The Northern Star: The British Monarchy: OR, The Northern the Fourth Universal Monarchy; CHARLES II, and his Successors, the Founders of the Northern, Last, Fourth, and most Happy Monarchy.
BEING A Collection of many choice Ancient and Modern PROPHECIES: Wherein also the Fates of the Roman, French, and Spanish Monarchies are occasionally set out.
1678. Inclitus exurget factis Princeps.
See the Heart Prophecy below, Chap. x.
Et prodesse volunt, & dilectare Prophetae.
LONDON, Printed by J. D. and are to be sold by most Booksellers, 1680.
The Publisher's Admonition to the Reader, concerning the Contents of this Book, and the Authors intents in the present Publication of these Prophecies.
THe Author of this Collection, as is manifest, was a Faithful and a Loyal Subject of the Kingdom of Great Britain, a Friend to their Friends, and an Enemy to their Popish Enemies: About the time he Collected these, they in their Mock Parliament at the White-Horse and Wild-House, had Condemned, and Appointed his Majesty to Death, according to their Irish Prophecy, Plowed up (by some Irish Heifer) in a Copper Plate, as they pretend in these words.
And to accelerate this Execution, they hired innumerable Assassins to fulfil this Prophecy, hoping, if they could then have taken Him off, to have had the Army then raised, at their command, and reformed to their Minds; to destroy first our Laws and Liberties, and then our Religion. Their friend Gadbury hath, to sharpen and quicken their Malice, let them understand that this Blow is to be struck now or never, according to the following Chronogram, by which his Majesty may be minded to take care of himself.
It is known, that in the Fire of London, the King was to be Assassinated. And what hindred them then? since one tried at the Old-Baily for foretelling it, had nothing done to him? In 1678, all Places full of the News, as by Letters appeared from Virginia to Poland: then Coniers laid his 100 Pounds of it. Shortly after their Wild-House Consult, they bargained also for this Collector's Life. What he then designed, appears in his Dedicatory to the King, and in the Epistle and Postscript to the Reader. He in his present Publication intends to provide such Antidote, as is in his Power, to their Traiterous Prognostications; And to encourage his Majesties Guards, and all his Countrymen, vigilantly to oppose their malicious Designs against his Majesty's Life, which God preserve and continue (as he hath hitherto miraculously) to the good of his People, and ruine of all his Enemies. Amen.
To the Imperial Majesty of CHARLES the Great, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King; Lord of Carolina, Virginia, Jamaica, the Isles and Plantations of the East; Soveraign of both the Seas; Defender of the True, Ancient, Catholick and Apostolick Faith; Duke of Normandy, &c.
IT hath been the Wisdom of the most Couragious, Powerful, and Happy Kings, to make use of Oracles and Prophecies, to the advancement of their most glorious Designs. These sometimes afforded them good Directions, and always gave their Followers considerable Encouragements. The Examples of all Histories, Sacred and Prophane, and of our Adversaries, commend this Practice to our Imitation, wherein we are incouraged by many great Advantages which we have over them. The sacred Oracles are all for us, that our Divines have demonstrated beyond all Contradiction. Esdras, whom some have recommended as Canonical; Savanarola, whom our Authors extol to the degree of Martyrdom, and the Roman wise Historian and learned Philosophers, advance to the eminence of a Saint and Prophet; Tycho Brahe, Grebner, Baudensis, and other reputed Astrologers, with whom our Modern Foreign, as well as Domestick Visions and Prophecies consent, do all with one Voice promise admirable Success to that Northern Prince who Heads the Protestant League, and Protects their Liberties. That Star from Casiopaea's glorious Chair, which gave light to all the World, A. C. 1572, to observe the then new-born English Reformation; those from the Swans Neck and Serpentarius Foot, which illustrated the Access of your Royal Grand-Father to the British Monarchy, whereof that in Cygnus, An. 1600, ushered it, and that in Ophiuchus, An. 1604, attended it; All three together give full and undeniable Testimony that this Honour is reserved to your Crown and Family. And that most refulgent appearance of the most serene and beauteous Light of Heaven which exhilerated your Subjects at your happy Birth, as it pointed out your Person to them, so it gave utterance to their Joys in hopeful Predictions, made all your People Prophets, and turned their Prayers into Blessings and Prophecies. Nor may your Imperial Name, your Royal Emblems, Impresa's, Mottoes, or Coyns, be here forgotten, wherein whilst you own Christ for your Guide and Hope, and his Cross for your Standard, your Kingdom must needs be the Kingdom of God, and his Christ. Your George is St. Michael, as your Angel-Gold [Page]well interprets it; and the Dragon, whom he combats and treads under his Horse's Feet, is the Head of that Kingdom, which opposes Yours, and seeks by the Serpentine snares of his Tail, more than the open force of his Teeth, to overthrow your Horse and his Rider. It is the Finger of God, which in that wonderful Agate, which I have described at the foot of this Book, hath distinguished his Kingdom, and the Princes of our Faith, from the Papacy, and the rest of the World; and thereby taught us to know who are with him, and who against him. Had you no other just Call, or cause to gird on your Sword, and go out as another Joshua, Captain of the Lord's Hosts, against his Enemies, the publick Voice of your People, who are the People of God, sounding so long and loud in your Ears, the Cries and Groans of the Oppressed through all Europe, applying and appealing to your Throne, as under God, the only hopeful Protector of their Crowns, Dignities, Lives and Liberties, bring you an undeniable Commission, if I may not say a Command from Heaven. Here, if ever, vox Populi, is vox Dei. The Voice of many Nations, compared to the Roaring of many Waters, is the Voice of God, God in them; the Voice of Christendom is the Voice of Christ, Christ in them. Go on then, for He who went out before Joshua and Israel, his, and their Captain-General, is gone out before You, as before him, and before your People and Kingdom.
They who have begun to shake and fall, shall fall, and be removed before Yours and your Successors, as they have fallen before the Swords of your Predecessors.
That I have to this purpose at large in this Book, endeavoured to proclaim your Title, plead your Cause; gird on your Arms, encourage your Souldiers and Confederate's Hearts, open your Subjects Purses, in so sacred an Expedition from Prophetick Stars, Prodigies, and no less than prodigious Dreams and Visions. As I am assured, it cannot but be grateful to all your Loyal People, who would most gladly enlarge your Kingdom at the expence of their Blood and Treasure; prolong your Life, if it were possible, with a prodigal Effusion of their own, and give their whole Stock thereof, reserving no Moments unto themselves, to perpetuate your Reign, in the Breath of whose Nostrils they draw what Life they now retain of Peace, Joy, Trade, Liberty of Conscience above all Nations round about them: So, I hope, this small Contribution, collected out of my slender Stock, will not be unacceptable, thus seasonably presented to your Royal Hands,
Ad Regem Carolum Votum.
Grebner's Prophecy of the Year 1660.
The faithful and true Warrier riding on a white Horse, descendeth from Heaven with his Soldiers riding upon white Horses, to fight against the Enemies of his Church, &c. See the future History of Europe, Pag. 26.
His Majestie's unparallel'd happy peaceable Reception, and those peaceable innocent voluntary Bands mustered to meet and entertain Him at his return, and following him unto London, a Shadow, Earnest and Pledg of that blessed King, and a lively demonstration of his Power, shortly expected to appear, in some like voluntary surprizing Confluence of like Noble, Holy, Innocent Troops, when his Majesty shall be pleased to declare himself for such an Expedition as is here Predicted.
An Admonition to the Reader, concerning the Title of the Fourth Monarchy given to this Book, rather than that of the Fifth Monarchy, so much doted on by some of our Days.
HIstorians have made their Four Monarchies according to the Rise and Fall of the Empires of several particular Nations. 1. Assyrians. 2. Persians. 3. Grecians. 4. Romans. But this is a lame Division, and comes far short of that Transcendent Metamorphosis of Humane Affairs, which by comparing of Histories, Observation of new Stars and Comets (with the consideration of the Manners and Conditions of Men) we may easily perceive must within this few Years (from 1650, saith my Author) be brought upon the World. The learned Mathematicians and Astrologers (who have more throughly searched into the secrets of Astrology and Nature) more rightly place the Four Monarchies according to the four Coasts of Heaven. 1. The Eastern Monarchy of the Assyrians (some reckon the Persians into this.) 2. Southern of the Persians and Grecians, bounded within the Circumference of 3600 miles, or 11 degrees of Latitude. 3. The Western Monarchy of the Romans. 4. And lastly, The Northern Monarchy (by the Historical Account, the Fifth) must be of the Northern Lion, who to the amazement of Christendom, shall arise from the North Sea, and pitch his Tents in the ashes of the Eastern and Western Monarchies. Anonymus Future History of Europe, 4o. See him, and Sandivogius's Prophecy below, Chap. 1. and the Philosophical Key, at the end of this first Part, Chap. ult.
The Epistle to the Reader.
THe Fourth Monarchy, so numbred by the Learned Philosophers, which some, with the Historians, do rather delight to call the Fifth, gives all Men an hopeful Expectation that it will Transcend all that are gone before in excellent Purity of Religion, and Perfection of happy Government. Some Divines have been bold to entitle the Northern Kings of England, Scotland, Denmark, and Sweden to it, by applying unto them what is spoken of the Chariots of the Black Horses in Zachariah vi. 8. and to the Reformation begun by them. These are said by the Prophet, to have gone out of the Brazen Mountains into the North, and to have pacified God's Spirit, and settled his Temple in the North Country.
See Michael Rotingius in the Margent, concerning the Reformation, of which this is the Translation.
Michael Rotingius on Zach. vi. 8.
THe Prophet Zacariah, besides other things, relates also what he saw concerning the Four Chariots, what came forth from amongst the Brazen Mountains. These Horses then go out into the whole World, that they may build a Temple for our Lord Christ, and that He may sit Lord [Page]and Christ upon his own Throne.—Now this is executed most swiftly, as it were by the ministry of Horses. But to what Point this whole Affair will at length arrive, the Angel gives us to understand, when, speaking of the Black Horses which go into the North, he thus expounds himself, These shall make the Spirit of the Lord to rest in the Land of the North. By which words, the last Times of the Church, without doubt, are signified. Wee see the North most especially designed for the Seat of the Lord's Spirit by the Angel in the Prophet.
Let any Man (saith he) draw an Estimate of this from the beginning made at this time; the Popish Abominations are in very many places renounced, many have confuted their Impiety with the testimony of their Blood; the People assemble in Towns and Villages with true Pastors; they attend to the glad Tidings of the Gospel; Schools are piously instituted, where besides other good Arts, and Learning, necessary to instruct Youth in making a sound judgment of Affairs, the Doctrine of Piety is most exactly taught them, whereby they become at once very Commendable, and very Serviceable; Private Families are better and more orderly governed and taught, than the Publick Colledges were sometimes in the Universities. So great is our Felicity, that the Infant and Sucking-Child, despises the Cockatrice and Addar.
Thus he of the First-fruits of the Reformation, by which we may, as he teaches us, collect, what the Harvest under the Fourth Monarchy may produce.
Michael Rotingius, in Zach. vi. 8.
REcitat Zacharias Propheta praeter reliqua quae viderit, ctiam de quatuor Quadrigis quae de medio aereorum montium egrediuntur.— Excunt Equi in totum orbem, ut Christo Domino Templum edificent, & ipse Dominus & Sacerdos super solio suo sedeat. [Page]—Id scilice: administratur per equorum Ministerium velocissimè. Sed tamen, quo tandem haec res tota evasura sit, Angelus per boc significat, cum de nigris in Aquilonem euntibus sic interpretatur, quod faceunt Spiritum Dei requiescere in Terram Aquilonis. Quo haud dubiè ultima Ecclesiae tempora significata sunt: Aquitonem vidimus ab Angelo in Propheta maximè designari pro sede Spiritus Domini.— Ab his initiis si quis nunc haec praesentia consideret, cum abominationes Papisticae pluribuus locis abjectae sunt, plures suo sanguine impietatem istam confutarunt, populi in urbibus & agris cum veris Pastoribus sunt, Laetum Evangelii nuncium audiunt, Scholae piae sunt, ubi praeter reliquas Art [...]s bonas, & res necessarias ad sana de rebus judicia, Doctrina pietatis exactissima traditur, juventus ornatissima ac instructissima reditur, Familiae Domesticae meliùs & rectiùs instituuntur, quam olim discentium in Scholis publicis Collegia fuerint. Tanta faelicitas rerum est ut infans & lactans Regulum & Colubrum nihili faceant.
I must not presume here to the Honour of a Doctor of the Church, or an Interpreter of the Divine Oracles. I deal indeed with Prophets, Seers, Visions, and Revelations, but of an inferiour Class, such as aspire not to any Place in the Sacred Canon. Esdras himself, who hath had that Reputation with some, is left out by the Decree of the late Council of Trent, and not without just Cause; for all the latter Prophecies, which have made the World ring with their Noise against Rome, are but the Ecchoes of Esdras, and only give us in his words, often repeated, the Fall of the Roman Empire; as this Book will shew at large. And I assure my self, that whosoever hath any Veneration for Esdras, cannot lightly despise the other, who are manifestly inspired with the same Spirit. The Sibylline Prophecies may seem to be of the same Extract; as they are allowed to be of like Antiquity with Esdras, but they are neither so Express, nor particular in their Predictions. Of what Spirit soever these Modern Prophecies were, they are so considerable, that he who by his Arms is reputed an Overballance to Europe, thinks no scorn to seek in the Ashes of one of them some Encouragement to his Pretensions. I hope then none will be offended, if I put these Paper-Bullets in my Countrymens Mouths, for their better Encouragement and Defence, whilst they are Arming themselves, and marching out [Page]in a Conjuncture more probable to fulfil what yet remains for them to do, than any of their Adversaries yet had, who have by force sought to corrupt and draw those Visions to their side. Postellus for France, and others on the Spanish side, have long since mustered their Prophecies and Arguments, whilst their Masters on each part were armed with vain hopes to prevail by them, and fulfil them. I begin with Esdras as the most Ancient, most Reputed, and from whom it is not hard for any Humane Spirit, that had been well acquainted with his Text, and considered his words, to prophesy what our Modern Pretenders have set out with various Amplifications, as the Spirit that conducted them, did prompt or suggest. And because our Romanists, who look so big, and with such strange Confidence, against all Natural and Moral Reasons, as well as all Prophetical Inspirations and Revelations, think to drown all their Enemies in a deluge of Blood, and to possess a desolated World alone, are principally concerned; I will give them Esdras, in their own Doway Translation, and then set down the lesser and more Modern Prophecies in the convenientest order I can contrive them, the better to shew their consent with him, and one another.
April, 1648.
Post-script, January, 1679.
NB. THat the many late Sham-Prophecies, which the Devil hath of late Ages, and still doth more abundantly impose on the World, are only like the Presbyterian-Plos, his last refuge of Lyes, to stop the Ears of those he can thereby seduce from believing true Plots and Prophecies, under which by God's just Judgment they are thereby prepared to Suffer.
The Author of the Discourse of the Rise and Power of Parliaments, now come to my hand, hath Pag. 33. this remarkable Passage. Though I am far from giving credit to any Prediction, or Prophecy, but these of Holy Writ; yet I cannot but remember you of that old Latine one, Rex Albus, &c. on which you know our Wishes taught us to six a pleasing Interpretation. This Hint will bring to your mind, what perhaps has not been there almost this 30 Years: That, both for his Innocency and accidental Snow that fell on his Hearse, the late King Charles was that White King, who for some time was to be the last in England: That afterwards his Son should from beyond the Seas, return to the Possession of his Crown, and that in his Days, Religion and Laws should be Reformed and Settled upon the eternal Foundation of Truth and Justice. The fulfilling of this Prophecy now, will seem as miraculous an effect of Providence, as that of our Soveraign's Restauration, and will as much eternize the Wisdom of the Parliament, as the other our Loyalty.
A Post-script TO THE READER.
ASsure thy self what ever Spirit dictated these Predictions, whether they be Crumbs fallen to Dogs, or Fragments of the Prophetick Bread broken by the Spirit of Christ in the Scriptures, and therefore preserved by Disciples as well as they could in these homely Baskets, or not, that which they foretel will certainly (in God's time) by his Hand be effected, by such Persons, and in such times as he pleases, in whose Power, Instruments, Times and Seasons are reserved: And therefore the Kingdom shall certainly be restored to his Israel, and that in the time of these Kings, who gave their Power to the Whore; but they then shall become Nursing Fathers to his People, hate her, and burn her Flesh with Fire. They, who have seen the yet smoaking Ruines of Alsatia, are witnesses for Austria, France, and Italy, of what issue these Wars will have, and what the Fomentors of them may expect at last.
The intent of the worthy Authors and former Publishers of these Prophecies, was to reprove and admonish the Roman Church and Empire, because of their cruel Persecutions, and to comfort and encourage the Suffering Church and People under their Afflictions, by a prospect of God's Justice on their Enemies certainly Predicted and partly Executed, as an earnest of their Deliverance and Testimony to the truth of these Prophecies. This is a Mite cast into the same Treasury, and may serve to whet the Courages of their Armed, and steell the Patience of their Suffering Friends. What was said of the old Roman Valour, is much more true of the Christian Patience, Saepe pugna nunquam bello victi: Though the Valiant Men on both sides, like those twelve that played before Joab and Abner, fall equally; David's Kingdom, the Kingdom of God's Beloved, shall grow stronger, and Saul's, the Kingdom of Hell, weaker. And if any think the Subject too light, I must be content to suffer with Picus, Scaliger, Bibliander, if their Quotations out of Primitive Fathers help them not, as well as me, which may be produced hereafter, if this Essay meet not with too much Discouragement.
These Prophecies were Collected in season, when it was expected, that according to our Interest, we might have headed the Protestant Party with the then new raised Forces, and therewith have covered the Roman Empire it self, now manifestly going to Ruine and falling to Powder, betwixt the mighty Bodies that press upon it on both sides, as well as by its own internal Divisions in its Iron and Clay Supporters. They were first thrown together as it were in Jest, to oppose those Prophecies wherewith the French vainly did tickle and swell their Ambition with the vast expectations of an unjust, usurped, absolute Tyranny over the free People of Europe, in which they have mistaken grosly the Nature of the Monarchy they affect, as well as the Body which must be headed by it. Had the Collector been serious, he could have confuted them by unanswerable Arguments [Page]out of holy Writ, and shewed them that the Fourth Monarchy is the Kingdom of Christ, whose Commission from his Father is not for his own, who needs nothing, but for the Publick Good and Interest of the Christian World; his Bliss being to do them good, and his Glory to encrease the number of his Subjects, and their Peace, Wealth, and Godliness. It might have been shown, that tho the Western great Toe, France, now (and Spain heretofore) may be formidably swoln in its proportions in the Popish, as the Turkish in the Mahometan Antichristian World, yet neither the one nor the other shall ever come into one Stump Foot, but contrariwise, if Daniel or Ezra be a Prophet, moult away, break, or be broken to pieces, be ground to Powder, and scattered by the Wind over the Face of the whole Earth. But we need not heave so weighty a Maul to kill a Flie, nor are these Prophecies upon second view found so light; but that they will much overpoise what hath or can be said on the other side, nor perhaps are they now altogether unseasonable, considering with what Impudence their false Prophets have lately given out their Hellish Oracles against his Majesties Life: And with what horrid Malice they seek to engage and provoke their wicked Instruments to fulfil them.
This was written, as appears by the Date of the Epistle, in the Author's Manuscript, yet extent, about the time of their execrable Consult at Wild House (their Mock-Parliament) against his Majesties Life; who knows but it may now, Published, serve to repel the Spirits of some of their audacious Instruments, that they may not grow too Wise and Confident in their own Folly. I hope, I may be allowed to answer something to them according thereto. First, To their Astrologer, Briggs the great Mathematician long ago assured us, That the expert and learned Astrologer, would be able out of any Schemes, to draw Judgments so contradictory upon well ballanced Testimonies, that the common Astrologers Oracles must be as uncertain from his Art as the Delphick themselves; Nor can any Man doubt of the uncertainty of Astrologers Predictions, who shall take the pains to compare the different Calculations of our famed Astrologers; for instance, of Gadbury and Partridge, in that which they call the Vernal Figure this Year, or Transit of ☉ into ♈. To Gadbury it is at two of the Clock and 50 minutes after Noon, and to Partridge at 5 of the Clock and 14 minutes. Gad. hath the 27th of ♌ on the Cusp of the first House, and Part. hath ♏ 22. The tenth House, or Mid-Heaven, as they call it, is with Gad. ♉ 15, with Part. ♊ 10; yet hence they each of them Predict as confidently the Fates of King, Kingdom, and People, as if they were agreed of the same moment of time and minute of the Ascendents degree. ♄ is with Gad. in the 11th House, with Part. in the middle of the 10th, intercepted in ♋, as they call it. ♃ with Gad. within one degree of the very cusp of the 9th, with Part. within 4 of the cusp of the 10th. ♂ and ☉ to Gad. in the 8th, to Part. in the 7th. And which is much worse, ☽ in the 18th, ♏ in the 14th House with Gad. and in the o. 29. of ♐ in the 3d, to Part. If these Men from so different Calculations both write true, then Astrology must needs be as Infallible as his Holiness, who never errs be the Premises by which he judges never so false, as of late when he condemn'd the Articles in Jansenius of Heresy, that neither he nor any Man else could ever find in his Books. But let us examine our Catholick Almanack, and Presbyterian-Plot-maker, Leo, cor Leonis, &c. ascends the Horoscope, there he concludes the People of England high Elevated, Aspiring, Ambitious, Torrent like, Contradicting, Subtle to compass unreasonable ends, a Spirit of Pride let loose amongst us, and of Fraud, Hypocrisy, to Entrap, Ensnare, betray Friends, our own party of the same Feather; Thence he threatens the briskest of the Contriving Tribe, that is in plain terms, he threatens and would Intimidate the King's and Kingdoms Evidence, and their Patrons, and all good Patriots, and particularly him who hath ♌ for his Horoscope, ♄ for his Enemy; by which, if he mean superstititous [Page]Friars, Monks, and Jesuits, he needed not have lifted his Head so high as Heaven to tell us, That his Converse with them on Earth assured him better, and it is manifest what his Book drives at. But Partridge, who had no such design to Intimidate or Abuse the Commons of England from their just Resentment and Prosecution of the Bloody Traytors, and theirs and their Soveraign's implacable Enemies, nor to encourage or harden them to their intended Assassinations as G. had, finds no such Pride or Unreasonableness in them by his Scheme. Nor could he so easily smell the Treachery of the Birds of the same Feather by the Stars, as Gadbury by the help of his fellow Presbyterian-Plot-makers, of whose Treachery to the Birds whose Feathers they pretended to be of his Eyes and Ears, were daily more faithful Witnesses than any Stars. But in the interim, his good hopes and affections to those of his own Feather, suffered him not to suspect that his contriving Tribe would be found out by Providence, and afterwards betrayed by their own [Black-Birds] nor could he find it in the Heavens. ‘Nec prosunt Domino qui prosunt omnibus artes,’ Is verified of him, as of his Master the Author of the old Delphick Oracle, no great honour to the Art certainly; but I never understood so well that Rule given to the Novices of this Art, A te & à Scientia. What an Artist knows, or hath contrived he may boldly predict, and where Science cannot advance by lawful means a wicked Action, if bad Conscience step in, the credit of the Art may so be saved for a while, but the Artist deserves to perish for the help he hath brought to his goodly Art, by his ungodly Conscience. But to return to our Horoscope and ♌ there, and our Friend thence threatned by Gadbury, who as well as his Master might have been easily Assassinated, had Gadbury's Art or Honesty been worth Credit. That which pleases and satisfies me best, is to find in another Ingress, that his Friend Partridge derives comfort to the same Gentleman (if I be a good Guesser) from this, that his Horo scope is in ♌ and not very far from Cor Leonis, with which this Vernal Ingress is adorned by Gadbury. A Cordial reviving his spent Spirits, with news of Reconciliation, and laying aside all Animosities by an amicable Ray from the Royal Sol in favourable aspect with ♂, darted unto stationary Jove in ♊. I see where the one seeks Corrosives, the other finds Cordials. If I should enter into further odious Comparisons of this kind, I should be infinite: Whilst I write this, a learned Friend tells me, That the Caroline Tables are much better than those which were in common use before: This helps to scandalize me farther against Astrology, for it will never go down with me if the difference be such as I find here, that the Rules made for the former can be true of the latter; for certainly what ever was Calculated and Verified before these new Tables were made, would have had another different signication, had it been judged by the Calculation of these; and how both Calculations should be Verified and signifie the same thing, I cannot comprehend. Nor believe I, that any Learned Astrologer will undertake to verefie any Judgments passed by the old Rules on Calculations by the old Tables upon Schems, erected for the same Ingresses of any Cardinal Points by the new. I would gladly have done, but a new scruple rises in my Mind, that all Aspects as Conjunctions (and Transits too) are so diversified by the differences of these Tables, that I see not that the common Astrologer will be able to understand applications to favourable Aspects, from the separations so readily and certainly as the contrariety of such Cases and Significations require he should; so that I may as well go to the Shepherds Kalendar and throw Dice there to know my Fortune, as to a meer Artist in Astrology; because the first Masters and Founders of Astrology had never any true Calculations, and consequently never any substrate certain Matter, whereon to found an Art or Science by Observation, and it's a [Page]chance which Table, or what Aspects my Question may meet.
Cornelius Agrippa is a competent Judge, who in his youthful Follies, wandered farther in all curious Arts, than any other perhaps have proceeded since in their serious Studies; and tells us plainly, That if the Astrologer have not a Genius to assoil the Amphibole of his Art, he is a meer Ass. And I could give Instances of learned and serious Men, who solicitous for their own Reputation, and that of the Art, were inspired with Answers as far above Nature, as contrary to, or besides their Scheam; and one for instance did direct his Querent to find his Silver Cup (where he never would have looked for it) in the head of his Neighbours Wooden Pump: Another by Geomanoy, could not only [...] be the Person enquired after, but find the Letters of his Name. But to let other Reasons pass to out our Popish Prophets Combs, that the French Cocks might not have any cause to Crow over us on our Dung-hills, let them strut as much as they will on their own; the Courteous Reader shall find here, not only Astronomy over-ruling their Astrology, and the general State of Christendom overbearing Popery, but the Genius of the English Monarchy, with the light of its Stars that ushered it in, extinguishing the glittering Night-lights of the Popish Glow-Worms. And if we would compare by condescending to their Vanity, Astrology with Astrology, Ballad with Ballad, there are some in this Collection, that are not inferiour to Gadbury, or Nostredamus, in Art or Enthusiasm.
January, 18. 1679/80.
The Contents of this Book, first designed by the Author (and which he will still pursue if this Impression be encouraged) were to be distributed into three Parts, whereof this is only the First.
- PART I.
- COntains a Collection of many Ancient and Modern Prophecies and Visions, which set out the Nature and Excellency of the Fourth and Last Monarchy, shew that it shall rise in the North; and that the Monarchy of Great Britain shall be the Head, or Principal Confederate thereof.
- NB. This Confederacy was first begun by Henry VIII. A. C. 1539, and after happily pursued by his Daughter, that Heroin C. V. Elizabeth, who utterly broke the Spanish Pretences to the Catholick Monarchy. See the Contents of the Chapters of this First Part below.
- PART II.
- Shews that neither the French King, nor any of his Roman Confederates, apart, or together, can erect that Monarchy; that it shall subdue them, and reform Rome [Page] it self; which is partly also [...], but more briefly, in this First Part new Published, by Arguments Astra [...]mical, Astrological, Natural, Propheoural, and Theological.
- PART. III.
- Gives a larger Exposition of the Prophecy of Esdras (set down and very briefly interpreted in the First Part) as they are transcribed put of his Fourth Book, Chap. [...], and xiii. on which all the latter Prophecies herein [...] seem to be grounded, with an Account of that, the Sibylline, and other like Apecryphal Prophecies, their Original, Gredit, &c. To which last of all some Observations are added concerning them, their Agreement and Insagreement with one another, and with the Prophecies of Scripture and holy Mon of former and latter Times: Wherein the times limited to the Prophesied Events, are more especially Considered and Compared.
- Chap. I. The Text of Esdras's Prophecy out of Esdras IV. Chap. xi, xii, xiii. in the Doway and English Translations; and a very brief Exposition thereof, by a nameless Author.
- Chap. II. Merlins Prophecy of the Lion of the North; Savanarola's Prophecy, out of the Future History of Europe, by the same Anonymous Author; The Unicorn, Sandivogius's Prophecy.
- Chap. III. Collections Astrological, and Prophecies selected out of the Nameless Author of the aforesaid History. Of the Comet, 1678. Buxtorfes Letter, out of Baudensis; Grebner, Magel, &c.
- Chap. IV. The Confession of the Rosie-Cross, and Dr. Bambridge's Astronomical Predictions, compared with those of Magel.
- Chap. V. Tho. Pugh's Collection of British Prophecies. John Ursinus's Testimony of the Prophecy objected by P. Leo the 10th against Charles the 5th.
- Chap. VI. Modern Predictions of Grebner, Cotter, and Drabritius.
- Chap. VII. Some more Modern and Domestick Visions and Prophecies. The White-Hall Prophecy, Englands Remembrancer The Prophecy of 83. The French Prophecy.
- Chap. VIII. Arise Evans his Predictions.
- Chap. IX. The History of the Prophetick Agat.
- Chap. X. The Heart Prophecy.
- Chap. XI. William Postellus his Mystical Key.
- Chap. XII. Some choice Prophecies about the Authors, and time of Romes destruction.
- Chap. XIII. Errata non Corrigenda.
CHAP. I. The Text of Esdras's Prophecy, out of Esdras ivth Book xi, xii, and xiii Chapters, in the Doway and English Translations, and a very brief Exposition thereof, by a nameless Author.
Doway.
Esdras iv. Chap. xi.
1. ANd I saw a Dream, and behold an Eagle came up out of the Sea; which had twelve wings of Feathers, and three Heads.
2. And I saw, and behold, she spread her Wings into all the Earth, and all the Winds of Heaven blew upon her, and were gathered together.
3. And I saw, of her Feathers sprang contrary Feathers, and they became little Wings and small.
4. For her Heads were at rest, and the middle Head was greater than the other Heads; but she rested with them.
5. And I saw, and beheld the Eagle flew with her Wings, and reigned over the Earth, and over them that dwelt in it.
6. And I saw, that all things under Heaven were subject to her, and no Man gain-said her, no not one of the Creatures that is upon the Earth.
7. And I saw, and behold, the Eagle rose up upon her Tallous, and made a voice with her Wings, saying,
8. Watch not altogether, sleep every one in his place; and watch according to time;
9. But let the Heads be preserved to the last.
10. And I saw, and behold, the Voice came not out of her Heads, but from the midst of her Body.
[Page 2] 11. And I numbered her contrary Wings, and beheld they were eight.
12. And I saw, and beheld on the right side rose one Wing, and reigned over all the Earth.
13. And it came to pass, when it reigned, an end came to it, and the place thereof appeared not; and the next rose up and reigned, that held much time.
14. And it came to pass when it reigned, and the end of it also came that it appeared not as the former.
15. And, behold, a Voice was sent forth to it, saying.
16. Hear thou that hast held the Earth off a long time; Thus I tell thee, before thou begin not to appear.
17. None after thee shall hold thy time, no nor the half thereof.
18. And the third lifted up it self and held the Principality, as also the former, and that also appeared not.
19. And so it chanced to all the other by one and by one to have the Principality, and again to appear no where.
20. And I saw, and beheld, in time the rest of the Wings were sent upon the right side, that they also might hold the Principality, and of them there were that held it; but yet forthwith they appeared not.
21. For some of them also stood up, but they held not the Principality.
22. And I saw, after these things, and behold the twelve Wings, and the two little Wings appeared not.
23. And nothing remained in the body of the Eagle, but two Heads resting, and six little Wings.
24. And I saw, and behold, from the six little Wings, two were divided, and they remained under the Head; that is, on the right side, for four tarried in their place.
25. And I saw, and behold the under Wings thought to set up themselves, [Page 3]and to hold the Principalities.
26. And I saw, and behold, one was set up, but forthwith it appeared not.
27. And they that were second, did sooner vanish away than the former.
28. And I saw, and behold, the two that remained thought with themselves, that they also would Reign.
29. And when they were thinking thereon, behold, one of the resting Heads, which was the middle one awaked; for this was greater than the other two Heads.
30. And I saw, that the two Heads were compleat with themselves.
31. And behold, the Head with them that were with him turned, and did eat the two under Wings that did think to Reign.
32. And the Head terrified all the Earth, and ruled in it over them that inhabited the Earth with much Labour, and he that held the Dominion of the whole World, above all the Kings that were.
33. And I saw, after these things, and behold, the middle Head suddenly appeared not, as did the Wings.
34. And there remained two Heads which reigned also themselves over the Earth, and over them that dwelt therein.
35. And I saw, and behold, the Head that was on the right side devoured that which was on the left.
36. And I heard a Voice saying unto me, Look against thee, and consider what thou seest.
37. And I saw, and behold, as a Lion raised out of the Wood roaring, and I saw, and he sent out a Mans Voice to the Eagle, and he spake, saying,
38. Hear thou, and I will speak to thee, and the Highest will say to thee,
39. Is it not thou which hast overcome, of the four Beasts which I made [Page 2] [...] [Page 3] [...] [Page 4]to Reign in my World, and that by them the end of their times might come.
40. And the fourth coming, overcame all the Beasts that were past, and by Might held the World in much fear, and all the World with much wicked labour, and he inhabited the Earth so long time with Deceipt.
41. And thou hast judged the Earth not with Truth.
42. For thou hast afflicted the Meek, and troubled them that were Quiet, and hast loved Lyars, and hast destroyed their Habitations that did fructify, and hast overthrown their Walls that did not hurt thee.
43. And thy wrong continualis ascended even to the Highest, and thy Pride to the Strong.
44. And the Highest hath looked upon the proud Times, and behold they are ended, and the abominations thereof are accomplished.
45. Therefore thou Eagle, appear no more, and thy horrible Wings, and thy little Wings most wicked, and thy Heads malignant, and thy Tallons most wicked, and all thy Body vain.
46. That all the Earth may be refreshed, and may return delivered from thy violence, and may hope for his Judgment and Mercy that made it.
Esdras iv. Chap. xii.
1. ANd it came to pass while the Lion spake these words to the Eagle, I saw,
2. And behold, the Head that overcame, and those four Wings appeared not which passed to him, and were set up to Reign, and their Reign was small and full of Tumult.
3. And I saw, and behold they appeared not, and all the body of the [Page 5]Eagle was burnt, and the Earth was afraid exceedingly.
10. This is the interpretation of this Vision:
11. The Eagle which thou sawest coming up from the Sea, this is the Kingdom which was seen in a Vision to Daniel thy Brother. [Marg. Dan. vii. 7.]
12. But it was not interpreted to him, therefore I do now interpret it to thee.
13. Behold, the day is come, and there shall arise a Kingdom upon Earth, and the fear shall be more terrible than all the Kingdoms that were before it.
14. And there shall twelve Kings Reign in it one after another.
15. For the second shall begin to Reign, and he shall continue more time than the rest of the twelve.
16. This is the interpretation of the twelve Wings which thou sawest.
17. And the Voice that spake which thou heardest not coming forth from her Heads, but from the middle of her Body,
18. This is the interpretation, That after the time of that Kingdom shall rise no small Contentions, and it shall be in danger to fall; and it shall not fall then, but shall be Constituted again, according to the beginning thereof;
19. And whereas thou sawest the eight under Wings cleaving to the Wings thereof.
20. This is the interpretation, Eight Kings shall rise in it, whose Times shall be light, and Years swift, and two of them shall perish.
21. But when the midst time approacheth, it shall be kept till a time, when the time thereof shall begin to approach to be ended, yet two shall be kept to the end.
22. And whereas thou fawest three Heads resting.
23. This is the interpretation, In [Page 6]her last days the Highest will raise up three Kingdoms, and will call back many things to them, and they shall rule over the Earth,
24. And them that dwell in it, with much labour, above all them that were before them: for this cause they are called the Heads of the Eagle.
25. For these shall be they that shall recapitulate her Impieties, and that shall accomplish her last things.
26. And whereas thou sawest a greater Head not appearing, this is the interpretation thereof: That one of them shall die upon his Bed, and yet with Torments.
27. For the two that shall remain, the Sword shall eat them.
28. For the Sword of the one shall devour him that is with him, but yet this also at the last shall fall by the Sword.
29. And whereas thou sawest two under Wings passing over the Head, which is on the right side;
30. This is the interpretation thereof: These are they whom the Highest hath kept to their end; this is a small Kingdom, and full of trouble.
31. As thou sawest the Liou also whom thou sawest awaking out of the Wood, and roaring, and speaking unto the Eagle, and rebuking her and his injustices, by all his words, as thou hast heard.
32. This is the Wind, which the Highest hath kept to the end for them, and their Impieties, and shall rebuke them, and shall cast in their spoils before them.
33. For he shall set them in Judgment alive, and it shall be when he hath reproved them, then shall he chastise them.
34. For the rest of my People he shall deliver with misery, them that are saved upon my Borders, and he shall make them joyful till the end shall come, the Day of Judgment, whereof I have spoken to thee from the beginning.
[Page 7] 35. This is the Dream which thou sawest, and these be the interpretations.
CHAP. XIII.
1. ANd it came to pass after seven days, and I dreamed a Dream in the Night.
2. And, behold, there arose a Wind from the Sea, that troubled all the Waves thereof.
3. And, behold, that Man grew strong with thousands of Heaven.
25. These are the interpretations of the Vision, Whereas thou sawest a Man coming from the heart of the Sea.
26. The same is he whom the Highest preserveth much time, which by himself shall deliver his Creature, and he shall dispose them that are left.
29. Behold, the days come, when the Highest shall begin to deliver them that are upon the Earth.
30. And he shall come in excess of mind upon them that inhabit the Earth.
31. And one shall think to overthrow another: One City another City, one Place another Place, and Nation against Nation, and Kingdom against Kingdom.
32. And it shall be when these Things shall come to pass, and the Signs shall happen, which I shewed thee before: And then shall my Son be revealed, whom thou sawest as a Man coming up.
33. And it shall be when all Nations shall hear his Voice: And every one in his Country shall leave their War that they have towards each other.
34. And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered in one, as willing to come to overthrow him.
35. But he shall stand upon the top of Mount Sion.
[Page 8] 36. And Sion shall come, and it shall be shewed to all prepared and builded, as thou sawest the Mountain to be graven without Hands.
39. And whereas thou sawest him gather to him, another peaceable Multitude.
40. Those are the ten Tribes.
English
Esdras xi.
1. THen I saw a Dream, and behold there came up from the Sea an Eagle which had twelve feathered Wings, and three Heads.
2. And I saw, and behold, she spread her Wings over all the Earth, and all the Winds of the Air blew on her, and gathered themselves.
3. And I beheld, and out of her Feathers grew out other contrary Feathers, and they became little Feathers and small.
4. But her Heads remained still, and the Head in the midst, was greater than the other Heads, yet rested it with them.
5. Moreover I saw, that the Eagle flew with her Feathers, and reigned upon the Earth, and over them that dwell therein.
6. And I saw, that all things under Heaven were subject unto her, and no Man spoke against her, no not one Creature upon Earth.
7. I saw also, that the Eagle stood upon her Claws, and spake to her Feathers, saying,
8. Watch not altogether, sleep every one in his own place, and watch by course.
9. But let the Heads be preserved for the last.
10. Nevertheless I saw, that the Voice went not out of her Heads, but from the midst of her Body.
[Page 2] 11. Then I [...] her country Feathers, and behold, there were eight of them.
12. And I looked, and behold, on the right side there arose one Feather, and reigned over all the Earth.
13. And when it had reigned, the end of it came, and the place thereof appeared no more, so the next stood up and reigned, it continued a long time.
14. And when it had reigned, the end of it came also, and as the first, so it appeared no more.
15. Then there came a Voice unto it, and said,
16. Hear thou that hast kept the Earth so long, this I say unto thee, before thou beginst to appear no more.
17. There shall none after thee attain to thy time, nor to the half thereof.
18. Then arose the third, and reigned as the other afore, and it appeared no more also.
19. So it came to all the others one after another, so that every one reigned, and then appeared no more.
20. Then I looked, and behold, in process of time, the Feathers that followed stood upon the right side, that they might rule also, and some of them ruled, but within a while they appeared no more.
21. For some of them were set up, but ruled not.
22. After this I looked, and the twelve Feathers appeared no more, nor the two Wings.
23. And there was no more on the Eagle's body but two Heads that rested, and six Wings.
24. Then saw I also, that two Wings divided themselves from the six, and remained under the Head that was on the right side, for the four continued in their place.
25. So, I looked, and behold, the under Wings thought to set up themselves, [Page 3]and to have the Rule.
26. Then was there one set up, but shortly it appeared no more.
27. And the second was sooner gone than the first.
28. Then I beheld, and lo the two that remained, thought also in themselves to Reign.
29. And when they so thought, behold, there awaked one of the Heads that was at rest, which was in the midst, for that was greater than the two.
30. And I saw, that two Heads were joyned therewith.
31. And behold, the Head was turned with them that were with it, and did eat up the under two Wings that would have Reigned.
32. But the Head put the whole Earth in fear, and bear Rule in it, over all those that dwelt upon Earth with much Labour; and it had the Government of the World, more than all the Wings that had been.
33. After this, I looked, and beheld the Head that was in the midst suddenly appeared no more, as did the Wings.
34. But the two Heads remained, which also Ruled likewise upon the Earth, and over those that dwelt therein.
35. And I beheld, and lo the Head upon the right side devoured it that was upon the left side.
36. Then I heard a Voice, which said unto me, Look before thee, and consider the thing that thou seest.
37. So I saw, and behold as it were a Lion that roareth, running hastily out of the Wood; and I saw that he sent out a Mans Voice unto the Eagle, and said,
38. Hear thou, I will talk unto thee, and the most High shall say unto thee,
39. Art not thou that who of the four Beasts remainest, whom I made to Reign [Page 2] [...] [Page 3] [...] [Page 4]in my World, that by them the end of Times might come.
40. And the fourth is come, and hath overcome all the Beasts that were past, and hath power over the World with great fearfulness, and over the whole compass of the Earth with most wicked Oppression, and that dwelleth so long time in all the World with Deceipt.
41. For thou hast not judged the Earth with Truth.
42. Seeing thou hast troubled the Meek, thou hast hurt the Peaceable, and thou hast loved the Lyars, and destroyed the Dwellings of those that brought forth fruit, and hast cast down the Walls of such as did thee no harm.
43. Therefore is thy wrongful dealing come up unto the most High, and thy pride unto the Mighty.
44. The most High also hath looked upon the proud Times, and behold, they are ended, and their abominations are fulfilled.
45. Therefore appear no more thou Eagle, nor thy horrible Wings, nor thy wicked Feathers, nor thy malicious Heads, and thy wicked Claws, nor all thy vain Body.
46. That all the Earth may be refreshed, and come again as one delivered from thy Violence, and that she may hope for the Judgment and Mercy of him that made her.
CHAP. xii.
1. ANd when the Lion spake these words to the Eagle, I saw,
2. And behold, the Head that had the upper hand appeared no more, neither did the four Wings appear any more, that came to it, and set up themselves to Reign, whose Kingdom was small and full of Uproars.
3. And I saw, and behold, they appeared no more, and the whole body of [Page 5]the Eagle was burnt, so that the Earth was in great fear: Then I awaked out of the trouble and trance of my Mind, and from the great fear, &c.
10. Then said he unto me, this is he interpretation of this Vision.
11. The Eagle which thou sawest come up from the Sea, is the Kingdom which was seen in the Vision of thy Brother Daniel.
12. But it was not expounded unto him, therefore I declare it unto thee.
13. Behold, the days come, that there shall arise up a Kingdom upon the Earth and it shall be feared above all Kingdoms that were before it.
14. In it shall twelve Kings Reign one after another.
15. Whereof the second shall begin to Reign, and shall have more time than the twelve.
16. And this do the twelve Wings signifie which thou sawest.
17. As for the Voice which thou heardst spake, and that thou sawest not go out of the Heads, but from the midst of the body thereof, this is the interpretation:
18. That after the time of that Kingdome, there shall arise great strife, and it shall be in danger to fall, but it shall not then fall; but it shall be restored again to its beginning.
19. Concerning the eight under Wings, which thou sawest hang under her Wings, this is the interpretation:
20. In it shall rise eight Kings, whose Times shall be but small, and their Years swift, and two of them shall perish.
21. But when the mid-time cometh, there shall be four kept a time, whilst his time beginneth to come, that it may be ended, but two shall be kept to the end.
22. And whereas thou sawest three Heads resting, this is the interpretation:
23. In her last days, shall the most High [Page 6]raise up three Kingdoms, and shall call again many things unto them, and they shall have the Dominion of the Earth,
24. And of those that dwell therein, with much grief above all those that were before them: therefore they are called the Heads of the Eagle.
25. For they shall accomplish its wickedness, and shall finish its last end.
26. And whereas thou sawest that the great Head appeared no more, it signified that one of them shall die upon his Bed, and yet with pain.
27. For the two that remain, the Sword shall devour them.
28. For the Sword of the one shall devour the other, but at the last he shall fall by the Sword himself.
29. And whereas thou sawest two under Wings that went off towards the Head which was on the right side, this is the inpretation:
30. These are they whom the most High hath preserved for their end, whose Kingdom is little and full of trouble, as thou sawest.
31. And the Lion which thou sawest rising up out of the Wood, and roaring and speaking to the Eagle, and rebuking her for Unrighteousness, with all the words which thou hast heard.
32. This is the Wind which the most High hath kept for them, for their Wickedness unto the end, and he shall reprove them, and cast before them their Spoils.
33. For he shall set them alive in the Judgment, and shall rebuke them and correct them.
34. For he shall deliver the residue of my People by Affliction, which are preserved upon my Borders, and he shall make them joyful until the coming of the Day of Judgment; whereof I have spoken unto thee from the beginning.
[Page 7] 35. This is the Dream that thou sawest, and these are the interpretations.
Thus far the Angel Uriel to Esdras.
CHAP. XIII.
1. ANd it came to pass after seven days, I dreamed a Dream by Night:
2. And lo, there arose a Wind from the Sea, that it moved all the Waves thereof.
3. And I beheld, and lo, that Man waxed strong with the thousands of Heaven.
25. This is the meaning of the Vision; Whereas thou sawest a Man coming up from the midst of the Sea;
26. The same is he whom God the Highest hath kept a great season, which by his own self shall deliver his Creature, and he shall order them that are left behind.
29. Behold, the days come, when the most High will begin to deliver them that are upon the Earth.
30. And he shall come to the astonishment of them that dwell on the Earth.
31. And one shall undertake to fight against another; one City against another, one Place against another, one People against another, and one Realm against another.
32. And the time shall be when these Things shall come to pass, and the Signs shall happen which I shewed thee before; and then shall my Son be declared, whom thou sawest as a Man ascending.
33. And when all the People hear his Voice, every Man shall in their own Land leave the Battel they have one against another.
34. And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as thou sawest them willing to come, and to overcome him by fighting.
35. But he shall stand upon the top of the Mount of Sion.
[Page 8] 36. And Sion shall come, and shall be shewed to all Men, being prepared and builded, like as thou sawest the Hill graven without Hands.
39. And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another peaceable Multitude ununto him.
40. Those are the ten Tribes.
NB. That in the famous Book, by some called the Baby Prophecy, sometimes in the custody of the Earl of Marlborough, or a Copy of it seen and remembred by several Persons of Honour yet alive, and for the most part fulfilled in innumerable Particulars; Generosa Nobilitas non sinet ei fieri malum. The Nobles and Gentry shall suffer no Wrong to be done to the King nor his Crown. the present King of England survives the last great Battel. And as here the end of all those Prophecies, is the Conversion of the Eastern Jews, for their Habits mistaken for Turks.
Anonymous future History of Europe. SECT. 11.
§. THe two Books of Esdras are thought (and that by none of the least Learned, St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, Tostatus, Scaliger the Elder, Melancthon, Arias Montanus, Bucer, and Bibliander) to be Canonical, because of the most eminent fulfilling of many Predictions in them contained. In the 11th Chapter of the second of those Books, there is under the Type of an Eagle, a manifest Prophecy, both of the Roman Heathenish Empire, as likewise of the Papacy, with her chief Leaguers to this present Time, throughout the whole Chapter. This Eagle is the Roman Heathenish Empire, her twelve Feathered Wings are the twelve first Emperours from Julius Caesar to Nerva. The three Heads are the Kingdoms of France, Spain, and Germany, preordained of God to maintain the power of her Pride, when all her Wings (her Heathenish and Tyrannical Caesars) should fail her. Nevertheless, under her twelve first Caesars are comprehended in general, all the Emperours which Reigned in her from Julius Caesar (who first crackt the strings of her Liberty) to Augustulus Momyllus, (her last Roman Caesar) for the space of 474 Years. Her eight contrary Feathers, are the eight terrible Inundations of several Nations, from the North (God's [Page 9]Scourges) which overwhelmed her fairest Provinces, sunk her State in Blood, and by Fire and Sword humbled her as low as the Dust she trod on, viz. 1. Alaricus, and his West Goths. 2. Attilas, and his Huns. 3. Gensericus, and his Vandals. 4. Odoacer. 5. Theodoricus, and his East Goths. 6. Totilas, and his Spaniards. 7. Alboinus, and his Longobards (who deposed her Diminutive Gaesar, Augustulus Momyllus.) 8. And lastly, The intestine Home-bred Faction and Conspiracy, which proved more Pernitious than the rest (as all intestine Diseases are the worst) which in the Reigns of Otho the Great, Otho the III, and Frederick the II, so often strove to eradicate the Papal Superiority, and re-edifie her S. P. Q. R. buried so many Ages ago, out of the Ruines of the City. The Head in the midst, is the German Empire, begun A. C. 801, on Christmas Day, by Charles the Great, which though (v. 32.) it long did, and yet doth put the Earth in great fear, yet v. 33. must vanish in an instant, as did the Wings, and come to nought. The German Empire thus destroyed, v. 35. The Head on the right side (the Kingdom of Spain) must devour the Head on the left side, the Kingdom of France. Therefore it is manifest that the Kingdom of France, though now it flourisheth in what Glory and Magnificence the Earth can afford, must ere long be humbled by the Power of Spain, with many Discomfitures, and brought to doleful Straits, and great Perplexities. I my self have observed how that Year (in which the Figures of the Golden Number were equal to the Figures of the Year of Christ) hath ever proved Fatal to that Monarchy. It was so with them from 1570, to 1576: In all which seven Years, the Guisian Faction made lamentable Havock of the Church of God, and the Kingdom: So shall it be in that Year in which the final Tragedy of that Kingdom shall be acted, six Years after which France shall be no more. But when that shall be, no sign of Europe shall remain, nor remembrance where the Walls of Rome stood.
§. 2. The Lion (which ver. 37, and Chap. 12. ver. 31. came roaring out of the Wood, speaking to the Eagle, and rebuking her for her Wickedness) is the Wind which the most High God hath kept for Rome and her Wickedness, till the end, even the Lion of the North (of which you shall hear a Prophecy anon, of the true Merlin) which shall reprove the Roman Empire, and cast before her her Spoils: he shall set her alive in Judgment, Rebuke and Correct her, and deliver the rest of God's People from Affliction, which are preserved on his Borders, and make them joyful to the Day of Judgment.
§. 3. In the 13th Chapter, Esdras beholds a Vision of a Man rising out of the Sea, and devouring the multitude of Fighters that came against him, neither with Sword, Spear, nor any Instrument of War, but only with the Fire and Storm that came out of his Mouth; which is Christ the Son of Man, who through a Sea of Bloody Persecutions and Tribulations, propagated the Gospel over the Earth, confounding and devouring the multitudinous Pagans and Idolaters, fighting against Christians, by the invincible force of the Gospel. After a long time of the obstinate wilfulness of the Western Jews, and fulness of the Gentiles, he shall call to himself another peaceable Multitude, even the whole Nation of the Jews, out of Armenia, Tartaria, and the Eastern India, whom God shall defend, and convert to the Gospel, when he shall destroy all other Nations upon Earth. These are called the Peaceable People, because after the Conversion of the Jews, shall come that Ministerial Monarchy of the Church over the whole World, that peaceable, and still time, when all the Nations of the Earth shall forget Fighting one against another, Wars shall cease in all the World, and Swords and Spears shall be beaten into Plow-Shares and Pruning-Hooks.
§. 4. When the seventh Angel blew his Trumpet, Luther began his Reformation; then it was when the Multitude stood before the Lamb, and sung the [Page 10]new Song of Moses, and that nevertheless is but the Vail of the Tabernacle opened in Heaven, and a great Cloud and Smoke covered that Glory. But it must be 180 Years after, 1517 when the Kingdoms of this World become the Kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ, and those be destroyed that destroyed the Earth. 1697 For then, and not till then, shall the Temple of God be fully opened in Heaven, and the Ark of his Testimony (the very same Model which God shewed to Moses in the Mount) shall be seen at Jerusalem, not in a Tabernacle, but in that Temple which the Power of God shall make. Then shall, lastly, the four Beasts, the Elders with all the Angels of Heaven, and all the Creatures of Heaven, Earth, and Sea, and under the Earth, fall down before the Throne, and give Glory, Honour, Blessing, and Praise, unto him that sitteth on the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever; and the four Beasts shall say, Amen.
Thus far that Anonymus, in his brief Exposition on Esdras.
§. 5. If this find kind Acceptation, a fuller and more particular Exposition of this Prophecy will be Published, which is now Collected out of several learned Commentators.
If any think it improbable that the middle Head, the Roman Empire, can be determined and die in Torment, but not by Blood and Conquest, but as it were in its Bed, as is here foretold, Esdras iv. Chap. 12. ver. 26. On the contrary, nothing seems to me more probable, than that the German Princes to extricate themselves from the Troubles the House of Austria have brought on them, first by Civil Wars, and now by the Emulation that is risen betwixt it and France, should after this Emperours Death, that they might not offend France, forbear to choose a King of the Romans, and be thence-forth governed by a Vicar, or the Diet, Parliament, or Common Council of the Empire. And it is also very agreeable to Daniel's Prophecy, from whence we may expect, that there will be daily more and more Breaches made of the Western Empire into smaller Divisions, but no Coalition into one Head, or Empire, till it be throughly Reformed.
Our Author here, as some others, takes it for granted, as the Presumptions of those Times he lived in gave him confidence to believe, that Spain was the right Head, and would destroy France the left; whereas the contrary is in our Times much more probable: To us the matter is not worth disputing, whether shall first perish, since both must.
CHAP. II. Merlins Prophecy of the Lion of the North.
THe Northern Kingdoms shall be wasted by Reapers; The Southern Principalities shall end in Dust. — Cruel Wars shall be scattered by the Winds, their growth and continuance by Bastards — All these things shall hardly be accomplished when a Prince of Royal Stock shall come forth crowned from the Northern Parts, as to his own People unexpected, but desired by Foraiguers, who because he shall bear a Rampant Lion, shall therefore be called a Lion. He shall not rest till after he hath called a Synod, and after dissolved it by Threats he shall advance his Conquering Arms against his Enemies; and by woful Success, shall harrass the Territories of Neighbour Princes. He shall exceed Alexander the Great in Valour, and Cyrus in Success. He shall cross the Seas, and be saluted Emperour by many Kings; a certain ancient City shall he lay even with the Ground. In the interim, a warlike powerful Prince from the East shall provoke him to Battel, against whom the Lion shall march with all his Forces, and pitching his Camp on this side Euphrates, shall expect him.
§. 7. If the Prince shall come over the River, the Lion shall be overcome, but he shall pass his Army over the River, and give his Enemy a bloody Defeat, and be Master of all the East. Whilst these things are in Action, divers Petty Kings from India, shall break into Syria with mighty Armies, and provided for Battel, shall wait for the Lion about the Valley of Jehosaphat, where they shall by him be wholly cut off. Not long after shall the Lion himself decease, after that with eminent Piety he shall have established the Kingdom of the Fugitives, (i. e. Perhaps banished Jews.)
§. 8. There was living in King Lucius's days, Merlin the first, a Scot, he is the true Merlin; if any Prophecies of his could be found, great Credit were to be given to them. He was a great Friend of King Lucius, and his daily Companion. Of his there is but one Prophecy extant, which is found in that Ancient Prophecy of Ninius of Bangor, (who yet lives in MS.) King Lucius, the first Christian King, but yet unconverted from Paganism, — to him Merlin Prophesied, That within less than a Sequi-decumane period of Time (1500 Years) the Eagle's Head should be cloven in two, one part whereof Agar [i. the Agarens, the Turks,] shall burn with Fire, and Japhet [the Northern Nations, the Isles of the Gentiles] the other, after the grand Revolution of Days, &c. See The Future History of Europe, Pag. 49. where you have also the rest of Merlin's Prophecy at length. Future History of Europe, Pag. 34.
§. 9. Jerome Savanarola was Burnt at Florence, An. Dom. 1498, a Martyr, against the Corruptions of the Roman Church. He prophesied of Luther's Reformation; of the Persecutions of the Valtoline, Piedmont, Merindol and Chabriers, and other places in France; and of the Troubles of the Duke of Mirandula, and of Pope Julio the II. All which most evidently came to pass. The wise Statesman and Historian, Philip Comines, hath in his Commentaries recorded him for an Holy Man, and a Prophet.
His Prophecies are extant in the excellent Works of Francis Mirandula. He prophesied, That being the French King had neglected the Reformation of Italy, and the Court of Rome, to which that holy Man exhorted him, he should lose all he had Conquered, but should return in safety, &c. And that in the last Times, Jews, Turks, and Moors, should be Converted unto Christ; that a Man [Page 12]like Cyrus, with a numerous Army of true Professors, should come over the Alps and destroy Rome, and ruinate all the Kingdoms and States of Italy. That grievous Wars, Blood-sheddings, and Massacres, should arise in the World by a Northern King, for an happy Reformation, [and consequently to fall upon them who oppose it,] who should carry the Gospel out of Europe, into a vast and unknown World in the end of Time. [The English Plantations and Discoveries in the East and West, give light to this Prophecy, and hopes they may fulfil it.]
§. 10. The tenth Figure in a Collection of Prophetick Emblems, (found in some German Libraries) of about 400 Years standing, Published above 100 Years since, represents an Unicorn ramping up against a Pope clad in all his Pontifical Robes, and pushing off from his Head his Triple Crown with the end of his Horn, and a Frier sitting by upon his Knees.
On this the Publisher thus Discants. Since the Pope is Mighty, needs must there come one more Puissant, and Mightier than he, that shall lift him out of his Nest and overcome him; and so shall the Hypocritical Devotions and Devices of his saveling Priests and Jesuits, not be able to support him.
It is well known, that the Unicorn is the Supporter of Great Britain's Arms, and that it is peculiar to his Majesty's Family, and that they brought it out of the North with them.
This Collection was Translated out of a German Author in Edward the 6ths time, and then Published by Walter Linn, whose Admonition to his Reader in those ticklish Times, as seasonable for ours, See below at the end of this Book.
§. 11. Michael Sandivogius, that most excellent profound Philosopher and adept Chymist, is by some thought to be still alive, and ready to assist with endless Treasures, this Northern Monarch, when he shall declare himself, and enter on his Work; he in his Treatise of Sulphur, Printed at Colon, 1616, now commonly sold in Shops, hath these words of the New Northern Monarchy here inserted.
