CHAP. I. That Comets are not in the Air, but in the Starry Heaven. Their Origin and true matter enquired into.

THe Sentiments of learned Men, concerning the place where and the matter out of which Comets are made; have been very various. The Peripa­tetick School has phansied them to be Meteors, generated out of the Bowels of the Earth, exhaled and extolled by the Sun to the supream Region of the Air, and there set on Fire. It would be needless and endless to tell how ma­ny have after Aristotle embraced this fiction, but it may not be unprofitable in a few words to evince the contrary, viz. That Comets are not placed in the first heaven or Air, but farr above [Page 2] it, in the second or Starry Heaven, and that therefore they are rather Stars than Meteors.

1. That most learned Mathematici­an Hevelius his argument from the mo­tion of Comets is irrefragable In Come­tographiae Lib. 2. Pag. 132. whate­ver body (saith he) is moved in the great Circle, dividing the Sphaere, and keeping fixed Poles, is certainly Ethe­rial and not Aereal. But this is true of every Comet; its diurnal or common mo­tion, is absolved as other Caelestial bo­dies are, which cannot be said of any sort of Meteors; yea, the motion there­of is exact and regular, though at first its more swift, and afterwards more slow, yet in that inequality, there is an exact proportion and regularity obser­ved, when as it is otherwise with Meteors that are tossed to and fro, and move not through the great Circle. The motion of Comets doth very much imitate not that of the fixed Stars, but of the Pla­nets, whence they are by some called Pseudo-Planetae ▪ and by others Spuri­ous-Planets. And the Holy Scripture seems to give that name of Planets to them, or as our Translation hath it wan­dring Stars, Jude, 13. [...]

2. The truth of what we assert, is [Page 3] manifest to those that understand any▪ thing in the Doctrine [...]. It is an indubitable Maxim, that these i [...] the Parallax the remoter the Phaenomenon. But Comets have a less Parallax than the Moon, which shews that they are Supra-Lunary Bodies, sometimes they admit of no sensible Parallax at all, as might by many instances be confirmed, Let us for Arguments sake, imagine the supream Region of the Air to ex­tend as far as 20 Semidiameters of the Earth, h. e. 17000 German Miles (which it is most certain it doth not, nor the half of one thousand, as anon will be made to appear) if the Comet Hevel Lib. 3. Pag. 160. is no higher then that, there will be a considerable Parallax. Inasmuch then, as to many Comets there hath been no Parallax, that demonstrates their being elevated above 17000 Mill. Germ. and consequently as far as the Aetherial Heaven. Therefore,

3. Learned Men of these later times, wherein light in things natural as well as divine hath been admirably discove­red, have by the help of Mathematical Instruments made ocular demonstrati­ons, that Comets are far above this Aery Heaven, wherein Animals live and move.

[Page 4] Kepler observed the Blazing Star which was seen A.D. 1618. to be at its first appearance three times as high as the Moon. Hevelius Lib. 5. P. 317 then whom no man was more industrious and accurate in observing the Comet, A. D. 1652. saith that January the first it was as high as the sphaere of Mercury, Janu­ary the sixth as high as Venus, Ian. 8. as high as Mars, January 9. as high as the Orb of Jupiter. It was distant from the Earth 154 [...]4. S T. and not only the more subtile Doctrine of Parallaxes de­monstrates that Blazing Stars are be­yond the aery Region, but other consi­derations also evince it, e. g. that of its continuing so many hours above the Horizon, and being observed by per­sons in Countryes remote one from ano­ther at the same hour, to be in the same constellation or place in the Heavens. Let us (saith Hevelius) suppose the supream Region of the Air to be 20 German miles (or 80 Italick miles) off,Kepler de Co­metis P. 33. and yet that is no doubt higher then the Air is extended; for the tops of some Mountains are higher then the Clouds, so as that the Air doth not go beyond them: If men ascend the top of Mount Olympus in Asia, they die for want of air, being out of their Ele­ments, [Page 5] just as Fishes die when lifted a­bove the water; But supposing it to be 80 miles distant from the Earth, and the Comet to be there, it would not have been above the Horizon, more then two hours; when as it was so 17 hours. And at the very hour when Idem in Lib. 3. P. 151, 155. Hevelius did at Dantzick observe it to be in the Star near the foot of Per­sius, Bullialdus in Paris saw it in the very same place, whenas, if it had been no higher then the supream Region of the air, it would have appeared to Bul­lialdus (being then in Paris) in Hercu­les and not in Persius, as it did to those in Dantzick Nor would a Blazing Star be observed by all the World at once (where the Stars under which it moves, are seen) if it were not above the air. The opinion of Panaetius, who thought that a Comet was a meer Emphasis or Parelion, proceeding from the refle­ction of some other Star, is solidly re­futed, from this consideration, that a Parelion is not seen in all Countries at once; The same argument proveth that Comets have their existence above the air.

4. We may argue from the magni­tude of Comets, that they are as high as the starry Heaven. S [...]ellius In Libro de Cometa Anno. 1618. en­deavours [Page 6] by Mathematical demonstra­tion to evince that if the whole airy Heaven should be contracted into one Globe it would not be so big as the head of that Comet, which appeared, A. D. 1577. how then is it possible for the air to contain so vast a body? Majus non potest con [...]ineri a minori. And Gotfridu [...] Wendelinus observed that the magnitude of the Comet which appear­ed A.D. 1652. did equal or exceed the Moon. And Hevelius L. 6. P. 323. writing of the same Comet, saith, that it was great­er then the Moon, and that he was asto­nished, when with exact Mathematical Instruments he examined it; and though other Learned Men were with him at the same time, and helpful in his Obser­vations, he professeth he could not have believed what they said, if his own eyes had not beheld it. Nay▪ he saith, that that Comet did almost equal the Sun a little before its disappearing, Ibid. P. 338. yet the Sun is (according to his judgment) 3462 times as big as the Earth. Is it likely that a body of so stupendious a magnitude should be contained in this low & little Heaven, wherein Mortal Creatures have their Breath and Be­ing?

5. Some Comets (as Galtruchius de [Page 7] Sphaera Mundi, Cap. 6. P. 125. confes­seth) have been absconded, by the in­terposition of a Planet between the Earth and them, which could not be if they did not move in an higher Sphere then the Planet whereby they were E­clipsed: But notwithstanding these Ar­guments are so convictive and demon­strative▪ its marvellous to see how some Popish Authors (Jesuites especially) strain their wits to defend their Pagan Master▪ Aristotle his Principles. Bulli­aldus speaks of a Florentine Physitian, that all the Friends he had could never perswade him once to view the Heavens through a Telescope, and he gave that reason for his refusal, because he was a­fraid that then his Eyes would make him stagger concerning the truth of Aristotles Principles, which he was resolved he would not call into question. It were well, if these Men had as great veneration for the Scrip­ture as they have, for Aristotles (if in­deed they be his) absurd Books de coelo Sed de [...]is fatis.

It is an easier matter to prove that Comets are in the Aether, then to de­clare how they came there. Some an­tient Philosophers judged them to be coaevons with the Planets, and fixed [Page 8] Stars, and that only their appearance and not their existence is new. This Opinion Consulantur Aristot▪ meteor Lib. 1▪ Chap. 6. Plutarch de placitis Philo­sophorum, L. 3. Chap. 5. Ricciolus de Cometis L. 8. P. 36, 40. was embraced by Pytha­goras, Diogenes, Seneca, and by the old Chaldeans. Nor is it contradicted by Columbus, Licetus, Cartesius, with some other late Writers. And it must be acknowledged, that notwithstanding their disappearance at certain times, for many years together, they may be coaeta­neous, and altogether of the same na­ture with the true Planets. A rectili­neal motion may soon cause a Star to vanish out of our sight which yet hath a real existence still. Or some density or obscurity in the Atmosph [...]re though our Air should be never so clear, may cause it to be unobservable by us. An­tient Writers speak of some fixed Stars which are not seen by us. And divers of them do not now appear to be of the same magnitude, as in former ages. And sundry new Stars have of late ap­peared which the former Generation never saw. It seems not consonant to reason to imagine, either that the old Stars are lost, or that new ones are of late created, those glorious coelestial Bodies being of perpetual duration. The Stars are by the Hebrews called Chochabim, probably by Antiphrasis, [Page 9] from Chabah extinxit, because they are Lights which never go out; And for ought that any man is able to prove to the contrary, they shall remain as e­verlasting Monuments of the power & wisdome of God, throughout the dayes of Eternity. Nevertheless, it is admirable De hac admi­randa stella do­ctissimus Heve­lius peculiarem librum scripsit to consider, that there is a Star of later times observed in collo Coeti, which disappears every year for several Moneths, and then appears a­gain, in the very same place where it was the last year; Being at first very small and obscure, but afterwards a bright Star of the second magnitude. Also, a new Star appeared in the Swans breast, A.D. 1601 and continued shi­ning there until the year 1660. and then it disappeared, Co [...]etogra­phia P. 382. and when, or whether ever it will be seen again, no man can say: also a new Star was late­ly (viz. Anno. 1672.) discerned in the Swans head.See the Philo­sophical trans­actions for year 1677. P. 854. But though the Argument from disappearance be invalid, it is from other reasons manifest, that they are not such Planets as those created at the beginning of the World are. Co­mets are often seen out of the Zodiack, which the true Planets are not. They dispatch more way by far then the Pla­nets do▪ That Ricciolus ubi supra P. 41. Comet, A.D. 1618 [Page 10] in the space of three Moneths dispatch­ed 180 Degrees. No Planet goeth over so great an arch of the circle in so short a time. Some Comets have mo­ved 20, 30, nay 40 Degrees in one na­tural day. Whenas the lesser Planets do not absolve two degrees in that time.

Comets then are Temporary, whenas the true Planets are perpetual. As for the matter out of which they are gene­rated, Suellius, Puteanus, Fromondus, and others conceive them to be com­pacted out of evaporations▪ which do proceed from the Sun. Our modern Mathematicians, have observed, that there are Maculae Solares or spots a­bout the Sun, which sometimes may be discerned for many dayes together: & sometimes for several Moneths, nothing of that nature can be perceived. He­velius Lib. 7. Page 40 [...], 405. concludeth that the Efflu­via proceeding from the Sun are such, as will afford matter enough for 68 Comets in one year, in case those aethe­real vapours should congregate into a body. The wisest of men must inge­niously confess their own ignorance in these things, and that what they say is but problematical and conjectural. I shall not therefore be positive in any de­termination, which concerns the mat­ter [Page 11] that Comets are formed out of. Only I am easily induced to believe, that they are generated out of the same matter which Stars were in the begin­ning of the World, made of, viz. Light, or the Element of Fire, being first con­densed into lesser particles, and after that conglomorated into a vast body. In the Scripture, the Stars are called Lumi­naries, Ge. 1.1415 [Meoroth] quasi [min Or] ex luce vel igne qui abs Hebraeis [Ur] dicitur, a lucendo. We see that the Sun doth beat down fire continually, inas­much as the beams thereof, if conden­sed with a Glass, will burn. Anaxagoras Aristot. me­teor L. 1. C. 6. Plutarch de placit. Philoso­phorum L, 3. C 2 and Democritus of old thought that Comets were made of many little Stars growing into one. Which Cusatus, Tannerus, and other neotericks confess to be a very probable opinion. Some Comets have appeared broken into ma­ny Stars. In that famous Comet which was seen A.D. 1618. one might with a Telescope discern many small clots like Stars or Coals of Fire. At first it seemed to be one solid lump, but on December 8. it was divided into three unequal parts, Dec 17. it was broken into many little Stars▪ Decemb. 24. it was dissolved into more and lesser Stars Wendelinus in Teratologi [...] cometica P. 21. In the Blazing Star that appea [...]ed [Page 12] A.D. 1652. not only Hevelius and Wendelin, but the Astronomers in Man­tua viewing of it with a Telescope, per­ceived in the head of that Comet, a great many of smal Stars, & one bigger & longer than the rest, like coale of fire in an Hearth or Oven, when the wood is consumed. Mr. Robert Hook (an in­genious Mathematician now in London) observed a Star in the midst of the head of that Comet which was seen in April, A.D. 1677. The like is to be said concerning several other Comets, as may be seen in the ninth Chapter of this Dissertation. And there are many who to confirm this Notion that a Co­met is a company of small Stars grow­ing into one body, affirm that they usu­ally appear about the Galaxia or Milky Way, wherewith the skye glitters. Now the Telescope discovers that part of the skye to be exceeding full of little Stars. Blazing Stars do not alwayes (though often) appear there. Nevertheless, I believe that when we know more of the true and natural reason of the Via Lactea, we shall understand more of the nature of Comets.

CHAP. II. THe several sorts of Comets conside­red. The natural reason of the [Page 13] Blaze, the time of their appearance can­not certainly be praedicted. Notwithstanding their proceeding from natural causes, they may be portentous signs of evil Events.

