A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

Astrologers are other fabulists: who gather out of the conjunction of Planets, •nd position of Stars; the ruins of public weals, and misfortunes of private families. If Sol be in opposition to Mercury, then the Lawyers shall have a bad Term. If Mars meet with Venus, great custom is promised to the Stews. As if •hey were Bawds to the celestial bodies; Doctors to cast the water of the heavens, •nd knew of what disease they were fickle. In a common Almanac, the Prognosticator out of his deep judgement says, that such a day shall be something differing •rom indifferent. What weather is that? Be it hot or cold, wet or dry, fair or foul; it •t still something differing from indifferent. Astrology at the best is but conjectural, •t the worst cozening and diabolical. Basil calls it occupatissimam vanitatem, a most •usie vanity. Conservam creaturam adversus Creatorem seditiosè concitat, Naz. It provokes the creature against the Creator. Themselves laugh at those, who, vel adeunt •el audiunt, either go to them, or hear them. They smile how they fill their ears with Fables, their own purses with moneys. Bion condemned them that professed to now Pisces in Zodiaco, the Fishes in the Zodiac: yet did not see nantes in oceano, the ••ishes that swim in the sea- The events have fooled them: Manfridus told Ordelaphus Prince, that he should have a long and happy life; ye he was both married and bu•ied the same year. Henry 7. in derision of Star-gazers, asked one who had prophesied of his death; What shall betide me this Christmas? the prophet answered, he ⟨p. 292⟩could not tell. Then what shall become of thy self this Christmas? he still answered, I cannot tell. Then I know more than thou, saith the King: for I know thou shalt presently be sent to prison for a juggling companion. How they have been extremely troubled about this last Comet! whether it threaten Spain or England; or the rising of new Sects: whether it portend War, or Plague, or Famine: whether to Princes, or to people; as if God had made them his Secretaries? Particular conjectures are but Fables: God knows what he hath to do. And if this did premonstrate a rod to scourge us, let us like Nineveh repent, and pacify the LORDS wrath before the blow comes. Let us beseech him, Talem nobis aevertere pestem: