ALmighty God the King of Kings, to whom the Shield and Pillars of the Earth belong, by whom Kingsraign, Princes bear rule, and Rulers have Dominion, as he is the Authour, Giver and Disposer of Dignities, Honours and highest promotions; So his Divine Majesty is oftentimes pleased by remarkable preceding signes, to demonstrate his purpose of doing great things, for those per­sons, whom his Omniscient Wise­dome predestinateth to superlative [Page 1] [...] [Page 2]Honour and Greatnesse. To omit Heathen History, holy Writ is full and frequent in Examples of this nature, signes coelestiall, by Angels, Stars, signes in the Heavens, Light­nings, Thunders, Clouds, and very frequently by fires from heaven, or bright-shining lights, and flames and pillars of fires also on Earth; alwayes evident infallible presages, to persons or places, publique or private of extraordinary mercies or Judgements ensuing.

To instance in some few (for to mention all would be too tedious) the Lord by Angels and Visions of­ten appeared to Abraham, touching his seed and estate; so to Isaac and Jacob; And upon Moses his call to be Leader of the Israelites out of Aegypt, the house of Bondage; the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire, in a bush burning, [Page 3]but not consumed; Exod. 3.2. Gods mercy herein is evidenced to Moses and his people; And after Gods Judgments against their Enemies, who kept them in bondage, is ma­nifested by many miracles, shewed by the power of God in the hand of Moses, Exod: 9.23. who (inter alia) stretching out his rod towards hea­ven, The Lord sendeth haile, min­gled with fire, thunder and light­ning on man and beast.

The Israelites marching out of Aegypt, the Lord goeth before them, by day in a Pillar of a Cloud, and by night in a Pillar of Fire, Exod. 13.21.

Aaron speaking to the Congre­gation of Israel, the glory of the Lord appeareth in a cloud towards the Wildernesse, Exod. 16.10.

Moses coming down from mount Sinai, with the two Tables in his hand, his Face shineth so [Page 4]bright, that Aaron and the people are afraid to come neer him, Exod. 34.30.

On the third day before giving of the law, thunder, lightning, thick Clouds, and the mount Sinai trem­bling, &c. Exod. 19.16.

An Angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah and his wife, predicting the Conception and Birth of Sam­pson, and they offering Sacrifice, the Angel ascended in the flame which came from the Altar, Judges 13. A wonderfull signe presaging Sam­psons surpassing strength, to be gi­ven of God; and therefore tis said when he shewed any Acts of his va­lour and force, The spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, Jud. 14.6.15.14.

The Angel Gabriel was sent of God, to declare to the blessed Vir­gin Mary her Conception and birth of our Saviour, and give him the [Page 5]name Jesus, and prenunciate his goodness and greatness, Mat. 1.21. Luke 1, 31.32. A Saviour of the peo­ple, and he shall be great, and cal­led the son of the most high, &c.

After his birth, there appeared a Star, by which the Magi, the great wealthy and wisemen of the East were directed to Christ, who came and worshipped, and presented rich gifts, Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrhe, &c. Mat. 2.11.

On the Birth-day of our Soveraign Lord the King, being Saturday 29. of May, 1630. a bright star at noon shone gloriously in the heavens, his late Majesty coming then to hear a Sermon at St. Pauls Crosse; the Text whereof was, Sampsons Pro­bleme or riddle, Jud. 14, 14. Out of the strong came forth sweetnesse, &c. And to present his praise & peace-Offering at St. Paul's Altar, for the Royall Queens happy delivery of our then hopefull Prince: our now [Page 6]most blessed, loved and honoured, King, Charlemaine, the II. from a plain but happily prophetical Pen; this threefold distichon then dropped.

Thus Englished.

That there was on the day fol­lowing being Sunday, an Orientall Ecclipse cannot be doubted; The effects and operation of which are yet in future to be produced, of which something shall be said here­after.

At the death of Julius Caesar, Qui in Deorum numerum relatus est, who was numbred among the Gods, a Comet shined then for seven dayes together, arising about the eleventh houre of the day, which by the blinde Heathens was believed to be Caesars soul, who had been a Co­met of Combustion to the World, [Page 8]

But what History do we finde mentioning the Apparition of any celestial signe or star, at the Birth of any the greatest persons before or since our Saviour? Surely, none of our highest humane Hero's have been honoured herewith; but our Sacred Soveraign, upon whose Nativity in the mid-day, in the face of the Sun this Star appeared, and shined most brightly, in the fight of many of good credit, yet living to testifie the Truth hereof.

Let none maliciously mistake me, as though I compared our King with the worlds Saviour, far be it from even my imaginations, much more expressions; I know his Ma­jesty as much abominates pro­phane adoration, as he hates para­sitical Adulation: I shall therefore [Page 9]onely set down some brief but seri­ous observations of resemblance happening touching that Star, ap­pearing at the Nativity of our Sa­viour, and this Star or signe C [...] ­lestiall shining at the Nativity of our Soveraign, and leave the signi­fication, interpretation and ampli­fication thereof to some diviner Pens.

The first Observation, is, that as that Star did lead the wisemen to Christ to worship his divine Maje­sty, so the wiser and better sort of men were directed by divine Pro­vidence to yield due honour and obedience to our rightfull Sove­raigne Lord and King, which by wilfully wicked persons was long withdrawn and denyed.

The second, That as Christ Je­sus was the worlds coelestiall and eternal Saviour, sent into the world [Page 10]to save his people from their sins, and Death & Hell due for the same, and therefore had the sweet name Jesus given him by the Angel from God: So hath God sent our Soveraign King to be a Terrestial, temporal Savior to our Microcrosm; these three Nations, ready to sinck in misery & slavery, and to be swal­lowed up by divellishly minded Miscreants, Rebellious Traitors, walking craftily, &c. Such as Jere­wiah the Prophet mentions, chap. 6.28.

But God hath made our King as tis said, v. 27. of that Chapter; I have set thee for a Tower and a Fortresse among my people, &c. And chap. 15.20. I will make thee unto this people, a fenced brazen wall, though they fight against thee, they shall not prevaile; for I am with thee to save thee, and to deliver thee, saith the Lords.

Thirdly, as the wisemen of the [Page 11]East seeing the Star, came to Christ, and rejoyced with great joy, and fell down and worshipped him, and opened their Treasures, and pre­sented to him Gold, Incense and Myrrhe, Mat. 2.10, 11. So hath the Lord touched and wonderfully inclined the hearts of the people towards our gracious King, that with inexpressible joy, and surpas­sing affection, they bow and submit to his Majesty, with rich Presents, in token of Love, Loyalty and Ho­mage: As the prophetical King, and Kingly Prophet David, of our Saviour prophesied; The Daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift, like as the rich also among the people shall doe hommage before thy face, with pre­sents. Psal. 45.12. Is not this Scri­pture fulfilled at this time in our sight? Again, Psal. 68.29. Kings shall bring presents unto thee, the Kings of Arabia and Saba shall bring gifts, &c. This is in part fulfilled [Page 12]by the King of Spaines Royall and kinde Prefents, &c. But will here­after be more fully accomplished, but by whom and in what manner, the same shall be done (although I have good ground for my Faith herein) I shall at present conceale, another opportunity happily for discovery hereof may be fitter.

Many propheticall expressions in holy Writ might be produced; properly appliable to our Sove­raign, King Charls, and even parallel to the present times and occasions, a short Tract whereof hath been penned a year since, but not yet published; which I now forbear to specifie, intending onely at present to speak and write of the said Stars Apparition at his Majesties Nati­vity, and observations thereupon.

Yet thus much, I crave leave to say (I trust without offence to God or good men) and propose this quare; What man, ever more like [Page 13]the Son of man our Saviour, in his humanity, then this our Sacred King in several respects, as he was:

1. (In his own person) born to be a King: 2 Pointed at by an ex­traordinary Star: 3. Both in his pi­ous Fathers person persecuted, and in his own pursued into exile, both in a worse case then Birds & Foxes, who have nests and holes: Cala­mities upon calamities accumula­ted upon Innocent heads, (our late Soveraigne at length, causelesly yet barbaroufly murthered at his own gate.) 4. Slandered as a Friend of Papists and Malignants, as our Sa­viour Christ of publicans and sin­ners; and many other such like sufferings as our Saviours. Yet O­rietur stella ex Jacob & consurget virga de Israel & percuties duces Moab, vastabitque, &c. Number 24.17, &c.

There shall come a Star out of peaceable James the Olive-bearer of [Page 14]this Isle, and a Scepter shall rise out of pious Charls (a precious Martyr for the Laws of the Land, and Li­berties of the People.) Ex Jacob erit qui dominetur, Num. 24.19. de forti egressa est dulcedo.

Out of the strong shall come the sweet, a Ruler so pleasing, so much longed for, & desired by the People.

What King except our coelestial Soveraign and King David, ever rod on so many Clouds of Calamities? ever bare such a burthen of bitter miseries? yet (maugre the malice of al the most potent opposers.) Me thinks I hear the Lord thus comfor­ting his King & people; I will raise up for them a glorious plant of re­nown; And they shall be no more consumed, nor bear the shame of the enemy for Rebellion any more; I will raise up a righteous Branch, A King shall raign and prosper. Jer. 23. I will give the Crown and Dia­dem to him, whose due and un­doubted [Page 15]right it is, Ezek. 21. Tis well worth our observation; seven several sorts of Government in this last Years space, sought and endea­voured to be set up; yet Iniquita­tem, iniquitatem, iniquitatem ponam eam, saith the Lord, perverted, per­verted, perverted will I make it; Yet have I set my King upon my holy, hill of Sion, Psal. 2. The Lord made David prosper in all his procee­dings, what ever David did was pleasing to the people; their ten­der care of him was such, that they said, thou art more worth then ten thousand of us: The King of of Kings owneth eminently and e­vidently our King, as he did King David, to be his King, on whom are set the hearts of all the people? Hath he not united and knit them fast, unto his and their King? Is not our King (by Gods grace to his Majesty) become the love and longing of his people, even the joy [Page 16]of their hearts? They have been (with the spouse in the Canticles) sick for love, for lack of his Majesty, their dearly beloved Soveraign, and which is a signal Note of Gods love likewise; those that were his very enemies are not onely now in peace, but in love with his Majesty; And as Balaam for Balac, though hired to curse, yet blesse altogether; The Lord God is with him, and the shout of a King is among them; Surely, there is no inchantment a­gainst Jacob, nor divination against Israel: Our Charlemaine, accord­ing to this time, it shall be said, what God hath wrought, Numb. 23.21, 23. As the trees, &c. which the Lord hath planted, and as the Cedar Trees be­sides the waters; The King shall be higher than Agag, and his Kingdome shall be exalted. Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that cur­seth thee: Num. 24, 6, 7, 9. This is the Lords doing in love to our [Page 17]King, and it is wonderfull in our sight.

The Star or coelestiall signe that appeared at the Nativity of our Sa­viour, was doubtless the Pleiades, [the name of the star or signe ap­pearing] of a most benigne and benevolent Aspect, often mention­ed in Scripture, and of most sweet influences, as appeareth by the te­stimony of holy truth, Job 38. and 31. sometimes it is called Charles­waine, sometimes the seven Stars; so it is named, Amos 15.8.

Plcides, some derive from plu­rality, quod [...], i. e. plures essent hyadibus rectius ex [...] or [...] Navigando navigars, quod sint utiles [...] i. e. Navigantibus. Be­cause they are profitable, usefull, propitious or prosperous to Navi­gation, Marriners, or Navigators. Quod primum Navigationis tempus orto suo graecis oftenderent; alii volunt [Page 18]esse, eas dictas quod [...], i. e. plure [...] quia sunt septem numero, seven in number: Alii à pleione matre nomi­natas affirmant; they were seven Sisters, the Daughters of Lygurgu [...] or Atlas; They nourished Bacchus and he afterwards translated them into heaven, and are become the seven Stars, one of them is seldome seen, because (as the Poets feign) all of them married Gods, and she alone a mortall and obscure man: Atlas was a skilful Astronomer, who gave the names of the seven daugh­ters, to these seven Stars comprised in these verses.

What can this signifie, but that [...]ur Soveraign Charls, is divinely [...]esigned (as Atlas is said, to bear [...]p Heaven) to be a most firm Pil­ [...]r for supporting and promo­ [...]ing the glory of God, and good of [...] is people in many Nations, the [...]leiades signifying plurality, and [...]even the number of blessednesse, [...]ee Gen. 28.13, 14, 15. the blessednes [...]romised by God to Jacob.

These seven Stars are so placed, [...]t ternae quaeque stellae proxi [...]nae inter [...] trigonon i. e. triquietram figuram, [...]onstituant, i. e. triangulum. That [...]ach three stars next being them­ [...]elves altogether do constitute, or [...]ake a three square, or triangle [...]ometimes they are called, Triones, War, possunt Triones dici septem, quod [...]a sitae stellae, ut terna trigonafaci­ [...]nt, seven Stars, or Charls waine.

Several Observations may hence [...]e probably deduced, as presages [Page 20]conducing to his Majesties futu [...] Progresse, to that transcendent h [...] nour and exaltation, with which [...] vine Providence is determined [...] dignifie a Prince so highly dese [...] ­ving, as our illustrious Soveraign [...]

Why may we not believe th [...] heavens have decreed, as well i [...] crease of Honour and greatnesse [...] this one person his Majesty, as pl [...] ­rality of stars appearing, united i [...] to one signe, which in all prob [...] bility should signifie a larger exte [...] of Power, Dominion and Territ [...] ­ries to the King, at whose Nativity they shined so brightly? Why ma [...] not this heap of stars signifie acc [...] ­mulation of Crowns, from a thre [...] fold Throne, to a seven fold Scept [...] according to the number of t [...] stars? of which more hereafter.

Why may we not suppose (se [...] ­ing Providence disposed a ridd [...] for the Preachers Text, at the time of these stars apparition) that the [...] [Page 21]may be much mystery, and many [...]erets specially considerable, and worthy the unfolding, lye hidden [...]et, which revealed, may happily five much satisfactory light to his Majesties future proceedings? Our [...]strologers have faltred much, [...]nd shot wondrous wide and most [...]eakly failed in their predictions; [...]onest, learned and witty Wharton of any I observed) came nearest to [...]e mark, when in Aprill, he cals for [...] Beesome to sweep the House; [...]nd rid the Pallace both of Fox and Goose, &c.

Astrology comes herein too short [...]o render a resolution of this Riddle [...]f Sampson; a Joseph or Daniel di­ [...]inely inspired will be requisite for [...]iscovery of those profound my­ [...]teries, which divine Providence by Apparition of this celestial signe Pleiades at the birth of the King [...]ath designed.

Tis evident their influence hath [Page 22]operated upon his Majesty very plainly in one particular (to wit) Navigation, being thereunto so much inclined, and therewith so much delighted, and having arri­ved to so much knowledge therein, even to admiration of expert Navi­gators; this being but one branch of their effects, why may we not conclude all other their influences to attend his Majesty propitiously?

This propitious coelestiall signe, the Pleiades hath also another name, tis sometimes called Charls waine, which seems to portend and signi­fie our Illustrious CHARLS, shall by glorious archievements gain the additional surname of Charls the great, become a second Charlemaine, raise, rare Trophies of Renown to his perpetuall honour, riding tri­umphantly in the coelestial Charri­ot of resplendent Charls his Waine, from the Western and Northern bounds to the Eastern and Southern [Page 23]parts. Dilataberis ad orientem, & oc­ridentem, & Septentrionem, & me­ridiem.

That prophetical Distick before [...]ecited upon the apparition of this [...]igne, intimatesas much:

This, (Ecclipse, being a priva­ [...]ion of light, signifies sorrow, ob­ [...]curity, adversity, as light is an em­ [...]lem of Joy, Honour and Prospe­ [...]ity) presaging the sorrow con­ [...]eived in the Eastern parts, for the [...]reat Conquests which our Charle­ [...]ain victoriously shal there obtain, [Page 24]where his Majesty shall appear, as a new Sun, rising gloriously in the Orientall parts.

In a short Poem published in the year of our Lord 1635. is contained a continued succession from King Henry the second, there stiled the great Plantagenet, To our late sa­cred Soveraign Charls le bon the first, with his Majesties many anci­ent and lawfull titles to several for­reign Scepters (which I forbear at present to specifie) therein also are many Prophetique expressions touching that royall, thrice renow­ned Family, which by divine Provi­dence may be fullfilled in our now most hopefull Soveraign (inter alia) take this into Consideration, which to me seems not impertinent to our present purpose.

Another prediction touching the golden Mines and Indies, the discovery whereof Christopher Co­l [...]mbus first offered to King Henry the seventh, who married Elizabeth Plantagenet Daughter and heire of King Edward the Fourth, by which happy match the civill feud which long before between the houses of York and Lancaster remained, was reconciled.

This prediction of our now sover­aign King, then the Prince of great Britain, and the royall issue of our late pious King, and his most Serene Queen, Deuout Sans Dout, a Mary full of grace, pronouncing them both thrice blessed in their royall [Page 27]progeny, in this Distichon, not al­together to be despised.

Of the then Prince Charls now our King.

Why should any Imagine these Predictions shall not attain accom­plishment in his Majesties Honour and happinesse, seeing the King of Kings, owneth his Majesty with so many signal tokens of love, and marks of Mercy, by dispelling those dark distructive clouds of bloudy Rebellion, turning his peoples hearts, as the Rivers of the South, making his Majesty the delight, and desire of those people, who be­fore despised him.

Observe I pray this Prophetique presage at hand, ready to be per­formed, [Page 28]above 25. years since pen­ned and published.

Although these are but parcels of that Poem, touching the Royall line and Family of Plantaginet; yet some poesie, hath sometimes come so near to Prophecy, that as there is some vicinity in the names, so [Page 29]many times it happened in the matters of their writings. Propheta & poeta, differ not much in the words; propheta [...], which comes from [...], praedico, signifies not only a Prophet, but also a Poet; And Poets have had another name, and that of Honour too, and that was Vates; How shall we distinguish between the Prophets and Poets of Israel? What are Jeremies thre in his Lamentations, but a kinde of Saphick Elegies? David Psalms are not onely Poems, but Songs, snatches and raptures of a flaming spirit. The Jews had not two such Kings in all their Catalogue, as So­lomon and his Father, P [...]ets both; There is a largenesse in their soules beyond the narrowness of other men; and why may we not then think, this may imbrace more both of Heaven and God, and they be in­dued with a Prophetique spirit.

As Christs Star (for so it is term­ed by the wisemen, Mat. 2.2.) ap­pearing at his birth, was by St. Au­gustine, called, magnifica lingua coeli, the glorious tongue of Heaven; So I hope without offence, the star [...] that appeared at his Majesties Na­tivity may be stiled, Caroli meximi [...] Epiphania, the glorious star, and ma­nifestation of King Charles the great his exaltation. And as of Christ [...] star (as some observe) It was no ordinary star, Ex situ, mot [...], & tempore lucendi, in respect of the site, motion and time of shining [...] so under favour may it be said of the Kings star, touching the temp [...] [...], 'twas extraordinary, in re­gard other stars shine in the night, this at noon day, in the fight of the Sun, in its full glory; as it were [...] star appointed to wait on the [...] hereby happily signifying, that the great Jehovah, the sun of righteous­nesse hath designed and elected our [Page 31]Soveraign KING, to be his High STEWARD, for management of the greatest matters and affairs in his Family, in his Church and State, over his people, throughout a great part of the Universe; God giving his Majesty superiority over many other his servants, though seated in high places of Honour and power also.

Houdemius an Englishman, thus sung of our Saviours star.

Thus Englished.

Of that star of Christ, it was pro­phesied, Numbers 24.17. And of this star of our King, by the same sybill that prophesied of our Savi­our, as hereafter shall be shewed.

3. That star of Christs served to the Wisemen, ad ducendum, to lead them to Christ; This of our King Charles serveth to us (if we will be wise) ad docendum, to teach and in­struct us in ready faithfull and con­stant obedience and loyalty, to Gods Vicegerent, our Leige Soveraigne; and from thence never to revolt, nor like broken bows start aside, [Page 33]least it should happen unhappily to befall this Nation, as once it was spoken of Greece, in regard of the ruines (yea even of the utter di­struction, for etiam periere ruinae) Graeciam in Graecia quaerimus & non invenimus; We fought for Greece in Greec. & found it: let it never be said of us, in regard of our recidiuall dis­loyalty, and disobedience (I will not say rebellion.) Angliam in An­glia quaerimus & non inventa est, we seek peace and plenty and safety in England, we seek that famous Church of England in England, but finde it not.

The Coelestial sign of the Pleiades, seven stars or Charles waine, whose in­fluence signifies, highest exaltation, appearing brightly at Mid-day, whilest the sun shone in its glory, doth doubtles plainly demonstrate, an ampler extent or enlargement of power, even from a threefold to a seven fold increase of Dominion [Page 34]and territory, to our most illustri­ous Charlemain; at whose Nativity this glorious signe appeared, which I shall endeavour by evident pre­dictions of this nature more plainly to demonstrate, producing the Judgment of some learned persons (profoundly sagacious in know­ledge of secrets) touching other signes and stars long before, and some smce, all concurring and con­ducing evidently to this purpose;

• The new star in Cassiapeia, 1572.
• The memorable blazing Star, 1610.
• That speedy last Comet stella Crinita 9. of December 1652. sudden ap­pearance and motion violent, &c.

If we look into the History of nature, and the times, or enquire in­to the secrets of Stars, or observe the predictions of some persons; of eminent knowledge in the Mathe­matiques, we may finde matter suf­ficient inducing us to believe that the time draweth near, and is even [Page 35]at hand, when as a miraculous Change in Kingdoms and Nations shall manifest it self, in Europe, a­mongst the Northern and North-west, yea, and North-east people also, as ever did in any part of the world, fince the universal Deluge in Noahs time; and these so great and for­midable actions, are to be perfor­med by the Power and Atchiev­ments of one eminently excellent Person, whom God hath ordained for that purpose, to do wonders, wheresoever he shall come, both in Church and State.

We may observe that as the first Empire of the world, was of the Assyrians, and began, or was feated in the East; that of the Persians and Grecians in the South, and that of the Romanes in the West; so tis most probable God hath determi­ned, to raise up a Prince to an Em­pire, Dominion or Principality of as great Splender, Majesty, and [Page 36]largenesse in the Northern parts, (if not exceeding any of the for­mer) and to make him the most potent Prince in the terrestrial U­niverse; of whose surpassing might and extensive greatnesse; that new Star in Cassiopeia (so called) 1572. was doubtlesse the prodromus or forerunner; And this coelestial signe of the Pleiades May 29.1630. shew­eth his birth, and presageth his promising growth unto future greatness.

For Confirmation of the credit hereof, that a mighty Monarch shall arise out of the North parts of Europe, let us consider the Prophe­sie of Sybilla Titurtina, wherein she speakes plainly to this purpose; A Star shall arise in Europe, towards the great House of the North, whose beams shall unexpectedly enlighten the whole world, &c.

This Siblla prophesied of Christ, in these words Nascetur Christus in [Page 37]Bethlem; Christ shall be born in Bethlem. Annunciabitur in Nazareth, he shall be manifested in Nazareth. Regnante Tauro pacifico fundatore quietis; A pacifical Bull then raign­ing, being founder of peace; meant of Augustus Caesar, in whose raign Christ Jesus was born.

If we shall diligently observe, the predictive judgment of some learn­ed men, supposed to be induced with prophetique Spirits, who have long since and of latter times deli­vered their opinions touching this subject; we shall finde the result thereof, hath been to this purpose, viz.

That the latter dayes or times might assuredly expect from the North, some glorious Star or Prince, who from those parts of Furope should suddenly burst out, & like a violent torrent, or suddain unex­pected prodigious Meteor, break his passage into the Southern, We­stern [Page 38]and other parts of the World, with as much successe and celerity in his undertakings, as attended that warlike Gracian, Prince Alex­ander the great; at what time he not onely invaded, but also tram­pled down even to confusion, the Persian Monarchy or Dominion, which had stood firm (as Chrono­logers deliver 202.) years before.

The Person they commonly stiled the Eagle of the North, the new Star of the North, or the Lyon of the North. This is neither No­vall, nor incredible, or improbable. For many learned of the Germaine and other Nations, for these last three Centuries of years, have been very diligent in the iniquisition hereof, but more especially from the year 1520. the point hath been controverted, and mens Expecta­tions more impregnated, by reason of the prophecy of Sybilla Tiburtina, then discovered, engraven in anci­ [...]ient [Page 39]Latine Characters, upon a Marble stone, answering the Ro­ [...]ane language, 300. years before Christ, found in the bowels of mount Taurus upon a Deluge of Water which hapened in the Countrey of the Helvetians.

The Prophesie is thus Englished.

There shall arise a Star in Europe, over the Iberi, or Iberians, over or towards the great house of the North, whose beams shall unex­pectedly enlighten the whole world;

This shall be in a most acceptable time, when as mortall men being wearied with War and Arms, shall unanimously be desirous to em­brace peace.

But at last the Of-spring of the most antient, or one of the antient progeny overcomes, and will pro­ceed on in a course of war, &c.

But France must first be over­come, or subject her self to this Star, And Brittany in ships shall humbly cast her self at his knees, or mercy, imploring assistance from him.

There are also in this Sybilla's Prophecy very many other materi­all predictions touching Italy, and other parts & matters also, of most remarkable moment (the mention­ing whereof, at present I omit, and leave to some future opportunity) which doubtless in their appointed time will be verified; such as are incredulous touching the truth of this Prophecy, if they be not resol­vedly refractory, cannot but be convinced, by experimental effects, of such parts thereof, as are already unquestionably fulfilled.

This prophecy which lay so long obscured, was no sooner discover'd, but it was presently transmitted by the Bishop of Sedam, unto Charls King of Spain, elected-Emperour; [Page 41]he sends it to the Pope, who imme­diately conveens together the most able Philosophers and Astrologians in Italy, to give the interpretations thereof; these men to please the Pope and Emperour adjudged the Emperour Charls to be intended by the prophecy; but others more ju­diciously declared, the Irish nation and chief Ruler thereof, to be in­tended thereby, as most probable in respect of the proximity of the word Iberi to Hiberni, which doubt­lesse was the true interpretation, as by the ensuing reasons shall be more clearly manifested.

Full fifty years after discovery thereof there appeared in Europe that miraculous new Star before mentioned in the year, 1572. in the Asterism or Constellation of Cassio­peia, at which time a Nobleman of Denmark, called Tycho Brahe, who being a very learned Astrologer, see­ing and observing this new Star, its [Page 42]first appearance untill it ended, (It being as was prophecied, the admi­ration of the whole world, because it was fixed & immoveable almost (sixteen moneth) with rare large and exact Mathematicall Instru­ments, after perusall of 30. several Authors and Books, written by men of severalnations of the effects and quality of that new star, him­self wrote a large Treatise thereof, and of his own accurate Observati­ons and Astrological predictions thereof; wherein (with much ho­nour) he mentions that prophecy of Sybilla Tiburtina terming it. Vati­cinium hoc per se est admodum memo­rabile & diligenti animadversione dignum;

By the judgement of this Tych [...] Brahe, and many other of the most exquisite Astronomers; This new star seems by Divine Power, to be created as the fore-running hand maid or harbinger, to give the first [Page 43]manifestation or interpretation of his Sybill's Prophecy, both whose unanimous concurrence made it evident, that the beginning of the most turbulent Changes in Europe, should be occasioned from the North; which parts (tis agreed by most) are intended not onely in the said Prophecy, but also by that glo­rious new Star, and all other the Stars and Comets since appearing.

This was such a star as no Histo­ry relates the like. Hyperchus men­tioneth one, two generations be­fore Christ, which was not vertical to the Northern People, but this was verticall and appeared over their heads.

Of this same opinion was Corne­lius Gemma, in his Astrological judgements given upon this new Star, in his fecond book of Cosmo­crit, printed 1575. p. 118. where he assignes these Countries to re­ceive the influence of that Coele­stial [Page 44]Star, viz. England, Scotland and Ireland, &c. Grebnerus hath somewhat conducing to our pur­pose, which shall hereafter be men­tioned.

Concerning Wars, troubles, and Changes in these Countries, what hath come to passe, we need not re­late the sad experimental know­ledge thereof, doth sufficiently shew and testifie; all Europe if not the whole world rings thereof. That which is principally aimed at i [...] this short Tract, is to demonstrate the person intended in the said pro­phesie, and by the said star appear­ing, 1572.

Quarta septentrialis sive Borealis Monarchia, quam Deus constituit in septentrione, per leonem Septentrio. nalem, magna cum admiratione illo­rum aui Divinam Apocal [...]psin & Har­monidm ill [...]m, quam excer [...]o digisa monstramus, &c. The foure Mo­narches of the world are not by the [Page 45]more profound Theologians, My­steriarches and Sagacious Astrolo­gians numbred, according to the Dominions of Kingdomes, as they have been in the world; but ac­cording to the quarters of Heaven; And therefore they affirm, the fourth Monarchy of the World, shall be erected, seated and settled in the North by Divine Provi­dence, by means of the Lyon of the North, or Septrional Lyon, to the great admiration of those that shall be then living, and shall rightly un­derstand the misterious Harmony of matters contained in the Reve­lation of St. John the Divine, and this Lyon of the North; at present (perhaps) they believing no such thing.

The effects of the said Star 1572. draw near [...]o manifestation, upon what Kingdome or Country the influence thereof shall be shewed; several and various have been the [Page 46]judgements of many learned men, touching the person, place of being, time of his first appearance, and from what part or quarter of the heaven, &c.

The Ottoman or Turkish Empire (though absolutely the greatest now in the world) cannot be this Monarchy intended, nor the Empe­rour or King of Spain at or neer the time of apparition of y^t star born, or born since, or to be born in Spain or those parts, is or can be judiciously infer'd to be the person born, to the great house of the North; by the said Sybilla & others intended, to be the Septronial Lyon (though happily the Ottoman and other Dominions, must in time be subdued by, and subjected to that great House of the North) nor yet the King of Swe­den so strenuously stood for, by some Astrologers, of our own Nation, but strangely and miserably, if not ma­liciously mistaken, as Ex ore & pen­nis [Page 47]suis propriis Judicetur, may ap­pear from their own pens; their own writings being Judges, (some of which I have herein the rather recited, that the Conviction of their errors may be thence y^e more evident) whose ignorance, envy, or unhappiness, I know not, which is most to be condemned, who by their false calculations would en­deavour the translation of prospe­rity and exaltation, from their own Leige Soveraign, to any other For­raign Prince or stranger, and rob their more worthily deserving Ru­ [...]er of that just Right of Renown; which the great Creator hath pre­ordained, to dignifie that Person withall, which he hath determined to honour above others.

Tis not to be imagined, that al­mighty God, did or ever doth ma­nifest, such miraculous Prophecies, or cause apparitions of such new and strange stars, at unusuall times, to amaze or amuze mankinde, or to presage no new or wonderfull changes in this inferiour world; In our Microcosme, our Brittish Isle, we have seen severall sad mutabilitie [...] in Civil and Ecclesiastical Govern­ments. But the sweet influences of the Pleiades appearing at our Kings Nativity so gloriously, gives Con­sidence of operation thereof, according to this Aphorisme: Or­nabuntur Reges, & clara fiunt, & ma­ximè Rex illius clematis, quia cresce [...] virtus & Nobilitas ejus, & populi & vicini decorabunt eum regno suo, & humiliabuntur ei, & obedient ejus Mandatis.

To what King or great Poten­tate in Europe, can this more aptly be applyed, then to our illustri­ous King, whose name shall grow Great and Famous; and he shall increase in Vertue and Nobility, &c. And he and his people shall be glorious in the Esteem of the World, and the neighbour Nati­ons shall doe him honour, in his and their Territories, and seek and submit unto him, obey his Orders and Commands, and count it an honour & happiness to be in League & Favour with him.

The many preceding even mi­raculous Protections and Delive­rances, from imminent and almost inevitable dangers wherewith his Majesty hath been surrounded and circumvented, and the ineffa­ble Joy and Affections of the Peo­ple for his Restoration, are clear Arguments and Testimonies of Gods great care and favouor to­wards his Majesty. And that the [Page 50]Heavens have pointed his Majesty particularly to be that mighty Monarch predicted by the Prophe­cies and Stars afore spoken of.

The Fate of the Ottoman Family having stood 333 years or there­abouts, by most of the learnedst Scrutators and Mysteriarches is drawing towards declension; The summers Sun of his prosperity is descending; the insulting Sultan hath no happy stars attending his Fate; but violent Death, in a muti­nous and tumultuous manner, by a seditious Souldiery or rebellious Janizaries (if credit may be given to Astrologers) is threatned to him. To be silent touching the Germane Emperor and Kings of Spain & Al­main, having very large portions of terrestrial possessions, and the French King also; 'Tis conceived by men of judgement in the Ma­thematicks not only the Ottoman Family but these also must bow to the Septentrionall Lyon.

Who this incomparable Con­querer, which by some is com­monly called the Eagle of the North, by some the Lyon of the North, and by some also the new Star of the North; who though this most magnificent Monarch (I say) is, or shall be, hath been and still is by many sagacious and curious inquisitors and learned Men, also not onely in these but former times seriously controver­ted, most concluding the name of this unparallel'd person to be Charls, of which opinion is Greb­nerus; but some Astrologers of late times applying it and conten­ding earnestly for Carolus Gustavus the late King of Sweden, whose Death hath since sufficiently con­vinced their errour therein; and surely to any not weakly, or wil­sully blind, 'tis cleer as the Sun, by what hath been, and shall be herein said, that our now King [Page 52] Charls is the very person intended by the said Sybill's Prophesie, and the Star in Cassiopeia; many very material parts of that Prophecy concerning his Majesty being ma­nifestly already ful filled, and the rest in Gods due time, (I dare en­gage my Life) shall and will be accomplished.

And seeing some have acknow­ledged Charls to be the name of this great person, though they doe not grant his Majesty to be really that person; I shall humbly crave his Majesties leave to offer hereafter some brief observations, touching his Majesties Name, which happily may in some re­spects conduce to the clearing of the scruple touching the Person.

I shall not herein pretend know­ledg in Astrologicall Predictians, nor presume to the name of a Prophet, or the son of a Prophet; but to speak with the Prophet Jeremy, It is a fire in [Page 53]my boues, and I cannot suppresse it. I have long since been and still am pressed in my spirit to declare what I conceive and believe God hath determined for Exaltation of his Majesty, that unparrallel'd Prince, our Charlemain the Se­cond.

The said Star 1572. may be said to give the first signification to the said Sybilla's Prophecy. But this celestiall Signe or Starre which appeared at the Birth of our now King of Great Britain, 1630. is an evident Manifesta­tion and clear Confirmation of the fulfilling of that Prophecy, pointing out plainly our Charls the Second to be another Charle­main, Charls the Great, the very person in that Prophecy intended, and by Divine Providence preor­dained to performe and accom­plish all those admirable atchiev­ments, and to attain that Super­lative [Page 54]Greatnesse and Exaltation therein predicted; even to be not only Carolus Maguus, but also Ca­rolus Maximus the Greatest that hath been or shall be of that Name.

Carolus à Carolo, Grebnerus being in England with Queen Eliz. 1582. declared this as an undubitable Prophecy which should after be fulfilled, descendens, &c admini­strabit imperium perfelicissime & longe, late (que) dominabitur, & major erit Carolo Magno; Our Charls le grand descending from Charls le bon, is undoubtedly that person, of which Grebner so prophecyeth. The Fathers goodnesse is a firm Foundation for the Son's Great­nesse The Fathers Piety, a sure Ground-work for the Son's Pro­sperity. 'Tis said of the late King that he was Crowned in White Robes to signifie his un­polluted Integrity. Psal. 112: 6. [Page 55] [...]ro. 10.7. The Righteons shall be had in Everlasting Remembrance; the Memoriall of the Just shall be blessed. If the Memory, surely the Polterity of the Just shall be bles­sed; If the Righteous shall be like a Tree planted by the River side, &c. whose leaf shall not wither; à for­tiori, his fruit shall flourish and prosper.

This pious Father prays for this Son's Goodnesse rather then Greatnesse, that he may be rather Charls le bon, the Good, then Charls le grand, the Great; God is pleased to hear his Prayer, as he did Solo­mon's praying for Wisdom only, and gives him Wealth, Honour and Greatnesse also, in an Extra­ordinary manner; So will God give to our King, even give to his Majesty not only goodnesse, but greatnesse also, destroy his Ene­mies out of his sight, make him a great Name like unto the name of [Page 56]the great Men of the Earth, fa­mous through the world, as he promised to David and to his seed after him, 2 Sam. 7.

Our Soveraign Charls hath had a threefold ground for his Great­nesse. 1. Divine, Gods determi­nation. 2. Paternall, a good Father. 3. Propheticall, The Sybills Prophecy; after that the Star in 1572. was a prodomus going before the Pleiades, which being a Sign Celestiall, was as a John Baptist or Precursor, appea­ring at his Majesties Nativity, to shew and certifie his Majesty to be the very person by the said Prophecy and Star predicted, in whom the effect of both was to be fullfilled: All these successively presaging Gods preordinate pur­pose, of making his Majesty Ca­rolus Maximus, that most Mag­nificent Monarch of the North, which by the said Prophecy and [Page 57]Star was prefigured, the great Lyon, and new Star of the North.

Let us consider the parts of the said Prophecy, and we shall find it most properly, principally and solely applicable to our Soveraign Charls the Second, rather then to any other Prince or Potentate in the world.

There shall arise a Star in Europe, over the Iberi or Iberians, over or towards the great house of the North, whose Beams shall Enligh­ten the whole world.

In this Verse are these 3. Points or Parts most considerable.

1. The place of the apparition of the Star. 2. House or Family. 3. Future Glory or increase of Greatnesse.

In the year 1630, in the 110. year after the discovery of this Prophecy, and fifty Eight years after the new Stars manifestation which appeared 1572. on the 29. [Page 58]day of May, was our illustrious Charles borne in that very part of the World which both the old Prophecy and new Star designed, upon whose Nativity at Noon, the Sun then brightly shining appear­ed the Pleiades, a celestial sign full of sweet influences called also his Charls Wain, as before is shewed, to signifie & clearly to manifest to the world, That the Prince then born, was that great Star Sybilla inten­ded; And the Star in 1572. to be but the Prodromus or precuisor to this; And that by this God was pleased to demonstrate the person intended by Sybills Prophecy; and to remove all Doubts and Scru­ples which might arise touching the certainty thereof.

Out of the words of the Prophecy it self, 'tis evident, that our King Charles is the onely Person meant thereby; For whose is the Go­vernment? or who is over the [Page 59] Iberi or Iberians, the Irish or Ire­land, or for some hundreds of years have been, but his Royall Majesty and Predecessours.

Again, what great House of the North is there in any part of Europe which is greater, or in reall truth so great, as our Soveraign, either in respect of antiquity, being for 500 years and more descended and continued and derived from the most Royall bloud, and Line of most renowned Kings as any in Christendom, or the terrene world. Whether we consider the Paternall or Maternall part of his Majesties Kingly Ex­traction, or in respect of the Do­minions and Territories de jure, belonging to his Majesty, being an Empire of no mean power and Extent, not inferiour to the great­est in Europe; and in regard of the most illustrious prowesse, valour, and glorious atchievments of his [Page 60]Majesties most heroicall famous Ancestors and Predecessors.

And as to the last part of this Verse of the Prophecy, That the beams of that Star shall enlighten the whole world, that relateth to future Effects. But 'tis most evi­dent, that among all the highest humane Heroes, that History mentioneth, none was ever ho­noured with the apparition of a celestiall Sign and Star at his Na­tivity, Except our Saviour Christ and our Soveraign Charls, which doth clearly presage great and wonderfull Acts to be performed by that person whose honour Heaven is determined to advance and make his Name and Fame glorious through the Universe; neither do we find any Celestiall sign, Star or Planet, whose influ­eace hath been honoured with so rare and excellent an Epitheton as God himself is pleas'd to attribute: [Page 61]in holy Writ to the Pleiades, seven Stars, or Charls's Wain, stiling the influences thereof sweet and most mellifluous, shewing also the im­possibility for any humane power to restrain the same, Job 38.31.

The day of his Majesties glori­ous renown now begins to dawn, And before the number of years which equalls the number of Stars in the said Celestiall sign Pleiades, appearing at his Majesties Nativity, be expired, shall shine most brightly throughout Europe, and other parts more remote; yea, before a Trigon of that time be past, some fair foundation may be laid, for effecting of some Fa­mous future Enterprizes, which with much celerity, will happily be accomplished. ‘Septem Stellae possunt dici triones, quod ita si [...]ae sunt, ut terna trigona faciant.’ [Page 62]'Tis observable that this Star Pleiades or 7 Stars appeared about Noon, when the Sun in the Me­ridian shone gloriously; yet did not the glorious brightnesse of the Sun, obscure the light or appea­rance thereof, but rather add lustre unto it, which may be in­terpreted as an argument of the Heavens auspicious aspect upon his Majesties undertakings, and that the Sun of Righteousnesse with healing under his wings will smile upon him, and shew the light of his Countenance upon his Enterprizes, and give thereunto happy successes.

This vernall Figure of Heaven promiseth to his Majesty ampli­tude of highest honour and au­thority, and that neither dome­stique Conspiracies, nor Forraign Oppositions shall be able to pre­vent or restrain the sweet and smiling Influences of the heavenly [Page 63]bodies, which promise him vi­ctorious successe.