§. 13. Jam illa tempora adveniunt, in quibus aroana multa Naturae revelabuntur.
Jam illa Monarchia quarta Borealis incipere habet. Jam tempora appropinquant, mater scientiarum veniet; majora elucidabuntur quam in his tribus praeteritis Monarchiis factum est, quoniam hanc Monarchiam (ut veteres divinarunt) plantabit Deus per unum ex Principibus omnibus virtutibus ditatum, quem fortasse nobis jam tempora produxerunt: Habemus enim in hac parte Boreali Principem sapientissimum ac bellicofissimum, quem nullus Monarcharum victoriis superat, humanitate ac pietate nullus excellit. —Monarchias Philosophi non secundum potentiores, sed secundum cardines Mundi, numerant, Imprimis Orientalem; postea Meridionalem, jam vero Occidentalem habent, & ultimam Septentrionalem in hac parte Boreali expectant. In hac Septentrienali attractive polari Monarchia, [Page 13]Miserecordia & Verit as obviabunt sibi, Pax & Justitia osculabuntur se, Veritas de Terra orietur, & Justitia de Coelo prospiciet, unum Ovile & unus Pastor: Scientiae multae sine invidia; Quod & ego cum desiderio expecto.
§. 12. Now those Times are coming, in which many secrets of Nature shall be revealed.
Now that fourth Monarchy of the North is about to begin. Now the time is at hand, the Mother of Sciences will come; greater things shall be discovered than have been in these three last Monarchies. Because God will plant this Monarchy (as the Ancients have foretold) by a Prince enriched with all manner of Vertues, whom happily Time hath already brought forth. For we have in this Northern part a most Wise and Warlike Prince, whom no Monarch doth go beyond in Victories, or excel in Humanity and Piety. This Northern Monarchy God the Creator of Nature, and all things, will without doubt bring to light greater secrets in Nature, than in those Times in which Tyrant and Pagan Princes reigned. But the Philosophers reckon these Monarchies not according to the number of the more Powerful, but according to the Cardinal, [Page 13]or principal Points or Quarters of the World. First, The Eastern, after the Southern, now we have the Western, and expect the last of the North in this Northern Climate. But of these farther in my Book of Harmony. In this Northern Monarchy, where the Polar attraction is, Mercy and Truth (as the Psalmist speaks) shall meet together, Peace and Justice shall kiss each other; Truth shall rise out of the Earth, and Justice shall look down from Heaven. There shall be one Sheepfold, and one Shepherd. There shall then be many Arts without Envy; which I also do earnestly desire and expect. Do thou also, Courteous Reader, call upon, love, and fear God, reade over my Writings diligently, and thou mayst foretel to thy self good things. And if thou shalt through the favour of God and help of Nature (whom thou must imitate) arrive to the desired Haven of this Monarchy; then thou shalt see, and say, that all things that I have said to thee are good and true. So far Sandivogius.
CHAP. III. A Nameless Author of The Future History of Europe, Printed 1650. Pag. 9. Sect. IV.
§. 14. THe design of this Author in this his Book, appears by many Passages therein (which I have elsewhere transcribed) to be, to persuade the Parliament to return to their Obedience to the King and Church. In the place forequoted, declaring the effects of the Blazing Comet, An. 1618. he saith, That as it appeared 37, or 38 Days, so it shewed that for the space of 37, or 38 Years, from 1618 to 1656. First, Germany, Livonia, Swedland, with other Northern parts of Europe, then Scotland, England, and Ireland, should feel the terrible effects thereof in War, &c. Then he proceeds in these words: This Comet was strengthened by a fearful Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, An. 1616. July 18. the effects of both which not confined to Germany, &c. were to end in the Judgments of God upon Europe, for neglecting the Overthrow of Antichrist, Ruine of Rome, and Annihilation of the Sodomitical Order of the society of Jesus, and in the Extirpation of all Kingdoms, and free Estates of Papists, adhering to them, to make way for the Lion of the North to erect his Fifth, [our Fourth] Monarchy in the Ashes of Germany, wherein shall be established the eternal Felicity of the Church, by the Conversion of the Jews, and Fulness of the Gentiles. This he calls in the same Page, the Ministerial, not Personal Reign of Christ on Earth.
§. 15. Pag. 10. Out of Buxtorfs Letter to Mr. Shirley, Fellow of Trinity Colledg, dated May 3. 1624. he brings in these words of Baudensis, concerning the same Comet and Conjunction, according to the Opinion of the Northern Astrologers.
Behold thou then a Prophecy (if not Apostolical) far beyond Astrological, if I mistake not. God hath arisen, and drawn out his Sword; there shall happen in these our European Regions, the Slaughter of People, Funerals of Kings, Subversions of Common-wealths, Mutations of Monarchies, Massacres of Princes, and Illustrious Commanders, violent proud Councils, Treasons, Rebellions; [Page 14]and in Northern parts of Europe, War, Sickness, Pestilence.— Princes cast out of their Dominions, Fathers banished, Children after a long time restored.—This Comet also threatens the terrible Ruine of Rome, and Burnings in all the Cities of Europe. The Papistical Clergy, and especially the Cardinals, shall be cast down from their Dignities; the Jesuits shall be every where drawn out to Death; neither shall the French nor Spaniards have Courage to save their Necks from the Halters. Futhermore, we discern a Kingdom to arise in the Holy Land, of its most ancient Inhabitants, which to Christians shall be a Miracle, and to the World a Terror. And these shall succeed in the Revolution into a new Empire, under which shall be administred Universal Gladness, Joy, and Delight, to Mankind (the Wicked being every where taken away). All these things shall be effected by a certain Northern King, who shall miraculously establish Peace, Religion, and Security, throughout the whole World. So far Buxtorf, in his Letter from Baudensis and the Northern Astrologers.
§. 16. The same Anonymous, pag. 12, 13. Paul Grebner of Misnia, was more than an Inquisitor into the effects of Stars; being questionless endued from above with a Prophetick Spirit.— He plainly affirms, that as England was ever a Monarchy within it self, since it was discovered by the Romans, so shall it in like manner continue and remain even then, when all other Kingdoms and States in Europe are swallowed up of the Fourth Monarchy of the Lion of the North.— And saith, that Grebner never speaks of England in all his famous Manuscripts, but as the most Warlike and Potent Kingdom of Europe, Pag. 25. He saith (i. Baudensis from his Unkle Grebner, as it seems) that the Eclipses happening two Years before or after 1660, portend the Mutations of all the several States of Austria, Silesia, Hungary, Holland, France, and Portugal, and that the Revolution of Times is come, wherein they must give place to the Lion of the North, whose Scepter shall bruise their Power to nothing, and his Gauntlet lay their Forces prostrate at his Feet.
§. 17. Note well. If all other Kingdoms be swallowed up by this Northern Lion, save England only, neither France nor Holland being excepted, then without doubt the English Monarchy will be too much concerned, and too nearly to stand still, and consequently must be either the Head, or some Confederate Limb of this Lion at least; and that will yet more clearly appear by the mournful Ditty (as he calls it) which he puts into Europe's Mouth to sing at that time, which by its Character seems to be a Fragment of the ancient Sibyline Oracles, for he tells not whence he or his Author had it.
Thus Sibyl, or what ever other Author Penn'd this Prophecy, thus far doth very mystically and yet learnedly and aptly depaint to us the City and Empire of Rome in her Heathen estate, taming and nourishing all sorts of wild Beasts to be brought forth in their Theaters for their Sport; and above any other Nation addicted to, and flourishing in Wars, but in her latter declining and degenerated Christian Estate, subject unto the Pestilential Chair of the Papacy.
The word Orcus *, translated Hell, here is properly to be understood of Great Britain, supposed by the Ancients to be the Fortunate Islands, in whose most Northern parts Hell was thought to be, as in the most Southern the ever-green Elizian Fields. And there to those names Thule Scotia Orcades, do manifestly alude, as the Learned know. Thule in the Phaenecian Tongue, as Scotos in the Greek, signifie Night and Obscurity. See our Historians, Camden, Ailef, &c.
§. 20. Thus far our said Anonymus, out of Grebner and Baudensis his Nephew. I will next transcribe hither Grebner's own words, out of 72, and 73 Banners, and translate them, only omitting for brevity sake, in the first: Quae animus meminisse horret. The Predictions of our late Confusions known to be too truly described by him, and published by others. Banner 72. Per id tempus Rex quidam Borcalis nomine Carolus, &c. post hunc eleget nullum. Interea unus è stirpe Caroli in littore Regni Pattis sui cum Gallicis, Suevicis, Danicis, Hollandicis, Burgundicis, & Germanicis auxilliis stabit, omnes inimicos suos cruentissimo prelio superabit, & postea Regnum suum felicissime administrabit erit (que) Carolo Magno Major. In English: About that time, a certain Northern King shall marry Mary, &c. after him they Elect none: But in the mean time, one of Charls's Line shall stand, and with Auxiliary French, Swedish, Danish, Hollandian, Burgundian, German Forces shall fight a most cruel Battel at the Shore of his Father's Kingdom, vanquish all his Enemies, and afterwards most happily Govern his Kingdom, and shall be greater than Charles the Great.
§. 21. Banner 73. Europae labes & imbecillitas singulorum ejusdem Regnorum sedem mirabiliter struet quintae Monarchiae quae sub tempus exitii Romani Imperii ad terrorem totius Mundi ex ruinis Germaniae refulgebit. Haec triennii spacio caetera Europae Regna aut vi perdomitabit, aut belli metu ad societatem propellet, quo universalem Ligam & unionem omnium Protestantium efficiet, &c. In English: The Corruption of Europe, and the Weakness of her several Kingdoms, shall strangely make way for the Fifth (or Fourth) Monarchy; which about the time of the fall of the Roman Empire, shall to the Terrour of the whole World, appear and shine out gloriously from the Ruines of Germany. This shall within three Years, subdue by force the rest of the Kingdoms of Europe, or for fear of War, shall force them to League with it; whereby it shall bring all the Protestants into an universal Union and Confederacy, &c. By this latter Passage, it appears that the great and bloody Victory the Lion of the North shall attain, by the assistance of French, Swedish, Danish, Hollandian, Burgundian, German Forces, must be understood to be obtained by the Protestants of those Parts: And that if he find any to oppose and fight with him in his own Kingdoms, they can be none but Papists.
§. 22. To Grebner and his Nephew Baudensis, I will add one or two Astrological Testimonies more, which perhaps will be of no less weight, and give greater satisfaction to our Reader.
The first is Magel, as I find his Manuscript quoted by my Anonymus, Pag. 55. in these words. Magel in his Fifth (i. or Fourth) Monarchy, is most plain. This Star (saith he, which this Year 1572, appeared upon Casiopaea's Chair) being placed above the whole Elementary Region, did signifie the Revolution and Dominion of a new Empire. Which effects shall not yet be seen in this our Age; yet are they reserved, for a certain Nation as yet invisible, the Beams of whose Greatness shall be extended through the whole Verge of Heaven and Earth.
§. 23. The Astrologer writes only of that Star which was seen at that time when he wrote this Manuscript, but William Johnson, a Scholar of the Illustrious Astronomer, Ticho Brahe, in his lesser Globes dedicated to Maurice Prince of Nassaw, tells us of this in Casiopaea, and another in the Swans brest.
Of this new Star in Casiopaea, he speaks thus:
Stella nobilis quae insolito prae aliis fulgore, Anno. 1572. per annum & trientem Circa Casiopaea sedem fuit conspicua. A noble Star, Anno. 1572. for a whole Year and four Months, was with unusual brightness, conspicuous in the Chair of Casiopaea.
§. 24. Upon that in the Swans Brest, he hath these words: Novam illam Stellam (quae Anno. 1600. primum in pectore Cygni apparuit atque etiamum immota manet) ex diligenti nostra ad caudae lyrae lucidae observationem Longit. ♒ 16.15. Latitud. Boreal. 55.30. habere comperimus.
I observed (saith he) that new Star (which first appeared in the Brest of the Swan, in the Year 1600, and abides there unmoved unto this day) this Year 1603, and found its Latitude to be ♒ 16.15. Northern Latitude 55.30.
CHAP. IV. The Confession of the Rosie Cross, &c.
§. 25. WHoever he was that wrote the Fame and Confession of the Society of the Rosie Cross, he in the 47th Page of the English Translation, professes to have the same notion of these Stars, with Magel the Astrologer fore-quoted, and mentions a third in Serpentarius, over and above the two former. His words there are these, The Lord sent before certain Messengers, which should testifie his Will, to wit, some new Stars which do appear, and are seen in the Firmament in Serpentarius and Cygnus, which signifie and give themselves to be known to every one as powerful signacula of great and weighty Matters. [So here are three Heavenly Messengers, or Witnesses.]
§. 26. In the same Book, Pag. 17. They tell you what those great and and weighty Matters are, namely, The Lion of the North, and his Monarchy, that is our Fourth Monarchy, in these Words? They tell you Europe is with Child, and shall bring forth a strong Child (the Lion of the North) who shall need a great God-Father's Gift; and there they also express what that Gift is, and promise it him in these words.— We do promise more Gold, than both the Indies bring, &c.
Now if you would know what is the Name of the God-Father, and consequently of the God-Son, on whom this great Gift will be bestowed, you may [Page 17]learn there also in that Book, that his Name, which is also the Seal of the said Society, is C. R. and that all the aforesaid Treasure was laid up by C. R. the Father of the Rosie Crucian Society, for his God-Son G. R. the Lion of the North.
§. 27. To these I will joyn Dr. John Bainbridg, Astronomy Professor in the University of Oxon, who concurs in his Opinion with these learned Men, in his Astronomical Description of the Comet 1618, London 1619. Moral Prognostic. Pag. 30, 31. he writes thus.
§. 28. Yet to descend lower than Universalities: That blessed Star, which conducted the Magi to Christ's poor, but sacred Nursery (of whose Incarnation and Happiness to Mankind, that Star was an Heavenly Harbinger) doth enforce me often to think, that these many new Stars and Comets, which have been more this last Century of the World, than in many Ages before, did amongst other things, signifie that glorious Light of the Gospel, which hath lately illuminated the whole World.
About the Preaching of Luther, were at least five Comets in ten Years (so the Doctor proceeds) after which follows the happy departure of Germany and England, and many other Northern Parts, from the Spiritual Babylon.
This new Comet doth give us hope, that the rest of Christendom before long will follow, and so at length shall be verified the Prophecy of Sibyl, upon occasion of these new Stars.
[...]. Rome shall become again a Forlorn, or Desert Village, or Sheepcoat.
Before I proceed farther with our Doctors Text, I will insert what I find to this purpose, Translated by my Lord Napier, in his Discovery of the Revelation, Pag. 374. out of the 8th Book of the Sibyline Oracles.
§. 29. Did not our Fathers find (saith he) the Comet in 1588. to be a sign of much Happiness to the Persecuted Protestants in England and Germany? Yea, did not that new star in Casiopaea, 1572, and that remarkable Comet 1577, plainly from Heaven remonstrate, That howsoever the Evangelical Churches of France, [by the Massacres there] and the Low-Countries [by Fire, Sword, and Halter] must be for a time grievously afflicted, yet maugre Satan, and all his Hellish Furies, they should at length Flourish and Triumph over all their cruel Adversaries. Besides, these Regions of Europe, a blessed Light hath in this Age shined to another World; which did long sit in most fearful Darkness: I [Page 18]mean the East and west Indies. I am verily persuaded, that the new Star which appeared so long from September 1604, till January 1606 (about two Years and four Months) in the foot of Serpentarius, having coincidence with the great Conjunction of the three superiour Planets, and that other so many Years in Cygnus, doth promise being with this present Comet 1618, (conformed) a more clear illustration of those remote Regions, with the resplendent Light of Salvation.
And a little farther he saith,— These Stars give us hope, that his other gracious Promise (of the Calling of the Jews, he means, as appears in his Margent) shall be shortly accomplished. And Jerusalem be trodden down by the Gentiles, till the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Which certainly (saith the Doctor) shall precede the second Coming of our Blessed Saviour; fore-runner whereof, he (Christ) saith, shall be signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars.
To draw nearer Home (continues our Doctor) not by the Rules of Vulgar Astrology, whose Precepts I esteem no better than [...], Phantastick Dreams, but directed by these Caelestial Hierogliphicks, in which I may say as the Poet long ago:
Thus far Dr. Bambridg, who wrote this Treatise at London, and dated it December ult. 16.8.
§. 30. Before I had read these Passages in Dr. Bainbridg (in whose phrase, you see what the temper of these Times of King James's Reign were) I thought fit to make some Observations on Magel's words, concerning the Star seen in Cusiopaea's Chair only, which since I thought better to set down here together, with what I think remarkable on the other two, and his Comment on them, and the Ch [...]ets.
[...] Observ. 1. First then, when he contrary to all Prognosticators, and [...] the Event which followed upon the Comet of the Year 1618, predict [...] but good to be expected from Comets and new Stars, and particularly good success unto the Gospel, and relief unto the true Professors thereof: It must here be diligently noted, That the Affairs of the World, and its Kingdoms, stand on quite different Foundations, and are acted and governed by quite different Rules and Principles from those of the Kingdom of Christ and the Gospel. It must not therefore seem Contradictory, if from the same Stars great Confusions, Distractions, and Destruction be signified to the Kingdoms of the World, or some of them, and yet quite contrary Settlement, Order, and encrease of Power to the Gospel, the Kingdom of Christ in the same Confusions from the same Stars; for the things of this World being founded on the fickle Purposes, Designs, and Counsels of inconstant and mortal Men, all Shakings and Confusions, do disorder and confound them; but the things of God and true Religion, depending on more solid Principles, the general Good of Mankind, and the Glory and Counsel of God, they found Settlement and Establishment by God's Providence and Blessing, in the most unsettled Times; like those Trees that gather faster Rooting by stormy Winds.
§. 32. Observ. 2. Whatever may be condluded of Astrological Rules, this seems by our Experience in the effects of the aforesaid Comet to be most certain, that the time and place of the appearance and motion of Comets, shew the place and time of their expected effects; these new Stars therefore as they are Northern, must have signification of some Northern Monarchy.
§. 33. Observ. 3. It seems at least to Heathens and Unbelievers, who by Astrology have made a Language of the Stars to themselves, according to which they guess at, or believe they understand Affairs to come; God in Mercy, or Judgment, wonderfully condescends to give such Men warnings according to their Capacities, who heed not his Word, nor the Prophecies of holy Men, which would therefore be sent in vain unto them. These Warnings therefore he sends them sometimes by extraordinary Stars, as at Christ's Birth, to the Wise Men of the East; sometimes by extraordinary Inspirations, as by Balaam; sometimes by Visions, as to Balaam; sometimes by Astrologers, as in this case of these new Stars. But here, as I observed above, if Astrologers would conclude by those they call Malevolent Aspects, &c. that the Affairs of Good, Holy, and Heroick Princes would be Unsuccessful, they should mightily mistake. For in their Concerns, in whom God, his Glory and Kingdom is concern'd, that is Infallible:
§. 34. Observ. 4. From these Considerations, I hope, I may be partly authorized to conclude, that the Stars in Cassiopaea's Chair, and others fore-mentioned, so observed by the great Tycho Brahe, and other Astronomers his Scholars, and Contemporaries and Followers, and by those our Northern Wise Men, so interpreted as above, may without any great Absurdity, be said to hold some Analogy to that Star, which appeared to the Wise Men of the East at the time of our Saviour's Birth. That the significator of his Life on Earth was moveable, these the Precursors of his Reign fixt, because they were to signifie that Kingdom to be Born, Risen again, or Revived in the World, and particularly according to their Situation in Heaven in these Northern parts of the World, about the Year 1572, or 1600, which must prevail over the whole World, and abide till the end of it.