Having briefly Discoursed of the place where, and the matter out of which Comets have their existence; we now proceed to consider the usual di­stributions of those admirable and a­mazing works of the glorious Creator, whose works are great, and sought out by those that have pleasure therein. As for the parts o [...] which a Comet doth consist there is the Star & the Blaze proceed­ing therefrom, whence we call them Blazing Stars. Or, the Body of the Star, and the str [...]am that follows or go­eth before it, which the Greeks call Co­ma, whence such Phaenomena have the names of Comets given to them. In respect of the Blaze, Comets have been distinguished into several sorts. The Assyrians, Arabians, and others in old times, were wont from the colour of the blaze to denominate the Comet e. g. Mizaldus de Cometis. when it was of a dark and leadish kind of colour, they called it a Saturnine; if of a bright Silver Shining colour, a Jovial; if red and fiery, a Martial ▪ if of a Golden aspect a Solar; if a bright [Page 14] yellow a Venereal; if caerulean and va­rious▪ a Mercurial Comet. But the Latines and Greeks have distinguished Comets from the form of the Blaze, which they appear with. Pliny Nat. Histor- L. 2. C. 25 mentions about ten several sorts of Bla­zing Stars. But all may be reduced to these two general heads: viz. Longoman tanus de novis coeli phoenom. C. 1. Ricciolus de Cometis C. 2 Hevelius Co­metogr. L. 8. P. 439. That a Comet is either 1, Crinite, h. e. when the Beams or Blaze is all round the body of the Star; under which cometh that sort of Comet which is called Disceus, appearing in form like a Dish. Pithites, when the Comet is like a Tub or Hogshead, Hippeus, when it resembles an Horses main. Hircus, when the Blaze is like to Goats hair. Or 2. Barba [...]e, h. e. when the Blaze is on the one side of the Comet only. Under this comes that which is called Acontias, when the blaze is in the form of a Dart. Longitis, when it is in the form of a Lance or Spear. Xiphias, when in the form of a Sword. Cere­tias when it bends like a crooked Horn. Lampadias, when it blazeth like a Lamp. As for the true cause of the Blaze, it seems evident that it doth proceed from the Sun beams, passing through the bo­dy of the Star. For the Coma or Blaze is not on that side of the Star which is [Page 15] next to the Sun, but which is opposite there from. Some antient Writers be­gan a little to take notice of this. But Appianus was the first that did fully and clearly discern it to be so, being con­vinced of the truth of this notion, by five several Comets which himself lived to see, viz. Those in Anno. 1531, 32, 33, 38, 39. Likewise Gemma, and Cornelius Frisius, Fracastorius, Tycho, and of la­ter times Gassendus, and many other fa­mous Mathematicians, and diligent ob­servers of things of this nature whom the learned Reader may see quo­ted by L. 8. P. 432. Hevelius. Moreover, Vbi suprae C. 6. P, 16. Longomontanus observeth, that if the Comet have a more lateral disposition towards the Sun, then it will be Cauda­tus, but if the opposition to the Sun be more direct, or the Comet elevated a­bove the Sun, then it will be Crinite, or the Blaze but short. The blaze is long or short according to the opposition to­wards the Sun, and distance from the Earth. The blaze of some Comets hath extended it self above ninety De­grees. There was one in Aristotle's time that was an 130 Degrees in Lon­gitude. If the Comet be higher then the Sun, the blaze will be short. If the Comet be as low as the Sun, then [Page 16] the nearer it is to the Sun, the longer will the blaze appear to be. By the things that have been thus far discour­sed, we may conclude that the time of any Comets appearance cannot certain­ly be praedicted before hand. Some very learned men, (in special the great and noble De augmen­tis scienti [...]rum P. 242. Verulam) have suppo­sed that this knowledge is attainable. Indeed, if Comets were sempiternal bodies, by experience and observation their appearance might be exactly prae­dicted. But since they are generated in the Aether, no man can any more tell when they shall be seen, then he can know when a Paraelion, or Draco volans or the like will be generated in the Air. Yet I will not deny, but that a probable conjecture, as to the year of a Comets appearance, may be made from the conjunction of the superiour Planets. It hath been Franciscus Junctinus in Annotationibus de Cometis Cornelius Gemma Cos­mogr. L. 1 C. 18 observed that those rare Conjunctions are commonly at­tended with the appearance of some new Star, or Comet: So indeed it was as to the Blazing Stars in 1504, 1506, 1525, 1577, 1583. 1664. notable con­junctions of the Planets did praecede them. Upon this ground,Edlin in his praenuncius sy­dereus Pag. 36 37, 89. a late Astrologer, publishing a Treatise of the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter [Page 17] Anno. 1663. conjectured that a Comet would appear the next year: which hapned to be true; and if an A­strologer (as the blind man hits the mark) chance to praedict right once, more notice is taken of that, then of his mistaking an hundred times over. Very notable Conjunctions of the Pla­nets hapned this present, and will do so again the next year, (as shall be more particularly mentioned) If any man should now positively affirm, that within this twelve moneth another Bla­zing Star will appear, it would be pre­sumptuous, although it is both possible and probable that it may so come to pass. But the observation doth not alwayes hold good; For there have been both greater and lesser Conjun­ctions of the Planets, when no Comet hath appeared, and many Comets with­out any such Conjunctions immediately praeceding. In few words, sometimes, many Blazing Stars have been seen within the compass of a few years; there have been at least ten within these eighty years last past. But in some a­ges, not one Comet hath appeared for an hundred years together. Since se­veral may appear (in two, nay) in one year, and it may be not one in fifty nor [Page 18] in an hundred years, the appearance of such Phaenomena's, cannot be infallibly foreseen by any humane understanding upon Earth.

There are who think, that inasmuch as Comets may be supposed to proceed from natural causes, there is no speak­ing voice of Heaven in them, beyond what is to be said of all other works of God. But certain it is, that many things which may happen according to the course of nature, are portentous signs of divine anger, and prognosticks of great evils hastening upon the world A Learned and Judicious Author Hevelius in Cometogr. Lib. 8. P. 540. conceiveth that the prodigious dark­ness which hapned in the Sun at the time of our Saviour Christ's Passion, was caused by a Comets interposing it self between the Sun and the Earth; yet that darkness was a sign of Gods anger, and that darkness of misery should come upon the Jewish Nation, for their un­paralleld wickedness in Crucifying the Son of God. Luther thinks, that then Joels Prophesie was fulfilled, who pre­dicted that the Sun should be turned into Luther in Joel 2. sic & glossa ordinaria Gasper sancti­us & alii in lo­cum. darkness before the terrible day of the Lord came. Thunder, Lightning, Hail, and Rain, are from natural causes, yet are they sometimes signs of Gods [Page 19] holy displeasure, Exod. 9.24▪ 34. 1 Sam, 7.1. & 12.17.Psal. 18.13, 14. & 77.17, 18. Earthquakes are from natural causes, yet there is many times a very speaking voice of God in them. The Jews have a Tradition, that the first Earth-quake hapned in the dayes of Nahor, as a sign of Gods anger be­cause men were then become Idolaters. They also say that when Joshua was bu­ried there was an Earth-quake in the place where he was interred, signifying that God was offended at the Children of Israel, because they layed not Jo­shuah's death to heart so much as they should have done, whence V. Notas Lempereur in R Benjamin Iti­nerar P. 142. that Mountain is called Har gahas The trembling Mountain: R. Aza­rias Vide Hottin­ger dissertation de Terrae motu, P. 186. upon occasion of a terrible Earth-quake, which hapned in Ferra­ria, A.D· 1571. wrote a Discourse on that Subject, and the Title of his Book is Kol Elohim h. e. The voice of God. And the Holy Scriptures mention Earth-quakes as being sometimes Prog­nosticks of Mutations and Miseries, & Signs of divine anger. Amos 1.1. Zech. 14.5. Luk. 21.11. 1 Sam. 14, 15. The great Revolutions and Conjuncti­ons of the Planets come to pass accord­ing to the ordinary course of nature; yet are they wont to be attended with [Page 20] remarkable Commotions in this lower World, as is commonly observed & be­lieved by Learned Men, & may further be declared in the close of this Dis­course. The like is to be said of nota­ble Eclipses of the Luminaries in Hea­ven. I confess I have not so great an Opinion of the ominousness of Eclip­ses, as I perceive some Learned and Good Men have, since every Year, there is an Eclipse taken notice of in one part of the Earth or other. Nevertheless, whoso reads Calvisius and other Chro­nologers, will perhaps think that such a notion is not wholly to be slighted. Chronologers observe that in the very Year when the ten Tribes were carried into Captivity, there hapned a great Eclipse of the Sun, which came not to pass without a special hand of divine providence; unto this the Prophet seemeth to allude, Amos 8.9. That E­clipse was ominous of a Dark Day coming upon Samaria. Many notable Instances might be produced to this purpose. And something hath been observed among our selves, which seems to confirm their Opinion, who believe that total and central Eclipses, are ominous of mutations where they happen. There was such an Eclipse [Page 21] of the Sun in New England (Aug. 12. A. D. 1672.) the day before the Com­mencement, and that Year the Colleage was Eclipsed by the death of the Learn­ed Praesident there, worthy M. Channcy; and two Colonies (viz. Massachusets, and Plimouth) by the death of two Go­vernours, who died within a twelve moneth after. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the World. He that rideth upon the Heavens, and in his Excellency on the skie, when he decreed that such events should come to pass; did also deter­mine that such things should go before. Shall then such mighty works of God as Comets are, be insignificant things? There are (as in the last Chapter we shall more amply express) who think that Comets have a natural influence upon the Earth. Hevelius Vbi supra Page 319. ac­knowledgeth that the Blaze proceeding from some Comets, doth strike the earth, although Men perceive it not, because then the Comet must be in Conjunction with the Sun. The accurate and inge­nious Kepl [...]r In Cometarum Physiologiae P. 104. supposeth that the Blaze of some Comets, is perforated by the Earth▪ If so, they may well cause Droughts, and many other miseries. But others take them to be indicant [Page 22] rather then natural (they may be, and for my part I believe they are both) signs of evils to come; like as strange apparitions in the air, Armies fighting, Ships sailing there, and the like, have no natural influence to cause wars and commotions where they are seen, only they are indications of such trou­bles at h [...]nd. It may furthermore be added, that though evils should not fol­low, God may in his merciful provi­dence, cause such sights to be observed, that so he might awaken Mortals to Repentance. He sometimes threaten­eth because he would not strike. Au­gustine Lege eum de civitate dei L. [...] C. 21. L. 3. C. 1 L. 22. C. 8 speaketh of a fiery Cloud that hung over the City of Constanti­nople, whereat the People were ama [...]ed, and fell to praying and crying to God for mercy, and promised reformation of their evil wayes, and Judgement did not follow. Volens quidem Deus [...]erre­re civitatem, & terrendo, emendare. I know there are that esteem Prognosti­cations of this nature, as weak and groundless. So doth Erastus, and many Popish Authors, and some few others. Vincentius Guinisius made an Oration de faelicitate Cometarum, decla­ring that the Blazing Star which ap­peared An. 1618. was an happy Bla­zing [Page 23] Star, but I believe there is not one good man in the World of his mind as to that particular Comet. A Franciscus Milleit Asro. L. 8. P. 582. Jesuit (who I suppose is still living) hath these words, plerosque cometas absque ulla calamitate fuisse assero. A false and a bold assertion. Another Iesuit Ricciolus de Cometis P. 34 no less learned then the former, at­tempting to give a Catalogue of happy Comets, could not reckon up above twelve such since the World began, and some of those were attended with the most direful effects that can be menti­oned; only because Tamerlain prospe­red, it must be called a Faustous Co­met. I have elsewhere mentioned, that the Wise Men among the Gentiles al­wayes looked upon Blazing Stars as malorum praenuncios, the Heraulds, and Messengers of evil Tidings to the world. The antient Doctors in the Christian Church, Tertullian, Damascene, and Quos vide ci­tatos apud Tan­nerum in dis­sertatione de coelo Quest. 7. Par 4. many others, were of the same Opini­on. And so are the generality of our modern and judicious Divines. And surely this Opinion tends more to piety, and the fear of God, then theirs doth, who think that Blazing Stars sig­nifie no more then a Cloud in the air. It is moreover, of weighty considera­tion with me, (and I hope will be so [Page 24] with many others) that the Scripture doth declare, not only that the Stars are for signs, but that Fearful sights in the Heavens Comet [...] [...] a Chri­sto dicitur F [...]antzius de [...]nterpretatione Scripturae Pag 1023. (and such are Comets) signifie calamitous times, and that signs in the Stars, betoken a storm amongst the Nations upon Earth, and that Pil­lars of smoke portend a notable day of the Lord to be at hand; also the expe­rience both of the former, and of this present age declareth, that when Bla­zing Stars have been seen, great muta­tions and miseries have come upon Mortals, as will by the subsequent Re­lation be made to appear.