And happily it may not be un­worthy our taking notice, that these Pleiades appear'd at Mid. day and in the spring, the Month of May the pleasantest time of the Year, being that time and month of our Soveraigns Nativity; hence I observe that the Starrs signifie his Majesties eminent appearance by divine designement, happeneth to be in or about the Meridian of his Age, the thirtieth year of his Majesties Age, at which time his Majesties coming, is with a sweet & comfortable Conquest of Love over his peoples Hearts, and 'tis well worth our joy and notice, that his Majesty returns Trium­phing, not so much over, as with his people; And I am confident his Majesty conceives it a greater Honour and Felicity in saving these sinking Kingdomes, then he [Page 64]would in gaining new ones; And that it is, yea and will be a greater content to his Majesty, then any Plots of projecting councellors would have been, were they at the ends of their Designs. But this is the Lords doing, the work of the Divine hand; Digitus Dei, and 'tis wonderful in our Eyes, and ought to be wonderful joy and thank­fulnesse in our Hearts.

The number thirty, a trigonon of tenus is memorable for many mysteries being a trine of tenns, Ezekiall at the said Age began to Prophecy, John Baptist was thirty years of Age when he began to preach in the Wildernesse and to prepare the wayes of the Lord. And in the Roman Church (wherein although non omnia, yet optima may be observed,) none are admitted to the Ecclesiastical fun­ction till thirty years of Age. 'Tis observed that Joseph about the [Page 65]thirtieth year of his Age, was brought out of Prison, and after his long Affliction and Imprison­ment came to his great Honour, and received the Government from Pharaoh in Egypt, Moses about the same time of his Age was cal­led by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to be their Go­vernour. And David about that time of his Age came to the King­dome which God promised and gave him. And our Saviour Christ Jesus, by S. John in Jordan, in the thirtieth year of his Age was Baptized, began to doe Miracles, and to teach the Kingdome of God; And after many sufferings on Earth, not long after the thirti­eth year of his Age, Ascending into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of his Father who made his Enemies his Footstoole, and had all Power and Dominion gi­ven to him, being exalted from [Page 66]his Crosse to his Crown of Eter­nal Glory.

And as this was about the thir­tieth year of his Age in his huma­nity, so it was about the same time of the year also in the spring, Opima & optima pars Anni

The same time of Age, and of the year when our Saviours Re­surrection and Ascention came to passe, Divine Providence hath brought to passe, for our Sove­raign King Charls his Restitution to his just Rights, and his Ascen­tion to his Royall Scepter and Crowne, and Throne, notwith­standing the rage, and maugre the malice of all his Adversaries; God hath ownd him as his David, his Dilectus, and said, and done for him as he did for his beloved David; Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion, &c. Psal. 2.6. And his Majesty may say with David; Ego autem constitutus sum [Page 67]Rex ab eo super montem sanctum ejus.

Our Kings coming may pro­perly be compared to the comfort of the Spring; Jam enim Hiems transtit, Imber abiit & recessit, flores apparuerunt in terra nostra, Tempus avium Cantationis advenit, vex tur­turis andita in terra nostra: ficus protulit grossos suos, vineae florentes dederunt odorem, Cant. 2.11, 12. The Winter of our wofull Bon­dage and Affliction is passed over; the showers of our sorrow and oppression are blown away, and the clouds of our calamities, dis­pelled and dispersed, by the bright sun of Soveraign's shining, whose enlivening influence re­vives the State, and makes it flou­rish; the fragrant flowers of Comfort appear in the garden of our Lands: The voice of the Turtle, Unity and Peace, is heard in our land; we may sit safely [Page 68]under our Vines, & eat the Fruits of our Fig trees.

The Antient Romans used ver sacrum facere to hallow the spring to God, and the Primitive Church Consecrated the begin­ning of the year to God.

The time of our Soveraigns resti­tution to his Crown and Dignity being in the spring, and in May Mensis Florum, the most Fragrant and sweetest Month of the Year, (the vertue and quintessence of all Herbs, Flowers and Plants, be­ing then in their full force) which some derive a Majoribus, others a Maio, i.e. Jupiter which may sig­nifie the sweet influences & effects of the Pleiades or Charls's Wain, attracting the Hearts and affecti­ons of his people in a most Loyall and Loving manner towards his Majesty; and promising gracious and happy successe to all his future undertakings.

But to return to the further con­sideration of the said Prophecy of Sybilla; the Star was prophecyed to appear in a most acceptable time, when as mortal men being wearied with War, and Arms, shall Unanimously desire to Embrace peace. This part of the Prophcy is fulfilled perfectly, wherein we may take notice of Divine Provi­dence, taking all occasions and opportunities of time to do for persons whom God determineth to promote and advance, and to prevent danger that may befall them, as now appears by his Mer­cy shewed to the Kings Majesty, beyond all humane expectation in so wonderfully delivering his Ma­jesty from both Domestick and Foreign Perils, and preserving him to be the Joy and Delight of his people.

To proceed to the verse or part of the Prophecy where tis said, [Page 70]but at length the off-spring of the most ancient, or one of the anci­ent Progeny overcomes: This sheweth by what hath been said before, that this part of the Pro­phecy cannot be intended not applyed to any other then his Ma­jesty, being the Off-spring of the Blood Royall of the Kings of Eng­land and Scotland, and next Heir to these Crowns.

The next thing offering it self to Consideration, is this; in the said Prophecy it follows thus, but France must first be overcome o [...] subject her self to this star; & Brit­tany in ships shall humbly cast her self at his knees for mercy, implo­ring assistance from him.

Touching the former part o [...] this verse or particle of the said Prophecy somewhat might be truly said concerning the right of that Crown and Kingdome, to whom it belongs.

But I shall not presume to press or say any thing concerning that, but take the Poets expression for a premonition.

And rest satisfied with that say­ing, quae supra nos nihil ad nos, His Majesty is Wise and Valiant, and when Gods appointed time shall come, the Divine hand will restore to his Majesty those Dominions which his Divine Majesty hath determined for his Enjoyment; as he hath to those of great Brit­tain and Ireland; which leads me to the latter part of the verse of this Prophecy.

And Brittany in ships shall hum­bly cast her self at his Knees or Mercy imploring assistance from him; how perfectly this is fulfil­led, ther's none surely so blind or [Page 72]impudent, as to deny the accom­plishment hereof: and those Astrologers of our Nation who have heretofore, either infirmly, impudently, or impiously oppo­sed the application of this Pro­phecy, to our present sacred So­veraign, (whom God hath in so signall a manner severall waies eminently owned as his King, his Vice-gerent on Earth) will be clearly connced by these evident accomplishments of the most materiall parts of this Prophecy; and with all submissive acknow­ledgement confesse their Errours and Ignorance; and humbly im­plore Gods, the Kings and the peoples pardon, for their false malevolent calculations and de­ceitful delusions in denying Gods divine Decrees, detracting from his Majesties true honor, and de­luding the people: And in all humility, acknowledge his Majesty, our Soveraign Lord [Page 73] Charls the Second, to be that person intended by the said Prophecy, pre­saged by the said Star in 1572; confirmed by that celestiall sign appearing at his Birth, the Pleiades; whose sweet influences have in several respects plainly appeared, And will attribute (as justly due to his Majesty) that stile and title of Eagle of the North, New Star of the North, Lyon of the North; sole Monarch of the fourth Monarchy Septentrionall, to be settled and seated in the North. The Septentrional Lyon being signified by his Majesties Star of Nativity, the Pleiades; and also by the Kings Armes both of England and Scotland, both bearing Lyons, England three Lyons pas­sant, and Scotland the Lyon Ram­pant. And Septentrio, signifying the North Star being the same with his Majesties Birth-Star; scilicet sidus ex septem stellis quae [Page 74]Triones dicuntur; And Sidus being derived ex [...], ex [...] quod plures simul videntur; vel quod fit plurium stellarum conventus: vel ex seder, [...] ordo, significat enim ordines stellarum; the Pleiades, be­ing Conventus 7^em stellarum, quae ita ordine sunt sitae, ut ternae quaeque stellae proximae inter se trigonon con­stituunt, meaning thereby his Maje­sties three-fold present diadem or Dominion to be amplified to a [...]ld.

And as Divine Providence had so preordained, that the Preachers Text at the time of the appearing of that Star should be a Riddle; so doubtlesse many mysterious se­crets & observations may be from the 7n. Stars deduced; the most Mysterious numbers of three and seven, seven Stars so placed toge­ther, that every three next make a Trigonon, or three quarter trian­gular, or three square figur escomprehended in the word or sign Septentrio, septem Triones or [Page 75] ter septem signifying perhaps his Majesties first action in the 21 year of his Age; wherein divine Deli­verance with Honour appeared. The Pleiades Ministring plentifull matter of serious consideration, which I shall leave to some other opportunity; For although his Maje. prevailed not in the first at­tempt, yet a dark and cloudy mor­ning may and did presage a bright Sun-shine day of a more happy Conquest to ensue without blood even over the hearts of his people.

Our now most gracious King is the 3d. Monarch of great Britain, and the 3d. Prince of Wales of the name Charles, though the second King of that name; into this Prince happily Divine Providence hath determined to infuse all the vertues and powers of his Ance­stors, the former Monarchs and Princes of these Nations, and to make his Majesty more eminently [Page 76]glorious and famous then any or either of those, or of his former Predecessors, and out of a three-old Dominion or Diadem; to en­large his Territories to a seven-fold Empire, which by the seven Stars seems to be signified.

What means that following part of the Sybills Prophecy in these words: Italy pawsing with great difficulty about these trou­ble some Governments, and Scep­ters, will signifie her right hand unto him, meaning the Star of the great house of the North: whe­ther Rome standing on seven Hills be intended for the right hand of Italy, in the Prophecy it matters not? 'Tis not improbable to be believed, that our Carolus Maxi­mus, assisting the Christian, shall extend his Empire into the Mahu­metan Territories. I dare engage my life our Charle-main into a se­ven-fold Soveraignty of Domini­on [Page 77]Rides triumphant in his Chari­ot of incomparable conquests, else what means Charls his Wain? seven Stars or Peliades?

The number Seven is a number of various and manifold power; if we consider the several parts thereof, and the joyning together of them, we shall confesse as well by the joyning as by its fullnesse apart, that it is most full of Maje­sty: The Pythagorians call it ve­hiculum vitae, because it contains Body and Soul. The body con­sisting of four Elements, and the number three respects the soul in its three-fold power, rationall, irascible and concupiscible; se­ven consisting of 3 and 4. This number (as some learned Philo­sophers affirm) joyning the soul to the body; the vertue hereof relates to the generation of man­kind, and causeth Man to be con­ceived, formed, brought forth [Page 78]nourished, live, and indeed alto­gether to subsist, as by many par­ticulars (too long to relate) might be proved.

It is most evident our Charlemain is the vehiculum vitae of these three Nations; the onely supporting Atlas of the State, quasi divinitus ortus the prime and principall Pillar of the safety and welfare of these three Kingdoms.

There is also in Celestials a most potent power of this number 7; There are four corners of the Hea­ven diametrically looking one towards the other, which is ac­counted a most full and powerfull aspect, and consists of the number seven; For it is made from the seventh sign, and makes a cross, the most powerfull figure of all: [Page 79]By the same radiation and num­ber the Solstice is distant from Winter and the Winter aequino­ctiall from Summer; all which are done by seven Stars: there are seven Circles in Heaven ac­cording to the longitude of the axletree; there are seven Stars greater or lesser, about the Artick pole, called Charles wain; seven Stars called the Pleiades, seven Planets, according to seven dayes constituting weeks. Why may not the principal and most prospe­rous powers of those seven Pla­nets, by the Influence of the seven Stars of the Artick pole Charles wain, and the Pleiades, be signified, to have their influences and ope­rations upon the actions and pro­ceedings of our great Septentrio­nal Star (who for his prudence, valour and piety (which is the best policy) may be truly termed the Lyon of the North or great Northern Monarch.

It is also applyed to Saturn, Pla­netarum primus deorum antiquissi­mus, which ascending from the lo­wer is the 7th. Planet; which be tokens rest, to which the seventh day is ascribed (on which our Charlemain was born as before is shewed presaging rest to these Nations during his Majesties Reign;) which signifies the seven thousandth, Wherein (as St. John in the Revelation witnesseth) the Dragon, which is the Divell, and Satan, being bound, men shall be quiet and lead a peaceable Life.

Why may not this be applyed to the time of the Reign of our Charlemain the Second? The se­venth day, the Creatour rested from his work, wherefore this day was by Moses called the Sabboth, (i.e.) The day of rest; hence it was that Christ rested the seventh day in the Grave. This number hath also a great Communion with the Crosse; as also with [Page 81]Christ in whom is all our blessed­nesse, rest and felicity.

The Pythagorians call it the number of Virginity, and there­fore they dedicated it to Pallas the seigned Goddess of Chastity.

It hath also in Religion most potent signes of its Esteem; and is called the number of an Oath. Hence among the Hebrews to swear is called Septenary, (i.e.) to protest by 7: so Abraham when he made a Covenant with Abime­lech appointed seven Ewe Lambs for a Testimony.

It is also called the number of blessedness whence that, ‘O terque quaterque Beatus!’ O thrice and fourtimes blessed! Hence the Pleiades a celestial sign, coacted and compounded of seven Stars may be said to presage a se­ven-fold blessednesse to our Sove­raign King Charles; upon whose Birth it appeared, & those 7 beati­tudes [Page 82]in the 5th. of St. Matthew to be conferr'd upon his Majesty; Some Roman Authors seem to affirm, that the Star appearing upon the Birth of our Saviour was not a singular but an heap of Stars, deducing their opinion from one, Albumuzar an Arabian, Phisitian, & Astrologer averring it to be that sign in the Zodiak calld virgo, the wich virgin is composed of so ma­ny Stars as may aptly pourtray, Virginem, gestantem inter brachia filium, a Virgin bearing an infant in her Armes, and so have thought that to be this Star; perhaps from the Prophecy of our Sybilla Tibur­tina, who when Augustus boasted of his super-human Majesty, shew­ed him Virginem in caelo infantem portantem. A Virgin in heaven bea­ring a young Child in her Arms; in these words hic puer Major est te, ipsum adora; Yonder infant is greater then thou art, O Caesar [Page 83]worship him, to this St. Chryso­stom is produced as a witness who says thus; this Star appeared to them descending upon that vi­ctorial Mountain having in it th [...] form of a little Child, and above him the similitude of a Crosse.

