit pertinax, crudelis, proditor, temerarius, loquax, ira­cundus, adulator, Deos, homines, principes (que) odio prosiquitur, sica­rius, nullis flecttetur precibus, nullis rationibus, lusor ostentator, in rebus omnibus immoderatus, laboriosus Miser, Nocens, facinorosus, incestus.— And all this when well dignifyed. VVhat manners will they give then, when ill? I will not urge them, for the Honour I ow to a Man of Learning that hath had the unhappiness of being so born. My Learned Antagonist may know by this, that I have rather wrong'd Astrology, then the Learned Gassendus. Since to be severely true to the Art, a much worse Figure or Cha­racter might have been drawn of him.

This Description is countenanc'd by all Astrologers: and the Experience of all Ages proves it true. It was made before Gassendus was an Embrio; yet for Him too, though not purpose­ly or alone for Him; but for all others that have been, are, or shall be Born under the like Malignant Aspects and Positions. So that you see it is not only my single Opinion: And therefore Gassendus hath not the least wrong done him; nor need my An­tagonist have been angry with me, for Transcribing this Cha­racter, and Printing it with Gassendus's Nativity.

§. 70. But, why do I thus labour among Astrological Authors to defend the Character of Gassendus, and free my self from the reproachful Epithete of a Bespatterer of him? when my Oppo­nent hath so fully supported my Opinion, and (had there been never an Astrologer in the world left to assist me) made all that I had said thereon Good?— In his reply to an Objection brought by Gassendus about the End for which Comets appear, my An­tagonist tells the world— That Gassendus's Obiection is a gross mistake, and proceeds from Pride and vain Conceit, from Arro­gance and gross Profaneness, as well as Pride; and carries on the Plot and Design of Athiestical Spirits, who would exclude God from the Government and Care of the World? Comit. p. 133.

Now, let the Impartial Reader Judge, whether this (though conaise) Character of Gassendus, drawn by my Opponent, be not [Page 31] Comprehensive of All that my words of him contain? Why should not now my Antagnist be angry with himself, and Write against his own Book, with equal Fierceness as He hath done against Mine; for having (as he says) Bespatter'd the Learned Gassendus? Fa­cinus, quos inquinat aequat. This in Justice he should, and ought to do; though therein He imitate the Grave Cat, viewing her self in a Looking-Glass.

Will he now offer to say, again, in favour of Gassendus, and in affront to me, That— Never was Wretch so Bespatter'd by Man of Art! Or, hath He a priviledge to make Observations on the Manners and Writing of Gassendus? And a power to debar the Poor Astrologer the same Freedom, when He shall be, not only insultingly provoked (as you have heard) but boldly Chal­lenged to the undertaking, by an Haughty imparting of his Nati­vity to Morinus, for that very purpose?— I hope my Opponent will not now deny, but that Himself is the better Artist at Be­spattering: And therein I submit him the Waisters.

§. 71. But yet, my Antagonist will not be so satisfyed; but still supposing himself in the right, and me in the wrong, as to this business of Gassendus, he is pleased very briskly to advance against me with another Regiment of arm'd words, in pag. 252. Thus,— What work would this Man make with the Nativity of the worthy Dr. Henry More, if he could get a sight thereof? He would read his Life, and all his Writings in it at the first view? He would make the Lord of his Ascendant plainly shew him to be a Retir'd Melancholly Collegian all his days; a Philosopher, and particularly of the Platonick Sect; And ( which is as ugly a thing as can be in any Mans Geniture) a professed Adversary to the Church of Rome; and all its corruptions. Thus, but more grievously he should smart for writing against Dear Urania; and for daring to insert his confuta­tion of Judiciary Astrology into the Mystery of Godliness, and for Printing it lately by it self. Thus, between Iest and Earnest (like another Heraclitus Ridens) is my Learned Antagonist plea­sed to Buffet me.

§. 72. A very pretty way hath he here taken, to render me ill-natur'd and a Papist together.— For what wrong hath Dr. Henry More ever done me in particular, that, upon the sight of his Nativity, could I get it, I should be supposed to deal ungen­tilely, [Page 32] or unworthily by him? Or, what good hath he done me, that I should trouble my self so far, as to write his Character by his Nativity? And, what injury have I ever done, either to this my causeless Adversary, or to the Church of England, as establish'd by Law, that he should thus subtilly insinuate me a Papist; and that by virtue of my being (supposed) so, I should be oblig'd to deal unkindly by Dr. Henry More, because he hath written against the Church of Rome and its corruptions? It is not mate­rial to me, nor am I concern'd against what, or whom Dr. More hath written, as long as he makes me no Party or Abettor to the Quarrel.