CHAP. III. The History of Comets from the begin­ning of the World to the first coming of Christ; together with some re­markable Events attending them.

THere are sundry Learned men, who affirm that in the Year after the Creation 1656. which wa [...] (according to the computation of those great Chronologers, Calvisius and Helvicus) two thousand two hundred and ninety two years before our Saviours nativity, [Page 25] there was seen a formidable Blazing Star, which all the old World beheld for the space of nine and twenty dayes. It appeared first in the sign of Pisces, and in a moneths time passed through all the twelve Signs of the Zodiack, as is affirmed by In discriptione cometae 1607 Herlicius. In Historia cometarum Eck stormius, and Rockenbachius. This is the first Comet, that any Writers (so far as in my small reading I have observed) make mention of. Immediate­ly upon its appearing Methuselah died, and according unto the signification of the name, which his Father Enoch (be­ing a Prophet) imposed upon him: The next Year, the Flood came where­in all the Men, Women and Children throughout the Earth (excepting eight persons) perished. And it is the judgement of some, Aventinus Sebastianus Frank. & alii. that more per­sons were drowned by Noahs flood then are now living upon the face of the whole Earth, or ever have been at one time since that.

Anno Mundi. 1744▪ There appeared a Comet in the sign of Capricorn, Testante Roc­kenbachio de cometis which in the space of sixty five dayes passed through three of the Caelestial Signs. The building of Babel, confusion of Languages, and consequent disparsing of Mankind throughout the World, [Page 26] have been noted as Events attending that Comet. Nimrod, (the first Ty­rant in the world) was Subito non comparuit trans latus a diis. Be­rosus [...] a malis daemoniis ob [...]taximam impietatem. Funccius carried a­way after an unknown manner, some think that God permitted the Devil to carry that most wicked man alive body and soul to Hell.

A. M. 2118. A Comet was obser­ved in the sign of Aries, which conti­nued for the space of 22 dayes. After this followed that Famine mentioned in the Scripture which caused Abraham to remove into Aegypt. Also Camesenuu [...] Berosus headed an Army, and fell upon the Assyrians, but Ninias withstood him, in Battle overcame him, and caused his head to be cut off.

A. M. 2128. Idem ubi supra Not many years after the death of Abraham, another Comet appeared in the sign of Leo for the space of nine dayes. Great mu­tations and miseries quickly followed in the World, as Serapis and Osiris (Ae­gyptian Demons) had prognosticated. Also, that Famin [...] in Isaac's dayes of which we read Gen. 26.1. About this time Phaeton (who is thought to be that Son of Chaus who is by Moses called Phut) Funccius. caused a fearful conflagra­tion in Italy. Whence it was called then Palesana, i. e. the burnt Countrey.

[Page 27] A.M. 2230. A fiery and terrible Comet was seen, appearing in Sagi­tarius, coyling after a strange manner, representing the form of an imperfect circle Lib. 2.25. 'Tis judged that Pliny speaks of this Prodigy. It was by the King of Egypt then living called by the name of Typhon, i. e. Vort [...]x fumigans sed sine igne. Which seems to confirm their opinion who think that in old time a Comet was known by that Name Mede Dis­course on John 10.28. P. 37 of a Pillar of Smoke. After this Comet, there was a Dearth for Hujus famis meminit Justi­nus Lib. 36. & Orosius Lib. 1. Cap. 8. seven years together, and that in all Countries; viz. that spoken of in the Scripture in Ioseph's time, which followed the seven years plenty in Aegypt▪ Canaan, Aethiopia, Aegy,t and other Countries felt the direful effects of that Prodigy.

A.M. 2453. Rockenba­chius in libro supra citato. vid. Alsted praecogn Theol L. 2. P. 451. A Comet was ob­served in Syria, Chaldea, &c. in the sign of Capricorn; in which year the Children of Israel were delivered from their bondage to the Aegyptians, when Pharaoh and his Host received that fatal and memorable overthrow so much celebrated in the Holy Book of God.

A.M. 2770. In the Idem. Moneth of August, a formidable Comet appear­ed in Gemini. After which followed the [Page 28] death of that wicked Tyrant Autene­mos. Also, that long and miserable War which arose about Helena, and the doleful destruction of Troy. Likewise the War of the Amazons, with the Thebans, was near this time.

A M. 2795. A Comet Idem. was seen in Aries, flaming for the space of 43. dayes. This was in the dayes of Sam­son, at (and by) whose death all the Lords of the Philistines, and about 3000 Men and Women were slain by the fall of their Idol's Temple, as they were Sa­crificing to Dagon their god. Histori­ans also speak of a Comet which was ta­ken notice of about the Year of the World 3458, and was termed Ceratius, De quo come­ta praeco [...]ius, Lycosthenes, Rockenbachi­us, Ec [...]stormi­us, Hevelius, &c. Scripserunt because of its appearing crooked like to an Horn. Writers vary about the praecise year, when this Comet ap­peared. Only it is indubitable, that it was in the dayes of Anaxagoras and De­mocritus, who are the most antient Wri­ters that give us any hystorical account about Comets. There was a notable Eclipse of the Sun, preceding that Co­met; which Calvisius judgeth to be extraordinary and supernatural. Re­markable Providences which hapned about that time vid. Funcil Chronol. were; Haman's bloody Plot to Massacre all the Jews in [Page 29] one day, together with the strange dis­covery and disappoin [...]ment of that hel­lish contrivance. Also, Xerxes his mo­tions who put the whole World into an uproar, mustering together an Ar­my of seventeen hundred thousand Foot and fourscore thousand Horse, and a Fleet consisting of above two thousand Gallies. Yea, Herodotus reporteth that his Army did at least consist of a­bove five Millions; designing to subdue Greece. But his Navy was vanquished by Themistocles, his great Army routed. No less then three hundred thousand Soldiers under the Command of Ma [...] ­donius were all slain; Athens was burnt.

A.M 3518. (Or as others com­pute the age of the World An. 3537.) There was seen a fearful Comet for 75. dayes together L. 2. C. 25 Pliny In Lysandro. Plutarch, Meteorologia Aristotle, and other antient Writers, speak of this Comet. Anaxagoras took upon him to predict, that an horrible Tempest would follow. He hapned to conjecture right. There was Charlmander in libro de Co­metis. a strange Whirlwind, that took a little Rock off from a great Rock, and lifted it up on high, and carried it away through the air, until it fell down at Aegos, a River in Thrace, to the amaze­ment [Page 30] of the people there, who suppo­sed that mighty Stone to have come down out o [...] Heaven. But the great commotion attending this Comet, was that civil war among the Graecians, called the Peloponesian War, which con­tinued for 27 years, until Greece was al­most emptied of Inhabitants. Also, a Ricciolus de Cometis. pestilential and mortal Catarh so prevailed in Athens, as greatly to de­populate that place. A prodigious Earthquake hapned about a year after this, so that a Mountain was broken in pieces, and a City turned into an Island.

A.M. 3537. (or as others 3553.) a septentrional Comet appeared in Jae­nuary which many Aristotles in Meteor L 1. C 6 Mizaldus L. 1. Cap. 11. Eberus, Pence­rus Ekstormius & alii. Writers have taken notice of. That fearful slaughter of the Athenians, which Historians make mention of, did accompany this Prodigy. About nine years after that Aristoteles ubi supra. Se­neca. Nat. Qu. L. 7. C. 16. another Comet was observed, ap­pearing in the winter time, immediate­ly after Sun set. At first only the stream and not the Star was seen (be­cause of its nearness to the Sun) which was extended over a third part of the heavens, i. e. 130 degrees. It ascended to Orions girdle, and there disappeared. After that, hapned that Earth-quake [Page 31] Deluge in Achaia, wherein multitudes perished. Helice and Buris (two fa­mous Cities) were lost in the Sea. It was about this time that Nehemiah built up the walls of Jerusalem, and then the times were troublous, Dan. 9.25.

A.M. 3594. There was seen in Leo, a bearded Comet, which after­wards changed its form and appeared like a Spear. The remarkable Events then observed, were the burning of Diana's Temple at Ephesus, and Alex­ander sirnamed the Great, his Birth in the same day. Ptolomaeus Al [...]rites, kil­led the King, and Reigned in Macedo­nia. A miserable Destruction came upon Sidon.

Fifteen years after, there was a nother Comet, near the Equinoctial circle, Aristoteles L. 1. C. 7. Rockenbachi­us. in Sagittarius, continuing nineteen dayes. What strange and amazing changes hapned in the World after that by means of Alexander the Great, is known to all men. Of him the Prophet Daniel speaks, Chap. 8.5. when h [...] saith, He saw an H [...] goat come from the West, on the face of the whole Earth, and he touched not the ground. For Alexander made speedy work in conquering the Nations. In the space of six years, the face of things all the Earth over was [Page 32] changed. The Pe [...]sian empire brought to its period, and the third of Daniels Monarchies then began.

A.M. 3729. There was a Comet Rockenba­chius appearing in Aries, for the space of 22 dayes. After which great Wa [...]s in France followed. Selenchus ▪ the King of Asiae and Syria treacherously Murdered. Amilcor marching with an Army into Spain enlargeth the Domi­nions of the Carthaginians.

A.M. 3752. A Comet was seen some few dayes in Capricorn, and two Mo­neths after again in Cancer, for the space of 19 dayes. Rockenba­chius Lycos­thenes. v. Jo­seph Antiq. I [...]d. L. 12. C. 3 Two years af­ter this▪ another Comet of a stupendous magnitude appeared for eighty dayes together, this I take to be the same which some Authors place about ten years after; viz. a Comet appearing in the sign of Pisces, extending it self over (near upon) a fourth part of the Hea­vens, Cornelius Gemma in Cosmo. [...]. 1 C. 8 and its fulgor was such as did overcome the brightness of the Sun, so as that it was seen not only in the night, but also in the light day.

Mithridates his wars, and those be­tween Antiochus and Achaeus, and the bloody Battle fought between the Ro­man [...] and the Car [...]aginians, wherein Hannibal wa [...] [...]vercome by Marcellus [Page 33] and Asdrubal by the Scipio's; the death of the King of Sicily (whose Son suc­ceeding and carrying himself insolent­ly, was slain) are mentioned as great Events attending that Prodigy. In this second Punic war fifteen hundred thousand▪ lost their lives. In Spain ▪ no less then 300 Towns were destroyed.

A.M. 3789. A Comet was seen in Aries appearing thirty two dayes. King Seleuchus was poisoned, and there suc­ceeded Antiochus, whom his flatterers called Epiphanes, but the Scripture terms him a vile Person. He raised a terrible Persecution against the Church of God, committing horrid and out­ragious Cruelties, defiling the Temple, interdicting the publick worship of God Dan. 11.21, 31. He was a notable Type of Antichrist, nor is it to be won­dred at, if a Star, Blaze in Heaven, when such miseries were coming on the Earth.

Rockenbachius writeth of a Comet appearing A.M. 3795 for the space of a Year and three weeks together. But there must needs be some mistake in that Relation, and therefore I praeter­mit it, and proceed unto,

A.M. 3798. (or as others 3782) when there appeared a Comet in Sep­tember ▪ [Page 34] presently upon an Eclipse o [...] the Moon. After which Perseus the last King of Macedonia was overcome by Aemilius. Within 10 years ano­ther Comet appeared, which was at­tended with a woful Dearth and Plague and a long war between the Carthagi­nians and the Romans. An Army of the Bastans going over the Ice, it broke under them, that very few escaped with their lives.

A.M. 381 [...]. There appeared a Comet in the sign of Capricorn, in mag­nitude equalling the Sun, and with its light overcoming the darkness of the night. Of this Seneca Nat. Quest. L. 7. C. 15. and after him many others have written. This Prodigy was attended with the Achaick War. The City of Carthage was ta­ken and destroyed by Scipio. The City of Corinth was burnt by Mummius.

About ten years after that, another Comet appeared for the space of eighty three dayes, of which Seneca writes. At the first appearance it was very small but within a few dayes it grew to a stu­pendious magnitude, Seneca ibid extending it self over the Via Lactea, so as was won­derful to behold.

Lib. 37. Justin speaketh of a Comet whose fulgor was like that of the Sun▪ [Page 35] the tail of it being 90 Degrees in length, shining so as that all the hea­ven seemed to be of a light fire, which is supposed to be the same with that mentioned by Seneca. As for Events, bloody Battles were fought between the Romans and the Gauls, wherein a [...] infinite number of men were slain: Also wars between the King of Syria and the King of Egypt. The King of Syria was deserted by his Souldiers, ta­ken and slain.

A.M. 3863. (Or according to the computation of others Anno 3879) Scribentibus Rockenbach. Ebero, & aliis. A Comet was seen in the sign of Virgo, continuing 94 dayes. This was that which L. 2. C. 25▪ Pliny calleth Terrificum sidus, the terrible Star. Mithridates invaded. Asia; after which followed that bloody Civil War between Ma­rius and Octavius.