§. 35. Observ. 5. I farther commend to Observation, from our learned Doctor and Astronomer's Discourse: That if Comets and new Stars do so certainly and precisely operate according to their Place, Appearance, Time and Motion, and the latter co-operate as more particular causes with the Northern fixed Stars, as more general causes than the late frequent Comets, and the Commotions they signifie to those that understand, give credit to them, and are under their Dominion, and not exempt by some special Providence, do also strongly co-operate to the raising or preparing Matter for the Fourth Monarchy which we expect, and not the petty designs of the private Ambition of any Prince, King, or French, or other, how formidable soever they may seem at present, whatsoever their Confederacy be, or whoever combine with them. Nor need any Christian's Heart fail because of them, their Leagues, or Unions, or whatever Confusions we see, feel, or fear to be brought by them, for all these little or greater Commotions, Shakings, or Concussions of ill founded Powers and Governments, make way only for the grand Revolution, by which those Things which are well founded and settled by Divine Decree and Providence, to work together for his Glory in the common good of Mankind, and Advancement of Christ's Kingdom to that End, shall be brought about, perfected, settled, and unmoveably Established. And this, even in their Astrological way, those who give credit thereto, must be forced to allow, or admit me to conclude, because the superiour new Stars fixt and of longer continuance, more mighty and universal operation, or signification for Good, must needs prevail over, over-rule, and wear out, and so survive and make use of the Operations of the lesser, mischievous, weaker, more restrained, and less durable Effects and Significations: Now such are the Effects, [Page 20]or Significations, according as our learned Astrologers tell us of the lesser Modern, and less durable Appearances, Comets, &c. compared with the said new Stars in Cassiopaea, Cygnus, and Serpentarius, Attendants on this new Monarchy; or, as Postellus fains to call it, Christ's second Birth, or new Birth of the World, or Renovation and new Edition of the Gospel. And it is very probable, that he gave the Reformation that name of Christ's second Birth, and return into the World, in contemplation of that new Star which was by our Northern Magi, so received and interpreted, as discovering the Fourth Monarch, and the place of his Birth, to those that understand Heaven's Language.
§. 36. Observ. 6. Seeing then we may conclude, that whatever Commotions and Revolutions happen in the Christian World, make for the interest of the Fourth Monarchy, how contrary soever they may for the present appear to it and its designs; So as that our Doctor tells us upon his Observation, that Comets themselves, as in Luther's time, and since, are Monitors of Ecclesiastical Changes, and those for the better, to the greater Liberty and Freedom of Protestant Churches; and others tell us, they make way for the Fourth Monarchy. I will therefore here adventure farther, to discover what I have observed, whereby it may better appear what Church, and what Monarchy was signified and indicated by these new Stars, to whose Interests all these Commotions must finally cooperate. And first, as to the Church and Reformation pointed out by that Star in Cassiopaea's Chair, it is manifest, that it can be no other than that of the Reformed Protestant of the Church of England, and those that are protected under it, and subscribe to its Confession; and the Monarchy, as manifestly appears, to be the British, of England, Scotland, and Ireland, united in the Person of King James in one Monarch, to which France and the other Reformed Churches there, as of right they ought, so will in due time be united; the Transition being much more Natural and Facile from the French to the English Religion and Liberty, than from the British to the French Dominion. For upon view of our Church History, I find that the Articles of the Church of England, being the common Confession of the Reformed Protestants, to which with very few grains of Allowance, as well Calvinists as Lutherans, may without scruple indifferently subscribe, were formed in the Convocation at London 1563, in which the Reverend, Pious, and Learned Alexander Nowel, Dean of Pauls, was Prolocutor; and the same were in the Year 1571, by Soveraign Authority enacted and established to be the publick Confession of the English Church, in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth.
§. 37. And about the same time a Catechism, agreeable to the same Articles, was Published, and by Authority enjoyned to be taught in Schools, with this Title, Catechismus brevis Christianae disciplinae summam continens, omnibus Ludimagistris Authoritate R [...]ia commendatus.
Of the Articles, a late Church Historian hath these words: The English and Latine Articles of the Church of England, set forth in Print in the Year of Christ 1571, when they were first Ratified by Act of Parliament, whose being as obligatory, bears not date nine Years before from their composition in Convocation, but hence from their Confirmation in Parliament. So that there was hardly a Years difference betwixt the publication of the Articles of the Reformation of the English Church to the World, and the appearance of that Star in the Chair of Cassiopaea, giving the whole World warning, and the Wise Men aim to look our for some second glorious discovery of the Gospel.
§. 38. And as for the Monarchy of Great Britain, that was yet more Illustrated by the appearing of two new Stars, the one two or three Years before, and the other a Year or two after the Union of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, in the Person of King James. That which was the Precursor and Harbinger (as it were) of this Northern Monarchy, was the forementioned Star in [Page 21]the Breast of the Swan 1600; and that which followed and attended on it, was the Star in the foot of Ophinchus, in the Year 1604. Nor can I see why any should condemn him of Presumption, who should from the Analogy of the Star in the East, directing the Wise Men of those parts to the King of the Jews, our Saviour, born about that time, argue that the use of these may probably be, partly to shew to the Wise of our Times and Parts, when and where the true Reformation and Reforming Monarchy must rise. For as the Star in the Chair of Cassiopaea, one of the most glorious in the Heavens, (generally speaking) and amongst the most Glorious, those of the North, more especially, and the most conspicuous part of that Constellation; her Chair it self most resplendent, was most proper to signifie the second Edition (as I may say) or new Birth of the Gospel, or second Birth of Christ, as Postellus would have it; brought into the World by a Virgin Queen, about the time of that Stars appearance, and then spread newly all over Europe, as it had been conceived by her Authority some nine Years before. So in like manner the Star in the Breast of the Swan, and that other in the foot of Serpentarius, attending at like distance on the Birth of our British Monarchy, are as apposite to demonstrate it to our Northern Wise Men, that of the Swans Breast, its time and place, and that in Serpentarius foot, its principal design and work, namely, the ruine of that Serpentine Brood, which are the present support and foot of the Roman Court, their Home and Harbour; and Hope, Keeper, Holder up, and Maintainer of the Serpent and his Kingdom, which he pretends unto in Heaven, the Temple and Church of God. I say again, That as the Star in Cassiopaea's Chair, An. 1572, shewed where, when, and by whom the second Edition of the Gospel, or second Birth of Christ's Kingdom was wrought, namely, here in this Island, by a Virgin Queen; who in the Year 1571, Enacted the true Reformed Christian Faith. So the Star in the Swans Breast 1600, and Serpentarius foot 1604, shews what Kingdom and Family must extinguish by the lustre of that Reformation, the Superstitions and Idolatries of Rome, and give that blow with a Stone, cut out without Hands from the Mountain, on the feet of the last Supporter of Satan's Kingdom, the Roman Monarchy; being also the basest and worst constituted of incoherent Iron and Clay, and grind it to Dust, and disperse the Remnants of it to all the Winds, as Daniel prophesies.
§. 39. There being the same reason for us to look out for some new Kingdom in these Northern parts, to which these Stars were perpendicular, as there was for those Wise Men in the East, to look for a King born in Judea, by the Star they saw in the East. Nor doth the moveableness of that, and fixedness of these, make as to our purpose any considerable difference; for it was necessary that those Eastern Magi, who sought one particular Person, should be guided by a Star so moveable, that its perpendicular Rays might point out Bethlehem, and our Blessed Saviour's Person to them, that they might bring to him their Gold and other Treasures: But to discover to our Wise Men in the North, the Kingdom to which the Honour is reserved in this last and worst Age, to reform the Religion and Manners of the whole World according to Christ's Rule, both for Spirituals and Civils, it sufficed that such new Stars did appear unto them fixed in the Starry Orb, as by their motion therewith might describe a Circle, wherein at the time of their appearance, that Reformation and Kingdom did first rise and appear. Now if we enquire what Reformation did appear in the World, about the time of the appearance of the Star in Cassiopaea's Chair near the Circle its direct Rays did describe upon the Globe on the Earth, we shall find that of Queen Elizabeth, and no other. And again, if we seek what Kingdom did arise about that time the Star first appeared in the Swans Neck, within the Northern Circle described by its perpendicular Beams, we shall find no other than the Monarchy of Great Britain, then founded by King James, and transmitted from [Page 22]him to our present Soveraign Charles the II, the first of English Birth, who sway'd the Scepter. Allowing what those ancient Prophecies here subscribed:
§. 41. And to cherish our hopes, the Motto's of this Monarchy, and its Impressures fixed on its Coin, and elsewhere, do happily conspire: Namely, That Motto of the first Christian Emperour, Constantine the Great, our Countryman, In hoc Signo vinces; referred by the Cross to Christ's Death. And that other of like import, Duce & Auspice Christo.
So Sir William Maurice of North-Wales repeated in English, Merlin's Prophecy of 600 Years standing.
CHAP. V. Thomas Pugh, British Prophecies out of Maxwel's Prophecies, Sect. 16. Fol. 84. &c.
§. 43. ACcording to the Confession of the Italian Jesuit Hieronimus Platus, in the 2d Book of the Religious Life, and 30th Chapter, England hath been more fertile of Converters of Countries and Nations to the Christian Faith, than any other Land whatsoever else: So is it not unlikely, but that God will have the same Country to be more fertile of many Reformers, and other corrupt Churches, especially that of Rome, than any other Land whatsoever; and to reclaim Rome and her Daughters from their Abuses and Corruption, and to restore unto them their Primitive Purity and Integrity, such as it was in the days of Constantine the Great, Born in Great Britain.
§. 44. So Nostradamus predicts, That Rome shall be ruled by the Britanish Head. In his first Century he saith, that the new King that joyns the lower and Northern Countries of Europe, shall be the Instrument of loss to the Church of Rome. And that the Bishop of Rome, together with his Clergy, except they shew themselves willing to be reformed, shall be made to spit Blood, when the Rose shall flourish.
He promiseth in his 5th Century, that of the Trojan Blood, shall spring a [Page 23]Prince of a doughty Dutch Heart; who shall attain to so high a Degree, that he shall chase far away the Arabick, or Mahometan multitudes, and likewise return to the Church her ancient Eminency and Sincerity.
§. 45. Out of the Library of St. Victor, cited by the Abbot of Cluny, it's said, Abbot Joakim said, That the Red Rose should send forth the sweet Water, that shall purifie and cleanse the Church from her Corruption.
Paracelsus. Amongst the Roses shall spring up one, who shall change the Sandy Foundation into a Rock.
§. 46. Mr. George Maxwel, from Sir George Norroy, King at Arms,
§. 47. It seems, that from the Rose of England shall proceed or spring the Reformation, or Purgation of the Church of Rome. Likewise the same City and Empire received from the same Country, the first Authorized Profession of the Christian Faith, by the blessed means of Constantine the Great, a Britain born at York.
Grebner. The Lion having the Rose and Lillies in his Arms, shall utterly destroy the Pope, so that there shall be none at that time.
§. 48. Brithwald, Bishop of Winchester, in the Confessor's time saw in a Vision, NB. That the Kingdom of the English is the Kingdom of God, and that it is as well by the gentle sweetness of its Yoake and Government, like that of Christ, as in other respects. And by this we may understand, how vainly the Antichristian Enemies pretend a right to it by this Prophecy, and seek by force to Conquer it from Christ's Kingdom, and to subdue it to their own Tyrany. Regnum Anglorum est Regnum Dei.
Thus far my Author.
§. 49. I shall only as to these Prophecies, on what ground soever they proceed, add this Observation for the Readers consideration, That God whose Providence, as is manifest by his Word, is very uniform in his Justice upon the cruel Enemies of his People, seems to have given warning to Rome, and her Antichristian Confederates, that as the Northern People raised up by his Spirit, revenged the Blood of his Primitive Saints spilt by the Roman persecuting Heathen Empire, on that Red Dragon; so the League of Northern Christian Princes, who shall in God's time acknowledg his Truth, and defend their Subjects from the Persecution and Tyranny of the Romanists, shall at length revenge the Blood of his Modern Saints, much more profusely shed by that bloody and merciless People, who like the old Heathen Romans, are filled with all Unrighteousness, Fornication, Wickedness, Covetousness, Maliciousness, full of Envy, Murder, Debate, Deceipt, Malignity, Whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despightful, proud, Boasters, inventers of evil. Things, disobedient to Parents, without Understanding, Covenant-breakers, without natural Affection, Implacable, Unmerciful, as that Apple Paul describes them, Rom. 1.29, 30, 31. And which is worse than these Heathens could possibly be charged with, they not only know the Judgments of God due to such Practices, but seek to colour, palliate, and defend them against his Justice, by Rules and Religious Pretexts; destroying and making void all principles of Justice, Right, Honesty, and Morality, as well as Divinity and publick Polity, and thereby reduce all Mankind into an Anarchical Brutish, more than Barbarian irrational unreducible Confusion, by their Tradition.
§. 50. And that the Northern Kings shall be the Executioners of God's Wrath upon the Whore and false Prophet, the Pope and City of Rome, as they were on the Red Dragon, the persecuting Roman Empire, hath been more than probable by their Actions; ever since Luther's time they first and still oppose Her, whilst the more Southerly and Neighbour Princes submit, serve, and protect Her.
POST-SCRIPT.
§. 51. JOhn Ursinus, in his Roman Conclave, Printed in London, in 4o. 1600. Pag. 142. in the Chapter of Charles the 5th, upon the Decease of Maximilian, the first Emperour of Germany; Charles the 5th, afterwards Emperour, and Francis King of France, were Competitors for the Imperial Diadem; Leo the 10th, then Pope, in Bar of Charles, pleaded, That Charles by no obscure prediction and lineamental discription of Face and disposition, resembled the Man, foretold in certain Verses of an ancient Prophet, who arising in the North, should be the mover of grievous Alterations to fall upon Italy, but especially upon the Roman Sea.
This Prophecy had some weak Descriptions it seems, of the Person expected from the North, to make such great Alterations in Italy, and the Roman Sea; and Charles the 5th, some resemblance of that Person. And my Author by his Note in the Margent, allowing the Prophecy to be truer than the Pope was aware, thereby intimates that the Alterations wrought in Charles the Fifths time, had some agreement to the scope of the Prophecy. But the Reader, if he well consider the words of the Prophet as here related, may very easily conclude, That Charles who was rather a Southern than Northern Man, and made no such grievous Alterations neither in Italy, nor the Roman Sea it self, as the Prophet foretold, and the Pope feared was not the Man of whom the Prophet spoke; and that this Prophecy may therefore be very well added upon the Popes Testimony against his own Sea, to the foregoing, to shew that a Northern Prince will rise and make more grievous Alterations there than those of Charles the Fifths time. Nor do they fear the Reformation Luther then began in Germany, so much as what the Northern Monarchy will make in Italy it self.
CHAP. VI. Modern Predictions of Grebner, Cotter, &c.
§. 54. HAving, I doubt, wearied the Reader with the former, I shall be brief in these; I begin with Grebner his Vexillum 52. De sorte Leonis Angliae.
Hic Burgandicus Leo deglutitus & absorptus est, & nihil restat horam nisi Terra vasta, & dispersi populi, quos ego & mei confederati subjugavimus, & nostris dentibus & gutturibus detinemus, ac mordicus reservamus. Hoc est opus meum Meorumque, praesidio Divino, &c.
Id. Vexill. 223. Angliae plus ultra.
§. 55. Sum Anglicus truculentus Leo, modo rugiens fremens & immane saeviens, animosu faelix & Victoriosus contra omnes meos hostes; Patriae meae fideliter auxilio venio & praesidio, ac clementi meae Reginae asporto pretiosum cimelion, Margaritam dictam Belgicas, Hispanicas ditiones, unde Regina mea tempore vitae suae certo magnifice & gloriose Triumphat.
§. 56. Vexill. 60. In Leonem Luneburgicum. Quae mihi hoc Globo fortunae uti animoso Germanico exercituum ductore ab Anglis & futuro magno capite seu summo principe & Manarcha Germaniae pacta decernuntur de his haeres meus gaudito. Idem excitatio Germaniae, writen 1652. Terra Jubila Jubila canta & exulta quod vidisti exoptatum diem Ruinae & excidii Antichristi, quod ductu & auspicio faelici Anglorum, Gallorum, Danorum, Germanorum, Scotorum, Suecorum praesidio dextrae numinis altipotentis fiet. Where the English are preferr'd before the French in Romes Ruine, and set in the Head and Front of the League.
§. 57. What he hath here foretold of the damage done to the Crown of Spain by the English, and their Confederates, where he places them in the Front before the French, was long since fulfilled; of which Dunkirk, and Jamaica, and Portugal, are sufficient Testimonies. For what he foretold of Queen Elizabeth's obtaining the Low-countries, We know she held Towns there as long as she lived, and had she not refused them, the whole Netherlands would have cast themselves into her Lap, and to her assistance given them. And France it self against Spain, the first declination of that Monarchy must be attributed; and how deadly Blows the English have since given it, to their own prejudice, and that of Christendom, is largely show'd by a late Pen in his Paper, entituled, The World deceived in Oliver Cromwel.
§. 58. This indeed Grebner did not foresee, that I can perceive in his Book, that the Spaniard himself should yield up Flanders, or any part of it to the English, to be protected against the Enemies of his Crown; and it sounds as unlikely as what that odd Rime imported:
§. 59. But I have been either misinformed, or this is not the first time that Flanders hath been offered to the Protection of the English; nor will it need to fulfil this Prophecy that the English should unjustly detain as Enemies, what they now protect from the French as Friends. If they can hold the United Provinces in security under the Prince of Orange, so nearly Allied to the British Crown, it is enough, and that I think cannot be denied to be fairly promised in these Predictions.
§. 60. Grebner 69 Banner, is thus inscribed in that Family: In comitum Imperii Liones, cum Principis Gulielmi Uraniae silio Mauricio, felici Heroi socianti se alicui Daniae de stirpe.
§. 61. And subscribed thus, Hoc vexillum de fratribus quo (que) Uraniae Principis & corum posteris Illustrissimis intelligendum. His words of them are these: Leones nostri audaces in prima acie fremunt, unde nobis potentia crescit, & Gloria & Fama augescit.
I know not whether formerly the Family of Orange did Intermarry with any Descendent from a Daughter of Denmark, as here is intimated; it is sufficiently known, this Princess was by her Great Grand-mother Queen Ann, of that Family. And if the Prince of Orange, as he here predicts, must lead the Forelorn of the Northern Army, as he manifestly musters them with the Auxilaries of England, their growing Estate and Honour must be by their Aid, and so shews who is to be the Leading Monarch.
§. 62. To these, let me add one out of Drabritius, who is otherwise thought partial too much unto the French, but perhaps his mistake was, that he attributed that to the French King, which indeed belonged to the King of Great Britain, who is indubitably right Heir and King of France, and of the Ancient Royal Line; as is manifest by his Gift of Healing, &c. But of this more largely in the next Part.
§. 63. Anno. 1657. May 31. Pag. 473. This Enthusiast hath these words: Papae capiti coronam posui testaceum, similem (que) imponam Hispano, cum delaceravero Regnum ejus: Cujus partem accipient Augli etiam, fideles mei, quod cogitare nec ipsi poterant, nec Mundus.
I think nothing could be said more true, than what he here pretends to be spoken by Christ himself, that the English were and are so far from any desire to rend the Spanish Monarchy, that their greatest Ambition testified in Parliament at this Day, is to preserve it; and the World will bear them Witness, that never any such thoughts entered their Minds. If they hold as Cautions for their and their own Peace, and that of Christendom, some Ports for convenience of transmitting Aids to them, it will content them, and fulfil this Prediction.
Cottor, 1622. Anno. Christi Aug. 12, 13, 15, 16, 17.
§. 64. Who this Cotter was, and what some Learned Men have judged of his Visions and Prophecies, is set down at the end of his 6th Chapter.