What credit may be given to those opinions I dispu [...]e not, the Morall and Divine applications thereof may be profitable for the spiritual health of the Soul touch­ing Faith in Christ our Saviour; but tis most probable, that by this heap of Stars at his Majesties Na­tivity appearing, heaps of happi­ness & accumulation of comforts are surely presaged to his Majesty and all his faithful liedge people in & through his blessed Govern­ment, and by plurality of Stars Celestiall, plurality of prosperity to the State terrestriall under his Majesties Dominion.

That those Observations tou­ching [Page 84]the Numbers of 3 and 7. in the Pleiades, seven Stars or Charls wain, and other numbers (whereof mention before is or may be here­after made) may not be thought tedious or impertinent; It will not be unworthy our taking no­tice, that as amongst the Celestiall [...], the Stars of Heaven are reckoned among the most excel­lent Characters of the Divinity, Power, wisdome and Glory of the Creator, in that they are written and engraven with the finger of God himselfe (the Father of Lights;) Quibus invisibilia Dei intelliguntur, ac providentur, ipsa (que) aeterna ejus potentia, quibus gloria Dei enarratur: So not onely the most eminent Philosophers do unanimously teach, but also ma­ny Catholique Divine Doctors especially Hierom, Austin, Origen, Ambrose, Gregory Nazianzen, Atha­ [...]asius, Bede, and many more con­firm, [Page 85]That there lies wonderfull Efficacy and rare Vertue in Num­bers. Severinus Boethius saith, that all things which were first made by the nature of things in the first Age, seem to be formed by pro­portion of Numbers; for this was the principall pattern in the mind of the Creator. Hence is bor­rowed the number of Elements, hence the courses of Times, hence the motion of the Stars, and the revolution of the Heaven and the state of all things subsist by the uniting together of Numbers; which are therefore endowed with great and sublime vertues. All species of natural and super­natural things are joined together by certaine Numbers; which made Pythagoras say, that Num­ber is that by which all things consist, &c.

If there be so many great and occu [...] vertues in natural things of [Page 86]manifest operations, It is no won­der that there should be in Num­bers much Greater and more oc­cult, and also more wonderfull and efficacious; Forasmuch as they are more formall, more per­fect and naturally in the celestials, not mixt with separated sub­stances; but having the greatest and most simple commixion with the Idaea's in the mind of God, from which they receive their proper and most efficacious ver­tues; and so are of most force and conduce most to the obtai­ning of spiritual and divine Gifts. Proclus saith, that number hath alwaies a being: yet there is se­veral sorts of Natures of Num­bers; there is one in voice, ano­ther in the proportion of them, another in the Soul and Reason, and another in Divine things.

Themistius Boethius, and Aver­rois the Babylonian, together with [Page 87] Plato, do so extol numbers, that they think no man can be a true Philosopher without them. But they speak of a rationall and formall number, not of a mate­riall, sensible or vocall, the num­ber of Merchants, buying and selling; of which the Pythagori­ans, Platonists, and Austin make no reckoning, but apply it to the proportion resulting from it, which number they call natural, rationall, formall, from which great mysteries flow, as well as in natural, as divine heavenly things. By this (say these and other profound Philosophers) is there a way made, for the sear­ching out and understanding of all things knowable. By it the next accesse to naturall prophe­cying is had; and the Abbot Joachim proceeded no other ways in his prophecies, but by forma [...] numbers.

This Digession is made on purpose, if it may be to prevent those Objections which may be raised against Observati­ons upon Numbers, wherein (if some of the most Learned not onely Philosophers, but di­vines may be believed) are many occult vertues, and distinct my­steries both divine and naturall; But it must be remembred that what hath been said touching numbers or shall be said touch­ing the powers thereof, is not meant of vocal or Merchants numbers, but of rational, formal and natural; But some divine and philosophical Authors af­firm, that he which knows how to join together the vocal num­bers, and natural with divine, and order them into some har­mony, may happily be able to know and work wonderfull things by numbers. T [...] [...]ytha­gorians [Page 89]professe they can prog­nosticate many things by the numbers of Names; In which truly, if there did not lie a great Mystery, why hath St. John in the Revelation said Cap. 13.17.18. Hîc sapientia est, qui habet intelle­ctum computet numerum bestiae, nu­merus enim hominis est. He which hath understanding let him compute the number of the name of the Beast, which is the number of a man; And this was the most famous manner of computing amongst the Hebrews and Cabalists; and happily may be at this day in these times, a more certain way and course for conjecturall calculations, then many, yea most of our late A­strologers have found out, at lest exposed to publick test; whose miserable mistakes and grosse Errors, have somewhat impea­ched the reputation of their sci­ence, [Page 90]and left some blemish upon some of the reputed principal professors thereof, which I spare to specifie, choosing silence rather then taunting aspersions, know­ing that although tis said and so the verse begins with astra re­gunt homines, yet it concludes thus, sed regit astra Deus, and what mortal is there, that keeps the key of the Almighties Cabi­net, or hath known his mind; and considering as a man, that Humanum est Errare.

But to return to the conside­ration of the number Seven, the number of his Majesties Nativi­ty Star, a number of such vari­ous and manyfold vertue and power, That to expresse the same would require a large single volume by it self. Somewhat hath been said before hereof, which I shall not repeat, but proceed with all brevity to set down some short observations [Page 91]on that, and the number three and some other numbers oppor­tunely offered to consideration on this present occasion.

Seven is a number of purificati­on, Elisha the Prophet bid leprous Naaman wash seven times in Jor­dan which done he was clean­sed, and the Leprous person un­der the law that was to be clean­sed was sprinkled seven times with the blood of a Sparrow. The Leprosie of Rebellion in these Nations, needs 7 fold clean­sings for purification. It is a num­ber of repentance and remission, protending the peoples peniten­tial submission, and our Kings gracious Remission. Tis a num­ber of liberty, according to the Hebrews the Israelites law, where each Hebrew servant the seventh year claimed Liberty may mind the King of a Jubile; 'tis suta­ble to divine praises the sanctify­ing of the Lords day, and people by praises & prayers as saith the [Page 92]Prophet seven times a day do I praise thee, shewing his gratitude for Gods goodness, &c. A good pattern for a pious K. tis a num­ber of revenge, as in Scripture of­ten appears, Cain shall be reveng­ed 7ld. & the Psalmist saith, ren­der Neighbors seven-fold into their bosom, their reproach, &c. Signi­fying his Majesty shall be ena­bled to take a seven-fold revenge of his Enemies, God will give power so to do. Tis a number consecrated to the Holy Ghost, which the Prophet Isaiah de­scribes to be seven-fold accord­ing to his gifts (viz.) the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of council and strength, the spirit of knowledge and ho­linesse, and the spirit of the fear of the Lord, which we read in Za­charia to be the 7 Eyes of God, why may we not conceive that, Hereby is noted the manifold rare Gifts where with his Majesty is [Page 93]and shall be endowed from Heaven and the favourable Countenance of the Lord looking towards him, shin­ing graciously upon him? In the book of the Revelation we may read of seven Angels spirits stan­ding in the presence of God, and seven Lamps burning before the throne of God, and seven Gol­den Candlesticks, and in the middle thereof was one like the Son of man, and he had in his right hand seven Stars. What is it not plain and proper, that by the Son of man is our Saviour, & by the seven Stars our Soveraign intended? our King in the hand of our God? what other or better interpretation, in relation to his Maje. by way of parallel from the Pleiades can be made, but that Gods Divine Majesty will gra­ciously give unto our King a 7^ld. attendance and guard of Holy Angels, his ministring spirits, to protect his princely person from [Page 94]all eminent dangers: the burn­ing Lamps and Golden Candle­sticks, and one like the Son of man, with seven Stars in his right hand, what application can be made hereof, but that the Son of righteousnesse with healing under his wings will guide his Majesty through the wildernesse of this wretched world, lead him through the dark deserts of dan­gers, as he did the Israelites day and night, by a cloud and pillar of fire; illuminate his under­standing to see the wondrous things of Divine Laws, and give him a large portion of wisdome for humane Government; and that Almighty God will so guide the King with his right hand, that he shall not dash his foot against a stone: the seven Stars being the Celestiall sign at the Kings Nativity, may signifie the King to be the person, the Sidus of seven Stars said to be in [Page 95]the right hand of the Sonne of Man, where is protection and safety infallible under the sha­dow of the sacred wings of the omnipotent. Now by what hath been said it is apparent, that the number seven among all the o­ther numbers may deservedly be said to be most full of all efficacy: more over this number seven hath great conformity with the number twelve, for as three and four make seven, so thrice four makes twelve, which are the numbers of the Celestial Planets and Signes resulting from the same Root, and by the number three partaking of the Divinity and by the number four of the nature of Elements and other inferiour things.

There is in sacred Writ, a very great Observance of this num­ber seven before all others, and many and very great are the my­steries thereof, many have been [Page 96]already reckoned up and many more might be repeated out of holy Writ, by which it may ea­sily appear that the number 7, doth signifie a certain fullnesse of sacred Mysteries: what an admi­rable and unparrallel'd person may we then hope and expect that to be, whose arrival on earth such a glorious mysterious num­ber, not of terrestrial, but celestial bodies, are sent to celebrate and congratulate; surely God was pleased to send these heavenly Heralds to proclame this Prince to be in time convenient to di­vine Designment, the most pious, prosperous and puissant Prince in Europe; Nay, is it not most pro­bable, that divine providence hath determined to make that person superlatively Excellent, whose Entertainment the King of Kings is pleased to Dignifie with the Attendance of such [Page 97]heavenly harbingers, and anspioi­ous Ambassadors, who are praemi­sed on purpose to premon [...]rate and promulgate to the world, the Nativity, Apparition, and coming of the mightiest Monarch in the terrene Universe.

Dion writes of a Phaenix that was seen before the last year of Tiberius which Byrd is a perfect Emblem of the Resurrection, and signified that at that time Christ rose from the dead, and the Gospell was then to be spread abroad, which is an as­severation of the dead rising again, of the resurrection, which the slee­py Sadduces denyed.

If there be Phoenix, tis our King, of this Age, causing a Resurrection of these Nations from their Graves of Ruine and Slavery, to rejoy­cing and liberty.

What did the Favour worn by the people before the Kings com­ing in commonly called the Kings [Page 98]colors; de phoeniceo colore, of a phae­nician, crimson, or purpureo, a purple colour signifies: what did that por­tend? but that our Phoenix, should return triumphing; and be anoin­ted with the oyle of gladnesse, and that God through his Majesties Go­vernment should recover both Church and State from eminent ruine, give us beauty for ashes, and the garment of gladnes, for the spi­rit of heavinesse.

Those inconsiderable seeming signes of wearing the Kings Co­lours, the Phoenix colours; howe­ver not noted, proves to be a plain prediction of the Kings and Coun­tries Restitution and Resurrection: when God hath a purpose to bring to passe any thing, be it ever so great, the meanest means is not to be dispised, nor any the least omen to be contemned. Ex parvis prin­cipiis ad summum saepe pervenitur. Smal [...]d sad beginnings, God of­tentimes [Page 99]brings to glad and glori­ous perfection, who hath despised the day of smal things, Zach. 4.10. Out of the ashes of that pious, pa­tient, prudent Phoenix, Charls the I. hath God raised for us another Phoenix.

The Phoenix as Pliny hath it, takes her name, ex phoeniceo pennae­rum colore, nomen invenit; from the colour of the Phoenix wings or fea­thers: Ʋel à palmae Genere, from a kinde of Palm tree; quae [...] dici­tur. Morientis & renascentis ram [...] figura. The emblem of a dying and reviving branch. Many deriva­tions are given of the word phoenix which are omitted.

Tis a Bird of Arabia (whereof there is never but one) living 660. years, (as Pliny relates) which per­ceiving the end thereof to be near at hand, builds her a Nest in the top of a Palm tree, with hot spices Cassia, Cinnamon, Myrrh, &c. [Page 100]which being set on fire by the sun beams, her self therein is therewith burnt, out of whose ashes ariseth a worm, which afterward groweth to be a phoenix: Many remarkable observations might hence be raised suitable to the present matter in hand. I shall onely touch upon a threefold parallel?

Is not our King as another rare phaenix to us? May it not be said of our Soveraign, as God by his pro­phet, Zach. 3.2. said of Jehoshna, who was wonderfully preserved in the Captivity, yet Sathan stood at his right hand to resist him, and sought to afflict and trouble him: Is not this a brand taken out of the fire? The parallel holds very per­fectly, between our King and Jeho­shun, throughout the whole Chap­ter: Hath not his Majesty been most miraculously preserved from many Domestick and Foraign dan­gers, by sea and land, from plots of [Page 101]foes profest, and conspiracies of false seeming friends, from publi­que open perils of the sword, and secret and private practises of ma­ny wicked, cunning and cruell ad­versaries: per mare, per terras, per sara, perignes, per tot discrimina re­rum: Through innumerable inef­fable difficulties, dangers, hath the Lord restored our King, from his exile to his Crown and dignity; and the Nations to Peace and safe­ty, as a brand taken out of the fire, kept from utter consuming.

To proceed with the parrallel, Jehoshua was clothed with foule or filthy garments (as the text hath it) which the Lord Commanded to be taken from him, and caused him to be cloathed with change of ray­ment, and a faire Diadem to be set upon his head; And the Lord said, I will bring forth the branch my servant; for loe the stone, that I have laid before Jehoshua: upon [Page 102]one stone shall be seven eyes. Be­hold I will cut out the graving thereof, &c. And in that day (that the Lord) shall ye call every man, his neighbour under the Vine and under the Fig tree, Zach. 3.5, 8, 9, 10. The application is evident, the pa­rallel applying it self.