A.M. (Circiter) 3900. Several Testibus Pli­nio, Lucano, &c. Comets were observed as portentous of the War between Pompey and Caesar; And of Pompey his fall. It is also re­ported Mizald. L 1. C. 9. Rockenb. that Caesars death was at­tended with a Comet of that sort which is called Xiphias.

A.M. 3920. A Licosthenes Rockenbach▪ Comet appear­ed in Libra, flaming for 95 dayes. The [Page 36] same year Antonius being overcome, killed himself, and Octavius Caesar sub­dued the Land of Aegypt. It is almost incredible to relate how many Millions lost their lives in those distracted times, by the Roman sword at home and a­broad.

And thus much for Comets appear­ing from the beginning of the World until the Incarnation of the Son of God, so far as Authors have taken no­tice of them.

CHAP. IV. An Historical Account of what Blazing Stars were seen within the first five hundred Years after Christ's Incarna­tion, and the Notable Events which still followed them.

WE proceed to consider what Blazing Stars have appeared since our Saviours Nativity. Some mention that, which directed the Magi to the Town and House where Christ was born. The superstition of former ages hath p [...]ctured that Star with a Blaze pointing towards Bethlehem. But Tycho and v. Ricciolum de novis stellis C. 19. P. 179. &c. others, have by invin­ [...]ible [Page 37] Arguments, proved that that ad­mirable Star was not a Comet properly.

The first then which we shall take notice of, is, that which was seen, A.D 13. appearing in the sign of Aries Alstedius in Chron. C. 49 for the space of 32 dayes.

After which three Roman Legions pe­rished; Quintilius Varius, was slain by the Germans. Upon whom the Empe­rour Tiberius maketh war.

A.D. 14. As Calvisius reckons, but according to other Chronologers A.D. 16. Suetonius▪ Alsted. divers Comets (or several ap­pearances of the same Comet) were observed, which have been judged as portentous of the death of Augustus Caesar, who died not long after. Other remarkable Events attending this Co­met, were, a great Mutiny in the Roman Army, terrible slaughters amongst the Germans, whose King Arminius was slain by his own Kinsmen: an Earth-quake whereby a great part of the City of Rome was ruined, and an inundation through the River Tiber's overflowing so that many Persons & Edifices were destroyed.

[Page 38] A. D. 56. A Star was seen in the sign of Cancer, Lycosthenes. Alsted. encyclop P. 2159. blazing for the space of four Moneths, directing its course from the North towards the East. The Emperour Claudius died, bloody Nero succeeded, who murdered besides his own Mother, and his Wife, and his Master Seneca, an infinite num­ber of holy Martyrs. The same Co­met appeared again the next Year, so that Nero's Reign began with a blazing Star, great Commotions hapned in Jsu­dea, Chronologers observe that it was in this Year, that Hermogenes and Phygellus made woful Apostasie and Schisme in the Asiatick Churches; and so apeared to be no other then wan­dring Stars, 2 Tim. 3.15.

A.D. 62. A Comet was seen fla­ming in the Heavens, Seneca Nat. Q.L. 7. Chap. 21, 09, for the space of six moneths together, having its motion from the East, partly towards the West, and partly towards the South Alstedius This appearing after Nero's quin­quennium, wherein he seemed a good Emperour, was expired, 'tis Alstedius thought that it was portentous of his after unparalleld Cruelties, and most Tragical end.

A. D. 66. Another Comet Tacitus Roc­kenbachius. Mizaldus. Al­sted. ap­peared [Page 39] for six Moneths together in the sign of Gemini. After which follow­ed prodigious Tempests, and a fearful Earth quake, whereby Laodicea, Hiera­polis, and Coloss (famous Cities in the lesser Asia) were sorely afflicted. This Blazing Star was attended with a terri­ble Persecution, in the which the A­postles Paul and Peter were put to Death. Rome was set on fire by Nero, that Conflagration continued for six dayes together. Soon after this Me­ander and his Followers caused great trouble among Christians in the Pri­mitive times. He was an Antichrist, h. e. a false Christ, it is not improbable but that the Apostle John hath respect to him as well as to other pretended Christs, 1 Joh. 2.18.

A D. 70. (or as others 71) A bla­zing Star like a flaming Sword appeared Josephus de bello Judaeo­rum. L. 7. for a year together. It was first ob­served at the time of the Jews Passeover (viz. on the eighth of April) in the sign of Virgo. This was attended with a new Emperour, viz. Vespasian, with the destruction of Jerusalem, and the most miserable ruine of the Jewish na­tion, by the Sword of the Romans. Zonaras. T. 1. Many other Prodigies were taken [Page 40] notice of at the same time. Armies fighting in the Air, &c. Xephilinus wri­teth that there were two prodigious Eclipses of the Moon, viz. that the Moon was obscured on the fourth, and on the seventh day▪ And from him Lycosthenes speaks to the same purpose. But Calvisius did by calculation find, that there were two Eclipses of the Moon this year, which were not super­natural.

A.D. 76. (or 77.) A Comet called Plin. L 2. C 25. Suero­nius. Lycost [...]enes, &c. Acontias, because of its appearing in the form of a Dart, was observed. The Emperour Titus (in the fifth year of his Consulship) d [...]scribed this Co­met in verse. The next year another Comet was seen (or rather the same Comet appeared the second time) there followed an horrible Earth-quake in Cyp [...]us and other places, whereby many Towns perished. Hevelius & Rockenbachi­us. The next year a Comet was seen again eighty dayes. Earth-quakes followed, and a terrible Plague in Rome, and a remark­able Drought. When Vespasian the Emperour saw this Blazing Star, he joked at it, saying, it concerned the Parthians who had long hair, not him who was Bald. But soon after Vespasian [Page 41] himself died. This Comet was atten­ded with the Heresie of Corinthus and the Ebionites.

I cannot find in Authors, that any Comet appeared after that, for about the space of fifty years, viz. not until the year of our Lord 138, when a Star Rockenbae­chius was seen blazing 39 nights together in the signs of Aquarius and Pisces. An Earthquake followed, so that the Cities of Nicopolis and Cesarea were swallow­ed up thereby.

A.D. 145. Idem. A Star was seen blazing in Aquarius six nights. An Earth-quake and a Prodigious Flood followed. Rhodus and other famous places were shaken after an horrendous manner. The Valentinian Hereticks prevailed about this time.

A.D. 188. A bearded Comet (from its form called Pogonias) was seen. Herodian L. 1. Lavater. Great Wars ensued in the Roman Em­pire. The Temple of peace (so cal­led) was suddenly burnt down. The Capitol was struck with Lightning and set on fire, the neighbouring Edifices (wherein was a famous Library) was consumed. The next year the City of Rome was afflicted with a sore Famine. About this time the Britans losing their [Page 42] King Lucius fell into dissentions a­mongst themselves, and so became a prey to the Romans.

A.D. 195. in the dayes of the Em­perour Severus V. Hevelii Cometog. C. 12 P. 805. a Star was seen bla­zing for many dayes together. Which was then looked upon as an Omen of appro [...]ing Miseries. About that time, there were great wars between the Ro­mans and the Parthians; Also lamenta­ble contentions and schismes amongst Christians ▪ about the observation of Easter. The Bishop of Rome took up­on him to excommunicate those that were not of his mind about that matter whereby a world of sin and trouble was occasioned, and way made for Persecu­tion. Not long after this the Originists and those that would be called Aposto­lici occasioned great troubles in the Churches.

A.D. 217. Calvisius Lycosthenes. A Comet appeared in the sign of Pisces for 18 dayes. This was attended with the Death of Cara­calla. The Emperour Antonius visit­ing the City of Alexandria, desired to see the Youth therein, and giving a sign to his Souldiers caused them to be cru­elly slain. The Romans made great slaughter amongst the Gothes. The [Page 45] of Parthia came with a great Army a­gainst the Romans. The Emperour died.

After this time, no Blazing Star ap­peared (or however none is mentioned by any Hystorian, that I have met with) for near upon an hundred years. The next was Scribente Rockenbachi [...] A. D. 306. soon after which Constantius Chlorus (the Father of great Constantine) died at York in England (then called Britain.) The bla­zing Star was attended with the most bloody and cruel Persecution that ever was, viz. that under Dioclesian, who hoped he had (according to his design) destroyed all that did bear the Name of Christ throughout the Earth. This Year did Miletius his Schism happen. Within a few years Arius began to dis­seminate his Pestiferous Doctrine, and Donatisme put the African Churches into an unhappy Blaze.

A D. 323. A Comet appeared Peucerus de divinatiene. P. 359. Alst. &c. in the sign of Virgo. After which the Arian Heresie prevailed exceedingly, so that the Christian world (as Jerome speaks) sighed to see it self become an Arian. The memorable wars between Constantine and Licinius hapned about that time, which issued in wonderful [Page 44] changes, the whole Empire being turn­ed upside down. The marvellous things spoken of in the twelfth Chapter of the Revelation were now accomplished.

A. D. 337. A stupendous Comet, and terrible to behold, was seen in the sign of Aries Oros [...]us L. C. 19. Eutropius L 10 Alstedius &c. continuing for the space of six Moneths. Immediately after which followed the death of Con­stantine, sirnamed the great, whose death made way for great Divisions in the Roman Empire, and infinite miseries upon all Christendome. His Son Con­stantius being an Arian, quickly be­came a Persecutor.

A D. 363. A Blazing Star Eckstormius ex Ammiano L. 25. D. Christiani Hevelius &c. was seen and that not only in the night but in the day time. This was attended with Iulian the Apostate his war against the Persians, and with the prodigious death of that great Apostate. About two years after that, another Comet was seen in Aries, continuing eleven weeks. A most prodigious Earth-quake followed Alst. ubi su­pra & in Ency­cloped. p. 2165 Calvisius in Chronol. which was perceived (as Historians affirm) in all parts of the world. The like to this Earth-quake was never known. The waves of the Sea were roul'd out of their chanels, and Ships left hanging on the tops of [Page 45] Houses; & a fearful-Inundation, so that many Cities, and innumerable Souls pe­rished by those Calamities. Many Persons about Constantinople were kil­led by an Hail-storm. The Macedo­nian Heresie caused great troubles and disturbances in the Church of Christ. The Iews attempted to rebuild a Tem­ple at Ierusalem, but fire came from Heaven, and utterly consumed their Foundation. The cruel Persecution under Valens began the next year, so that the Church was in great danger of being carried away by that flood, as Iohn foretold in the Revel. Ch. 12.15. A.D 383. (or as some Historians A.D. 393.) A Comet was seen of that sort which is called Rockenba­chius. Alstedi­us, &c. V. Niceph. L. 12. C. 33.38. Xiphias in respect of its appearing like a Sword, bigger and higher then the Morning Star, which was then where this Comet appeared, viz in Libra, continuing for the space of four Months, viz. from the beginning of May to September. Its motion was towards Vrsa Major, in the midst of which Constellation it disappeared. This was looked upon as portentous of Eugenius his Invasion. The Battle fought between Theodosius & Eugenius was a very memorable Providence, [Page 46] inasmuch as upon Theodosius his Pray­ers, God sent a Storm which beat back the Arrows of the Enemy into their own faces, the Stars in their courses fighting against them. Some mention Valentinians strangulation, and a pro­digious overflowing of the River Nilus as direful consequents of this Comet. The Helvidians, Priscillianists, and o­ther Hereticks who caused great trou­bles amongst Christians began this Year.

A.D. 389. A Blazing Star appeared from the North, being in the sign of Gemini, continuing for twenty dayes. Peucerus a­pud Tychon· Tom. 1. P. 619 625. Its Magnitude and brightness equal to Lucifer. In form like unto a Pillar. Proclus observed this Comet to be higher then the Planet Jupiter. One remarkable event which hapned after it, was, a most prodigious Hail storm continuing without intermission for two dayes together. Great Commotions and changes in France by reason of Marcomers invasion hapned not long after this. Also wars between Theodo­sius and Maximus.

A.D. 402. (circiter) Lavater ex Sozom. Hist. Eccl. L. 8. C. 4. Claudianus in Poemate de bello Geteco An ex­ceeding bright Comet in form like a Sword was seen. After this Gainus [Page 47] made an attempt upon Constantinople. Stilicus waging war with the Goths, overcame them. The Emperour Ar­cadius died. An Army consisting of no less then two hundred thousand Barbarians under Radagiso made a fearful irruption upon the Roman Em­pire. Now was the first Trumpet (which Iohn speaks of in the Apocalyps) sounded. These terrible shakings in the Roman Empire being fitly set forth by that of a storm of Hail, and Fire, and Blood, Rev. 87. as Mr. Mede in­terpreteth. A great Persecution was raised against the Christians in Persia. Also the Persecution raised by the Do­natists in Africa, was within a year or two of this time.