Amongst his Visions, in that daied as above, I find these following words, which manifestly related to Esdras's Lion out of the Wood, and are to me an Indication, that what Spirit soever did dictate this the foregoing and following Prophecies, they are for the substance of them only ecchoes to Esdras; and indeed, considering what Esdras, the Syhils, some holy Men in several Ages, former and latter, have predicted according to Scripture Prophecies, and what I have observed of the state of Europe below, since Luther's Reformation, it could not be difficult for an humane Spirit contemplating in some rapture of Meditation, and in some sort out of the Body, God's Justice, Mens Wickedness, Romes Bloodiness, the Protestants Revolt, Situation, Resolution, Liberty, Necessity, Weapons, Spiritual, Rational, natural Success under their Zisca's in Bohemia, Piedmont, Holland, and elsewhere; the Roman Clergies Rage, Jesuits busie Incitation of States to Tumults, Ambition of France, Weakness of Spain, to see darkly, and guess at such Generalities of great Actions, as they for the most part do contain, nor is it hard to presage the Event of the present Associations with or against France, on the same Grounds.
§. 65. Those words of Cotter, I find thus rendred, out of his own Mother, into the Latine Tongue,
Leo autem ex Sylva septentrionali audacter p [...]rsiliet: Quamvis pedibus suis Lunae insistat, Luna tamen non semper manebit demidiata, sed plenum lumen cito recipiet [...] & ista Luna image est Ecclesiae. Per Leonem Deus Pater redemit sibi Ecclesiam: Per Leonem Ecclesiae fideli opem & victoriam paraturus est.
But a Lion, saith he, shall boldly leap out from a Northern Wood; and though the Moon, on which his Feet stand, be at present only half full, it shall quickly attain a full Light. This Moon is the Image of the Church: By a Lion the Father redeemed a Church to himself; By a Lion he will prepare help and victory to his faithful Church.
Cotter, 1624. Sept. 24. Pag. 140.
§. 66, 67. Sed Jehova convocat Reges ab Aquilone contra munitissimam Urb [...]m, &c. God shall call together the Kings from the North against a most excellently fortified City.
§. 68. Idem, 1622. Aug. 28. Pag. 35. The White Lion shall seize on a great part of the City. The Red Lion resembling the Morning Red, shall be assistant to the Lovers of the Gospel, he shall also seize on a part of the great City. The least of all, the Azure Innocent Lion, shall be endued with Strength, Glory, and Forces from God, a Triple Crown with a potent Hand, by the interposition of the Lion from the East and North.
§. 69. Idem, 1923. Apr. 23. Pag. 39. Those of the South and West are dissipated, those of the East and North obtain Victory.
§. 70. Christiana Ponatovia, hath these Visions of the Northern Lious. (See who she was at the end of the Chap.) 1628. Jan. 17. Pag. 241. Hah! what is it? Behold, from the North, these are late Lions. Then the Lions departing from one another, she said very clearly, God bless them. A wonderful thing! Now they bid one another farewel. Now they depart, the one this, and the other that way.
§. 71. Ead. 1628. Jan. 20. Pag. 247. The Battel shall endure till few of them from the North survive.
§. 72. Ead. Ib. Pag. 248. There shall come forth seven Principal Persons, and many Inferiours, by whom the Northern Armies shall be led. 1628. Jan. 13. Pag. 224. She names them in this order, Hungarians, Turks, Venetians, Saxons, Tartars, Swedes, Danes, Hollanders, English, French, &c.
§. 73. Drabricius (of whom see below) in his Vision 1653. March 2. Pag. 355. The Northern Cloud now arises, whence terrible Thunders shall proceed; for it shall bring with it the Whale from beyond Sea, upon the Sons of Babylon.
This Whale seems to be the Emblem of some mighty Fleet.
Daniel threatens Antichrist with the Naval Force of his Enemies Ships of Kedar.
§. 74. A learned Mans Judgment of these Enthusiasts. Si Prophetiae non sunt Prodigiae certe maxime vocalia sunt, cum mirifice invicim consentiat; Cotterus, simplicissimus Idiota; Poniatovia, infans puella; Drabricius, sencx delirus. Nunquam ita locutus est Homo, nunquam ante ita locutus est Satan, Certe in Angelum lucis magno judicio, si non misericordia conversus.
If these be not Prophecies, saith he, they be wonderful loud crying Prodigies, So admirable is their consent. Cotter, a most simple Idiot; Poniatovia, a childish Girl; Drabicius, an old Dotard. Never did any meer Man speak as these, nor ever any Devil till now. If he be thus turned as into an Angel of Light, it is in great Wrath, if not for Mercy.
CHAP. VII. Some more Modern and Domestick Visions and Prophecies.
§. 75. THere are some pious Souls amongst us, who have seen Visions, and dreamed Prophetick Dreams of the heroick Actions and Success of our Lion in the East, as well as Western Empire; but their Modesty hath in a great part suppressed them, and I have no warrant to Publish them imperfect, according to the notices I have of them. Therefore,
I will conclude these Predictions of the Fourth Monarchy, promised to the Northern Lion, with a Relation I had from a Learned and Pious Friend, lately deceased, which was this: That some Months before the death of Oliver Cromwel, or shortly after; a Servant of his nearly related to him, saw in a Night Vision, in a Room not unlike the Banqueting-House at White-Hall, the Crown Imperial of England on a fair Table, covered with a rich Carpet; to which, placed at the upper end of the Table, Richard Cromwel approached; but instead of taking it up in his Hand, and placing it on his Head, as the Spectator hoped, he put it down from the Table with his Head; upon which, his Father suddenly drawing aside the Curtain at the upper end of the Room, which covered him, and the Throne erected there from Observation, reproaching his Son for his folly, and stamping at him with great Indignation, for losing three Crowns which he had so fairly, as he said, procured for him, vanished away, and his Son with him.
Shortly after his Majesty that now is, Charles the II, entered the Room, took up the Crown, and having placed it on his Head, sat down upon the Throne, to whom an audable Voice was sent from above, in these words, ‘Do Justice, and shew Mercy, and thou shalt Reign till Shiloe come.’
This may also serve for an Introduction to those Prophecies, which do favour not only the North, but the Kingdom of Great Britain, or England, in hopes of erecting this Fourth Universal Monarchy. See Christiana Ponatovia, who puts the English before the French.
§. 76. I will here take liberty for the Readers refreshment, to Transcribe a few Lines out of an English Rimer, who hath the Reputation with some, both of a Poet and Prophet, in his Speculum Speculativum, Printed 1660, he saith,
In another Paper, Page 33.
§. 77. In his Vox Pacifica, exhorting the Parliament to restore the King, he hath these Prophetick Lines.
I have not this Writers other Pieces at hand, I might otherwise have thence transcribed more to this purpose, predicting highest Successes and Felicity to the British Monarchy.
§. 79. To the same intent he introduces the Genius of Great Britain, prophesying the Confusions of the Usurpers and their Destruction; who thus concludes with a Prophecy of the King's Return, and of the admirable Happiness and Glory of his Monarchy which shall follow upon his Restauration.
And elsewhere he brings Britains Genius, intimating that on the fall or rising of our late King, and his Family, the greatest Affairs of Europe were depending, in these words:
§. 81. He means the Fourth Universal Monarchy, and the Propagation of the Gospel thereby into all the parts of the World, known, as well as yet unknown and undiscovered, under which all Wisdom Divine and Humane shall flourish and come to excellent Perfection.
§. 83. To this Poetical Strain, I will add one or two more in Verse, as they were delivered unto me.
The first, which I received from a Gentleman, who assures me that he knows it to be of above forty Years standing, and remembers to have heard it long before he took the Copy of it, is in these words:
NB. Babel, Merchants of holy Things; the Beast in the foregoing Prophecy, is in this, Monstrous Pride, the Roman Mitre, and Merchants. The time in that, is the Expulsion of their Priests out of Great Britain, once the tenth part of Babel, in this the Year 1683.
§. 84. The second transmitted out of France, in the Year 1668, to the then Secretary of the Royal Society, I heard repeated by a Noble Lord some Years since, and were in these words, if my Memory fail not.
The Author is reported to have been a Member, Senator, or Assistant of the Parliament of Paris.
I have endeavoured to render them in English Verse, for their use who understand not the Original, as follows:
§. 85. And here it need not seem strange, that I adjoyn some Visions and Prophecies of our poor despised British Countryman, Arise Evans: for by comparing what I have of him at hand with others, I find that neither in number, clearness, particularness of Visions and Predictions, nor in speed or certainty of Events predicted, is he in any thing inferiour to Merlin, Grebner, Ponatovia, Savanarola, Drabritius, or any other Ancient or Modern Seer of that sort. His [Page 32]particular Applications of Scripture, which seem most harsh, and Prophanations to some, had they been made and polished with the Art and Industry of a learned Head and Hand, would have amounted to no more than what the Apostle affirms, That the Jews were our Types; that whatever happened to them, was for our Instruction and Comfort, both so brought about by God's Providence, and recorded by his Spirit. So that as there is no Case of Conscience which is not answered in Scripture, so neither is there any Case of publick distress, whereunto there is not such a Parallel found in Scripture History, or Prophecy, as may not only give the diligent Enquirer instruction in what ought to be done by publick Societies, or Persons in such Distresses, and sufficient Consolation in greatest and most desperate Extremities; but a fore-sight also, and that certain, of the Event, either to Ruine, or Deliverance. That such an Ideot as Evans, fell upon, and so shrewly applied some particular Prophecies to those Times particularly in which he spoke, as it seems strange; so it shews that he had some Guide more than common, Angel, or Spirit, or whatever it was. And by the rule he gives to try Spirits and Prophecies, in his Eccho, printed 1653. Pag. 64, and 65. &c. and Astrological Predictions, Pag. 83, 84. I find he gave no farther credit to his own Predictions, than he could find some pattern for them in Scripture Prophecies in like Cases. And one of the most shrewd amongst these, we have here inserted, having the advantage of Rise Evans in Stile and Education, pretends no other authority for his Predictions, than that God doth follow the same rule in his Administration of the publick Affairs of England by his Providence at this day, he had observed, and set down in Scripture for our Instruction in the History of the Old Testament, which he had found to be so infallible a Rule, that he doubted not to Predict both to the Rump, and Oliver Cromwel, their speedy Ruine, and sometimes boldly limited them a short time; as I could evince, had I his Books at command.
This may serve to invite the Readers patience in his perusal, of what I have excerped out of Arise Evans, till I come in the other parts to examine more strictly these Prophets or Prodigies.
§. 86. This silly Artisan, having with strange confidence predicted the King's Death by the hand of his Enemies, and that unavoidable, and set it twice under his hand in Writing, left one of those Papers in the Chappel at Somerset House, and delivered another to Secretary Windebank, with his own Hand, when he was about to Examine him on the first, which he had before in charge against him; he was put and kept Prisoner in the Gate-House three Years, as he had predicted in August 1635, and being close Prisoner there, had the following Vision, which he thus describes in his Eccho, Pag. 72.
As I was desiring of God to shew me a figure of the Judgment that was to come, and of the Glory that should follow, I fell into such a Trance, that I seemed to be in [Merioneth-shire,] where I was brought up at Maisellan Kadderrase, [Anglice, Arise Charles Church in Field]; And behold, I was with my Elder Brother by the side of the River [Dey sunny, i. Sunny day, which comes from a Fountain called Bishops Well, in a Hill in the North-east, called Kader u duruse, i. Arise the House of Charles,] and it seemed to me a glorious day; and about two in the Afternoon, on a sudden my Brother was gone: [This he interprets to be Christ's departing and absenting himself for a season,] I know not how, nor where; and as I lifted up my Eyes, the Sun by degrees became dark, so that the Stars appeared about it. [By appearance of Sun and Stars in darkness, he understands the destruction of the King and Nobles, Pag. 73.] At which darkness, the Sheep did cry, and run to seek shelter, as they use to do in those parts when a Darkness comes before a Storm, in the holes of the Rocks. [Pag. 74. He calls it Graig wen, i. the White Rock, because its Stones are white: And the foot of it, Gale ronnw, i. they will give Light, and saith, [Page 33]that over this was the Sun when it became dark upon it; these Sheep he interprets to be God's People, that adhered to God and the King.] And all the Light of Heaven was taken away, that it became so dark as Pitch; then appeared by a Mad-man's House, that lived there when I was a Boy, a great Bon-fire, and People making Merry about it. [This Mad-mans House was under y Graig goch, i. the Red Rock on the South side of Sunny-Day River, the Stones thereof are red like Blood; he interprets it to stand for the South part of England, Pag. 74. And them at the Mad-mans House that made themselves a Bon-fire, to signifie an adverse Power set up without God's Approbation, Standing directly opposite on the contrary side of the Sunny-Day River to Bringrugog, the dry Hill, whence Relief came to restore the King, i. Scotland, as he shews afterwards.] But as I still waited and looked for some Light above, I espied a little white Cloud breaking forth in the North-east. [This North-east Hill from whence this glorious Appearance came, was Kadder û du ruse, i. Arise the House of Charles, the highest Hill in Britain, and as he supposes in all the World; in which Hill is the ever-running Bishops Well, whence the Sunny-Day River hath its head source, Pag. 73.] After that the Skie appeared, and on it the King's Arms, as it is upon Blew in some Churches, and it rid upon the Heavens very terribly towards the South-west. [The appearance from the North-east, did signify the King's Rising again, and coming upon his Enemies from that Coast, Pag. 73. Now the South-west, against which the King's Arms rode upon the Heavens so terribly, he interpreteth Pag. 74, to be the Red Rock on the South side of the River aforesaid, where the Bon-fire was kindled; and North, but more Westward; Moil-dunkyra, i. Baal kindle Fire, and stands for Ireland.] And as the Light appeared, abundance of Water sprung out of a dry Hill Northward. [Pag. 74. He interprets this dry Hill (from whence he saw the Springs of Water gush out on the North side of the River Sunny-Day, and opposite to the Southern Red Rock, and House of the Mad-man, and Bon-sire, with them that rejoyced at the destruction of the King and Nobles) by the name of Bringrugog, i. Gogs strong Hill, to be Scotland; for Gog, saith he, is the chief Prince of the Gentiles, quoting Gen. 10.2, 3, 4, 5. Ezek. 38.2, 3, 6. 2 Esdras 13.5, 6, 7.]
§. 87. This Vision seen in Aug. 1635. when he was a Prisoner for his Testimony of God's Justice upon these Kingdoms for their Sins, so long before the Irish kindled the Fire, or the Scots, or South of England combined against the King; and when there was no appearance by any humane Sagacity, that the Gold Streamers (as they were called) under General Monk from Scotland, should encrease to such strength, mingling with the Sunny-Day River, from Bishops Well i. the Royal Party, as to build what they had overthrown, deserves in my apprehension, not only to be received as a Voice from Heaven, by what Spirit or Instrument soever ministred or uttered, but is to me a Pledg and Earnest, that what hath been acted here in Great Britain, the little World, will in God's time, and probably very shortly, be acted over again, and perfectly fulfilled on the Stage of Christendom first, and consequently in the Universal World; and that the Monarchs of Great Britain shall be as remarkable in that grand, as in this lesser Revolution.
This brief account I am contented to give the Reader of this Vision here, that I might not too much trespass upon his Patience. I purpose in the following Discourse, to set down this Vision in the Author's words, and the Exposition thereof at large, and my Thoughts of it, and a Comparison of it with the other most remarkable Prophecies here above collected, who have the same Notions of the North, South, and West, as Evans.
§. 88. Another Vision which he saw in the Gate-House, whilst he was God's Witness and Prisoner there, An. 1637. being the third in number, he sets down Pag. 76. in these words.
It seemed to me, that I was in a very little white Chamber alone, and as I looked about me, the Chamber grew bigger and bigger, until at last it became a great Garden that contained all the World, and I could see no end of it, &c.
Pag. 77. He interprets this Vision thus:
Now the little Chamber, and the growth of it, signifies the Kingdom of Christ growing from hence until it contain the World. From hence, i. Great Britain. His meaning is more plainly set out by him, Pag. 50, 51. where reproving England, then a State, for its Sins, he hath these Passages:
Their Valour (speaking of the Army) being found so that no Sword could overcome them, until the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, Ephes. 6.17. came against them; to which Sword they suddenly and willingly submit. And I see by the Word of God, as I have manifestly proved, that we of this State are the greatest Sinners that ever were; But where Sin aboundeth, Grace aboundeth much more, Rom. 5.20, 21. That as Sin hath abounded unto Death, Enmity, and Division amongst us, so now the Grace of Repentance in this state, and submission unto the Lord's Anointed, [understand him, first to Christ, and to the King for Christ's sake] might bring us to Love and Union, and to act in Righteousness unto Eternal Life, by the Power of God, and our Lord Jesus Christ in us.
And whereas it is said of this State, Dan. viii. 23. That it shall be broken without hands. 2 Thess. ii. 8. And the Lord shall consume it with the Spirit of his Mouth. (Understand him of what ever is Antichristian in it.) It is only to shew as like sayings, Isa. xi. 4. Dan. xi. 45. what mercy and grace of Repentance this State shall have offered to them; but Mercy being refused, Judgment followeth to avenge the injury done to Mercy in refusing it, and Mercy rejoyceth against Judgment, Jam. ii. 13. It follows,
And ye, Pope, Turk, and Spaniards, that keep out the Word of God, lest it should discover your Sins, know for a truth, that the same Word shall make a Breach into your Kingdoms, and destroy you; so that you shall have no cause to glory at the Fall of the King of England, for he shall be raised far above you. And therefore the best way for you to escape, is to joyn your selves with him, and let the Word of God have free passage amongst you, and reform your Law by his Law, &c. Pag. 51.
§. 89. Pag. 77. another Vision that I had, 1650. It seemed to me that I was in France, and went through all the Cities thereof, until I came to Rome, and when I came thither, me-thought I was troubled with great Waters; but at last as I went through the City, a Voice came to me, saying, So far as thou art come, so far shall one Cromwel come. This he interprets.
That as Joab by David's encouragement, went and smote the Jebusites at Jerusalem; so some Person commanding under the King, shall go to Rome and smite the Jesuits. Now as to the name of Cromwel given this General, if it were not conditional as to that Family, if they had restored the King, and been rewarded for their pains with the Command of his Army as General, nor belong to some other Noble Person of that Name [as there is a Lord of that Name derived from Cromwel, Earl of Essex, so Famous in King Henry the 8ths time, and fatal to Rome,] it must signifie some bold and successful English General, and his Army such as Cromwel possibly might be General of about the time of this Vision; or Men of such Spirits or Principles, as they then were. For many times in these Writers, names of Persons and Families (as Frederick, and Ferdinand for Example) signifie not those Persons themselves, but Frederick the Protestant party in Germany, and Ferdinand the Popish. See our German Enthusiasts, Primariae Personae Septentrionalium Duces; Intimating Generals, not Kings, to Command.
And whatever the name Cromwel here imports, the Passages following transcribed out of his Voice from Heaven, Printed with his Eccho aforesaid 1653, shews that he did foresee the destruction of Rome by such hands. Pag 21. from Amos 9.11, 12. Paralleling the Christian Church of God with us, to that of Israel and David, he saith,
In Ver. 11, 12. Ye have the King's Tabernacle, or Court, set up again, and his Kingdom enlarged over all the Earth. And 39. You that look for Christ's Personal Reign here on Earth, know that it shall be in the Kingly Power established here again when this State is dissolved. You that look for the Conversion of the Jews, know that the aforesaid King (meaning this present King Charles the II.) is the means appointed by God to effect it.
CHAP. IX. The History of the Prophetick Agat.
§. 90. TO these Prodigious Visions, I may properly enough refer, and here with them, record the no less miraculous Prophetical and Prodigious Appearances, not unlike Visions, seen in a Stone of the Agat sort, of an Ash gray colour, drawing towards a Blew, given in for an advantage to his Bargain, as a Curiosity only of little value, with a parcel of other Stones sold to Eylers of Hamborough, about the Year 1600, and now, or lately in the possession of Mr. Martin Eylers, a Person well known, as I am informed, in some Princes Courts in Germany, Son, Grandchild, or descended from the first Purchaser aforesaid, who hath shewed it to many at his Lodgings in Carter-Lane, near Doctors Commons, and elsewhere in London.