How plainly and perfectly is this prophecy fullfilled by parallel in our Soveraign? are not those foule blots and stains of false re­ports and reproaches, calumnies, and scandalous aspersions, by cur­sed slanderous detractors, now cleansed and cleared, and his Majesties untainted integrity co­vered with the white rayment of unspotted Innocence; clad with the garments of Glory and highest grandeur, and most richly arrayed, with the royall robes of most am­ple & illustrious renown, adorned with the fairest Diadem of Royall [Page 103]Soveraignty and Dignity, and for a Crown to all his Majesties Felici­ties, crowned with the fur passing love, and faithfull loyalty, obe­dience and duty of his Subjects:

And verse the 8. I will bring forth the branch my servant; what branch more properly then grow­ing from that royall root, of most ancient kingly Race; Plantaginet according to that of Ezekiel 34.29. by God promised to his people Is­rael. And I will raise up for them a plant of Renown, and they shall be no more consumed, &c. Hath not the Lord dealt as graciously with Eng­land, as with Israel in this respect? Hath he not brought forth for Eng­land, this blessed branch, this Royal Plant of Renown, Charlemaine Plantagenet.

For lo the Stone saith the Lord) that I have laid before Jehoshua; up­on one stone shall be seven eyes, &c.

To whom may this be more properly applied then to our Char­lemain, whom the Lord hath laid as a firm foundation, or chief cor­ner stone, whereon or by whom a sure, certain and lasting form, and building of good and godly go­vernment, both in Church and State, shall be settled, & established; And (to proceed with the parallel) upon this one stone shall be seven eyes, to whom more properly ap­plicable then to that King at whose Nativity seven coelestial eyes vouchsafed a gracious aspect, to signifie by that sacred number of eyes, God would endue him with transcendent light of knowledge and wisdome, that should prepare and fit his Majesty with rare and extraordinary gifts, for the man­agement of those great Affairs in point of Government; The num­ber seven shewing a fulnesse of light and knowledge, in so much [Page 105]that he should not onely in state Affairs have full prudence and ex­quisite policy in himself, but that others also should admire his Wis­dome, and seek knowledge, learn and take example from those ex­cellent Rules, which he as a second Solomon should prescribe, which doubt lesse in all probability is most likely to be fallfilled in our Sove­raign, whose excellency of matter and substance, together with the exquisite Elegancy of Expression, in all Letters, Declarations, Pro­clamations and other Writings, render his Majesty the stile and Character (and that most deserved­ly) of a most pious, wise, and pru­dent Prince; most like to be the most potent Monarch that ever swayed the Scepters of these Nati­ons. And as the Lord promised to the said Stone, with seven eyes to cut out the graving thereof, to take away the iniquity of the land [Page 106]in one day; And that in that day, ye shall call every man his neigh­bour under the Vine, and under the Fig-tree, verse 9, 10. And how that should be done, is shewed in the next Chap. Zach. 4.6. Neither by an Army, nor strength, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts. This day is this prophecy most perfectly fulfilled in our eyes. Bles­sed be our good God, who hath been so gracious both to his King and people; and let the glory be ascribed onely to his Divine Ma­jesty.

His Majesty having been before proved to be as it were another Phaenix sprung from that Phaenix Prince his Father, for Piety, Pru­dence and Patience, unparaleld, touching those colours worn by the people, and called the Kings Colours, which being Crimson, Purple, or a Phaenix colour, which bird builds her nest in the top of a [Page 107] Palme-tree, some significations in brief observations may be collect­ed.

The purple being an embleme of wisdome and councell [...], etimol: ex [...], quid signi­fical [...] concilium cogito; quòd senatores & Consiliarij purpura sunt induti, scat. ducit a bolla pro veste se­natoria, ex [...], à consilio, which importeth dignity and wisdome, all things even the most inconsidera­ble, by providence conducing to the Elevation of the Kings honour even those colours being argu­ments of wisdome, counsell and dignity belonging to the king.

The Palme-tree also is an emblem of patience and victory to a person qui patientia vincit, who overcomes by patience. Quòd plana palma vi­ctoriam denotat: si supra palmae ar­boris lignum magna onera imponas, non deorsum palma cedit, sed adver­sus pondus resurgit, & quasi vi reni­tens [Page 108]promenti. Palma significat togant quid simulitudine [...] palmae habet in­textam palmata toga. The signe of Reward, Felieity, or Victory. His Maj. by his pious and prudent wai­ting & patience hath overcome all difficulties & dangers, recoverd his just rights, subdued his feircest ad­versaries by a bloudlesse conquest, brought to passe by divine provi­dence, and therefore most justly deserves the palme, in si [...]ne of, or reward for his happy Victory. See Revel. 7.9. Long White robes, signe of purity, palmes in their hands, to­ken of victory and felicity.

Much hath been said touching the number seven, but not the moi­ty of whatmay be said thereof. The seven Starrs in the right hand of the sonne of man, Revel. 1.16.20. Is there stiled there the mystery of the seven Stars, which is there de­clared to be the Pastors of the se­ven Churches which is set forth by [Page 109]the seven Golden Candlesticks, and by the right hand is signified divine protection. By the seven Starrs appearing at his Majesties birth, what else can be signified but a seven Scepter, and that his Ma­jesty shall be the pastor, King, Em­peror of seven Kingdomes at least, a plentifull benefactor to Pastor and Church (which happily might be nominated, but at this time shall passe in silence) and that by divine affistance these Dominions shall be attained, before his Majesties ar­rive at the age of seven times seven years, the major part 7 years soo­ner, and contained to his Majesties posterity, for seven generations or successions ensuing: yea even un­till those things which St. John. Re­vel. 6. from the 12. to the end, Ʋpon opening the fixth seale of the book sea. led with seven seals mentioneth to come to passe, shall be fullsilled.

Mention was made before out of the prophesy of Zechariah, cap. [Page 110]3.9. of the stone which the Lord laid before Jehoshua, and upon one stone there should be seven eyes. The graving whereof, the Lord there promiseth, himself to cut out, (that it might be perfect in all points, as a thing wrought by his own hand, as the marginall note hath it) and to take away the iniquity of the Land in one day, so that the peo­ple might live in peace and quiet­ness, under their vines and fig trees as it followeth in the tenth vers. of this chap. by way of parallel appli­cation is made to our Jehoshua, our Soveraign Charlemaine; and doubt. lesse most properly if we observe the scope of this, and the forth chapter next following; our King may be said truly to be one stone with seven eye, a stone which God prepares with the seven gifts of his spirit mentioned Isaiah. 11. from the first to the sixt verse, which is worth the reading and noting,

Again in Zachariah 4. what is meant by the Candlestick all of Gold (which the Prophet saw) with a boul on the top of it and seven lampes; and seven pipes to the lamps: and two olive trees over it, one on the right side, and another on the left side of the boul. But the a royal Dukes, or the Graces of Gods good Spirit, w^ch he giveth increaseth, & continueth in those persons, whom he raiseth to greatnesse for his owne glory, and the good of his Church and people? And this is performed; non in Execitu nec in robore; sed in spiritu meo dixit Deus exercituum. Though he be Dominus exercituum Lord of hostes; yet non exercitu, &c. Neither by an Army, nor by strength, but by his spirit shall Ze­rubabel build up his Church and people. Quis tu magne, mons co­ram Zerubabel? Who art thou O Great Mountain before Zetubabel? Thou shalt be a plain, and he shall [Page 112]bring forth the head stone thereof with shouting, and crying, grace, grace unto it. The hands of Zerub. babel have laid the Foundation of his house; his hands shall also fi­nish it: & scietis, quia dominus ex­ercituum m [...]sit me ad vos. Quis enint despexit dies parvos? Who hath despised the day of small things? but they shall rejoice, and shall see Lapidem stanneum the stone of tinn in the hand of Zerubabel: Septem isti oculi, sunt Domini, quid discur­rant in universam terram those se­ven are the eyes of the Lord which run through the whole world.

Zerubbabel is often mentioned in scripture for many worthy acts, he reedified the Temple in despite of all his Enemies [...]z [...]a. 3.2. Zech 4 6.7.9, 10. He is called Sheshbazzar. which signified joy in tribulation, Ezra. 1.8.15.14. and Berechrah Ne­hemiah, 6.18. blessing or speaking well of the Lord. The name Zerub­babel, [Page 113]signifieth repugnant to con­fusion; A [...]enus à Confusione strang from Confusion, or a dispersion of confusion, or a stranger at Babel. How directly suitable to our So­veraigns condition are these names of Jehoshua, which signifies, Lord, Saviour, or the Lords Salvation; and Zerubbabel; and how properly applicable their offices and actions to his Majestie? Hath not the son of Man; the spiritual Saviour of the world, Christ Jesus, in the midest of the seven golden Candlestick, having in his right hand seven stars (the signe coelestial, shining in the presence of the Sun at the birth of our King) been to the King a gra­cious Saviour and Deliverer, but also made his Majesty a true Joshua, a saving Lord, a temporal Saviour, the Lords Salvation, for saving these three sinking kingdomes? Is not his Majesty by divine Pro­vidence become a zealous Zerub­babel, [Page 114]a bright sun, for dispersing and dispelling those thick & dark mists and clouds of Confusion, wherewith these distressed and di­stracted Nations, have for a long season been sadly coverd & almost consumed. Hath not his Majesty been repugnant to, and kept out as a stranger, whilest this land was made a Babylon, a receptacle of Re­bellion? And is not his Majesty in his return become, and may be truly termed a Shashbazzar, a joy in tribulation, and Olive bearer, com­ming with an Olive branch of peace to his people, and two Olive trees, the two Royall Dukes, his Majesties brethre to settle their distractions? And howsoever those that according to Gods word, and holy prophecies, may be world­lings be contemned, and accoun­ted, as they are called in the 8. ver. of 3. of Zachariah, Viri portendentes, Monstrous persons, who presage or apply any such matter to his Maje­sty; [Page 115]yet, Ecce stella oritur ex Jacobo; And Ecee Adducam servum meum O­rientem, and Ecce vir Oriens Nomen enis. Zech. 3.9.16.12. The Coe­lestiall signe of seven Stars in the right hand of the sun of righteous­nesse, shall shew himself and shine brightly. Our Jeheshua, shall have a faire Diadem set upon his head, and be cloathed with glorious gar­ments of gladnesse, and his Crown flourish whilest his enemies are cloathed with shame; And the hands of our Zerubabel, shall not onely lay the foundation of Gods house in his Church and State, but his Royall hands shall also finish it. The Great Mountain, (all his mightyest adversaries) shall be a plain, be brought low? and shall know that the Lord hath called and sent him to this purpose. For who shal despise the day of smal things, Let us not be discouraged, though beginnings seem small & despica­ble yet we shall rejoyce; The stone [Page 116]which the Babylonian builders re­fused, will be the head stone of the corner; and we shall see the Glori­ous glitering stone of Tin Zech 4. 10 in the hand of our Zerubabel: The seven stars in the right hand of the Son of man; The seven eys of Lord which run through the world shall inlighten and enable his Roy­all heart with high & heavenly in­dowments to go through with that great work which the Great Jehova hath ordeyned for him, and deter­mined for his majesty to accomp­lish: And then to his Royal servant, our Soveraigne overcomming, will the Lord give to eat of the Manna that is hid (and not common to all and will give him a White stone (in signe of victory, honour and Gods favour) and in the stone a new name.

This leadeth me to the next con­sideration or observation touching his Majesties Name.

Having shewed somewhat touch­ing his Majesties Nativity and the Coelestiall signe the Pleiades or se­ven Stars appearing thereat with the observations upon the Number seven; I shal (with all humility crave his Royall licence briefly to ex­press my mean meditations touch­ing his Majestyes Names; which may be said to be three, Bonum nomen, bonum omen.

• 1. Naturall.
• 2. Christian.
• 3. Politicall.

All proper to his Majesty; Per­son, place, dignity, and promise, peace, honour, and happinesse to his Majesty; and the Kingdoms and people under his Dominions, and Government. Nomen quasi notamen Name is a mark, note or signe by which any one person or thing is distinguished from another: No­men quod notitiem facit, imago quae­dem qua quid noscitur. Fest. nomen [Page 118]quasi nonimen. Scal. lib. 76. [...], no­men.

1. Vocabulum proprium quo rem ap­pellamus, a proper Denomination or terme, whereby we call a thing.

2. Vocabulum quod libet, quo ali­quid intelligibile, vel intellectum effe­rimus, any term or denomination, whereby we expresse any thing in­telligible or to be understood.

3. Id quod nomine expremitur: si­ve persona, suie res, etiam ipsa fami­lia, decus dignitas, famae existimatio honor, Cultus, authoritas, jus potestas nomen per eo quod nominatur, &c: Name is often used, for the person the thing, the family, the renown, dignity, fame, estimation, honour, worship, reverence, authority, right power and name; for the thing named.

The name of the Lord is often taken for the Lord himself.

When God moved the hearts of men to restore Religion after it [Page 119]had been long suppressed; Tis said Gen. 4.26. Then began men to call up­on the Nam of the Lord. And Abra­ham called on the Name of the Lord. Gen. 12.8.13.4. So did Ha­gar. Gen. 16.13. and Izhak Gen. 26.25. Moses did publish the name of the Lord. Deut. 32.3. The Levit. blessed Israel in the name of the Lord. Deut 10.8. Gods Name was in the Angel that guided Israel. Exod. 23.21. To put the name of God upon any, is to pray for him. Numb. 6.27. Who so blasphemed Gods name, was stoned to death, L [...]vit. 24.11.14.16. What shall be done to those who trace and ca­luminate the King, Gods vicege­rent. David blessed the people in the name of the Lord. 1 Sam. 6.17, [...] Elisha Cursed the children in [...]he name of the Lord, name is used for Power. Matt. 7.22. John 1.12. [...]nd 22, 23. Acts 3.6. For Dignity Phil. 2.19. So Names are put for [Page 120] m [...]n, Rev. 3.4. Acts [...].15. The Jews are commanded to destroy the name of Amalek from under hea­ven, Deut. 25.19. The name of God is a strong Tower, Prov. 16.10. David overcomes Goliah in the name of the Lord of Hosts; 1 Sam. 17.45, 49. God exalteth the name of such as keep his laws, Deut. 26.19. The Lord God made David to have a great name upon earth, 2 Sam. 7.9. And made Ioshuah's name famous through all the world, Iosh. 626. So will the Lord doe for our Ioshua, our David. Make his name illustrious through the Uni­verse; and the Nations (over whom Gods makes his Majesty Ruler) happy in and through hi [...] wise-and godly Government.