A.D. 409. There was an amazing Eclipse of the Sun, so that the Stars were seen in the day time. This was attended with a fearful Comet appear­ing like a Sword in the sign of Virgo, Niceph. L. 13. C 36. Al­sted. blazing for the space of four months (viz, Iune, Iuly, August, September.) The greatest Calamities followed that had been heard of in the World. All Europe, a great part of Asia, and Afri­ca, was overwhelmed with Judgments. A sore Drought, and Famine and Pesti­lence, [Page 48] and wars amongst the Nations swept away an infinite number of Men. Rome was taken by Alaricus the Goth, who set up whom he pleased as Empe­rour there. Now did the second An­gel sound the Trumpet, and the Roman Empire suffer a violent death, and is therefore resembled unto a Sea made bloody by the fall of a great Mountain all in a flame, as the forementioned great Interpreter doth expound, Rev. 8.8.

A.D. 418. A Comet was seen in Libra, in the Moneth of September. Herlicius. Alstedius, & alii. Great Sedition and Commotions fol­lowed throughout Italy, and in Spain. The Africans prepared a formidable Fleet and marched towards Rome. Not long after this, Famous Hierom died. The Pestilent Heresie of Pelagius oc­casioned much trouble in the Chur­ches.

A.D. 423. An horrible Comet was seen flaming: Mercellinus. Eckstormius ex Scho [...]ero. Hevelius. Immediately upon which the Emperour Honorius died. Casti [...]us with an Army cometh upon the Vandals and maketh great slaugh­ter in Spain. The Scots and Picts grievously infest the Britains.

[Page 49] A.D. 423. This Year upon a great Eclipse of the Moon, a Comet appear­ed, Lycosthenes Lavater Alsted after which Prodigious show­ers of Blood were rained down upon Tholous in France for a whole day to­gether. A terrible Persecution was raised against the professors of the truth in Africa, by Gense [...]icus. Theo­doricus the King of the Visigoths war­ring against Attila, was slain.

A.D. 448. A Comet was seen in the sign of Leo, continuing many dayes. Herlicius Eckstormius There followed a Prodigious Earth quake in the East. Attilae op­pressed and destroyed a great part of Italy. The Venetians perished by a Flood. The Eutichean Heresie began to prevail.

A.D. 454. (circiter) There were divers appearances of a Blazing Star which was attended with Earth-quakes. Sigebertus Funccius, Al­sted. The Emperour died. Attila after he had destroyed seventy Cities in the East, and conquered the Northern parts, came with five hun­dred thousand Souldiers, and making fearful Devastations in Germany, was himself slain in a bloody Battle with [Page 50] A [...]tius. Rome was taken and spoiled by Gensericus.

Historians make mention of two o­ther Comets observed in this Century. The one Lavater, Ly­costhenes, Al­stedius. A.D. 459. which was fol­lowed with a sore Pest amongst mise­rable Mortals. The other A.D. 488▪ After which great troubles were raised by Arian Hereticks. Gundamond the King of the Vandals became the Au­thour of a great Persecution.

CHAP. V. Of Comets which appeared between the Year 50 [...] and 1000, with some remarkable Events.

A D. 519. A Bearded Comet appeared 26 dayes, in the East, pointing westward. ^u After which there was a wonderful Earth-quake, whereby many (not only persons but) whole Ci­ties perished.

A. D. 533. A formidable Comet appeared in the Moneth of December, in the sign o [...] Sagit­tarius. ^w This was followed with an Earth-quake. A popular tumult in Constantin [...]ple. A Plague at Antioch and in other places. The Hun [...] cause troubles in Europe.

A.D. 541. A notable Comet appeared on Easter Day. ^x There followed an universal Earth quake in the which Epidamon, Corinth and Anazerbum, did above other places suffer damage. Totilas overcame Demetrius in a Sea-fight, took several Cities and Countries. The memorable changes wherein Belisartus was concerned, hap­ned about this time. Totila the King of the Goth [...] was called Flagellum dei Gods Scourge. He rai­sed a cruel Persecution against the Christian [...] which were at this time in Italy.

[Page 52] A.D. 555. A Comet in the form of a Lance or Spear was seen in the North, pointing West­ward. ^y After which Rome was taken by To­tila. The Huns wasted Francia and Tharingia.

A.D. 586. A Comet appeared for a Moneth. ^z It is observed, that [...]his Comet was attended with the death of many Princes. And the War between Mauritius and the Persians. Also, a fearful inundation, and the Plague in Italy hapned not long after.

A.D. 594. A formidable Blazing Star appear­ed in January, for a M [...]th together, and was seen both in the morning and in the evening. ^a After this, Italy was afflicted with Armies of Locusts. A sore Drought, Famine, and the Sword were the woful attendants of this Pro­digie.

A.D. 600. (circiter) A Comet Horrendous to behold, appeared six Moneths together. ^b Mauritius (the Emperour) was by the Bishop of Romes instigation Murdered by Phocas. Great contentions were kindled between the Bishops of Rome and Constantinople. The former, was now declared to be the universal head of the Church. Ever since this time the Bishops of Rome have [Page 53] been no better then Blazing Stars. Four Years after ^c this, another Comet was seen in the Moneths of April and May, & again in November & December, ^† Not long after which Co [...]roes the King of Persia grievously infested the Roman Em­pire, He delivered ninety thousand Christians into the hands of the Jews, to be by them with wicked hands slain and murdered.

A.D. 620. Another Comet appeared. About this time ^† Mahomet began to diffuse his pestife­rous Doctrine. He had an apostate Monk to help him in composing his diabolical Religion, whereby much of that part of the World, which had been enlightned with the Sun of Righteous­ness▪ was overwhelmed again with the darkness of Infidelity. He is therefore fitly set forth in the A­pocalypse, by the type of a Star falling to the Earth, & a smoke arising therefrom, whereby the Sun & the Air was darkened; And it is not to be won­dred at, if so great a Plague to the World as Mahometism, is, was preceded and attended with Blazing Stars, as in the after Relations will appear. Never was the dominion of any Na­tion spread so far, and in so short a time as that of the Sarazens. In the space of about four­score Years there was added to the Diabolical [Page 54] Kingdome of Mahomet, Palestina, Syria, both Armenias, almost all the lesser Asia, Persia, India, Egypt, Numidia, all Barbary, Portugal, Spain, a great part of Italy, as also Sicily, Candy, Cyprus, &c. Though many of these places were not sub­jugated to Mahomet, until the next Century. In a word, the Sarazens are not without reason thought to be intended by the first w [...] Trumpet, ^d Prophesied of in the Revelation. Those tormenting Scorpions proved a bitter Plague to the Christian World, more especially for the space of five prophetical Moneths (h. e. 150 Years;) and the times were then so woful, as that men aid in those dayes seek Death, but could not find it, Rev. 9.6.

A.D. 633. A Blazing Star in form of a Sword standing towards the South appeared for [...] Moneth. ^e This was attended with an Earth-quake for thirty dayes together. About this time the Sarazens subjugated Jerusalem, Damas­cus, and all Syria.

A. D. 676. (Circiter) A Comet was seen divers times. ^f Once it appeared for three Moneths together, being seen in the Morning in August, rising in the East. In appearance like unto a flaming Pillar. The Plague and Famine followed, also a great Drought, so that it rained [Page 55] not ^g in some places for the space of three years together, The Sarazens came with a great fleet into Sicily, and brake in upon the Roman Empire like a flood. Pope Donas died this year.

A. D. 684. A Comet was seen in the Moneths of December, January, and February. It was observed in the day time as well as in the night, near the seven Stars, shining with a dim light not unlike to that of the Moon when cover­ed with a thin Cloud. ^h After this, most hor­rible Thunder-storms, Plagues, Famine, and Floods followed, to the amazing ruine of mortals. Also the direful flames of Vesuvius, brake forth to the no small terrour and confusion of the Coun­trey adjacent.

A.D. 729. Some ⁱ write of two Comets appearing this year at the same time, viz. in the Moneth of January. The one in the Morning before the Sun, the other in the evening after Sun set. But others do more probably conceive that by reason of its great declination, the same Co­met appeared both in the morning and in the evening, ^k A terrible Plague followed in ma­ny places, especially at Constantinople in which Ci­ty three hundred thousand were swept away by that Besom of Destruction. The Sarazens in­vaded [Page 56] Spain. The Long [...]bards [...]ell upon Italy, be­sieged Rome it self. ^† Woful Tumults and Schisms were amongst professed Christians about the worshipping of Images. Not long after this the Christians under the conduct of Charles Marell slew above three hundred thousand Sa­razens.

A D. 745. A Comet appeared in the latter end of this year. ^l Various Diseases and much Sickness was observed to follow, in special a Plague of three years continuance miserably de­populated Sicily, the Mediteranean Islands, and all Greece.

A. D. 763. A Blazing Star appeared for the space of ten dayes in the East. ^m After that in the West twenty one dayes. Another Comet was seen about two years after this. Remarkable Events attending these Prodigies, were, the Turks breaking in upon Armenia; an intollerable cold Winter, and after that as fiery a Summer, and a very afflictive Drought.

A. D 814. A most strange kind of Comet was observed in the Moneth of November. ⁿ Both the Light and the Figure of it was amazing to behold. It appeared like two Moons meeting [Page 57] and departing, and sometimes like a Man without an Head. The principal Event attending this Prodigy was the death of Charles the Great. The Emperour himself was astonished at this Comet, (if we may call it a Comet) supposing it to por­tend his own Death, and great changes to follow in his Dominions.

A.D. 837. A Comet ^o appeared in April in the sign of Virgo, and in the space of 25 dayes passed through Leo, Cancer, and Gemini, until it came into the head of Taurus, and there disap­peared under the feet of Auriga. The next year another (or the same again) Comet appeared in Autumn, in Libra, it was seen in the morning before Sun rise, and of an horrendous aspect. The Spring following another (or the same Co­met) appeared in Aries, it was seen in the E­vening.

A. D. 842. A Comet was observed in Aqua­rius. ^p

A.D. 844. A Comet was observed by Albu­masar to be above Venus. As for the remarkable Events attending these Comets, thus frequently appearing in so short a space, there are many memorable passages noted by Historians as hap­ning about this time. e. g. The death of the Emperour Ludovicus Pius, and of Pipin King of [Page 58] France. The Sarazens came upon Italy like a flood, not leaving Rome it self untouched; many of them perished in the waters as they returned into Africa ▪ ^q An unhap [...]y War brake out between Lotharius and his two Brethren Lewis and Charles. A mighty Army was brought in­to the Field, Lotharius was worsted. The great­est part of the Nobil [...]ty and Flower of the French Nation was slain. ^* Not long after this in Ger­many, Famine prevailed so as that the Parents did eat their own Children, and somet [...]mes Children their Parents.

A▪D. 868. A Comet appeared ^r which was attended w [...]th a great Earth-quake. The next year the Emperour Lotharius died. The Danes cruelly wasted England, so did the Slavi do in Batavia at the same time. Michae [...] the Emperour of the East, was deprived of the use of his reason, one of the meanest of his Servants killed him, and became an Emperour, between whom and the Sarazens there were great conflicts. The Greek and Latine Churches were at variance, and the Patriarch of Constantinople was deposed.

A D 874. A Blazing Star with long and fiery Beams appeared in the beginning of April, continuing for a Moneth, being seen in the day as well as in the night ^s The next year a Comet whose [Page 59] colour was more red then useth to be, the tail very long▪ was seen in the Moneth of June. The Plague and Famine followed. The cruel Danes made more fearful slaughters in England, until they got the Land into their possession▪ Ethus the King of Scotland, and the Emperour Lewis the second died this year. The Germans invade France with an Army. Italy was again sorely af­flicted with the Sarazens.

A D. 882. A Comet with a long tail was seen in the Moneth of January ^t within a few dayes after which Lewis the King of Germany died, al­so the King of France died that year. The Nor­mans fell upon Germany, and burned the famous City of Trevirs. There was this year an attempt to poyson the Pope (John the 8th.) but the poy­son not being strong enough, one took an hammer and knocked out his brains.

A.D. 902, A Comet appeared in the moneth of May, for forty dayes. ^u The Hungarians sell with a great Army upon Italy, destroying fa­mous Cities. And in Lombardy they laid all waste before them. The Sarazens spoiled Greece, and the Islands of the Mediterranean Sea. Lewis the King of the Longobards being taken Prisoner by Berengerius (the Popes Emperour) had his eyes put out. Soon after this Donaldus the King of Scotland died.

[Page 60]A.D. 912. A red fiery Comet appeared in the sign of Capricorn. ^w After this the Hun­garians caused woful Desolations in Germany. There was also a great inundation of Waters in Saxony. The Emperour Lewis the second having ill success in his Wars, died with grief, Alexan [...]er the Emperour of the East, was taken ill as he was playing at Ball; the next day Blood issuing out of all parts of his Body died. Anastasius the Pope, and Abdal the Sarazens King died this year also.

