Observations on the Prodigy seen at Dublin Jan. 27. 1688.

PRODIGIES are things seldom seen, and coming to pass unexpectedly beyond imagination, beget miraculous Contemplation, Horrour, and A­mazement. And therefore that seen at Dublin, on Sunday Jan. 27. 1688. may well receive that Name; for that it amazed not only its Beholders, but also most that then heard of it, just as if they expected it a sign of nothing but of utter Ruine and Destruction to be immediately shower'd down upon these Nations, but more espe­cially Ireland.

I did not see this Prodigy my self; but for the aforesaid Reasons, and the many En­quiries frequently made of me about it, I endeavoured to obtain the most absolute Re­lation that could be procured; which was from the Watch of several parts of the City, who agree, That at midnight a Crack like that of a Cannon was heard, and immedi­ately a great siery Blaze seen flying from the South-west, over the City towards the North-east, at one end like a half Ball, and thereout a great long Stream; which, by [Page 4]this Description, I conclude to be of that sort of Prodigies, call'd Meteors; and of them, such as Naturalists call Beams, and Judge to be generated of Exhalations hot and dry, like the Lightening or flash of Thunder, of a vicious clammy nature, resembling Pitch, by being of thin and light parts, are by the Sun drawn and forced into the upper Re­gion, and there by excessive heat, and nearness to the Fire, kindled, and by the Wind and Clouds carried through the Air, as this was in form of a Beam, to the terror of all its Beholders.

The Ingenious Mr. Gadbury, in his Treatise of Prodigies, pag. 57. gives an account of a Meteor, Anno 1384. the most like this of any I can read of since: but neither he nor any other, of any extrordinary consequences that attended that or any other, but what might rather be signified by the Stars; and therefore I conclude this so admired and amazing Prodigy in no wise so threatening or evil, as terrible and feared, especi­ally to England and Ireland, and that the rather because in it self 'tis but an effect of other natural Causes, viz. the Stars, who only are the grand Signs or Natural Causes of Ter­restrial Mutations.

Tho I cannot shew any Prodigy like this of late, in respect to its noise; there have been several of the same nature seen in and about Dublin, as in June 1682, July 13. 1685, and the 6th of March following, all about 11 at night, the likeness of Armies were seen fighting in the Air; and last Summer a Prodigy or Meteor like this in form and all things but its noise, was seen several times to fly over this City of Dublin, and yet, God be praised, no such bloody effects as are now feared have hitherto succeeded, or indeed are thereby threatened.

General Observations on the Year 1688.

IN my Almanack for this Year I had Observations on the Winter Ingress and three past Months, January, February, and March, which being before the publishing this expir'd, I omit, together with the Scheam of the Vernal Ingress; the better to contract this into the narrow room of one Sheet, to make the Price easie, and for satisfaction therein, refer the curious to Mr. Mac-Combs Almanack, being the only one this Year publick in Ireland, that is worth buying; where the time of this Vernal Ingress is taken from the Rudolphine Tables, and agrees within twelve minutes of time with that taken from Mr. Gadburies Ephemeris March 9th. 1 hour 12 min. P. M. when in the Meridi­an of Dublin we have 10 deg. of Leo ascending, and about twenty of Aries culminating, Mars Lord of the 10th in the 10th week in Taurus, his detriment among the Pleiades, a turbulent Sign and Constellation, and in square to Venus, his Dispositor in the seventh, which, according to the ancient Rules of Astrology, signifys a Necessity in Princes, and persons in Authority, to borrow Monies, or impose more than usual Taxes on the Sub­jects, and will animate them to Choler, Cruelty, and Rashness; one King, Prince, No­bleman, and chief Commander, will be subject to contend and quarrel with another upon slight occasion, or for what they have little right to. Some eminent Prince or Princes in forreign Parts, will even in this year be subjected to the Contempt and Re­proach of his or their pretended Subjects or Neighbours, great Treachery, &c. from all which I hope and pray God will for ever deliver His Most Gracious Majesty of Great [Page 5]Britain, & his Dominions. If any shall dare to forget their Allegiance justly due to him the Lords Anointed, as I fear too many do; let them cast an eye back to, and remember in the Tragedy of England and Scotland, 1685. how graciously he extended Mercy e­ven to those that would have shewn little to him, if their Malice had prevailed. And, Dear Countrymen and Neighbours, consider the Blessing of Peace and Plenty, and that the best of Natures cannot for ever brook of Abuse, Wrong and Ingratitude; but when provoked beyond measure, justly become the most severe Punishers, and no long­er the Vessels of Mercy, but Justice in so doing. And therefore let us, who call our selves Christians, shew our selves so in obeying the Lord and his Anointed, and no lon­ger fool our selves with seditious Spirits and Fancies of what can only work the ruine of our selves and Posterity; For Kings have long Arms, and when thereto extended, strike severely. What People in Christendom enjoy the Blessings and Mercies we do under the best of Princes? Who studys not so much his own as the good of his People, and Glory of God, how to give every man, by Law, Liberty to worship their heaven­ly Father in their own way; and that is so far from using the Severity of his Predeces­sors, that he studies to relieve all those oppressed and persecuted for Conscience sake, e­ven those of Foreign Nations that fly to him for Succour, and are of different Persuasion from his own, even forty thousand poor distressed French Protestants, that justly owe their Lives and Liberties to his Gracious Goodness and Favour. What can his own Subjects expect or crave more than he so bountifully vouchsafeth Strangers both to his Country and Religion? Is it reasonable for a dutiful Child to expect less from his Fa­ther, than he freely bestows to Strangers? If not, why should men study to heap coals of Confusion upon their own heads, when they may with more ease avoid it? Let all men vouchsafe their due Allegiance to their lawful Sovereign, the only means to pre­vent the Ruine which otherwise may attend them; and the Wo, Sorrow, and Afflicti­on which is threatened to several parts of the World, even in this year, by the last and this Ingress. I know some Authors are of opinion, that Venus in the 7th, as here, is for reconciling Kingdoms and Persons at variance, and as now in Trine to and Recepti­on with Saturn, and Sextile of Mercury conduceth much thereunto to some, and to the Grandeur of the Nobility of Ireland in particular. But as she is there in Square to Mars, the clear contrary to others, viz. the promotion of Wars, Bloodshed, Differences and Discord, unusual Law-Suits and Controversies; and shews that some one ominent Fe­male will be subjected to the Frowns of Fate, if not the Malice of Death, or Comtempt of her Lord. And with this, that Square, and those of Jupiter to Mercury, Saturn, and Luna, threatens abundance of Cold, Rain, Snow, Storms, Losses and Damage at Sea, both by that and Pyrates; more than usual Engagements or Sea Fights, Disputes about Religion and Church Affairs; and the broach or growing great of some new Sect or Sectaries; many Removals among those of the Gown and Bench, and some of the more aged of them into the other World, but more particularly one of the most eminent Ru­ling Clergymen in Christendom.