§. 73. But, to reply more particularly to this grating Sarcasm (for it is such) as for the worthy Dr. Henry More's Nativity, should it fall into my hands, I do assure this my Antagonist, and the wor­thy Dr. also, that it should Fare much better than Astrology or Astrologers have done in the hands of the Dr. and of Gassendus. But, I should not promise him (in case I should give my self a trouble about it) to do much therein at the first view ▪ Yet, (ha­ving this occasion given me, and certainly 'tis given me for some purpose more than ordinary; or else my Antagonist hath troubled both himself, and me, in vain) I will hereby promise the worthy and Learned Doctor, That if he shall please to impart his true Geniture, as freely to me, as Monsieur Gassend did his to Morinus, I will make no unworthy use of it, but give him the just and plain sence of what it naturally imports, according to the Rules of Art. I honour the Doctors great Parts and Reading; and am not asha­med to own to have been embetter'd by his Learned Labours. Nay, I also confess never to have heard any Ill of him; excep­ting that of his severity against Astrology and Astrologers: term­ing the Art a meer Inanity; a Sonorous Nothing, &c. The Ar­tists Fugitives and Vagabonds, &c.

§. 74. These are harsh expressions in earnest, and do bespeak a debilitated ♄. in the Doctors Geniture, let his ☿. be never so good. But such a value have I for the Doctor, and his Excellent Learning, that I am willing to cast a covering over his failings of this kind, rather than either to aggravate, or go about to answer them. Possibly, the Doctor being of a searching, curious, inquisi­tive Genius, might, in his Iuvenile years be prying into Astrology. [Page 33] and probably meet with a Knave or unfaithful Fellow for his Guide therein; who, under pretence of directing him the right way to Dear Urania's presence, might abuse him and bring him to some Lascivious Housewife, or common Strumpet, who might have the impudence to assume her name: And possibly for this, or some such like Trick, He may have contracted an ill Opinion of Astrology, as Mr. Mervil most unhappily wreak'd his wrath, and spit his Venom at the whole Clergy, for being sham'd upon at Play by a Dignitory of the Church.

§. 75. But, in case it should be so, that the Doctor hath in his more unsteady years been Iuggle'd with, and perhaps promised more from his Stars, than ever he hath found true, or it may be is ever like: (for I know that there are Fraudulent, as well as Honest persons, pretend to be Astrologers: and Des Cartes tells us, He had learnt to avoid the Gulleries & Frauds of such Fellows, by that time he was 23 years old.) Yet, I cannot but perswade my self, that upon second thoughts, and more mature considera­tion, the Doctor will never account it just or equal to blame or reprobate a whole Society for the Errours or Falshoods of a single Person.

§. 76. Now for Doctor Mores Nativity, it must either be Good, or Bad. If it be Bad, it is to be Judg'd so by Astrology; and my Antagonist says, the Doctor hath confuted that; so that that is no capable Judge of it. If it be Good, he need not be affraid or asham'd to shew it; for no Astrologer (allowing his Art un­shaken) can make it either better or worse by his looking on it. So that either way, the Doctor may, if he pleases allow us a sight thereof.

§ 77. But now, a little for Exercise sake; what if I should suppose that the Learned Doctor hath ♄. in ♈. in his Genesis, in ☍. of active ☿ in ♎ and violent ♂. in □. of them both. Marry, and such Positions at the first sight would fright any ordinary man, and make the very Stars themselves become his Disease; especial­ly if there were nothing found to alleviate such Hostile Positions. I will not, I cannot say, the Doctor hath those Aspects in his Ge­niture; but I will Jeopard my small Reputation, and Skill in Astrology, that whatever his Nativity be, He hath somewhat more than ordinary to do with the Cardinal Signs; Non obstante his be­ing [Page 34] a Collegian all his days, and of the Platonick Sect. For, it is impossible he should ever have been so Famous by his Pen, and have wrote so much as he hath done, had not his ☿. been in some noted Position of the Heavens. And if any of the Fortunes should chance to assist ☿. at his Birth, then would his Fancy and Genius be the more Exalted, Happy, and Flowing: especially if ♀. were in reception of him. And should it also prove true, that ♂. were in ♋ in □. to ☿. and to ♄. both; which Positions do impede the Ingenuity, and disturb the Iudgement. Yet, if ♂. were in △. and reception of ♃. and his ☿. so supported by ♀. as before supposed; the prejudice would be thereby much lessen'd, if not totally taken away. And so the Doctor by his worthy Accomplishments and Ac­quisitions, may reasonably obtain upon the World, and deserve much more Honour and Advancement, than the wearing of a Short Gown comes to, though possibly he may not enjoy it. But then, if ♂. and ♄. both should Obviate and Cloud the ☉. notwithstan­ding his great and prodigious Parts, his Honour would be dar­kened; and I should cease to wonder, why the Dr. should be a Collegian and Philosopher all his days. The ☉ never shone splen­didly in an Eclipse. The same Stars that may denote Merit, do not always signifie Honour and Reward.

