A09353:503
A golden chain, or the description of theologyA golden chaine, or the description of theologie
A golden chain, or the description of theology containing the order of the causes of salvation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view of the order whereof, is to be seen in the table annexed. Written in Latin by William Perkins, and translated by an other. Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting troubled consciences.A golden chaine, or the description of theologie containing the order of the causes of saluation and damnation, according to Gods woord. A view of the order wherof, is to be seene in the table annexed. Written in Latine by William Perkins, and translated by an other. Hereunto is adioyned the order which M. Theodore Beza vsed in comforting troubled consciences.
London: printed by Edward Alde, 1591
Chapter 22 › The negative part.Chapter 22 › The negatiue parte.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
XI. Astrology, whether it be in casting of nativities, or making of Prognostications. This counterfeit art is nothing else, but a mere abuse of the heavens, and of the Stars. 1. The twelve houses which are the ground of all figures, are made of the feigned signs of a supposed Zodiac, in the highest spear, commonly called the first Moveable. & therefore to these houses, a man can not truly ascribe any influence or virtue. 2. This art ariseth not from experience, because it never happeneth that the same position of all stars is twice together observed: and if it were, yet could there not certain ground arise from thence, in that the efficacy & influence of the stars is confusedly mixed both in ⟨image 59⟩the air, and the earth, as if all herbs were mingled together in one vessel. 3. This art withdraweth mens minds from the contemplation of Gods providence, when as they hear, that all things fall out by the motion and disposition of the stars. 4. Stars were not ordained to foretell things to come, but to distinguish days, months, and years. Gen. 1.14. Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven, to separate the day from the night: and let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and for years. 5. Isaiah. 47.13. Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels: let now the astrologers, the Star gazers, and Prognosticators, stand up and save thee from these things, that shall come upon thee. ver. 14. Behold, they shall be as stubble: the fire shall burn them, &c. Dan. 2.2. The King commanded to call the enchanters, astrologers, sorcerers, and Chaldeans, to show the King his dreams Act. 19.19. Many of them which used curious arts, brought their books, and burned them before all men.
XI. Astrologie, whether it be in casting of natiuities, or making of Prognostications. This counterfeyt art is nothing else, but a meere abuse of the heauens, and of the Starres. 1. The twelue houses which are the ground of all figures, are made of the fained signes of a supposed Zodiake, in the highest speare, commonly called the first Moueable. & therfore to these houses, a man can not truely ascribe any influence or vertue. 2. This arte ariseth not from experience, because it neuer happeneth that the same position of all starres is twise together obserued: and if it were, yet could there not certaine ground arise from thence, in that the efficacie & influence of the starres is confusedlye mixed both in