Luna just separated from the body of Saturn, and void of Course, promiseth but lit­tle Satisfaction to the Vulgar, but rather Disappointments, Wo, Grief, Sorrow and Af­fliction, wherever Providence shall dispose of the Effects, and that partly by their own Folly and Stiffneckedness; Yet the Lord of the second, and Part of Fortune, free from the malignant Beams of the Infortunes, with the Position of Jupiter and Venus in the [Page 6]second, in the preventional Lunation, promiseth much less cause of Complaint for want of Trade than last year. However, I advise the Husbandman to provide well against a bad Harvest, and hard Winter.

But that which is most observable in this Revolution, is, the Partile Square of Saturn, and Jupiter from Cardinal Signs, which will in earnest usher in, and that speedily too, the Effects of their Conjunction in the years 1682, & 1683. and make the World sen­sible, that such Congresses have influence upon the state of Laws, Customs, Constitu­tions, and Prviledges of Nations, Persons, Places, and things Ecclesiastical, and to change them too. And therefore it is not to be expected, Astrologers should, under them, preach Peace and Tranquillity, when the contrary is so severely threatned as now; and I dare aver, will be felt by most States and Degrees of Peoplein Europe. While some that have been long wallowing in Blood are preparing and contriving to ease themselves of those burdens; others are as fast running into like extreams. Great Over­tures are made by the Turks; the Poles and Venetians seem inclinable to embrace them; the Christian Emperour more slack, but not so backward as of late. France and Spain seem indifferently friendly, the Swede and Dane to jurr; the Poles and Muscovites as of late, the Algerines pay for the Roast: Scotland in Wisdom may be happy, and Ireland not inferior: the Dutch are imperious, and will meet Correction from those, whom I be­seech God ever to enable to correct the Insolencies of their Enemies, and bless with Health, Peace and Plenty. Amen.

Observations on the last 9 Months of the Year 1688.

APril. Besides being so at the Vernal Ingress, Jupiter continues still in Square to Sa­turn, and great part of the last and this Month in Square to Sol; which with the Opposition of Sol and Saturn, and other Configurations of this Month seem to threa­ten ten much Sickness about this time, Dissatisfaction, Grief, Trouble and Vexation, if not Death, to some eminent Grandee or Grandees of Europe. And indeed to persons of meaner quality, frowns of Superiors, loss of Honour, Office and Imploy, the downfall of some one, or more, eminent Gown-man, Disputes about Religion, or matters of Faith, and great mischiefs at Sea both by Storms and Pyrates, Engagements or Sea Fights may succeed, but not this month; I fear the London Merchants will share in the woful effects of the cross Configurations.

May. Matters seem now rather tending to Counsel than Actions; however all are not idle, but rather contriving or preparing for the Actions of the following months; some endeavouring to create and others to destroy the Peace, not only of particular Per­sons and Families, but also Nations and Kingdoms; the first seems to take most place now; and may all just endeavours so succeed. Great Britain is much concern'd in this months Proceedings, and Holland is not idle, but rather preparing for Action; I wish it may prove for good, but fear the contrary, however that Nation is about this time ma­king more than usual preparation for fitting out Shipping, or some considerable Naval Action.