§. 78. Thus, and no otherwise, were the Doctors Nativity such, as here suppos'd, and in my hands, would I descant upon it. A quite different way should I go to work, to what my Antagonist Vainly and Ludiorously surmises. Alas! it is not every one that hath ♄. and ♂. in □. ☌. or ☍. that must therefore be Ill natur'd, Moross, Covetous, &c. or yet opprest with Corrupt, Rotten Flegm, or Sickly, &c. as Gassendus was. For ♄. and ♂. may happen (tho in the said Aspect, &c.) not to be Significators of either the Na­tives Person or Manners.

§. 79. Besides, in the case supposed ♃. in ♏. in △. and reception of ♂. would help to correct the Person one way; as ♀. in recep­tion of ☿. would mitigate it another. Let not the worthy Dr. therefore, refuse to impart his Nativity: for it may so fall out, (in case Astrology be not confuted by his Pen, as my Opponent thinks it is) that his Stars may be better, and more worthy the owning, than he is aware of; and possibly his Astrologer will prove kin­der to him (in hopes to oblige him,) then he may believe he hath merited.

[Page 35]§. 80. Yea, but my Antagonist presumes, that had I the Doctors Nativity, I should not only find out those strange significations therein, but also espy out another most terrible thing thereby, viz. That of his being a professed Enemy to the Church of Rome, and all its Corruptions, which is (saith he) as ugly a thing as can be in any Mans Geniture.— And, why doth my Adversary think that I, of any Man, should busy my self so curiously (and to no pur­pose in the World that I know of) as to Pry into the Doctors Re­ligion? or concern my self in his dealings against Rome? This is a brisk tonch of his kindness by the by: and brought in by Head and Shoulders to render me a Papist, or at the least Popish­ly affected. I perceive by this Oblique Irony (to say no worse of it) my Antagonist is very credulous, and believes the Scandalous Villanous Prints, &c. of the late Plotting Times, wherein I have been most maliciously and wickedly traduced, as well as many of my Betters.— Such a Sarcasm as this I could easily bear in such profligate Fellows as Mansell, Dangerfield, Care, Coley, &c. but for this my Learned Adversary to lick up the Vomit of such Wret­ches, and spit it a fresh at me, concerns me more than a little.

§. 81. I have indeed, been used by the Non-conforming Saints, as bad as if I had been a Papist, They have burnt me twice in Effi­gie with the Pope, R. Mansell (the Meal-Tub-Collonel) hath joyned the Popes determinations de Fide, and my Praedictions de Facto, together; and Dangerfield hath Printed me a good Catholick in my Heart, (and that I shall ever desire to be; though the Man means otherwise than he writes.) And charges me to have written a Popish Ballad, whereby I encourag'd the Plot. Care, hath be-Pa­pisted me an hundred times over in his Packquet of Advice; and in other his Seditious Phamphlets. Coley hath sent me to my Beads, with as great and assured Impudence, as if he had seen me make use of them. Calumminare audacter, aliquid haerebit. But would any man of reason believe the Scommas of such Creatures as these? I cannot but expect fairer Quarter from the Learned part of the World, than these sad Souls have afforded. Such Fellows (like pretended assistants at a Fire,) help still to add to the Bill of Loss: and would Assassinate their best Friends Reputation for Money.

§. 82. By the same method of Scandal the whole Body of the Clergy have been dealt with, and term'd Papists in Masquerade: [Page 36] The Kings and Governments best Subjects have all of them been so served. But, are they ever the more Popish for that? A Papist! Hum. Now, if my Adversary fails of his Conjecture, since Astro­logers are Fallacious, I am affraid He is an Astrologer too. I will appeal to every Man of Letters, whether this be ingenious in Him, or prudently said? I see the Gentleman is a Bigot, I hope He is not a True Protestant; for if he call Himself of the Church of England: He must take heed, least some One or Other pay Him in His own Coyn. The quarrel is about the Truth of Astrology, or Natural Phylosophy, which He will confute: And when all is done, He gives the World to understand, That I am a Papist; and then I am bloodily confuted. Bellarmine thou lyest! So dost thou Astrologer! Give Him the Palm, He bears away the Bell.

But to demonstrate this a most notorious and malicious Scan­dal upon Me; my Adversary for his more certain satisfaction, may, if he please, see Me very often in the Abby-Church of St. Peters Westminster, in the time of Divine Service; if that will convince Him. And I am almost morally assured He will not Censure me as either Hypocrite, or Trimmer, by reason of my plain-dealing with Him,

§. 83. Notwithstanding, if I should learn so far of my Oppo­nent, to speak freely, as He often professes; (and wise Men will commend him for it) what if I should take the same Liberty, and say,— That of the Controversy between the Church of Rome and Vs, I am no Competent Iudge: Am I the worse Christian or Pro­testant for that? I trow not! I will be Iudged by the Wise and Moderate. Nay, I undertake it not; I find it not in the Stars. Howbeit, I am apt to pin my Iudgement it may be, on the Au­thor of the Mystery of Iniquity, in many particulars; bating me one blind Story of Pope Ioan. (Now I spoil all again, and a Papist I must be, Right or Wrong.)