This Stone is of an Oval form, of the breadth of a Silver Two-pence, of the thickness of a Copper Farthing; its ground is Ash colour, as hath been said; but it is flecked and dapled as it were on the one side, after the manner of some Agats, with a whitish Cloud of the exact shape of an Head and Neck, with a full half-side Face turned towards the right Hand. The Ground is transparent, when held against the Light, but the Head drawn thereon is not. This Stone having been long (about 80 Years, as I have said) in this Family of Eylers, and sometimes set in a Ring, yet nothing was observed in it save that white cloudy unknown Face, till some Years after the Treaty at Munster; when first the Pope's Nuncio there, afterwards Pope Alexander the 7th, became famously known in Germany, and all over Europe; he first, and then others, were noted by them who knew him, and them Personally, and by their Pictures or Medals, to be exactly represented in this Stone, according to the remarkable features of their Faces. Yet were not the greater part of them discovered, till about ten Years ago, and since that time, some yet unknown Faces and Appearances are discerned therein. Those that are generally known, or have been discerned and known by Travellers are, 1. The aforesaid large half Face, to be the Image of Pope Alexander the 7th, with his Head and Neck, wherein all the other Faces on that side are contained, being made up of some part of his said Head, Face, or Neck, according as it is differently exposed to the light and transposed, or viewed, whole, or partly covered. 2. In the side of his Cheek the next largest Face is seen, being three quarters of the Face of, Leopoldus, the present Emperour of Germany, whose Features are very remarkable. 3. In the top of the Popes Head, is the full Head and Face of Lewis the 14th, the present King of France, [Page 36]holding the Pope's Head in its right Situation, but in the same place by turning the Pope's Head downwards and Neck upwards. 4. The present Dauphin of France is seen. 5. Behind in the hinder part of the Pope's half Head, and elsewhere therein, sundry other Princes are plainly discerned, but drawn so close one upon anothers Cheek, as it were Scale upon Scale, that some weak Eyes cannot discern them distinctly, unless some part of the Pope's Head, which makes up other Features, be covered. Amongst them John Casimir, King of Poland, is very remarkable. 6. After him is his Neighbour, the Duke of Muscovy; 7. and the Emperours of Tartaria, Persia, and others of the remote parts of the World, partly unknown, as I am informed. 8. The Emperour of Turky's Features, with his Turbant and an Half-Moon thereon, make up the finishing and last lines of the Pope's Neck; so that the Papacy making as it were the Body, the Turk and the King of France, are as it were the Poles of this Map of the Worlds Monarchs.
§. 91. After the several different Resemblances of so many distinct, known, and unknown Faces, were found on the Pope's side of this Stone, the Owner was desirous to try if the other side, which was yet rough and unpolished, would produce any thing, and gave it unto a Workman; who upon a Mill, such as is used for polishing of Diamonds, wrought it down so long, till there rose therein the appearance of an Angel in a long Robe, holding a Flower as it were a Scepter in his Hand. But this appearance being not white after the manner of the Cloud on the contrary side, but darker, and the Hand, or some other part of the Angel unperfect: The Owner and Workman, thinking by farther polishing, to bring this Angel to better Colour, Form, and Perfection, applied it again to the Wheel, which by two turns only, quite ground out the Image of the Angel, and wholly frustrated their expectation, and discouraged them from working any farther on that side, fearing to lose what was (as it seems) hid under that Angel; and now appeared not shadowed, in a white Cloud, as the Faces on the Pope's side, but drawn as it were to the Life, in painting Colours; namely, at the two opposite Oval-ends of the Stone, where the Angel's Head and Feet did appear before, the Resemblances of Charles the First, and Oliver Cromwel. The Face of King Charles was of a pale, wan, and not lively Colour and hew, but his Features exactly and perfectly represented, with the Hair of his Face rough, as they Painted him, who imitated the Pictures drawn of him shortly after his Death, in painting Colours, and his Neek also bloody red, as if he had been newly Beheaded.
By turning down his Picture on the opposite end of the Oval, appeared the resemblance of Oliver Cromwel, painted to the Life, with a red flaming Nose and Countenance, his Head bare, but Armed downwards from his Shoulders, and there rounded of, no other armed Picture on either side.
The Owner hath exposed this Stone to sale at Rome, and else-where, but demands a greater rate than any Chapman thinks reasonable to be given for such a Curiosity.
It is believed, that if the Owner durst gently rub the Angel side, and polish it a little more, the Picture of Charles the Second, would appear perfectly therein, which now is scarce discernable, save only by such excellent Eyes as have been used to draw Work, or Paint in minuture. Because,
§. 92. It happens also in the same manner on the other side, that some Faces are discerned by good Eyes, which are altogether imperceptible to them of weak sight. For my part, I rather believe, that if the Angel had not been polished off, besides these two Images which now appear, as the contrary Poles of the Protestant Reformed World, other Faces would have been discovered in his Robe, and other parts of that Image, as probably the King of Sweden, and Denmark, at least, though the Lutherans in their Persecuting vain, may justly [Page 37]expect to be devoured themselves in the Babylonian Romish Confusions, whilst they seek to Devour and Persecute other Protestants more fiercely and intollerably in some places, than the Papists themselves in Germany, and have by their uncharitable Vehemency, destroyed in a manner all the Churches of their own Confession in Lithuania, protected by the Reformed Gentry there, so long as they would own their friendly Accommodation and Comprehension, whereby they brought them to partake equally with themselves in the publick legally established Liberty, which is by their froward needless Separation, much weakned and endangered at this Day.
That neither the Princes, nor States of Italy, nor the King of Spain, nor Portugal, are seen in the other side of the Stone, may be from this Reason; That Spain is comprized under the Emperour, in the House of Austria, and Italy under the Pope, as chief Heads; and the States having no certain Princes, can have no Representatives in these Maps of the opposite Worlds, neither on the one side nor the other.
I have proposed my thoughts, let every one Philosophize thereon after his manner freely, I oblige none to my Conjectures.
§. 93. 1. That which is to my present purpose, and I would farther commend to the Reader's consideration concerning this Stone, its Description and History, is, That it seems to have been produced either by the immediate Finger of God, or by his Hand-maid Nature, wonderfully and curiously guided by his Providence, as in the exquisite Needle Work (so the Psalmist's Hebrew hath it) of Man's Body formed in the Womb. We reade in History, that King Pyrrhus had a Stone in which were some Resemblances, which those Times would needs attribute to Apollo, and the Nine Muses; but the Circumstances considered, this Stone is in many particulars far more curious and admirable, which I need not specifie, the Reader will easily collect its prerogatives above that of King Pyrrhus, and from its singular and admirable Properties, be incited not to dispise his Providence whose Finger produced it.
§. 94. 2. As I have above noted, that this British Monarchy hath by its Mottoes on its Silver and Gold Coin, current all over the World, proclaimed it self to be the Kingdom of Christ, by owning his Cross for its Standard, and him under God, its supreme Hope and Guide; and by the glorious Stars and Language of Heaven, our Reformation and Kingdoms were proclaimed from the Caestial Court, and declared to the World to be owned by God as his: So our healing Angel Gold Coin, and Badges of the Honourable Order of the Garter, representing the Battel of Michael and the Dragon, (though hid under the title of an unknown St. George) interprets what Angel it is that hath hitherto, though unknown, protected and fought for, and will hereafter, though invisible, defend, assist, and promote this British Reformation and Monarchy, against the Plots of Rome, and force of all Idolatrous Mahometan and Heathen Tyrannies; namely, that very Michael, who with his Angels fought against Satan and his Angels, and did at last prevail to drive him who sat and ruled as God, in God's Heavenly Temple, the Churches professing God's Name, into the Mahometan and Heathen World, in this Generation now shortly coming, as we hope, will partly fulfil that Prophecy, and also in His appointed time subdue the whole World unto the Scepter of his Son, the Grace and Peaceable Government of truly most Christian Princes and Defenders of the Faith of God's Elect.
§. 95. 3. That which seems most surprizing, that in this Stone, and in Arise Evans's Prophecy 1650, inserted above, O. Cromwel is allowed as a principal Agent, and armed, by comparing the Stone and Vision together, receives and gives much illustration to the predicted successes of our Northern Monarchy; which as in his Generalship, it gave a great blow to Spain, so may in some his more just Successors to the command of the British Arms, pass on through France to Rome.
§. 96. 4. From what hath been said and observed of this little Stone, thus curiously wrought and painted without Hands, wherein God by his own Finger, or that of his Hand-maid Nature, hath shew'd his Power and Wisdom, not only unimitable, but as to the manner of his Working, unconceivable, there being nothing that I can call to mind to which it is second, or to which it may be resembled, save the wonderful impressions of Fancy and Memory, wrought by the Animal Spirits upon the soft substance of the Brain; that and this compared, altogether incomprehensible in their Combinations, Dispositions, distinct Order, Production, and regular Eduction, will (I assure my self) to the Ingenious Readers, excuse my boldness in proposing it to them as an Emblem of the World and its Contents, and the opposite Parties divided and strugling in its Bowels (as Esau and Jacob in their Mother's Womb, emblems of these) for the Birthright, the Supreme Dominion in matters Spiritual and Civil, annext to the double portion of the First-born in Christ's Family, that is, his Church Jerusalem above, the Mother of us all, and her Nursing Fathers.
§. 97. 5. Lastly, If in a Transient Vision, or Dream in some Prophet's Head, or in some prodigious Appearance in the Air, there had been exposed to publick view, on one side the Pope, and with him the Emperour French King, and all the rest of the Mahometan, Heathenish, and other opposite Powers, known Enemies to the Protestant Reformation, and Persecutors thereof; and on the contrary part, in Heaven a glorious Angel, as here in our Stone, and none with him but the present King of Great Britain, and some one most remarkable British Captain-General compleatly Armed, the Chief, or only Protectors of that Reformation, None could have refused me liberty to have interpreted and applied such a Vision, or Prodigy, as I have done those in this Stone no less Admirable; I think then I may with more rather than less Reason, expect favourable Construction, and interpretation of my Application of those Appearances not transient, but permanent, and to be seen of all at such a time as this: the vileness and smalness of the Stone not tending to the diminishing, but advancing our attention and his Honour, who chuses such small and contemptible things, to teach, yea, to confound the Greatest and most Glorious, and sends the Foolish to learn Knowledg from Brutes, Insects, and Inanimate Creatures. Here I can allow Pictures Laymens Books, In est sua gratia parvis.
§. 98. On the wonderful Prophetick Stone, brought by Mr. Martin Eylers from Hambrough, wherein, after it had been about seventy Years kept in his Family, the small Face formerly unknown, was about twelve Years since discovered to be that of Pope Alexander the 7th, and under his Figure those of the present King Lewis the 14th, and Dolphin of France; Leopoldus, Emperour of Germany, John Casimire, King of Poland, and several Mahometan, and other Modern Princes, by those who know them on the one side; and on the other side Charles the 1st, and Oliver Cromwel alone.
CHAP. X. The Heart Prophecy.
§. 101. THe Heart Prophecy, quoted in the Title Page, written in Hebrew on Parchment, and wrapped up in Lead in the form of a Heart, was found under the Foundation of St. Denis Church in France, by the Sexton of the place, as he digged for the erecting of a Monument for the Lord Teligni, Anno. Chr. 1616. He gave it to the Pope's Nuncio, who rewarded him with 200 Dollars. It was translated into Latine by John Barmarino, Secretary to the Cardinal of Bruges, who had it from the Nuncio, and presented it to the young King Lewis the 13th.
§. 102. Anonymus, Pag. 35.
NB. I need not specifie what Heroe it is that rouses himself, and sends out his Forces to Action this Year, nor how Signally, upon his first Appearance, Sicily is returned to her Obedience, &c. whilst I am writing this, April 1678.
POST-SCRIPT.
§. 103. IF we expound that Line of this Heart Prophecy, which predicts the Rising up of some Illustrious Prince, in the Year 1678, in these words; ‘Inclytus exurget factis Princeps.’
Which we have rendred thus in English,
And understand it after the usual manner of interpreting such Prophecies. By Princes, and their Names, sometime their Families, sometime the Kingdoms and Dominions they govern, then in this latter sence also, this Prophecy hath been remarkably verified amongst us: For in no Year nor Age, hath such a Spirit been raised in the Representative Body of any Kingdom, or any Reformed Nation, as hath been moved in the Parliament and People of England, on so just, weighty, and unremoveable grounds against Rome, and all its Agents, Instruments, and Favourers, nor can it ever be possibly laid, but must necessarily exert its vigour in great Actions under some Prince, as God shall be pleased to move, or direct them, against his and their Enemies.
January 1679. The news of our Defensive League concluded with Holland, which is now come after I had written this Post-script, is a farther Verification of this Prophecy, and an Introduction to that League which brings on what is Predicted in the following Lines and Years of this Heart Prophecy.
I conclude with the German Copies, of a sudden happy Year, Pag. 220. Judicium de L. in T. consequens diuturni belli beata tempora.
VII. Sperandum est intra istos 14 Annos, ab Anno 1666. i. ad Annum Christi 1680. aedificatum iri novam Hierosolimam reductis in Ecclesiae gremium Gentibus & populis. Blessed Times will follow after a tedious War.
VII. It is to be hoped that within this 14 Years, computed from the Year 1666. i. About the Year 1680, the New Jerusalem will be built, and the Gentiles will be Reduced into the Bosom of the Church.
This the Heart Prophecy resers to 1699.
CHAP. XI. William Postellus his Mystical Key.
§. 104. NAture endured 1656 Years, until the Flood.
Scripture (comprising 800 Years of Law intercalate) 1503.
Grace, 1546. Therefore Judgment is at hand for Babel's Ruine, drying up Euphrates, building New Jerusalem by Spirit and Fire.
| R Nature. | H Natural. | M God. | Mundus World. | Oriens East | Merides. South | Occidens West | Aquilo North |
| Year. | Spring | Summer | Autum | Winter | |||
| Man. | Child | Youth | Manhood | Old-Age | |||
| Elements. | Earth | Water | Air | Fire. | |||
| O Law. | O Rational. | E Father. | Patriarch. | Adam | Moses | Messias | Elihuh |
| Law. | Obedience | Charity | Faith | Concord | |||
| Book. | Genesis | Ol. Test. | N. Test. | Revelation | |||
| Sense. | Literal | Moral | Alegorical | Anagogical | |||
| T Gospel | M Spiritual | N Son | Evangelist. | Matthew | Mark | Luke | John |
| Cherub. | Man | Ox | Lion | Eagle | |||
| Mystery. | Incarnation | Passion | Resurrect. | Ascension | |||
| Gifts. | Wisdom | Justice | Sanctifica. | Redemption | |||
| A Judgment. | O Heavenly. | S Spirit. | Visitation. | Earth | Egypt | Jerusalem | Babel |
| Rivers. | Pison | Gihon | Hidekel | Euphrates | |||
| Faces. | Water | Moses | Christ | Jerusalem | |||
| Witnesses. | Spirit and Water | Fire and Water | Water and Blood | Spirit and Fire. |
By this Key, it appears, that to the Northern Monarchy reserved to the Winter and Old-Age of the World, are attributed by the Wise, the most excellent powerful Agents, Fire, and Government-Monarchick, therefore called the Kingdom of God, and his Christ; Law of Love and Peace, Ministry; interpreting the most hidden Mysteries of Nature by Fire, of Gospel by Revelation; Choicest Gifts, Successes, Graces and Glories.
CHAP. XII.
§. 105. FOr a close, we will here add some other Prophecies, which predict the Fall of Rome (though they specify not the Hand that must destroy it) to be from the North.
And first, let the Nun Hildegard speak:
Popes, Cardinals, &c. saith she, seek to defend what they possess unrighteously: First, with their Curse, and shutting up the Heavens: but the same will not serve, nor shall Men fear it any whit. [Thus much of her Prophecy is fulfill'd at this Day.] After that (she proceeds) they will get them to their Armour and Weapons, but against the Judgment of God they can do nothing, for the time is come, &c. We see this fulfilled also in our Days, for God hath both discovered their Policies, and broken all the Powers they have hitherto brought against us.
§. 106. Walter Linn, in the ticklish Times of Edward the 6th's Reign, towards the support of good Mens Hearts, first translated out of the German [Page 45]Tongue, and published certain Prophetical Emblems, declaring the beginning and ruine of the Popish Kingdom; these were Reprinted by John Charlewood, in the Year 1588, (of a good intent doubtless) to encourage and animate his Countrymen against the Spanish Invasion; they were of at least 300 Years standing at that time, and taken at first out of some ancient Libraries, as he relates.
The very first symbolizes with this of Hildigardis, and shall therefore here accompany it.
I. The first Figure in that Book, is a Pope with his Tripple Crown and Crosier feeding a devouring Bear with Money, without any regard at all to the Holy Dove, which sat on his left side. This the German Author expounds thus, by way of Question and Answer.
Quest. Wherewith doth the Pope defend his Church now?
Answ. With worldly Might, and cruel Mercinary People, signified by the Bear, and not by the Spirit of Christ.
§. 107. III. The third Figure represents a Pope on his Knees, admonished by a Hand out of a bushy Tree, pulled back by a Fox, that lays hold on, and tugs him by his Monks Hood that hangs down his Back.
The Monks and Jesuits are, as it were; the tail of the Roman Beast, or Papacy, and are the means by which the Pope and Roman Church are pull'd and held back (as it were) from hearing the good Counsels sent them from Heaven for their Reformation, attending to his Admonitions, or regarding the workings of his Hand and Arm bared against them, who thereby render all their Devotions fruitless and ineffectual, whilst Policy over-rules Piety.
§. 108. V. In the fifth Figure, the Pope with his Sword thrusts the Holy Lamb through the Heart. For which the Devil gives him Keys, i. His Papal Power and Might, the Keys of Hell.
§. 109. VI. The sixth represents the Pope in his Robes, with his Crosier and Keys, and with a Treasure of Duckets, a Serpent and a Cock on his right Hand, and a Lamb with his Head cut off laid at his feet.
This the German Author thus interpreteth the Pope, partly by the sense (awful respect) of his Cross and Keys; and partly by the power of the Devil, and help of France, utterly subdues the innocent Lambs of Christ's Flock.
§. 110. XII. XIII. XIV. A Bear, with Whelps sucking on her, fall on the Pope. A Fox runs away with his Banner and Keys. And at last he is set naked on the Ground, and derided by a Clown.
X. The Unicorn pushing down the Pope's Triple Crown, is above. See Chap. II.
§. III. Let our Countryman take the next turn, who thus Muses.
§. 112. The next shall be the Latine Prophecy, transmitted to us from Reuchline, Erasmus, Lipsius, and Jane Dousa the younger, which pretends to tell us the precise Year of the fall of Turk and P [...]pe, &c.
§. 113. Thus Englished by my Author.
NB. This harmonizes exactly with the Heart Prophecy. See there the Years 1693, 1699.
§. 114. I find a Prophecy transcribed by Paraeus, into his Exposition of the Revelation, with the following Title, which accords very well with this; and besides pretends to intimate to us, who that Christian Prince shall be, who shall Conquer both Pope and Turk, and Reduce the whole World to the Obedience of Christ.
Obiter in gratiam lectorum (inquit) huc lubet excribere Prophetiam ex antiquissimo codice M. S. in aedibus praepositi Saleziani reperto, nuper ad me missam: Cui tribuat quis (que) quantum vult: certe a presenti oraculo, quantum ad Romae excidium, non aberrat, sic igitur id habet.
Surget Rex ex Natione illustrissimi Filii (forte Lilii) habens frontem longam, supercilia alta, Oculos longos, nasum (que) aquilinum: Is congregabit exercitum magnum, & omnes Tyrannos [Page 47]Regni sui destruet: Et morte percutiet omnes fugientes in montibus, & cavernis sese abscondentes a facie ejus. Nam ut sponsus sponsae ita erit Justitia ei associata. Gum illis us (que) ad 40 Annos deducet bellum, subjugando Insulanos, Hispanos & Italos; Romam, & Florentiam destruet, & igne comburet, poterit (que) Sal seminari super terram illam. Supremos Clericos qui sedem Petri invaserunt morte percutiet, eodem (que) Anno duplicem Coronam obtinebit. Postremò Mare transiens cum Exercitu magno intrabit Graeciam, & Rex Graecorum nominabitur. Turcas & Barbaros subjugabit, faciendo edictum, quicun (que) Crucifixum non adoraverit morte morietur. Et non erit qui resistere poterit ei, quia Brachium Sanctum a Domino semper cum eo erit. Et Dominium Terrae possidebit. His factis, Sanctorum requies Christianorum vocabitur, &c.