June. Now the Actions of the year begin to shew themselves in their colours; those concern'd hasting to oppose and engage each other, and will not be wanting to furnish [Page 7]us with the news of some considerable Fight, yea and perhaps at Sea too; if not, there will arise more than ordinary Disputes about matters relating thereunto, if not about Religion also. But if not this month, we shall certainly hear plentifully of such mat­ters before the Summer be over, wherein Holland will be more than a little concern'd.

July. Of all earthly blessings, certainly there's none so precious as health and peace; and yet there are an Israel-like pamper'd People, with Wantonness stust to that degree of Pride and Ambition, that no state but Ruine can satisfy their Jew-like desires. It was the Murdering of their heavenly King that made the Jews Slaves and Vagabonds; and, the crying Blood of his Anointed, that already hath brought loads of Misery upon these nations: And therefore Dear Countrymen and Neighbours, let us for the future endeavour to Expiate that, and not study to heap Coals of Confusion upon our Selves and Posterity; but instead of that, what may make both them and us happy; for every Kingdom drvided against it self is brought to Desolation, Luke 11.17.

Now the Effects of the last great Tripple Conjunction, begin to shew themselves to purpose, and most degrees feel it, especially Superiors; some through Disobedience and Folly, others against their Wills.

August. Many hopeful endeavours are used this month to heal the Evils of those past, and for settling things in a more secure slate for the future, for the Peace and Satisfac­tion of Nations, Kings, Princes, and private Persons at variance; yea, even between the two mighty Emperours of Germany and Turky, they may palliate, but cannot heal. Some grave Statesman, long clouded, begins to Lustre forth Rays of Comfort to him­self and others equally grieved; Males and Females, Gown-men, and indeed almost e­very State to be satisfied with Reason, finds this a month of Comfort in one degree or other, in England, Ireland, and several other parts of Europe, as well as America. Merchants meet satisfactory Returns from Foreign parts; those of the Gown and Bench with Preferment, and several Females, but one of most illustrious Birth in particular with most Honourable Marriage.

September. Were it not for the malignant, treacherous, and twice reiterated Square of the two Superiors, beginning within Orbs in January, being Partile at the Vernal ingress, and continuing even to the years end, I should have judged the many friend­ly Aspects of the last and this month sufficient to compose all the Feuds in the World, and create a Jubile; but alas! that were a happiness too too great for so sinfull a Peo­ple as this Age contains; for though it might satisfy some, and those too lately afflicted, yet it can not all, for what is one mans Meat is another mans Poyson, and what the Stomach cannot bear, it will either reject, or when forced upon it cast out; there is a certain Sympathy and Antipathy in Nature, which Wills some to Love what others Abhor, and oftentimes there is Necessity to use force for Ease and Safety, and perhaps may now for Cure of some State Distempers.

October. Reason seems to confirm the season past for Publick Action, and the Stars declare it in its Prince for Councel; many deep and weighty Consultations and Debates are now on foor, and I hope much to a general good and satisfaction: but, whether for past or present offences, the common People are afflicted about this time with Impri­sonment, and such like Troubles. False and lying reports are daily spread abroad to [Page 8]hurry people into Fears and Distractions: and one Friend and Neighbour is ready [...] accuse another, and that unjustly too, by which Offenders are brought to Justice. The season is stormy, yet Merchants meet happy returns; Women in Travel and young Children find it but an indifferent season.

November. Poor Jupiter continues still weak and afflicted both by Saturn and Men in Conjunction with the Dragons Tail. What is it base men cannot do when Able, Strong, Joyn'd and resolv'd for Mischief? This Month is not inferiour to the former for Councel and Contrivances, but of different Natures, those publick and tending to Good, and these private tending to evil. Ay! even to dishonour Authority, and Dis­turbance of Government and most sacred Divine Matters, and to that end many base scrolls and Storys are broacht and pack't about, but a short time will shew their E­vent in the Destruction of the Founders; the design is general, but particular to some great person, Statesman, &c. who must fall by their Malice before their work can be accomplished. But Saturn and mars changing their Signs in Conjunction will sud­denly change the balance of Affairs, bring Offenders to punishment, occasion very bad Cold, Snowy, Stormy Weather, and many Changes in Affairs of Government Church and State.

December. The coldness of the Season and the Friendship of the Stars seem to pro­mise more Health than in several months past; Increase of Trade, and more general si­tisfaction especially to England and Ireland. An eminent Female receives Affliction, or a garment of her first Element, and many others Removals from their Honours, Office, and Imploys, to make way for others conceiv'd more deserving. many secret Am­bassys are sent privately from one place and Princes Court to another, about Matters of very great moment; it is some business which should produce nothing but good, and yet little will acrue from hence but evil.

Of the ECLIPSES, 1688.

THere will be four Eclipses this year, the first of the Moon, April the 5th, at on the Afternoon.

The second of the Sun April the 20th. at one in the Morning.

The third of the Moon September the 29th. half an hour past 9 in the Morning.

The fourth of the Sun, October the 14th. near 7 in the Morning, but all invisible and not to be seen, or felt by us.