§. 84. Concerning which, I wonder much how so sharp, quick, and Ingenious a Man, as Dr. More should suffer his Reason to be so far impos'd upon, as readily to give credit to so unreasonable, and improbable a Fable; which (though it do not with me) may probably with others, bring All the rest that he hath said against the Church of Rome into question.

§. 85. For, is it possible that Sexes should not be discernable [Page 37] from the Birth? or if we should grant, that in changing Coun­treys, Schools, or places of habitation, when this pretended Pope might be taking her Ramble, she might (for some particular rea­sons) with much Craft, and more Fear, conceal her Sex for a time; (as many pretty Females we read of to have had odd vagaries sometimes) could she (think we) be so happy as to do so always, and not be discover'd? What! No Green-sickness Long­ings, or unnatural eating of Chalk, Charcoals, or Oatmeal, &c. at the time of her Virginity appearing? Or, when a grown Woman, no prying Bedfellow, Servant, or Laundress, that could make discovery of the Fraud, either by a Vision of her Person in so long time, or from her Mensurnal changes? What! All sorts of People Tongue-ty'd; or brib'd to silence? Not a Person known neither, to be made use of in the affairs of Venus, when her Di­sires grew with her Years? No diligent Matron to be found, or heard of, that pass'd between Her, and Her Gallant? Never any notice who was Her Amintor? What Countrey-man, Condition, or Complection; (Sure she was in Psyche's Condition, and had gotten such a kind of Lover, that no Mortal ever saw.) 'Tis strange, that none of all these things could be made appear! No proof at all to be found to corroborate the pretence! Why, this is just like Oates's Commissions! great discourses of This, That, and the other, from Iohannes Paulus de Oliva, the General of the Iesuits; and yet not One to be found.

§. 86. The Learned Dr. More, and his Disciple my Antagonist, may bribe and blindfold their own Reason, and believe the grea­test impossibilities to be true: but that is no Rule, or Example for me. I am a Man of free thought, and hate Fetters upon my Vnderstanding. I cannot believe any thing to be true, that car­rieth an improbability, or unlikelyhood in the Front of it. No: though it should be liberally Sworn to.—

§. 87. The Author of the Female Prelate, Dedicated to the late Earl of Shaftsbury, and the writer of the Protestant Alma­nack, may gulp down such a Gullery without either Examination, or Consideration, of what they imbibe: They have large Swal­lows in some cases. But for me to do it (simple Idiot that I am) I should run the hazzard of Choaking. The Throat of my Reason is too narrow to Gobble down such a Crude Potion easily.

[Page 38]§. 88. Hear what my Noble Dr. Brown saith to this matter, in his Popular Errours: (who would have thought Doctors of Theo­logy concern'd in Errours Popular?) He Sagacious and Honest Man could not digest it. But thus argues,— ‘Clearer confirmation must be drawn for the History of Pope Joan, who succeeded Leo the Fourth, and preceded Benedict the Third, then many we yet discover. And since it is delivered with aiunt & ferunt by many; since the Learned Leo Allatius hath discover'd that antient Copy of Martinus Palonus, who is chiefly urged for it, had not the Story in it; since not only the Stream of Latine Historians have omitted it, but Platina the Patriach, Metrophanes Smyrnaeus; and the exaspe­rated Greeks have made no mention of it, but conceded Benedict the Third, Successor unto Leo the Fourth. He wants not grounds who doubts it.’ Dr. Thomas Brown, Pseud. Epidem. p. 320. Edit. 1658.

§. 89. Let the worthy Dr. More, and others, affirm this Fiction for an assured Truth; and let the Author of the Protestant Al­manack tell us confidently, that the name of this Prelate in Pet­ticoats, called Pope Ioau, was at first Elizabeth Gilbert, and born of Dutch Parents: Let the witty Author of the Female Prelate acquaint us, that her name was Ioanna Anglica, and that she was a German Lady. Yea, no doubt the German Princess (she is not forgotten yet) was one of her Byblows.

§. 90. For is it not strange that we hear not of any of this Fe­male Popes Nephews preferr'd, or of any Favours she extended to her Quondam Companions. We find no account of any respect she ever paid to the places of her Birth, or Breeding, to satisfie suc­ceeding unbelieving Ages, or Persons. None of her Deeds, Reli­gious, Civil, or Natural can we any where read of, but only that improbable one, of Her being deliver'd of a Child in the streets (careless as well as Friendless Woman that she was,) and this too, as she was going a Solemn Procession. No notice at all belike of the approach of the Birth; no Pains or Tokens attended her, like other Women; That the Procession might have been put off for a time: But, poor Pope, Sick or Well, she must Obey. Why, every Midwife, nay every simple Woman, that hath but wit e­nough to Get, and Bear a Child, is able to refute this Fabulous Story.