Touching his Majesty, tria no [...]i­na, or nomen triplex; I shall no [...] presume to say much, onely hum­bly offer and tender those conside­rations, though imbecill and slen­der [Page 121]touching the same, and begin with though the last, in time and order, yet not the least in dignity and honour. The name Political King, in the Saxon tongue Cy [...]g, in the German tongue Koning, the Dutch Kononingh, Koninck, a [...] ­nen, 1. scire, to know, Quod Rex ve­ra scientia imbutus esse debea [...]; a King ought to be replenished with true, sound and saving knowledge; Cic. according to the Psalmist: Et nunt reges intelligite, erudimini, qut indi­catis terram. Psal. 2.10. Ve [...]a Kon­nen, 1. p [...]sse, polentemesse pollere. To be able, to be powerfull, to exce [...] o­thers, as far in rare parts, as in p [...]o­rity of place: Propter summam à Deo regi potestatem concessam; in re­spect of the large power given from God to Kings.

Latini potestates, vocant, principes potentes, The Latines call, powers potent princes: Konnen [...], i. valere, vnibus pollere. To be vali­ant, [Page 122]to excell in strength, [...], es [...] vis, robur, potentia, id [...]e à [...] Koach, in the French tongue, King is called Roy, Italian Re, Spanish Rey, Latine Rex, à regendo, from ru­ling: In the Greek [...], i. fundamentum populi, the foundation, basis, and establish­ment of his people; without whom no sound, sure, or firm building ei­ther in Church or State can be set­led, established: Hebrew, [...] Me­lech, a [...] Malach (i. e.) regnavit imperavit. Thus much of the poli­tical name, but much more may be said of the Office, power, and pre­rogatives of Kings.

This double Distichon seems not to be impertinent touching the power of Kings, upon these three words and things.

The powers, priviledges and prerogatives of Kings by Laws, II. sages, and Customes, Divine and Humane, Rationall, Naturall, are many; The Person, presence, pa­trimony of Kings, by the Laws of our land, are in some sort Sacred; The Villein of a Lord (which by law was seisable) in the presence of the King, could not be seised, for the presence of the King, was a protection to him; which shews what reverence the law gives to the person of a King, plod Com. 322.27. Assi. pl. 49. Kings Courts are places priviledged from Arrests; so ought the bodies of all his liege subjects in civill causes, as debt or the like, by the ancient law of the land to be freed from imprison­ment, [Page 124]that they might serve his Majesty and the Kingdomes, being members of that body, whereof his Majesty in his politick capacity is the head; whereas by an unjust, chielf and wicked custome, under colour of law, many thousand mens bodies are maliciously upon bare pretences, buried alive in loathsome prisons, and restrained from the service of their King and Country, to the great displeasure o [...] God, dammage of the King, by lo [...]ng his subjects, dishonour of the Nation, being branded with a mark of [...] parrellel'd Cruelty, to [...] scan­dal and opprobry, of the law in maintainting malice, revenge and oppression; and destruction of many thousand persons and their Families. This is digression, but it is hoped and prayed, that hereof his Majesty will be gratiously plea­sed to make a speedy Reformati­on; which may prevent judgments upon the Nation.

Reges sacro oleo uncti sunt capacas spiritualis jurisdictionis, Kings are anointed with sacred oyle; so was Saul and David, by Samuel, Gods prophet by Gods appointment, and many others mentioned in the old Testament, &c. Their persons are sacred, as appears by that strict Command given from God, by his prophet; Touch not mine anointed. Rex est persona mixta cum sacerdote, habet ecclesiastieam & spirituale [...] jurisdictionem. All power and Au­thority under the Divine Majesty, whether it be Civil and Temporal, or Ecclesiastical and Spiritual Ju­risdiction, belongs to the King, within all his Majesties Dominions and is derived from the King; be­ing the onely supream Gover­nour over all persons in all Causes, 33. Edw. 3. Ayde de Roy. 103 Fi [...] ­b [...]rt. 10, [...].7.16. 1. Ed. [...] c. 1. Cawdries Case, Rep. 5. [...] Which Act is but Decta [...]ative of [Page 126]the Common Law. 1. Jacobi c. 1. vid. 9. Edw. 4. f. 1.

The Lands of the King in law is called Patrimoniam Sacrum, Com. sur. Littl. Sect. 4. What shal we think of those that indeavour to bereave his Majesty hereof, or withhold & keep the same from the King? do they not commit Sacriledge? And is not Sacriledge a sin, as much o­dious to God, as offensive to the King his Vicegerent? Sacriledge, whether of Gods or the Kings due, Qua Dei aut quae Domini Regis sunt, of any thing that belongs to God or the King will prove a sad lading which in the end, will sink the best and ablest bottome. A little of this Leaven may sowre your whole lump; 'Twill be as Achans wedge, bring a curse with it, a small parcell of this sacred patrimony, taken in­to your Purchase, like the Kings waste, may alter your Tenour in Gods blessings, and bring your [Page 127]whole fortune into Wardship. Those that be pecants in this kind, let them not ever trust to their smooth sayling, sudden shipwrack may selfe them in their seeming calmest security. It is a destructi­on to a man to devoure that which is sanctified, and after the Vows to inquire: If you believe Solomon, who had wisdom from above, Pro. 10.2 [...].

As greater Power is by God, gi­ven to Kings and Emperours, and mighty Rulers [...] greater parts, Diviner gifts also, of the minde, as Wisdome, Prudence, Valour, and the like, are bestowed on them: Saul being anointed King, is said to have another heart given to him by God, [...] Sa [...]. 10.9. They have also nobler names, and greater and awfuller Reverence is due unto them, and many men are smitten with such terrour of their Majesti­call presence, as though they were [Page 128]partakers of somewhat more the humanity, and that there were (as probable tis there are) some rayes of divinity evidently appearing and shining in their Persons, Why else is God the great King of Kings pleased to be called King, and suffer his name to be communicated to [...]m, and by a proper denomina­tion bath confirmed it to them. They are called mortall Gods, Her [...]e's, Terrestriall gods, compa­ [...]ions of the Superior Gods, [...] by whom the world is governed, and disposed by their Laws, whom therefore at gods we receive, Wor­ship, Reverence, because God him­self [...]ath [...] the commu­nication of his name [...] [...] them gods, I have said, ye are all soms of the most high God; Psal. [...] And to Mose [...] God said I have made [...] [...] else where he Gomman [...] concerning [...] ye shall not de­tract [Page 129]from the gods; And concer­ning the reverencing and honcur­ing of them, also deereeing riches and first fruits for them, and giving them power of the sword, and for­bidding any to curse them, but en­joyning obedience to be yeilded to them (though wicked) How much the rather then ought it to be rendred to good Kings.

Antiquity called their Princes gods, & worshiped them, as divine powers, as Janus testifyeth in Ovid lib. d [...] fast. 1.

And divine Plato in his third book de Republica, appointed that Princes both alive & dead, should be celebrated with divine Honours which Institutiton hath been re­ceived amongst the most and best Nations even from the first age, to deify their Princes with divine ho­nours, a Gods vicegerent on earth and to consecrate them with Eter­nall memory. Hence they did [Page 130]impose their never dying names on little Provinces, Mountaines, Ri­vers, Lakes, Islands and Seas; and dedicated to them with great Pomp Pyramides, Colosses, triumphal ar­ches, Trophes, Statues, Tem­ples, playes, feasts; &c, And also cal­ed the Heavens, Stars, Dayes and Months by their Name. Hence January from Janus, July from Juli­us, August from Augustus, So Diet Mercurij from mercury Trismegest. Dies Jovis from Jupiter, which cu­stome we read was observed, not onely by the Aegyptians, Greeks, and Romanes, but also by the then not so Civilized, (as now) a peo­ple, the Gothes, Danes, and Teu­tours. Hence Saxo Grammaticus, being witnesse, what day was for­merly called Dies Mercury, these call Othines day; and what day was formerly named from Jupiter, these do now call Thursday, from Othin and Thor in times past Kings of Scot­land [Page 131]and Denmarke; neither are they for any other reason called Gothes, then that they call in their Language their Chiefeit God, Got. Hence also the Dutch are thus cal­led, because they named the God Mars whom they worshiped. Ten­tan; By which name the Gaules al­so called Mercury.

Why may not the Moneth now called May, which some derive a made faction, from the moisture then caused by the rising of the Pleiades; be changed into Carol [...], in regard of the Nativity of our Tresmegistus Carolus, in that month 1630. and the pleindes (whose rising is in that moneth, called also Charls Waine) appeared at the time of his Birth on the 29th. day thereof on which day also his Majesty returnd Triumphantly to London to his P [...]rliament in the year 1660. to the ineffectable surpassing Joy of his people. Surely heaven disdain­ing [Page 132]no [...] [...]o have a Coelestiall signe the Name of Charle [...] Why should we not account it an Honour to the Nation to have this Moneth the best and chiefest in the year, dignifyed with the Name of that Person who is the onely Joy, Com­ [...]hrt and Honour of ou [...] horizon? His Birth Graced with a Coelestiall Ch [...]ribus [...] His restitution the longing & thirsting desire of three Kingdoms; The sta [...] and stay of [...] Hotions, and restoring the col­lepsed Honour of our Countrey, a [...]mber lesse number with eyes to­ [...]ard their Joy, tongues and lips [...] loud a cela [...]ations expressing [...] of their hearts, [...] hand [...]dife up to h [...]aven [...]ith prayers and praises. Though [...]use are not Minarula, yet they are [...] mirauda. very admirable.

[...], such a people [...] view of their King, and such a King in view of his People, hand­ing [Page 133]their eyes to and fro, the one from the other, like the flow­ing and falling of waters, a re­ciprocall and interchangeable mo­tion of love between them. I know not what others think, but to me, it seemeth worthy to adde a Rubrick more to your Almanack, and make a new holy day amongst you, and give it a new name, & call it Charles day. The Pope maketh Jubilees at his pleasure, why not this a Ju­bilee, a yeare of extraordinary joy to these Nations? The like hath not happened for many generati­ons: No not since Britain bate the name of a Nation, nor like to come to passe whilest the world lasteth. And being a time and oc­casion of so much Joy and happi­nesse to King and people, let their hearts unite in this one acceptable service to heaven, to comfort them that Mourne in Sion, To speak and act comfortably to and for many [Page 134]thousands distressed and oppressed debtors, destructive members of Christ, who have for many years laine defolately and disconsolately languishing, buried alive in Prisons ready to perish, that they may say to the prisoners go forth, and to them that are in darknesse shew your selves, our Saviour disdayned not to declare that the Lord had sent him to preach good ridings to the poor, to binde up the broken hearted, to give liberty to the Cap­tives, and to them that are bound, the opening of the prison; to shew the acceptable yeare of the Lord, to comfort all that mourne. To Give unto them beauty for ashes, that oile of joy for mourning, the garments of gladnesse for the spi­rit of happinesse; that ye might be called trees of righteousnesse, the planting of the Lord. &c. neither can Kings appear like gods in any thing more, then in works of mercy.

But to return to speak of the ho­nour and powervouchsafed by God himself, to Princes. Kings if just and mercifull, are accounted Com­panions of the Gods, and indowed in some respects with the like pow­er. Hence they cure diseases by their touch and word, and some­times command the times and hea­vens, as Ʋirgil sung of Augustus.

And the Scripture testifyeth of Joshuah, who fighting in Gibeon, commanded the Sun and Moon, saying, Sun stand still in G [...]beon, and thou Moon in the valley of A­jalon, [Page 136]and the Sun and Moon stood still at his command, neither did the Sun set in the space of one day, untill he had revenged himself of his enemies, and the Lord obeyed the voice of man; Also Moses di­vided the red Sea, and Joshua, Jour­den, and led the people over dry­shod; The like did Alexander the Macedonian, leading forth his Ar­my;

Sometimes princes are indowed with aprophetical spirit, as in many respects the sweet singer of Israel; the Kingly Prophet David appears to be; most alike to whom not only in afflictions, but both in piety and prophecy. Was also our late pro­phetical King and kingly Prophet Carolu bonus primus, Charles le bon the good, the first, not onely regno, aut reguan do primus, sed bonitate, pre­tate prudent [...]a omnium predecessorum primus; whose propheticall ex­pressions in that incomparable di­vine [Page 137]piece, [...], are many and many already evidently ful­filled: A particular Collection whereof in a peculiar small vo­lumne by it self, may hapily hereaf­ter be published. I shall herein men­tion onely three or four at present.

In his late Majesties Meditation upon the Armies wilfull and wick­ed surprisal of his Royal and Sacred person at Holmby, divers danger­ous divisions and distractions are by his Majestie predicted to ensue in the Houses, the Army and City which accordingly came to passe, ( [...]) the Struglings of those two twins (as his Majesty then called the Presbyterians and Indepen­dents) which lately one wo [...] in­closed. And the breach still not to grow wider, is as impossible, as lines drawn from the center, tis im­possible not to divice from each o­ther to much the wider, by how much they go further from the point of union.

That those Babel Builders should from division fall to confusion, and although they pretended the buil­ding of Jerusalem, the deviding of their tongues and hands was but an ill Omen, and tended to fatall de­struction.

That Divine justice would bring it so to passe, that they which by Tumults first occasion'd the raising of armes, must be chastened by their own army for new Tum [...]lts.

The plea against tumults holds good, which before was condem­ned, whilst they are Judges of o­thers, they are forced to condemn themselves.