A.D. 942: A Comet appeared in the Moneth of November continuing for about fourteen dayes. ^x There followed Civil Wars in Italy. A great Sedition and Rebellion in France. The Turks invaded Turace. Constantine the King of Scot­land betook himself to a Monastary. There was great Mortality of all sorts of living Creatures, and some parts of the World were afflicted with a sore Famine.

A.D. 944. A Comet appeared which was of marvellous magnitude near Cassiopaea, with fiery Beams issuing from it. ^y The Plague, Floods, and Famine followed.

A.D. 975. A fiery Blazing Star was seen in the Moneth of August, continuing for eight [Page 61] Moneths together. ^z The Emperour Otto, grievously wasted Bohemia, which injuries were revenged by the Duke of Bavaria. Zimis [...]s the Emperour was poysoned. Culinus the King of Scotland, Alhaca the King of Corduba in Spain died.

A.D. 984. A Blazing Star was seen. ^a An Earth quake, Wars, Plague, Famine followed, The Emperour and the Pope died.

CHAP. VI. A Continuance of the History of Comets, with the Events attending them unto the Year 1200.

A D. 1000. An horrendous Comet was seen appearing in the Moneth of December, a­bout 9th P M▪ ^b There followed a most terri­ble Earth quake. And great Wars between the Emperour of Constantinople and the Bulgarians. Otto the Emperour killed Crescentius who was then the principal man in civil power at Rome, whose Widow gave the Emperour a pair of Gloves in­fected with Poyson, which proved his Death. Ekfard the Duke o [...] Saxony put in for the Impe­rial Crown, but he was resisted by the States of [Page 62] the Empire, banished, and the next year killed▪ England was grievously infested by the cruel Danes. In Scotland the fish died in the waters, so as that they were in great multitudes cast upon the shoar, putrifying and stinking, that the air was corrupted, and sickness followed. Also a grievous Famine attended this Comet, and a pro­digious Drought, so as that both Men and Cattle died of thirst, most of the great Rivers in Europe might be waded over.

A▪D. 1005. A Blazing Star horrible to behold was seen flaming in the Heaven in the ^c Spring time, for the space of thirteen dayes. And ^d again in October ▪ There followed a most fearful Plague continuing for three years. In some pla­ces whilest the living were burying the dead, they drew their last breath, and were thrown into the Grave with those whom they intended to leave there. Many whole Cities were utterly laid wast thereby. And the Villages were emptied of their Inhabitants, so as that the Cattle belonging to them had none to own them or look after them. Above half the Inhabitants of Germany were swept away with that Besom of Destruction. A War also between the Emperour of Germany and the Polanders followed this Comet. The Duke of Lorain (who was the last of Carolus Magnus his [Page 63] Posterity) died. Baldwin the Earl of Flanders took up arms against his Uncle Godfrid Duke of Araen whom the Emperour had constituted Suc­cessour to the Duke of Lorain. About this time there were great tumults and blood shed in Ger­many, occasioned by the Emperours imposing Meingardus as Arch-bishop of Triers, whenas Adelber was before chosen, and the Duke of Bava­ria ingaged in his quarrel against the Emperour.

A D. 1009. A Southern Comet terrible to behold was seen in the latter end of May. ^e An unhappy Civil War in Germany followed▪ in the Moneth of August, a great fleet of Danes lan­ded in England, and cruelly destroyed the Inhabi­tants of the Sea coast. This year also Pope John 18. descended to his own place, whose Successors name was ^* Peter Hogs Snout, being ashamed of his Swinish Name (though not of his Swinish na­ture) he called himself Sergius; ever since w [...]ich, it hath been the fashion for those that ar­rive at the Popedome to have a new name given to them. The next year the Duke of Saxony died. The Sarazens destroyed that most sump­tuous Church which the Christians had built in Jerusalem, and burned down many Monasteries and Religious Houses. The Normans made woful havock in the Netherlands, burning the Cities of [Page 64] Thile, Vtreck, &c. The ^† Plague swept away multitudes in many parts of the World. Also a great Inundation hapned, by reason whereof in Flanders some thousands were drowned.

A D. 1017. A Comet in form like a Beam, ap­peared in the sign of Leo, continuing for the space of four Moneths. ^f This was attended with Wars between the Danes and the Swedes. Also the Pope set the Normans and the Greeks toge­ther by the ears. The Bishop of Vtreck took up arms against the Earl of Holland. The Jews in Italy were exposed to great miseries, because (as Historians relate) they were seen Mocking, Scourging, and Crucifying our Lord Christ in effigie. In some parts of the World the Plague raged, This year also, the Duke of Austria died, and the Duke of Bulgaria was slain. In France it rained Blood.

A.D. 1031. Another ^g Comet appeared. France was embroiled in civil Wars. Great mu­tations followed in Burgundy, by reason of the death of their King, which put an end to that Kingdome after it had continued for the space of 144 Years. Odo (the King of Burgundy his Si­sters Son) put in for the Crown, but Conrad (then Emperour) waged War upon the Burgundians, and deposed [...] The Vanaals fell upon the Em­pire, [Page 65] laying wast above an hundred Villages, and carrying away many thousands of Captives. The Sarazens burnt down many Towns and Cities in Syria. Also, with no less then a thousand Gallies they fell upon the maritime Islands. ^h It is moreover observable, that a Flood, and Plague, and Famine did attend this Blazing Star.

A.D. 1038, A Comet was seen. ^k This year Conrad the Emperour being in Parma, The People proved tumultuous & seditious, the event of which was, many of the Citizens were destroy­ed, and the City was burnt. A great Battle was Fought between the Emperour of the East, and the Sarazens, who having civil discords a­mong themselves were overcome, The King of Cast [...]ll subdued the Mores, whose King was killed. The King of Hungaria died this year. Pandulph was by the Emperour ejected out of his Principa­lity, ^l Thessalonica and other places were grie­vously afflicted with a Famine. The next Year several Princes expired; and the Emperour died suddenly.

A.D. 1042. A Comet was seen the sixth of October, continuing all that Moneth with long flaming Locks, having its Progress from the East towards the West. ⁿ Maniatas falling out with the Emperour, sought to get the Imperial ⁱ [Page 66] Crown upon his own head, for which end he be­took himself to the Bulgarians, and obtained a Victory over the Imperial Army. Nevertheless he was himself mortally wounded▪ and soon after died. Also, the Servians rebelled against the Eastern Emperour, who lost forty thousand of his Souldiers in endeavouring to subdue them. It was in this year, that Hardecanute, ^o who then Reigned in England, after he had barbarously caused his Brother Harold to be dug out of his Grave; as he was Feasting, died suddenly of an Apoplexy. Alfred succeeding in the Kingdome, died within a few Moneths. Michael the Empe­rour of the East, after he had Reigned four Moneths removed his Queen Zoes putting her in­to a Monastery, whereupon the multitude made a tumult, pursuing the Emperour with stones, for­cing him to set the Queen at liberty, and then took him and put out his eyes▪ and sent him away into a Monastery, and another person married Zoes and became Emperour. ^* This year a Fa­mine began, which lasted se [...]n years.

A.D. 1058. A Comet was seen. ^p The King of Poland died. A Famine in that Countrey fol­lowed. Isaacius ^q the Emperour as he was go­ing by water to Constantinople, was smitten with [...] flash of Lightning, which did so astonish him, as [Page 67] that he laid down his Robes, and resigning his Crown unto one that was no way related to him, betook himself to a religious House, where of an Emperour he became a Porter.

A.D. 1066. An amazing Comet was seen by the whole World. ^r It appeared first in the beginning of May, and continued for the space of forty dayes. The body of it was as big as the Moon when at the full, but as it began to have a stream; that increasing, the body of the Star decreased. Authors moreover affirm, that ano­ther Blazing Star (or the same again) did appear in the two following years. ^s As for remark­able Events attending this Prodigy, they were such as these. Great Wars in many places of the World. e. g. In Asia, between the Christians and the Sarazens. In Europe, between the Em­perour and the Vandals. The King of Norway, with a thousand Ships invaded England; He cruelly wasted the Land; murdering above a thou­sand of the Clergy, but was in Battle overcome by the King of England, and slain. In the latter end of the year William the Duke of Normandy (commonly though improperly called the Con­querour) came into England, there was a bloody Battle fought between him & Harold, then King of England, wherein Harold was slain, after which the Land became Subject to the Normans. Also, a [Page 68] great Drought, Plague, and Famine attended these Blazing Stars.

A.D. 1071. An Oriental Comet appeared in the Morning for twenty five dayes. ^t The stream long and flaming. Great Seditions and Commo­tions in Holland followed. Spain flamed with War, the three Sons of Ferdinand striving for Dominion, until Sanctius overcame his two Bre­thren, but was himself the next year treacherously slain▪ and his Brother Alfonsus was brought out of a Monastary to wear a Crown. The Saxons rebelled. Great Contentions arose between the Emperour and the Pope, until at last the Pope caused the imperial Majesty to ly down under his feet. Diogenes (the Emperour of the East) had wars with the Turks. His Army was betrayed by his Son in Law Andronicus, so was he taken by the Turk [...], who after they had treated him with great civility, gave him his liberty again, but Andronicus made a Prisoner of him, and caused his eyes to be put out, not using any Medicines for his healing, so that worms bred in his eye holes, whereby he died miserably.

The latter end of this, and the beginning of the next Century, was famous for the appearance of Comets with an unwonted frequency. For good ^u Historians relate concerning A.D. 1095 96▪ 97, 98, 99, 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1106, 1109, 1110, 1113. that a Blazing Star was seen [Page 69] in every one of these years. It would fill a vo­lume to speak particularly and fully concerning the miseries of these doleful times. In Syria a flood hapned, whereby innumerable thousands were drowned. Famine, and the Plague raged throughout almost the whole Earth. In ^w Ger­many the Pope stirred up the Saxons against their lawful Emperour Henry V. There were no less then five bloody engagements, wherein the lives of many famous Princes were lost▪ and Ri­vers of Blood were spilt upon the ground. But the most remarkable and great concern attending these iterated blazing Stars, was the Holy War (as it useth to be called) which lasted for many years, and proved most unhappy to the whole Christian World.

A.D. 1132. A Comet of horrendous magni­tude appeared in the Moneth of October. ^x The Swedes and Danes revolt from their Empe­rour which caused great troubles and commoti­ons in those Countries. The Earl of Holland fal­ling upon Frisia made woful desolations there. Ratisbone was burnt down to the ground. There were also great Commotions in Sicily this year.

A.D. 1145. A Comet appeared continuing for a Moneth, being of a bright and fiery colour▪ ^y Which was attended with great troubles be­tween the Armenians and the Turks ▪ In Hassia [Page 70] the Nobles rebelled. Saxon [...] flamed w [...]th war In Poland the King and his Br [...]thren fell out, which troubles issued in that unhappy Princes being for­ced to fly out of his own Countrey, and die in exile. It was in this year, that a tumult hapned in Rome, some body (not known who) threw a stone, which [...] the Pope (Lucius II.) by which blow that Blazing Star died. The next year the new Pope was driven from his Seat by the tumultuous Romans. On the twenty second of May there was an extream Frost, so that both Vines and Trees were killed by it.

A D. 1165. There appeared two Blazing Stars at the same time. ^z The one in the South, and the other in the North. Remarkable events this year were the death of Malcom the King of Scotland. Troubles and great Commotions both in the upper and in the lower Germany. The Sulden of Egypt was murdered, which caused great Commotions in those parts of the World. ^a In Sicil [...] there was an unexpected inundation of waters for three dayes together, so as that twelve thousand Souls perished in that flood. The next year was attended with great troubles in Spain, and in Hungaria. Also Bavaria, and Suevia were miserably wasted▪ Presently after the appearance of these B [...]azing Stars (the very [Page 71] next year as some Hystorians ^b relate) the Pa­pists fell upon the poor Waldenses with bloody fury so as that, ere this Persecution ended, in France a­lone they barbarously slew no less then ten hun­dred thousand Souls. It was was now manifest that the Pope (successively taken) is the Anti­christ; so that Daniel's numbers (mentioned, Chap. 12. Ver. 11, 12, seem then to be expired.

CHAP. VII. A further Acccunt of Comets, appearing from the Year of our Lord 1200. unto the Year 1500. with the most observable Events attending them.

A D. 1200. A Comet appeared in 15 of Scorpio. Its motion was contrary to the order of the signs in the Zodiack. ^c It was of a rotund figure, and in magnitude three times bigger then the morning Star, giving as much light as a fourth part of the Moon useth to do. This year was attended with Commotions in Al­satia, and almost all the upper Germany. There were also great mutations amongst the Vascons, whose Kingdome was swallowed up and div [...]ded by the Kings of Castell and Arragon. Philip the [Page 72] King of France was excommunicated by the Pope. He at first made light of the Popes Bull, ejected the Bishops who adhered to the Popes in [...]. But the next year, being afraid le [...]t the Pope sh [...]uld cause tumults and miseries in his King­dome, he complied with him. The Bohemians and Thuringians had bloudy Contests the next Year.