[Page 39]§. 91. Sure this Scene was acted when Popes had not the power of the Keys; Her Popedom being somewhat like to Sancho's Go­vernment, was neither able to serve, or preserve Her, with the use of common necessaries and assistances, that even an Alewife with us, in such a case, can easily procure, if not command. No news nei­ther what became of the Child? Whether it died young? or li­ved to years of Maturity? If died young, where buried? If it were so happy as to live, in what place? How Educated? To whose care committed? &c.— All Records of her Famous Acts obliviated: no notice how she came to be Elected, but in a Dram­matick Poem: no mention of any Strugling Interests at that time, which Party should carry it? Italy, France, Spain, Germany, &c. No Monument, Inscription, Epitaph! Or indeed place of Burial to be found. The most unhappy Papess sure, that ever was.

§. 92. Old Time we know, hath long Locks, and can cunning­ly cover some things that never were. Some Lies have the luck on't, to be told under a popular Ascendant, or else they could ne­ver command the belief of the World so long as they do. What is it that I would not give in Reason, for to procure Pope Ioans Geniture? Such a thing would more assure us of the Truth of the Story, than any thing the many Authors which Dr. More talks of, have said in the defence of it. We can procure the Nativities of Ovid, Iulius Caesar, Nero, Domitian, &c. Persons of greater An­tiquity than Pope Ioan: History and Cronology in these doth happily befriend us. But in the Story of our Pope Ioan, they are altogether Barren and unserviceable. ‘Partiality in divided Records ( says the late quoted Oracle of Reason Dr. Brown) hath much depraved History, wherein, if the equity of the Reader do not correct the iniquity of the Writer, he will be much confonnded with Re­pugnancies.’ But Dr. More hath said it, and therefore it must be true.

§. 93. Now leaving this Digression of Pobe Ioan; let us come to our business again. My Antagonist pursues me thus,— Thus, (saith He) should Dr. More Smart for writing against Dear Ura­nia, for daring to insert his Confutation of Iudiciary Astrology into the Mystery of Godliness. and for Printing it lately by it self. This is a groundless fear of my Adversary: for I know not why the Dr. should Smart for writing against Dear Vrania, any [Page 40] more, then another should for his defending of that Innocent Beautiful Lady.—

The Doctors Reason is one way inform'd, Mine another: and both of us may enjoy our Sentiments Lawfully enough, provided we do not injure the Truth. Vrania, that is a Chast and Virtu­ous Nymph in my Eyes; may yet appear deform'd, and possibly have proved a Iilt to the Doctor; and, having long held him in hand, (giving him now and then some glimmering hopes,) at length render'd all his Courtships vain. Possibly, I might be Born her Friend and Favourite: the Doctor not. Mental Marriages are made in Heaven as well as Corporal. And in such a case, a man had need to have Good Friends there. 'Tis not only Poeta, but al­so Astrologus Nascitur, non fit. And we certainly know, that ex quolibet Ligno, non fit Mercurius.

§. 94. As for Dear Vrania, it is not every one that would, that can be fully acquainted with her, or press upon her Privacies when he pleases. Yet, Gracious that She is, She denies access to none, but confers her Favours on all, according to their Capacities. She admits one Man to Gaze upon her at a distance, viz. The honest Countrey man and Shepheard, who is pleased thus to behold her Glittering Glories; 'twould dazle, if not strike him blind, to come nearer. A Second works about her Gardens and Orchards: The young Inamorato, or Smatterer in Science. A Third, repairs her Pallace, viz. the Laborious Calculator of the Planets motions, Eclipses, great Conjunctions. A Fourth, adorns her Presence Cham­ber, Dining-Room, &c. a Predictor of general accidents, with all the variety that attends Kingdoms, Countreys, aud Cities. A Fifth, she Smiles most obligingly upon, viz. the happy Metereologist, who consults all the various motions of the Air, Winds, and Seas, (for they also are within Vrania's Province) and thence acquaints us with Tempests, Lightnings, Thunders, Earth-quakes, Inunda­tions, Plagues, &c. A Sixth, she vouchsafes to Salute her Ivory Hand, viz. The Learned Genethliaque, (and Oh! that I could lay a Claim to such, and so great a blessing.) Who Studies the Nati­vities of all persons; thence discovering their Tempers, Humours, Complexions, Inclinations, &c. with variety of what Prosperity [Page 41] and Adversity doth attend them; and nearly the Times thereof. And this is a Benediction in earnest▪ and greatly to be coveted. O ter (que) quater (que) Beati. More than thrice blessed must that man be; that arrives to such an acquaintance with the Glorious Vrania.

§. 95. Thus far, but no farther, can any man hope to come. Urania is a Virgin, and Spotless: and never did any, never can any Mortal wholly enjoy Her. To be but Her Retainers, or Do­mesticks, is to be the most happy of all Men! what Commendations! what Praises! what Eulogiums! would that great Queen of She­ba have thought this Caelestial Princess worthy of, that could give such Noble and Pompous ones, to King Solomon, who was but a Mortal! Let this poor Panegyrick upon Urania's Excellent Perfection, Modesty, and Iuctice, be excused. I could do no less: She hath been Kind and Gracious to Me, beyond what She hath to many Millions of my Betters. I cannot speak too much, I can­not speak enough in her Praises.