Hactenus Prophetia.
I will here, saith he, by the way, in favour of my Reader, transcribe a Prophecy from a very ancient Manuscript, found in the House of the Provest of Salez, lately sent unto me. To which every Man may give what Credit he pleases; certainly it is not much discrepant from this present Oracle, as to what concerns the destruction of Rome.
It runs thus:
A King shall arise out of the Nation of the most illustrious Son (Lilly) having a long Fore-head, lofty Eye-brows, long [Page 47]Eyes, an Hawk Nose: He shall draw together a great Army, and shall destroy all the Tyrants of his Kingdom: And shall slay all those that shall fly from his Face; and hide themselves in Mountains and Caves. For he shall be Married unto Justice, as the Bridegroom to the Bride. He shall continue War against them for 40 Years, subduing the Islanders, Spaniards, and Italians. He shall destroy and burn with Fire Rome and Florence, and Salt may be sown upon that Land. He shall put to death the highest Prelates of the Clergy, who have usurped Peter's Seat; the same Year he shall obtain a double Crown. Lastly, He shall cross the Sea, and enter into Greece with a mighty Army, and shall be called the King of the Greeks. He shall subdue the Turks and Barbarians, and put out an Edict, that whosoever will not worship him who was Crucified, shall die the Death. And none shall be able to resist him, because an holy Arm from the Lord shall always be with him. And he shall possess the Dominion of the whole World. After he hath atchieved these things, he shall be called the Repose of holy Christians, &c. So this Prophecy.
§. 115. I suppose the word Filii, is mistaken for Lilii, both from the Sence, and from the Context, the Nation of the most Illustrious Son; unless you would understand it of the Son of God, and so of the Jews, I know not how to interpret. That the Author meant some King of France, or one that is allied to, and bears the French Lillies, is manifest; because the Kingdoms he devotes to destruction, are the known Enemies of France, and to whose Conquest he seems most propense and adapted. And by the Islands, I understand those of the Mediterranean, with which it is most probable he may begin to facilitate his Conquest of Italy after Spain, which he hath in his Power already. Here is no mention of the German Empire, as if that were already Extinct, or the Princes of it at his Devotion. The English seem to be of his Confederacy, being not named amongst his Conquests, and too considerable (especially in their Naval Force) and proper to assist him, to be wholly forgotten, unless united with him. Thus far the Analogy holds well with our expected Northern Monarchy, but his forcing the Christian Religion on the Barbarians, by the terrours of present Death, is not agreeable to that Kingdom of Christ, whose Scepter is Love, and which must certainly swallow up all other Powers. Nor must I dissemble, that this Conquerour's War of 40 Years, is not consistent with the ruine of Turk and Pope, in the Year 1698, unless the late and former German Wars must be reckoned into our French Conquest, and he only be here described who must put the last blow to the Work.
§. 116. The most Critical Trial by which the Spirits of our Modern Prophets and Enthusiasts are best discerned, are the limitations of the Times assigned by them for fulfilling their Prophecies, in which I find Cotter as the rest staggering and clashing. For instance, in his Vision of May 10. 1621.
Frederick, (he means the Protestants of Germany, whose Head Frederick Count Palatine sometime was) shall recover by Aid from the North a great Army. From the East (he means Turks, Transilvanians, &c.) 6001111 shall come, The first, second, or third 49, or Jubilee, that is either in the Year 1670, 1719, or 1768, if we must accompt from the date of his Vision.
§. 117. Fredericus recuperabit per auxilium a Septentrione Magnum exercitum. Ab Oriente venient. 6001111. 1o 49. 2o 49. vel 3o 49.
The first of these terms is expired, neither of the two latter accord with the Prediction fixed on 1688, nor the Heart Prophecy. Times and Seasons are certainly limited only by the Divine Power to particular Persons, and their smallest, as well as to Kingdoms, and their greatest Actions. It's little better than Atheism, to pretend to open that Cabinet by any Picklock of Geomancy, Astrology, or the like curious and vain Art. I know who said once, that one of seven Nativities were not true; and a more learned Artist than he, much more positively affirmed, that one of a hundred horary Questions, were not of any certain signification, unless some unseen Power brought and wrought the Agents and Patients, well chosen and fitted, which they call Radical Questions. Perhaps some will offer me to try before I censure, which is to me the same kindness as to direct me try at the Delphick Oracle, whether God will suffer the Devil first to curse me, and then to execute his Curse upon me, by Persons as Godless, as they who believe not his Providence, nor just Judgment; who gives them strong Infatuations, who believe not the Truth, to trust in Lies.
CHAP. XIII.
§. 119. NOtwithstanding all that can be said, I expect not to persuade our Adversaries to desist from their Treasonable Designs against our King, Kingdom, Religion, and Laws, involving our Liberties.
And as they hope for a Day, so I must not deny, but that our most favourable Writers do allow them an Hour, and therein a power of Darkning or Eclipsing our Sun, by the interposition of their Lunary opacous Body. To this therefore I shall speak a few words, before I dismiss my Reader.
§. 120. The nameless Author of the Future History of Europe, Pag. 30. Answers to an Objection made against his History, in these words: Though the World must degenerate more and more in Civility, and Humanity, (as it hath done manifestly ever since he wrote) and Christianity be eclipsed in an higher measure, and the true Worshippers of God decrease above whatever yet hath been done: Though Protestantism in many Coasts and Countries, shall be totally swallowed up of Popery and Mahomitanism: More lamentable Wars and fearful Massacres rage through England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and all European Monarchies, than we have yet beheld; and though some of these Kingdoms wholly revolt to Popery, others be Lukewarm, and at a stand until 1686, yet all these shall but make way for the final Eradication of the Enemies of the Church, and the glorious and wonderful Birth and Erection of the Fifth (Fourth) Monarchy Universal, which shall be brought forth by these Pangs and Sorrows of Christendom.— Now Judgment must begin, not at the Temple of Antichrist, but House of God: And what Blood soever is shed upon the Soil of the Christian Church, shall be no other than fruitful Showres and warm Seasons, to make the Field of the Church more pregnant in the production of that glorious Harvest [Page 49]of Saints, which shall cover the World; so he and our English Seers consent. He that comes with the Chicken of the Eagle, saith one, (i. that Landed with him) the dreadful Dead Man (his right Character in several respects) Invades and wastes England with Fire and Sword two Years, he that intro duces Popery, &c. Arise Evans saith, he cannot be Crowned for all that: He saw five young Faces in the Royal Line succeed one another in an uninterrupted Series, and there are just so many now alive, C. M. A. J. W. and he of them who overcomes his Popish Enemies (England hath no other) in a Bloody Battel, Erit Carolo magno major.
§. 121. So hitherto there is little encouragement for the Pope's Nuncio to come amongst us with his Consecrated Banner; he may spill and let out much of our corrupted Blood, but shall never reach our Heart. See the Arch-Bishop of Armath's Printed Prophecy.
To be sure no old dotard Pope shall ever be Crowned in England (however Gadbury and his Stars flatter him) if Arise Evans were a Prophet.
The German Enthusiasticks sing the same Tune with ours.
Cotterus 1621. May 10. Tentatiuncula superveniet ad explorandos Hypocritas, Id. Mart. 20. Hoc habe pro signo Septentrionales constanter soli Justitiae adhaesuros, meridionalem à fucatum solem inducturum soli Justitiae nubeculam tentationis sed cito transituram prodibit enim Paulo post Sol Justitiae pleno fulgore. Drab. 1652. Jul. 2. Opus meum promovebo concitatione omnium gentium adversus invicem ut quidquid mali est & Idolatrici mibi (que) & voluntati meae contrarii corruat prius & evertatur funditus. When I have set before the Reader the judgment of a learned and pious Bishop concerning these Predictions, I will conclude.
Periculosum est, saith he, Prophetica tractare negocia: Quia materia haec humanum excedit captum, super hoc lubricum facile est labi. And again, Omnium Prophetiarum haec est proprictas ut prius impleantur quam intelligantur. And from Acts v. 38. Nihil mali invenimus in Homine isto, quod si Spiritus ei locutus est aut Angelus ne repugnamus Deo.
Lastly, Desino autem argumentis Divina haec esse non humana pugnare. Propriae id cujus (que) hominis conscientiae ac circumspectioni, divinae (que) illuminationi committens. Thus the Publisher of these in his last Edition, pretends he dare not contend, much less dare I; to try is all Mens duty. Irenaeus, l. 2. c. 57. p. 218. Alil à & praescientiam habent futurorum & Visiones & dictiones Propheticas, consule ejus commentatorem.
§. 122. To fill up this vacant Page, it will not be amiss nor tedious, if I parle a little with my Reader, about our Modern Prophecies at parting.
Prophecy, in what concerns the Fundamentals in our Religion and saving Faith, is certainly at an end. The Spirit of Prophecy foretelling Mercies and Judgments, for Reward and Encouragement of well, and for Punishment of or Repressing evil doers, is not, as is manifest and undeniable, being plain matter of Fact, in and by many Revelations fulfilled, fore-known, or fore-seen and testified by many living Witnesses and Records. Some are here inserted, many more might be produced. Those of the Reverend Arch-Bishop of Armath, of the Fire of London, and other particulars long since fulfilled, and those yet to come then most unlikely when foretold, now seem hardly to be avoided, and need not be here repeated, because notoriously published and known to this whole Kingdom. I hope it will be no offence, if I add hither one conspiring wholly with his, which hath been thus related to me.
§. 123. A Manuscript Book was brought a little before the Fire of London, 1666, to a Bookseller, by an unknown Person, who desired to have it Printed and Published, which declared before-hand what came to pass as Predicted in that Fire. The Bookseller refused to Print it, because it was not Licensed; so the Author took away his Book with him. In the time of the Fire, this Bookseller [Page 50]being very busie, saw this Author passing by, and told him, That because he had so plainly predicted it, he had cause to suspect that his hand was in it. Nay, replied the strange Author, if I had been accessary to so wicked a purpose, I would not have offered my Book to Publication, which I wrote for the discovery and prevention thereof. And added, There will follow a more dreadful execution by Sword than this by Fire, and after that a Famine, if God deal with us as we deserve.
§. 123. Ambiguous Predictions, like those of the Sybils, and some Delphic Oracles, without reference to particular Times, Places, Persons, Groundless Figments, Gipsy-like Prognosticators, Welch Impostors, Telesen, Panther, Shipton's Prophecy, and many such like which walk about, disgrace not sober Predictions and Premonitions, grounded on sound Reason, and agreeable to Divine Truth.
I will conclude with Walter Linn's Admonition to the Reader, of certain German Emblem Prophecies, Published by him first in Edward the 6th's ticklish Reign, and Reprinted seasonably in 1588, for our Protestant Countrymens encouragement, when the invincible Crusado and Navy invaded us. Whether these, saith he, or such like Prophecies, be of God or no, let the Godly judge. But surely, it is commonly seen when God will shew his Displeasure and Indignation, and intends to bring to pass some great Act, that all Creatures do prophesie before, and give Warning, although it help but little. Prophets prophesied the Subversion of Jerusalem, Christ threatned, the Apostles warned, all availed not. They heard Voices in the Temple, they saw Signs in the Element, they heard Battels in the Clouds. Mad-men, and such as were out of their Wits did prophesie it unto them, but all these Signs prevailed not. They were destroyed, because they despised God's Word. Even so it shall happen to the Papists. Daniel, Zachary, Christ, Paul, 2 Tim. 2. 1 Tim. 4. Peter, 2. Pet. 2. Their own Bishops, Abbots, Monks, Nuns, Astronomers, long since prophesied it to them; common Rumour, Proverbs, Visions, Signs, all prevailed nothing; therefore must they be destroyed, there is no remedy: That which they will not now, they must see to their Grief at last, when all help is past.
Wherefore let no good Christian grieve himself with them, but rather suffer and take with Patience, and pray unto God to revenge the Blood of his Saints, and speedily deliver us from those cruel Tyrants. Thereby shall a Man get a greater Conquest over them, than by Sword and Armour. God knows well where such a Titus is, as shall be the destruction of those Arrogant Rabbies; To whom be all Honour, Praise, Glory, &c. Amen. So this good Man.
John Aurelius Augurelius, in the second Book of his Chrysopaeia, describes and commends the forementioned admired Agat of King Pyrrhus, (v. §. 93.) whose Verses on that Subject, I thought not unworthy to be inserted here (rather than to trouble the Margent there) with their English Translation; not only because of the likeness of the Subject, but also, lest perhaps any Reader not versed in the Greek History, should think our Modern Relation the less Credible, because unparalell'd in all former Times. His words are these:
The Publisher to the Reader.
AFter I had Transcribed this, to meet with their Incredulity, which would, as I conjecture, seek shelter from the unexampled varieties of the Images, seen in so small a Stone: I met with another Objection, which I thought fit to obviate here also, namely, that the Features appropriated in this Relation to several Persons, as namely to the Turk, Pope, Emperour, and King of England, are only the Draughts of the beholders Fancies, or imposed upon them by the Relators. To this I answer: That it is as usual for Persons, who view the best drawn Pieces of the most excellent Painters, to differ in their Judgments about them, and some to fancy them to be more, and some to be less, or not at all like the Original. 2. That as in other Pictures, so much more in these, the curious Artist verst in Minuture, whose Eyes serve them to work in Draughts to others unperceptible, are the truest judges. 3. That ordinary Eyes on first view, without being at all imposed on, have been able to name the Persons forementioned, without any suggestion from others; and curious Artists, practised in Painting, discern many more than others can either see or fancy. So that, in truth, they who would reprove others of credulous Fancies, who see the aforesaid Resemblances in this Stone, do discover their own distrustful Fancies, in contradicting their own and others better Eyes in those Objects, of which they are the most proper Judges, and whilst with too much caution they avoid the imputation of Credulity, they lay themselves too open to the censure of the contrary rude and less tolerable Vice. 4. Some of the Features aforementioned, are too notorious to be mistaken by those who know them, and all who see them in this Stone, and concur in opinion of their Resemblance to one and the same Person (who are not a few) cannot be thought to be led by fancy to such an agreement, and much less to combine to deceive others. See the Figures of Alexander the 7th. &c.
Since this, I understand that Mr. Ellers is returned into England, and is at present in London. If I can by any diligent inquiry come to speak with him, I will give a more perfect History and Description of his wondrous Agat, and present the Reader with the Draughts of some of the principal Appearances which have been lately discovered in France, by some good Eyes there, beyond what were discerned before in this Stone.
§. 126. Quirinus Kuhlman, in his late London Epistle, hath some Passages [Page 52]which I thought fit to set down here, because of the consent I find betwixt them and the Observations of our learned Astronomer Doctor Banbridg, §.30. as above.
In his 41 Pag. he mentions the Comet of the 19th of Novemb. 1652. (foretold 8 days before by Drabritius) of the self-same day wherein the Orders at Vienna were signed for a Reformation in Selesia, his Native Country, and which took its course from the place of Noah's Dove with its Olive Branch, directly to that where the famous new Star of 1672 appeared. In the same Page is the Solar Eclipse of the 12th of Aug. 1674, interpreted divinely, as he saith, by Stephen Melish, in his 115 Vision. In his 42 Page he mentions two Comets, one of Decemb. 1664, which joyned it self with another, which appeared about Easter 1665, near the Ears of the Ram, and became the Sun's Companion, beyond what hath been known in any former Age; and another about Easter, 1677, which he there terms the swift Executor of all the foregoing Stars, Comets, and Conjunctions, and the introducer of Changes upon the whole World. In the same Page, Paragraph 96, and 97, he thus discourses: These ordinary and extraordinary Witnesses, the fore-runners of the greatest Alterations, though they surpass the Wits of Heathen Astrologers, yet do they so clearly attest the Change of all Kingdoms, that the publick and private written and Moral Conceits of all Men agree in this; That some unheard of Revolution is to be expected. But, saith he, there is no Astrologer of those I have seen, whose Conjectures have come nearer the Truth, than the Almanack-Writer of Staden, who expresly compares the two Comets of 64, and 65, to two who gave in their evidence before a Judg, and the 3d to a publick Herald, proclaiming the sentence given in upon the foregoing Evidence: And therefore declares his opinion, That within 24 Months, (viz. Id. p. 47. The two Years time of the last Comet expired May 1679, saith this Epistler. before Easter, 1679.) the Work of God will be Manifested, by preparing the whole Roman and Turkish Empire for quite another War, than is now believed, which is to last till the next Age, and to run over the greatest part of the whole World; and that the end of it will be the Propagation of the Gospel in the East, and the return of the Christian Church to the place of its first rise.
§. 127. This may suffice to shew the consent of these late Writers, with the learned Doctor B's. opinion, that whilst Comets, &c. signifie great Changes for the worse, to those parts of the World who are Enemies to the Church of Christ, they signifie the Progress and Advantage of the Christian Faith, and its true Professors, whose rise is their fall, Et vice versa.
I will add a Passage or two out of Drabritius and Cotter, as I find them expounded by the same Author, pag. 74. in which he concludes: That whatsoever the holy Scripture hath foretold concerning the Papal and Turkish State under the Time, Times, and half a Time of 1176 Years, will according to those Writers be fully accomplished in the Year 1688, which harmonizes with that Prophecy of that Year set down above, §. 113.
The words of Drabritius in his 395 Revelation, are these: Count the number of the 70 Weeks from the day of my departure, if thou hast understanding, where an end must be made of Battel and Wars, which are at present; for when they shall cry out Peace and Security, I will come to execute Judgment, the time, and times, and half a time drawing to an end. So he.
The Expositor puts the time of Christ's departure to his 37th Year. The rise of the Dragon 527, (viz. 70 Weeks after) his two times to begin 897, his half 1607, his end 1787, the end of the 1260 Apocalipt Years, pag. 74. §. 23. our of the 10th Chap. 40th ver, of Cotterus, he tells us, That the half time of the Treaders down begins 1260, according to which one time begins 612, two times 948, half a time 1620, which accordingly expires 1788. (viz. adding 168 to 1620, the Year of our Lord.)
According to another Computation out of Cotterus, Chap. 24. ver. 5. He tells us the 1176 Years of the two Witnesses, expired 5 Years since 1674, their 1260 Year-days, and Solar Months expresly allotted them in the Revelation, will according to the same Explication, end 1685. And that in this regard, the first day begins 435, the 2d, 785, the 3d, 1145, the 4th, 1505. So that both according to Solar and Lunar Months, the determined time of the Witnesses is come.
He means that according to one Computation, it came in 1674; and according to the other it is expected 1685, nor precisely, but within those ten Years, or about those times.
§. 128. His Observation he makes, pag. 68, and 69, of the different State of the Reformed and Latheran Charles's from the Papal, to the joy of the Papists, both Caroli and Carolo, prompts me to conclude, as he doth, with hearty Wishes, That they would unite against their common Enemy, before Extremities compel them. That so the Prophecy of Carolus à Carolo set above, may be fulfilled in them joyntly, or one of them personally Leagued with the other.
§. 129. To fill up this vacant Page, take our Brittish Musers interpretation of the time of Romes fall, according to his Prediction above §. 111. in his own words, in his Speculum Speculativum, pag. 128, &c,
Thus he.
Errata non Corrigenda.
§. 130. Ult. For Partiality: Write very little, very necessary, very excusable amongst ill Neighbours on every side.
My Countryman wants a little new French Confidence, or old honest Spanish Pride, to set him out.
It is an ill Office not worth the having (in our Days) in which a Man may not favour his Friends, Relations, and Clients, said the Laconian King.
For Flattery: Write to no Man's hurt, [...].
It is not fit to say to Princes, You are Wicked.
Principibus placuisse viris non ultima laus est.
For Fanaticism, and Enthusiasim: Write nullum magnum