A.D. 1211. A Comet was seen in the Moneth of May, near to the Arctick Pole, continuing for the space of 47 dayes, in the evening the tail pointed eastward, and in the morning westward. ^d Soon after which the Tartars (who were be­fore an unknown Nation) made a doleful irrup­tion upon Poland. The Russians coming in to their succour, were cut off by a lamentable slaugh­ter. There were Wars between the Turks and the Moors. The Sarazens betaking themselves to their ships were vast multitudes of them drowned. Two hundred thousand of them were slain. The Popes Thunderbolt set the Em­pire on fire, and so it did England, where also there was great trouble by reason of a Welch re­bellion. Moreover, about this time the Albigen­ [...]es were again cruelly persecuted an [...] slaughtered by the bloody Papists.

A.D. 1214. (or as others 1215.) ^e In the [Page 73] Moneth of March a terrible Blazing Star was seen, both preceding and following the Sun every day, which caused many in those dayes to think that there were two Comets at the same time. This was attended with a Persecution in Germany; in Starsborough, eighty persons were for their Religion burnt to death by the Papists. A gene­ral Council sat at Rome wherein were 412 Bishops and more then a thousand of inferiour Clergy­men. Whatever the Blazing Star in the sky had, so many Blazing stars being in Conjunction at Rome, must needs have a malignant influence upon the World. The times in England were now most doleful by reason of King John his ill management of affairs. His tyranny caused the Lords to take up Arms; to be avenged on whom, King John, Acheronta movebat, moved the Pope to appear on his side, who immediately sets his Bull a roaring; The English Lords affrighted with the bellowing of the Pope's Excommunica­tion, request the King of France to come in to their Assistance, so that the Land became a stage of Rapine, bleeding under the devouring mise­ries which must needs follow, when two merciless Armies were in its bowels. ^† Several things ac­counted disastrous hapned. 1. Hugh de Bones coming to aid King John with threescore thousand men out of Britain, and Flanders, were all drown­ed [Page 74] in the Sea. 2. Coming to Walpool in Nor­folk, he was careful to obtain a guide to himself, with some few, that he might go over the Fords where it was passable, but took no care of the mul­titude which followed him, so that they all peri­shed in the water, which disaster filled King John with much anguish of mind, that he fell sick and died. Yet some write that he was poysoned by a Monk, the year after the Blazing Star last men­tioned was seen. The King of Scotland died. The Spaniards slew two hundred thousand Moors.

A.D. 1217. A Southern Comet appeared in the latter end of this year, a little after Sun set. ^f It gradually declined Westward. In form being like to a Broom, reaching almost to the midst of the sky. Remarkable Events which fol­lowed were such as these. Wars between En­gland and France, the French being notably wor­sted. The Emperour Otho died▪ The King of Castell as he was playing at Ball, a Tile hapned to fall upon his head, whereby he was killed. The Sarazens destroyed all the Christians in Jerusalem. The next year, there was a dreadful inundation, so as that all Frisia was overwhelmed therewith, and no less then an hundred thousand souls perished in the waters.

A. D. 1223. A terrible Comet appeared. [Page 75] ^g Presently after which the French King died. The King of Denmark was treacherously surpri­zed by Suerinus. A great Commotion hapned in Poland by reason of Henricus Barbatus his re­bellion. The Emperour Frederick being provoked by the Pope, marched with an Army into Italy, and had probably driven the Pope out of Rome, had not John the King of Jerusalem inter­posed and reconciled the difference. Trythemius saith, that this year there was a general Murrain amongst Cattle, so that a third part of them died.

A.D. 1240. A Comet ^h was observed near the Pole, pointing South-east. It was seen in February, and continued six Moneths. ⁱ Wri­ters speak of another Blazing Star: appearing the next year for thirty dayes together in Janu­ary, of a direful Aspect. Remarkable Events were, the King of Denmark died. The Tartars miserably wasted Russia. They came over the Ice into Poland, and got the victory over an Army that was raised to oppose them. From whence they went to Cracovia; and burned down all before them. Also in Silesia and Bohemia they caused great desolations. The Empire was put into a strange hurly burly. For the Emperour had no less then seven Armies to defend himself. The Pope and He were at daggers drawing; the [Page 76] Pope resolving to call a Council of such as liked him best, whether the Emperour would or no; He (i. e.) the Emperour) surprized the Bishops Navy as they were transporting themselves to the Council, sunk three of their Ships. took twenty of them, and the Bishops in them became his Pri­soners. The Pope immediately died with grief and vexation. Another remarkable thing was, that a great Mountain in Burgundy was by an Earth quake removed, whereby five thousands of Country People, living in the Villages were over­whelmed, and killed in a moment.

A. D. 1254. A Comet ^k of immense mag­nitude appeared for several Moneths together. There followed terrible and prodigious Tempests. Wars between the Genovenses and the Venetians. The cross-bearing-Army took such a course to convert the Russians to the Faith, as was never taught them by Christ or his Apostles, for with fire and sword they fell upon them, and made them promise that they would be Christians. The Emperour and the Pope being at variance▪ the Emperour died suddenly, not without suspicion of Poyson by the Popes procurement. The Pope himself died within a year. The new Pope made a great disturbance in Italy, but his Army was shamefully overcome. A Rebellion brake forth in Frisia. There were great troubles and com­motions in Saxony.

[Page 77] A.D. 1264. A mighty Comet was seen this year, in the sign of Taurus, continuing for three Moneths, viz. from July to October 7. Its mo­tion was retrograde. For at first it appeared be­fore the Morning Star, but at last after it. ^l The stream was long and broad, appearing before the body of the Star was seen. When that came above the Horizon, it extended it self Westward over the one half of the Heavens. It was obser­ved by the Writers living in that age, that that Blazing Star disappeared the very night in which the Pope died. Other Remarkables attending this Comet were these; The Earl of Angiers did at the Popes instigation remove out of France, and fell upon Sicily, causing the King there to be treacherously killed. Armenia was all in a flame▪ by means of Banducar (the King of Babylon) his coming upon them. Hetruria was in an up­roar. Spain was set upon by the Sarazens, who slew and were slain in great multitudes. England blazed with Civil Wars. It would make this Dis­course too voluminous, if we should expatiate particularly upon the strange and amazing revo­lutions which hapned there, as well as in other parts of the World about this time.

[Page 78]A D. 1268. An horrendous Blazing Star ^m was seen, which was attended with these Remark­ables. The Suldan of Aegypt fell upon Antioch, slew no less then seventeen thousand Christians there, and made an hundred thousand of them Captives. Monaavus the King of Portugal re­nounced his Christianity, and became a professed Infidel, and raised a cruel Persecution against the Christians. In Scotland there were fearful de­structions made by horrible winds, which Cardan thinks were the special evils portended by this Comet.

Historians ⁿ have noted that in the latter end of this and the beginning of the next Centu­ry, Blazing Stars (some of them of an horren­dous magnitude and direful aspect) appeared every year, for seven or eight years tog [...]ther, viz. A.D. 1298, 99. 1300, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. in the last of which years the destroying Angel was let loose upon the World, the Plague raging and killing in all Countries and Nations. But the great and stupendous providence attending these Heraulds of Heaven, whereby the World was thus loudly and frequently Alarmed, was the rising of the Turkish Power united in and under the Ottomani­cal Family: So that in those dayes the second A­pocalyptical Wo (and it was a Wo indeed to the [Page 79] Christian World) began to be poured forth. The huge and horrid Armies of the Turks, where­by Christendome (as it is called) hath been mi­serably wasted▪ and the Eastern Churches made most desola [...]e, are set forth ^o in the Revelation, by that of an Army of Horsemen, consisting of two hundred thousand thousand, which are prepared to kill the third part of men, Rev. 9.15, 16. Now was the time when this Army being furnished with Instruments of death, out of whose mouths issueth fire and smoak and Brimstone, began to do their woful Execution.

A.D. 1313, A great Northern ^p Comet appeared fourteen dayes, having its motion to­wards the South. The next year a ^q Comet was seen blazing in Virgo for six Moneths toge­ther. And in the ^r year after that, another Blazing Star appeared in December. Thad. Ha­gecius ^s writes that the year 1315. was attended with two Comets, the one of which was in the Arctick Circle, the other near unto Mars, and in the same sphere with that Planet. Remarkable Events which attended these Blazing Stars, were, the Emperour being poysoned by a wicked Monk, a Civil War b [...]oke out in Germany about a succes­sour to the Crown, which continued for eight [Page 80] years together, to the unspeakable misery of the Countries subject to the Emperour. It rained all the Summer ^t long, a terrible Famine and Plague followed, so that a third part of all crea­tures living perished. In Portugal and the Coun­tries thereabouts, the Famine lasted for three years. In some places men were killed that o­thers might eat them. In the City of Erford eight thousand persons died with hunger. The Scots went with a Fleet into Ireland, wasting the Countrey with fire and sword. A dismal blow was given to England; For King Edward IId. raised an Army consisting of an hundred thousand to fight the Scots, who not having half that num­ber in their Army, by a Stratagem routed the English Army, killing an Earl▪ several Lords▪ seven hundred Knights and Esquires, and about fifty thousand common Souldiers.

A.D. 1337. Two Comets were seen this year at the same time ^u one of which appeared in the sign Taurus, for the space of four Moneths, and before that was gone, another was seen, which continued blazing with the former, for three Moneths. ^w It was not a Crinite but a Bar­baete Star. It was first seen in the feet of Pegasus, the Coma (or Beard) extending it self very broad [Page 81] and pointing towards the East. Observable con­sequents whereof▪ were, the death of the King of Sicily. In the East there were great stirs a­bout a Successour to the Imperial Crown. Wars between the Turks and Thracians, who were mi­serably slain, and thirty thousand carried into captivity at once. In some places a prodigious cold Winter, so as that the Cross bearing Army had their Noses and Fingers frozen. A formi­dable Army of Locusts devoured Bohemia, Au­stria, and other Countries: The breadth of which Army was twenty eight miles, the length of it could not be found: when they flew they darkened the Air, as if the Heavens had been co­vered with a cloud.

A.D. 1340. A Comet in form like a Sword, appeared in the Moneth of March, near unto Spica Virginis, ^x moving forward every day one Degree, until it came to the sign Le [...], and there it vanished. This year Andronicus the Emperour died. A terrible Plague raged in Italy; War between England and France, wherein the French were egregiously worsted, their Navy burnt and broken by the English. The next year the Turks caused Poland, Moravia, Hungaria, to become miserable stages of Rapine, Blood, and Fire. An Earth-quake in Burgundy, removed two Moun­tains which fell upon the People thereabout. A [Page 82] prodigious Tempest and destructive Flood hap­ned in other parts.

A.D. 1347. In the Moneth of August, a Co­met appeared in Taurus, continuing sixty dayes. ^y Many things worthy of remark hapned this year. For the Scots invading England with an Army, fifteen thousand of them were slain by the English, and their King taken Prisoner. There was a general rising of the People in Aragon. The Emperour as he was hunting a Bear fell off his Horse and quickly died. The King of Sicily was strangled by his Queen in his sleep. A sweeping Plague lasting for the space of six years, wen [...] through the World. It came out of Asia into Europe this year, There died in the City of L [...] ­beck ninety thousand, in Avinion an innumerable multitude; In England nine parts of ten died throughout the Land. Above fifty seven thousand in the City of Norwich. So fearful was this Be­some of Destruction, as that a third part of Mankind was not left alive upon the face of the Earth. Alstedius ^* (a grave and learned Author) Writes, that this Plague swept away no less then a Million, two hundred and forty four thousand four hundred & forty four Monks, which (though strange) yet considering that the World did then swarm with Monks is not impossible to be true.

[Page 83]A.D. 1351. A ^z Northern Comet appeared in December. Some ^a Authors speak of Bla­zing Stars seen in the two following years also. These Prodigies were attended with fearful Tem­pests, Drought, Famine, and Plague, especially in Italy. VVars in Germany, and a devouring Ar­my of Locusts in Asia, and in Africa. Fearful burnings and desolations in many places, occasi­oned by lightning.

A.D. 1362. A fearful Comet appeared ^b in the Evening on the eleventh of March, in the sign Aquarius, being ninety Degrees in length, pointing Eastward, and continuing for the space of three Moneths. Things which followed, were, the Pope and the King of France both died within a year. VVars and great troubles in many places e, g. between the King of Castel, and of Arragon, the Earl of Holland, and the Gildrians, the King of Cyprus and the Saraz [...]ns. In Poland a Famine prevailed, and a violent Plague throughout all Britain.