§. 96. To proceed; well! but the Doctor must Smart, saith my Antagonist, not only for writing against the Dear Urania; but for inserting his confutation of Iudiciary Astrology in his Mystery of Godliness.— No reason for this at all neither. The Doctor is Lord of, and over his own Labours, and surely may do with them as he pleases. Possibly he may think that Confutation (as he is pleased to Christen it) better to become that Book, than it may be, I, and some others Opinion. But that shall break no Squares, nor breed any difference. If the Doctor, and this my Learned Antagonist be contented with its inhabiting there, I am not dis­pleased. Only, by the way, (since my Antagonist hath given me this occasion) I must with my wonted Freedom tell him, that how­ever he thinks the Doctor hath confuted Astrology in a few Sheets of Paper; I am of belief, that before he have compleated his Vi­ctory over it, he must be constrained to write a great many more: and possibly then too, be content to miss of his end. For, alas! The several large Tomes of Ptolemy, Gauricus, Cardan, Iunctine, Garcaeus, Goclenius, Naybode, Origanus, Argol, Morinus, Leovitius, Bona­tus, Haly, &c. are not to be blown away with so light a breath, as this my Antagonist imagines. The weighty and excellent Reasons of these Learned Men will not be overcome, or fall into a Swoun, at the Scent of his Perfum'd Socks.

[Page 42]§. 97. And for the Doctors Printing the same thing afterwards by it self, That is none of my business or concern. Let the Lear­ned Mr. Iohn Butler, his Antagonist, (whose Province it is) take notice of that. Which I am told he will; and also very shortly give the Doctor that just satisfaction as it requires. In the interim, I shall take leave to tell the Doctor, and my Opponent also,— That I have often heard of Homers Illiads being comprized in a Nut-shell, yet could I never see them crowded into so small a Room. All reports are not to be believed.

§. 98. But now, my Antagonist, to make himself and Friends merry, goes merrily on with me, saying,— But look you now, be­cause Uincent Wing published a Piece against Gassendus (where­in this excellent Mans Objections against Astrology are pretended to be answered) and was himself a well willer and Brother Philoma­themat. his Nativity hath all things good and laudable in it.— Pray Sir who told you this? not I, I am sure. For where will you find in my Writings that I say, that Uincent Wing's Nati­vity hath all things good and laudable in it? I beseech you, what, or whose Nativity can that be, that can claim a Title to so much happiness? such a Native must be no company for Mortals! All Genitures have the Malefiques as well as Fortunate Stars in them, although not alike posited.

§. 69. What strange kinds of Fetches hath this Gentleman? And what Wiles doth he make use of, to fasten something upon me (though he scarce know what) to my disparagement and to ren­der me contradictory to my self? I have spoken nothing but the Truth of Uincent Wing. And had the Learned Gassendus been blessed with the like Stars for Health and Manners, as was the Laborious and Ingenious Mr. Wing I should not have refused to have mentined them.

§. 100. Yet, A little further, my watchful Antagonist is at me again in these words,— He tells us, that William Lilly, his Enemy, though Fellow Astrologer, had the Moon in Pisces, a Wet and Drinking Sign, which made him a piece of a Good Fel­low. Behold! How this Gentleman seeks a quarrel against me! I am so far from charging Mr. Lilly with this as a Crime (as my Antagonist inculcates, or else, in this, he hath said nothing) that I only in my Collection of Genitures, subjoyn to Mr. Lilly's Nati­vity, [Page 43] Mr. Lilly's own words, and what himself hath said of his having the Moon in Pisces, (in his Epistle to his Almanack 1645.) which he says, made him a piece of a good Fellow, And this my Antagonist might have seen Quoted by me, if he had pleased. But none so blind as they that won't see.

§. 101 But, where doth my Antagonist find the words— Wet▪ and Drinking? I am very sure my Book furnisheth him not. That was my Opponents own wity addition for the Iests sake. And let him be merry with all my heart. And if he delight to Burlesque the Truth, let him also be as Free with me; much good may it do him; I cannot suffer in better company.

§. 102. Nay, this my Antagonist may, if he please find, that in my Obsequium Rationabile, or defence of Scorpio, where I have occasion to bring in the Learned Doctor Fisk's Geniture, who also had the Moon in Pisces, I very plainly tell Mr. Lilly, (with a tacit reprehension for his jesting with serious things;) That the Moon in Pisces, signifies something else, besides a good Fellow. Neither had I, of any man, any reason to make sport with the Moon in Pisces, (unless with the Bald Knight in the Apologue, I resolv'd to laugh at my self) it being one of the best positions in my Geniture; and of which I have no cause (I bless God) to be ashamed.