And hereupon saith his Majesty prophetically, I see vengeance shall persue and overtake (as the mice and rats are said to have done a Bi­shop in Germany) them that thought to escape and fortifie themselues most impregnably against it, both by their multitude and compliance; [Page 139]and whom the Laws cannot, God will punish by their own crimes and hands. His Majesty with a pi­ous pity proceeds, and towards the Parliament, City and all his people which were miserably mis­led and mistaken, saith this good King, I was sorry to see them do, or suffer unworthily, I never had so ill thought of them as to dispaire of their Loyalty to me; which mi­stakes might ecclips, but I never be­lieved malice had quite put out. I looked on them as Christ did some­time over Jerusalem, as objects of my prayers and tears, with com­passionate grief, foreseeing those severer scatterings which will cer­tainly befall such as wantonly re­fuse to be gathered to their duty; (marke well this propheticall ex­pression) fatal blindnesse frequent­ly attending & punishing will full; so that men shall not be able at last to prevent their sorow who would [Page 140]not timely repent of their sins, nor shall they be suffered to enjoy the comforts, who securely neglect the counsells belonging to their peace, They will finde that Brethren in Iniquity, are not far from becom­ing insolent enemies, there being nothing harder then to keep ill men still in our minde. Vulgar compliance with any illegall and extravagant waies, like violent mo­tions in Nature, soon grow's wea­ry of it self, and ends in a refracto­ry sullennesse; peoples rebounds are often in their faces, who first put them upon those violent strokes.

Let the accursed Authors and abetters of that Prodigious horrid Rebellion, deny if they dare or truely can, his late most Religious Majesty to be a true Prophet, whose predictions are in many respects so p [...]rfectly fulfilled upon them their Families and adherents, and daily [Page 141]shall we finde a more full perfor­mance in future to be accomplish­ed.

In these divine Meditations, of his late Majesty, touching Death, after the Votes of non-Addresses, and his Majesties close imprison­ment in Carisbrook Castle; these [...]nsuing expressions, who can deny [...]o be prophetique. There are I know but few steps, between the Pri­sons and the Graves of Princes. And after; I doubt not but mine Inno­ [...]ency will finde him both my Prote­ctor and my Advocate who is my one­ [...]y judge, and whom I own as King of Kings. Nor will the suffer those men long to prosper in their Babell, who build it with the boughs, and cement it with the blood of their Kings, My blood will cry aloud to heaven for [...]engeance, but I beseech God not to [...]oure his wrath upon the generality of [...]he people, who have either descerted [...]e, or engaged against me, through the [Page 142]Artifice and Hypocrisie of their lea­ders, whose inward horrour will be their Tormentor; nor will they after escape exemplary judgments. I am confident they will finde Avengers of my death among themselves: The in­juries I have sustained from them shal be first punished by them, who agreed in nothing so much, as in opposing me. Their impatience to bear the loud cry of my bloud; shall make them think no way better to expiate it, then by shed­ding theirs, who with, them, most thirsted after mine. The sad confusions following my destructi­on, are already presaged & confir­med to me by those, I have lived to see, since my troubles; and God alone (who onely could) hath many wayes pleaded my cause; not suffering them to go unpunished, whose confederacy in sinne is their onely security; who have cause to fear, that God will both further divide, and by mutuall vengeance afterward destroy them. [Page 143]And again afterwards by a lively Faith his Princely resolution con­clude, I Conquerer shall be more then through Christ, &c.

And in the cause so long disputed by the sword, between me and my causelesse adversaries, I doubt not but his righteous Judgement will confute their fallacies, who from worldly suc­cesse, rather like Sophisters then good christians) draw those popular con­clusions, for Gods approbation of their accounts, whose wise providence (we know) ost permits many events, which his revealed word (the onely clear; safe, and fixed rule of good a­ctions and good conscien [...]cs) in no sort approves.

The application of these pro­phesies are plaine and facile to the meanest apprehensions.

Hath not divine prudence, made all the seditions Shebaes, [...]ebell ous, Corake, &c. Simeons and Lepi's bre­thren in iniquity, even all the Kings [Page 144]enemies by division, among them­selves, like to the mad Midiannes instruments of ruine and distructi­on, one to another, of revenging the injuries done to his Majesty & so clearing his innocency, and the justice of his cause?

Let it be considered, and obser­ved what is become of all or the most part of that pernitious party of the Long Black Parliament and their Army, which so vehemently prosecuted and persecuted his late Majesty and his friends and poste­rity, and it cannot but be confes­sed and without contradiction con­cluded. That as God is just in all his just judgments and righteous in all his, waies, so his maje [...]ries predicti­ons have not failed, but received a sad and evident accomplishment, to the confusion of the faces of his adversaries vindication of his Ma­jesties Honour, and Gods glory.

Among the rest, in perpetuam [Page 145]rei memoriam, that O. P. omen pro­ditionis, onus & odium prineipis & patria, ought be recorded, & atro carbone notandum, to all posterity, O. P. (for pretended writing of which two Letters with the words Occidisti Possedisti; under (rela­ting to the saying of Eliah to Ahab) 1 King. 21.19. the Author of this Tract, indured long and hard imprisonment) which O.P. proved to be not a Protector, a title un­worthily assumed, but rather a Projector, perditionis & proditio­nis non solûm principi & patriae, sed fataliter & finaliter posteritatisuae; which (as a true token of divine Judgment) were ruined in an in­stant, by their own neer relations, which by O. P. were raised to pre­serve them.

His late Majesty in a Letter of Advise to the then Prince of Wales, our now most blessed King, hath in many respects manifested himself [Page 146]to be a most wise, and prudent Prince, by his political instructions in State Affaires; a most pious Priest and Ecclesiastes in his divine Doctrines and directions, and a true Prophet, in his infallible pre­dictions, the particulars whereof, as it would require much time to recite, expresse and apply, so, (I doubt) it would be accounted more tedious, then requisitely ne­cessary to repeat the same, being al­ready set down most fully and e­minent for observation in that un; parrallel'd piece [...].

I shall onely mention briefly from his late Majesty Charls le sag and le bon, the mirrour of piety, pa­tience and prudence, some few pre­cepts or prescriptions of advise to prayers for, and prophecies touch­ing his now most hopefull and happy Majesty.

Touching Afflictions, Religion [Page 147]and Resolution in all conditions; a Crown upon sordid dishonourable irreligious terms is not worth ta­king up, or enjoying: Keep you to true principles of piety, virtue and bonour, you shall never want a king­dome.

Thus by our late Majesty of blessed memory, to our now re­nowned King was it written, con­cerning, trouble and affliction, whereby to gain wisdom in youth.

This advantage of wisdome, you have above most princes: That you have begun, and now spent some years of discretion, in the ex­perience of troubles and exercise of patience, wherein piety and all vertues both morall and politicall, are commonly better planted to a thriving, as [...]rees set in Winter, then in warmth and serenity of times; or amidst those delights, which usually attend princes Courts in times of peace and plen­ty, [Page 148]which are prone either to root up all plants of true vertue and honour; or to be contented onely with some Leaves and withering formalities of them, without any reall fruits, such as tend to the pub­like good; for which Princesshould alwayes remember they are born, and by providence designed.

The evidence of which diffe­rent Education, holy Writ affords us in the Contemplation of David and Rehoboam: The one prepared by many afflictions for a flourish­ing kingdome; The other softned by the unparalleld prosperity of Solomons Court; and so corrupted to the great dimunution, both for Peace, Honour, and Kingdome, by those flatteries, which are as unse­parable from prosperous Princes, as flies are from fruit in summer, whom adversity like cold weather drives away.

I had rather you should be [Page 149] Charts le bon, then le grand, good then great; I hope, God hath de­signed you to be both; having so early put you into that exercise of his gifts and graces, bestowed upon you, which may best weed out all vitious inclinations, and dispose you to those princely endowments and imployments, which will most gain the love, and intend the wel­fare of those over whom God shall place you.

Who seeth not this divine dire­ction digested, pious prayer heard and granted, and the prophesie of good and great fulfilled? What greater, what better Prince in Chri­stendome, in Europe, then our most illustrious renowned Charlemain? and unto this goodness and great­nesse attaining, not mollifie and effeminated with the wanton plea­sures of a prosperous Court; but per mare, per terras, per tot discrimina rearum; with David, tryed and al­most [Page 150]tyred with terrours and trou­bles; yet clearly prepared to be at last, terque quaterque beatus, by di­vine providence restored to a tri­ple Crown, his just right and due by Nature, and legal descent, and designed to septem, plici sceptro, a sevenfold scepter, which the Sep­tentrional Lion, shall obtain and en­joy before, ter septies, or septies tres, Number of years, and the major part of this sevenfold scep­tor, shall be gained into the power & Dominion of this Septentrional Lyon, before three and seven years expire: the extent of whose time of years or age shall be to seventy three. And by the age of 37. that star of Sybilla in the North, said to enlighten the world, shall shine most gloriously on this Septentrio­nal Lyon, whose fame shall ring, and the terrour of whom shall be resounded through't the Universe; This digression I cannot avoid, be­ing [Page 151]drawn thereunto by that di­vine spirit, from whose dictates I am directed to declare, what by di­vine designment is determined touching this transcendent super­excellent person; but to return to the consideration of his late Maje­sties propheticall expressions. Hath not Almighty God most graciously directed all those black lines of af­flictions, which he was pleased to draw on his late Majesty, & also on his Majesty that now is (who hath drank liberally also of that cup of carefull troubles) unto a centre of true happinesse? even to draw them nearer to himself; their sor­rows are become Gods Physick; having that in healthfulness, which was wanting in pleasure: The Fathers sufferings shall be doubly recompenced in solaces to the Sons.

Is not that sly old Serpent, which pretended new lights at [Page 152]length by his deeds of darkness, detected to be a proselyte to the Father of Lyes, by whose perswa­sion and instigation, he an his adhe­rents prosecuted so violently the Innocents? And that seeming Saint which assumed the shape of an An­gel of Reformation, discovered to be the Devill of Rebellion? Have we not seen the Serpent devoure the Dove. Hath not the faith of some proved meer Faction, and their Religion Rebellion? Have they not alwayes made their Inte­rest, Gods? And under the colours of Piety, have not there marcht their ambitious policies, not one­ly with greatest security, but ap­plause, as to the populacy? Hath not Jacob voice been heard, when Esaus hands have been felt? Hath not God made his Majesty an happy Instrument of dissipating these devilish Factions, which would have destroyed the Nations? Hath [Page 153]not a divine hand divided them to so high a rivalry as sets them more at de­fiance against each other, then against their first Antagonist? as his Ma [...]esty predicted. Have not those rough horns of private mens covetous and ambiti­ous designes, made a clear discovery of themselves, which were at first wrapt up and hidden under the soft and smoth pretensions of Religion, Refor­mation and liberty? And as the woolf is not lesse cruel, so will he be more justly hated, when he shall appear no better than a woolf in sheeps cloathing. The mountains of congealed factions, by the sunshine of Gods mercy, and the splendor of our Soveraigns vertues are thawed and dissipated; and the a­bused vulgar hath learned; that none are greater oppressors of their Estates, Liberties and Consciences, then those men that entitle themselves the Pa­trons and Vindicators of them, onely to Usurp power over them; Doe not these deceiptions daily vanish, and the vazards fall off a pace? The mask of Religion in the face of Rebellion, will no longer serve to hide some mens de­testable deformities in their damnable designes.

The precepts, prayers and prophe­sies of his late Majesty to, for, & touch­ing our now king & his kingdoms, are very remarkable and well worthy ob­servation; some whereof I have before mentioned, and some few hereafter I shall specifie: As first advice and pre­cept touching Religion; I doe require and entreat you as your Father and your King, that you would never suf­fer your heart to entertain or receive the least check against or disaffection from the true Religion established in the Church of England. I tell you, I have tryed it and after much search, and many disputes have concluded it to be the best in the world, &c. many incitements to the imbracing and con­tinuing thereof; which holy directions his now Majesty hath as dutifully and faithfully observed, what then is or ought to become of those cursed ca­lumniators, under whose lips is the poison of Aspes, which charged the late and this religious Kings with popery (which however contemptible here, yet teaching no such principles, as have been held and practised by some of those who would be accounted the [Page 155]modern principall pillars of piety and Religion in these Nations)

Another direction touching revenge, savouring of a soul truly divine, notatu dignum; Let no passion betray you to any study of revenge upon those whose own sin and folly will sufficiently punish them in time. As your quality sets you beyond any Duel with any subject; so the noblenesse of your minde must raise you above the meditating any re­venge, or executing your anger upon the ma­ny, you will finde more inward complacency in pardoning one, than in punishing a thou­sand Many other Observations, and those material, touching his Majesties Name, Natural and Christian, his roy­all Brethren, the two Renowned Dukes of York & Glocester, and other remarka­ble matter, relating to the noble Gene­ral Monke, not unworthy considera­tion, are penned and were intended at this time to be published, but are reser­ved for a particular Treatise-hereafter; And this Tract at present concluded, with y^t prophetical prayer, or praying prophecy of the late most pious King, Priest, & Prophet, of most blessed memo­ry for & touching his now Ma [...]esty (then Prince) in a good part granted, and in [Page 156]a faire forwardness like to be fulfilled. That Almighty God will make his Majesty, an Ankor or Harbor rather, to these tossed wea­therbeaten Kingdomes (as is already ac­complished) his Majesty being become an happy haven of rest and safety after so great danger of the Kingdomes nau­fragie. And by his wisdome, justice, piety and fortitude a repairer of what the folly, wickednesse, ambition and Avarice of some men have so ruined; as to leave nothing in Church or state; to the Crown, the Nobility, the Clergy, or the Commons, either as to laws, li­berties or estates, order, honor, consci­ence, or lives. This is in a hopefull way by his Maj. through his Parl. preparing and by a prosperous progresse therein, like to attain speedy and happy perfection. Happy times I hope will attend his Maj. wherein as all good subjects will be satisfied with the blessings of his presence and virtues; so will they by preceding sad experiences have learned, That religion to their God, and loy­alty to their King cannot be parted, without both their sin and their infelicity; as God promised, Ps. 132.17, 18. The Kingly prophets prayer shall put a period to this present discourse, wherein he de­sired God to purge his Church from Hypocrites and Rebels. Do well, [...] Lord, to those that be good and true in their hearts: but those that turn aside, by their crooked wayes, them shall the Lord lead with the workers of iniquity, but peace shall be up­on Israel. Ps. 125 4, 5.