§. 103. I will now make my Adversary himself Judge, whe­ther he hath dealt truely with me, in laying at my Door the Le­vity of another? as also his soon after suggesting,— That such Fancies are oftentimes the products of a Capricious and Fanciful, of a Spightful and Malicious Brain. Good Sir! not too fast. Festina lente. Fair and softly goes far. Either what you have urged a­gainst me, must be True or False. If True; I beseech you prove it to be such. If False; it will appear then, that it is not my Brain that is Capricious, Fanciful, Spightful, and Malicious; but Yours. In pure Justice Sir, I expect your Retractation as you are a Clergyman and a Christian.

§. 104. My Antagonist, as if he had been in the right all this while, Rears another Story upon the former Sandy-Foundation, for me to Demolish: affirming thus,— And for this reason, as well as some others (particularly because these Men have undertaken to Calculate the Nativities of Buildings as well as of Humane Bodies; of hard Stones no less than of soft Flesh:) the most Learned and [Page 44] Iudicious Astrologers have not ascerted the Doctrine of Genitures; although in other things they have defended Astrological Judgements. p. 260. Commeto.

§. 105. Would not an ordinary Reader believe there were some Truth, at least, in a Story so smoothly told? And that the Doctrine of Genitures was really Renounced and Reprobated by the most Learned Astrologers?— How hard is it for any man, even the most Learned, to oppose the Truth and escape undiscover'd? 'Tis difficult (Learned Sir) to kick against These Pricks, and not to come off wounded.

§. 106. If I should demand of my Opponent, what Learned and Iudicious Astrologers those were which he talks of, that have denied the Doctrine of Genitures? I am perswaded it would very much puzzle, if not confound him, to name them.— Sure, he doth not mean Picus, Erastus, Gassendus, Doctor More, &c. for his Learned and Iudicious Astrologers? These have been all Enemies unto the Art; and have wrote most violently against it. And, I am very certain, that Ptolemy and Iunctine (both which he produces to confront Astrologers, and confute their Follies in some things) can be none of the Persons he means: for both of Them very largely Assert the Doctrine of Genitures. Yes, and those of Buil­dings too: Of hard Stone, no less than of soft Flesh. And this I hope most fully to prove from them, if that will satisfie the Lear­ned Objector. Who sure talks at this strange Rate, not that he believes what he says, but only to try what acquaintance I have with those Learned Authors; and how able I am to defend the Art I profess.

§. 107. First then for Ptolemy, the Prince of Astrologers, as this Antagonist most truely Stiles him. That he is no renouncer of the Doctrine of Genitures, but on the contrary, a great Friend to the Genethliacal part of Astrology; as the Third and Fourth Books of the Quadripartite most egregiously prove: For in them he Handles the whole Art of Nativities. And what thinks my Anta­gonist? can this be true, and yet he no Friend to the Subject? Let but my Opponent seriously, or indeed but cursorily consult those Books, (and if he please, Cardan, and Naybode their Commentaries upon them) and he will quickly find cause to Retract this his Rash and Vnadvised Ascertion. And, if he do not take all Genethliaques [Page 45] for Mad-men or Fools (and my self for the greatest among them) he would never sure once offer'd to have impos'd such an Ascer­tion upon the World to believe, and upon Me to answer.

§. 108. A little further: the Centiloquium (which my Adver­sary allows to be Ptolemy's, and makes use of it as such, for Proof of his Doctrine of Comets, &c.) abounds with Genethliacal Apho­risms. And, among the rest, the 36 and 54 Aphorisms do evince most plainly the Nativities of Buildings; proving to us, that hard Stone, no less than soft Flesh, is liable to Caelestial Energy. Hear how he speaks in opposition to my Learned Adversary, thus,— Aph. 36. In Condendis Vrbibus stellis Fixis, quae conferre habeunt utere. In aedificandis vero Domibus, Erraticis, (i. e.) In the Buil­ding of Cities 'tis necessary to make use of the Fixed Stars: But, in the Construction of Houses, the Planets. Now, unless my Op­ponent can affirm and prove, that Houses and Cities are not such things as cousist of hard Stone, Ptolemy hereby proves them sub­ject to the Influences of the Stars. Again, in Aph. 54. Domina­tores in aedificationibus, ubi copulantur stellae subterraneae, edificii erectionem impediunt. (i. e.) VVhen the principal Lords, or Go­vernours of Buildings are joyned to Planets Subterranean, they impede the progress of them. These are Ptolemy's words in his Centiloquium, allowed by my Adversary. VVhat thinks he now? Doth Ptolemy deny the Doctrine of Genitures, whether it be of hard Stone or soft Flesh? Or not? I cannot now (methinks) forbear blushing for my Antagonist.

§. 109. And, to strengthen this Argument a little more, I shall here beg leave to borrow a few Lines from that excellent Di­vine and Philosopher, Mr. Iohn Gregory, of Christ-Church, Oxon: which will prove a great Ornament to Astrology, and also to the Question under Debate.

§. 110. The Ascendant of a City (saith this excellent man, from Haly) is that Sign, cujus ascensione quis incipit collocare primari­um Lapidem; which riseth in the Horoscope at the laying of the first Stone. Notes on Script. p. 30. He likewise affirms, that the Art of this is taken out of the first part of Apotelesmatical Con­structions, called by Ptolemy, Catholicon. Tetra. lib. 1. VVhere he acquainteth his Astrologer in giving Iudgement of the Ascen­dant of a City to take knowledge of the Sun and Moons place in [Page 46] the Zodiaque, which they had at the laying of the Foundation; but especially of the Ascendant as the most principal Angle. And in p. 32. He further says,— Now, because that in the Nativities of Cities, as in the Genitures of Men, the Astrology is the same, (here you see, that hard Stone, and soft Flesh are under the same Astrological care, and cognizance) therefore after consideration had of the Life and Being of the City from the Horoscope, the next care taken was of the [...], or part of Fortune, the second Ascendant so called in the Figures of Men. And a little be­fore this, in p. 31. we meet with a famous Instance of this practice (for which we are indebted to this Author, and Gauricus) that in the Instauration of Rome by Pope Paul the Third, Gauricus drew the Figure of the Heavens. Vincentius Campanatius observed the time by his Astrolabe; toward the Instant whereof he cryed out with a loud Voice, Ecce adest hora precisa Decima Sexta feré. Then immediately Ennius verulanus the Cardinal laid the first Stone. He goes on saying, these Catholique Nativities were so much believed by the Antient Kings (saith Haly) that they en­quired into the Genitures of all the principal Nati under their Do­minions. VVhere, if the Planets were found to look with a ma­licious Eye upon the Nativity of the Kingdom, Interficiebant eum puerum, quod ejus Regnum erat contra Regnum ipsorum.

§. 111. 'Tis possible the Superstition might go too far. But allow it to be Superstition, and to have over-shot it self; yet, that there is Truth lodged even in some Superstitious practices, these Learned Men, and Instances prove. And that Ptolemy, you see, is mistaken, and misunderstood by the Author of Cometoman­tia: and so also are the rest of the Learned Astrologers,—VVhen he, with a strange confidence asserts— That the most Lear­ned and Iudicious Astrologers have not asserted the Doctrine of Genitures.— VVhich in opposition to his said Assertion, we see they have very remarkably; and that, not only of Men, but of Buildings too: Not only of soft Flesh, but of hard Stone.

§. 112. And, although this practice of the Antient Arabians, was, by their Superstitious severity, abused: yet, I see not but that very excellent use might be made thereof, even among Christians. For, if any person were found to have a Geniture that should cast a malicious Eye upon that of the Government, though I should [Page 47] not give my Vote they should therefore be barbarously or inhuman­ly Butcher'd; Yet, sure it were no injury to the principles of Hu­manity, good policy, or of Religion, to have such persons kept from prejudicing the Government, or of rendring it troubled and uneasy, by preventing the Advancement of such into places of Trust and Honour.— For if it be a Truth (and sure the Sages of former times were not all Blind) that some Persons may be born Enemies to a Government. The only way to make them so, and prove the Stars true, is to capacitate them by Preferment, or great places of Trust, to disturb, and (in time) destroy it. But, this is a String ought to be touch'd very tenderly. Astrology, although it can lay a just Title to many excellent Truths, hath not in this Age arrived to that strength of Perfection, as to give a casting Vote in the case; and it may be will not be able in many Ages to reach unto it. And know good Reader, that in all things I shall ever Submit, but shall never presume to prescribe to Authority.

§. 113. But Secondly, Having proved my Antagonist to be mistaken in Ptolemy; let us see how far Iunctinus is serviceable to him, and his cause. The Learned Iunctinus is also an allowed Pillar of Astrology by the Opponent, and therefore the better Iudge in the present Controversy, And if we but peruse his Spe­culum Astrology, as well his larger, as lesser Volumes bearing that Name, we shall certainly find him so far from refusing to Ascert the Doctrine of Genitures, that he hath, as much as any Man (nay more than many other Astrologers) Install'd and Enfranchis'd the same. Vid. Spect. Astrol. Printed at Lyons, Anno 1572. And, that the truth of this matter may more plainly appear, and my Antagonist receive the great satisfaction, he may find that this his Chosen Author Iunctinus, hath owned the Doctrine of Geni­tures to be of so Large and Comprehensive an extent, as to con­tain even the Horoscopes of Buildings, no less than those of Men, of hard Stones, as well as of soft Flesh; as Ptolomy had done be­fore him. In p. 313. of the beforesaid Book, this Learned Au­thor (in favour of the Nativities of Buildings) hath inserted the Nativity of the Noble City of Venice, with an Astrological Iudge­ment thereon. Which for the Honour of Astrological Truth, and the advantage of Artists, and full Conviction of my mistaken Adversary in this Point; I will here produce as follows.