A.D. 1375. A Comet appeared ^c Soon af­ter which the Emperour Charles the IV. died▪ Great tumults in Cracovia; a VVar in Thuringia lasting two years. Wickliffs Doctrine was con­demned [Page 84] in England. Seventeen To [...]ns in Flan­ders were crowned. The French [...]ook the [...]sle of Wight, burn Hasting, &c. Prince E [...]ward died.

A. D. 1380. (which year was famous for the first invention of Gu [...]s) A Comet ^d appeared in Aquarius, continuing three Mon [...]hs▪ And ^e another (or the same) appeared again w [...]th­in two years, Remarkable Events, were▪ a ter­rible Plague. The death of the King of France, and of the King of Hungaria. Locusts in Ger­many. A prodigious Rebellion hapned in En­gland. The Kings Coll [...]ctor behaving himself rudely, was knocked in head by one whom he had affronted and inraged, whereupon no less then an hundred thousand of the rabble rout gathered together, and siezed upon the Tower of Londo [...], in which was the King and Queen, and caused the Lord Chancellour, Lord Treasurer, Lord Chief Justice, and others to be barbarously slain.

A.D. 1394. A blazing Star in form ^f like a spit (which Astronom [...]rs are wont to look upon a [...] most unhappily ominous) with the head down­ward, and the Coma or Blaze pointing upwards, was seen in the West▪ moving Northward. This year the Pope died, and the next year the Duke of Austria. The King of Arragon as he was [Page 85] hunting, beheld a VVolf (or rather a Devil in the same likeness) of a prodigious magnitude, at the sight whereof he was frighted to death. A­bout that time, all the Jews in Germany were ei­ther killed or banished. Wickliffs Doctrine be­gan to enlighten Germany. Troubles arose be­tween the Germans and the Italians. The ^g Turks being informed that the Christians were at great variance amongst themselves, came with an Army of two hundred thousand, under Bajazet, and obtained a fatal and remarkable Victory over the Europeans. About this time the Duke of Lancaster made such an interest in England, as to cause King Richard to be deposed from his Throne, and after he had resigned the Crown, to be privately murdered by bloody Villains.

A. D. 1400. In the ^h Spring time a Comet was seen. But the next ⁱ year in February, the whole VVorld was amazed with the sight of a fiery and flaming Comet in form like a Lamp, whose Blaze was four Cubits in length. The light of it was so great, as that it obscured the Stars, and overcame the darkness of the night as long as it was above the Horizon. It continued until the Sun entred into Libra. The consequents of this Blazing Star, were no less prodigious, then the Comet that appeared. ^k In divers places the [Page 86] Plague raged, and other grievous Diseases before that time unheard of. Great Rivers were dried up. It would make this Discourse too volumin­ous, particularly to enumerate all the fatal and memorable accidents which hapned by reason of VVars in many Countries. Our English ^l Chro­nologers, say, that this Blazing Star was porten­tous of that effusion of Blood in Wales and Nor­thumberland, which followed quickly after. A very prodigious thing hapned the same year in Danbury in Essex; the Devil in the shape of a Grey Friar, entring the Church, put the People into a lamentable fright, and in the same hour with a Tempest of Whirlwind and Thunder, the top of the Steple was broken down▪ and half the Chancel scattered abroad. In Bohemia, John Huss standing up in defence of Wickliffs Doctrine, no small Commotions were occasioned thereby. But that which most amazed the World, was, Tam­merlain came out of Asia, with an huge Host. He overcame the Turkish Emperour, and used him like a slave. He called himself the Anger of God, and waster of the Earth; and indeed he made the Earth to swim in blood.

A.D. 1432. A total ^m Solar Eclipse was at­tended with a small Comet. The next year ano­ther great Comet of a red and fiery aspect, was was seen. ⁿ It continued blazing all night long; [Page 87] nor was it extinct for a quarter of a year toge­ther. Remarkable Events, were, a Dearth of six years continuance. ^o An inundation through­out all Germany, in Thuringia 40 Villages perished in that Flood, also several Towns in Bohemia. In the Spring time there was a great Snow continu­ing for 40 dayes together, so that Beasts & Birds perished in great multitudes. Hunger brought the wild Beasts upon the Towns, either to kill or to be killed. A flame of War was kindled be­tween the Duke of Saxony and the Prince of Brandenburg. France was sorely distressed. The King of Portugal and the King of Poland died. The Duke of Venice, was beheaded. The Pope had like to have been stoned to death, being for­ced to disguise himself, and so to flee out of Rome.

A.D. 1419. ^p A Comet appeared. This year Albert the Emperour died. Great commo­tions were in the Empire by reason of the Turks; And Wars between the English and the French. The Marshal of France was burnt for Sorcery. The King of Bohemia died. A bloody Rebellion broke forth in Spain. The Council at Basil de­posed the Pope▪ and chose a new one, which cau­sed a notable Schisme amongst the worshippers of the Beast, some adhering to the old Pope, and o­thers to the new one. The next year was famous [Page 88] for the first Invention of the Art of PRINTING, by John Guttenberg a Goldsmith in Strasburg.

A.D. 1444. About midsummer ^q a Blazing Star was seen in Leo. The King of Hungaria, with a great multitude of Christians was slain in Battle with the Turks. The King of France and the Helvetians fall out. Tumults hapned in En­gland. Amurathes the Turkish Emperour being distressed by the King of Hungaria, (who had at the perswasion of the Cardinal Julianus, violated his Covenant with Amurathas) prayed to God for help, vowing that if God would give him the victory, he would betake himself to a Monastery; Which after the Victory he accordingly perform­ed, and resigned his Crown to another, whereby great commotions in the Turkish Empire, and the burning of Adrionople was occasioned. The next year, a terrible inundation of waters hapned in the Netherlands, so as that above an hundred thousand persons lost their lives in that flood, be­sides an infinite multitude of Cattle.

A D. 1450. A Comet was seen this Summer, appearing a little after Sun-set, in form like a Sword, moving from the West towards the East. ^r The Moon being at the full, this Comet is reported to cause it to suffer an Eclipse, (I do not remember that I have read the like of any Comet) whence the Turks were not a little astonished▪ at [Page 89] the beholding of it. Remarkable events, were The Turkish Emperour died. The Eastern parts fla­med with VVar. Constantinople was taken by the Infi [...]els. The Empire was embroyled with civil Discords. Also Jack Cade his mad Rebel­lion in England hapned in this year, when divers Nobles of the Land were murthered. The French taking advantage from the troubles in England seize upon all the English Territories there, leaving nothing to the English but Calice. This year Naples was shaken with an Earth quake, and thirty thousand persons were destroyed by that Earth-quake, in places adjacent.

A D. 1456. A Comet appeared in Cancer, and another in Leo, extending it self over two of the ^s Coelestial Signs (h. e. 60 degrees.) This Bla­zing Star was attended with a dir [...]ful Earth-quake in Italy, by means whereof thirty thousand persons lost their lives, also a great Plague. Bloody VVars between the Turks and the Hunga­rians. That brave Prince of Transilvania, Hun­niades, after he had destroyed two hundred of the Turks ships, and in one Battle slain forty thousand of them, died. The young King of Hungaria, on the day appointed for his Marriage▪ di [...]d sud­denly. One of Hunniades his Sons being then a Prisoner, and expecting Sentence of death, was ¹⁰⁴ [Page 90] set at liberty, and chosen King, so that there was a sudden and stupendous alteration of affairs. Scanderbegs Wars and the great Commotions caused thereby, were about this time.

A D. 1460. A notable Comet was seen. ^t The King of France, and the King of Scotland died. Cracovia was laid waste w [...]th Fire and Sword. In England the Duke of York aspiring to the Throne, headed an Army, designing to de­pose the King, but was himself slain. His Son the Earl of March, put in for the Crown, between whom and King Henry VI. there was this year the bloodiest Battel fought that ever was known in England. No less then thirty seven thousand En­glish-men were slain in one day. The Earl gets the Crown, and the King was kept Prisoner in the Tower. A Civil War began in France.

A. D, 1470. A marvell [...] Comet appeared this year. That great Mathematician Reg [...]omon­tanus (whom ^u Peter Ramus calls the glory of Germany) was accurate in observing that Prodi­gy▪ in all its motions, from whom Mizaldus hath given an exact description of it. The body of the Star, did at first seem small, but on a sudden it grew to a wondrous magnitude, and then again decreased. Sometimes of a white, otherwhile of a flame like aspect. The Blaze ^w was at the [Page 91] first appearance, and a little before it disappeared short, but after it had been seen forty dayes, the length of it was above fifty degrees. Its durati­on was the space of eighty dayes. At first it could be seen only in the morning, at last only [...] ▪ the evening, in the middle of its duration it might be seen all the night long. Its motion (which was alwayes retrograde) at its beginning and ending was slow, but in the midst of its circuit was swift, even so as to dispatch 40 deg [...]ees in one na­tural day. It passed from Virgo through Bootes, the Dragon, Vrsa minor, the feet of Cephe [...]s, breast of Cassio [...]a, Andromeda, Pisces, Serpenta­rius, until it came to the Whale, where by reason of Occ [...]sus Heliacus, it disappeared. The Blaze did continually point at the Gemini. In the same night presently after Sun set it would point to the East, near midnight to the South, after midnight to the West, a little before Sun rise to the North. As for Events, There followed a very great Drought of three years continuance; so that in Hungaria, the great River Danaw (which is the greatest River in Europe) might be waded over; such horrible w [...]nds in Germany as blew down ma­ny Houses. A terrible Plague, in which many were deserted of their Relations, that so they might escape with their own lives. The cruel Wars of the Duke of Burgundy, which continu­ed until his death, Also Wars between the Hun­garians and the Polanders, and in the East between [Page 92] the Persians and the Turks. This year, the King of England, Henry VI. was Murdered by the bloody hands of the Duke of Glocester.

A.D. 1477. A Caerulean dark coloured Comet was seen. ^x The Emperour Charles V. used to say that that Blazing Star was portentous of his Grandfathers Death, who fell amongst others that were slain in that Battle fought before Nance this year. It was a fatal year to many other Princes. A direful Plague followed, and such heat and drought, as that great Rivers were dried up; and not only Fruit Trees were destroyed, but whole Forrests were set on fire by the scorch­ing heat of the Sun. A terrible Plague fol­lowed.

A.D. 1491. A Comet appeared in the even­ing ^y a little after Sun-set. The Star small, but the Stream long, extending it self Eastward in direct opposition to the body of the Sun. Imme­diately after which the Turks overcame Dalma­tiae, and Slavonia. There was also a great Mor­tality both amongst Men and Cattle. The Pope and the King of Poland died this year. The King of Portugal was killed by a fall from his Horse. The next year the new World (as it useth to be called) viz. that part of the World which now bears the Name of America was discovered by Christopher Columbus.

CHAP. VIII. The History of Comets which have been Observed from the Year 1500▪ to 1600. with the Events.

A D 1500. In the Moneth of April, a Co­met ^a was observed in the sign of Capri­corn, of a fearful magnitude, appearing for above a quarter of a year▪ and was seen in the day time as well as in the night. And another ^b the same year in January, seen also in the Day, for above a week together. Four years after, there hapned a Conjunction of the Superiour Planets, which was attended with a notable Blazing Star almost as light as the Moon, so that people could see to Travel by the light of it. The next year ano­ther Comet was seen in April continuing two dayes. And ag [...]in in August, under Coma Bere­nices, and near Charles Wain. Remarkable E­vents attending these Comets were, the death of the Arch Duke of Austria, and of the King of Spain, and of the King of Bohemia, and of the Queen in England. Plague, Famine, and sore Drought lasting from January to November, in some Countries. Prodigious Tempests and In­undations in other places. The Tartars wasted [Page 94] Poland, the Muscovites Lithuania. The Bava­ric War also War between the Germans, the Ve­netians, and French. The Spaniards began their most bloody Butcheries amongst the Indians. The Islands of Hispaniola, Cuba, Iamaica were exceed­ing populous, but the cruel Spaniards made them desolate. A Writer of their own confes­seth that in a few years time, they killed more then ten hundred thousand Natives, fourteen times told.

A.D. 1513. A Comet appeared in Cancer, ^c continuing from December to the latter end of Ia­nuary. The colour various, the stream long▪ see [...] all night. This year that great Blazing Star which had put the whole Christian World into a flame, died, viz. Pope Iulius II. The King of Scotland with an Army of sixty thousand invaded England, but he was slain in battel, and (besides three Bishops, twelve Earls, seventeen Lords) ma­ny thousands with him. The King of Denmark died. Insurrections in many places in Germany followed. The next year the Popes Legate made a Proclamation in Hungaria, that whatsover would go out against the Turks should have In­dulgences granted them, whereupon a great rabble gathered together, but instead of warring against the Turks, they sell upon their own Countrey­men, [Page 95] [...]lew seventy thousand of them, amongst which were four hundred of the Nobles. The Turks and Christians had a bloody engagement; an hundred thousand of the Turks best Souldiers were cut off in one day. About this time Arme­nia was conquered by Selimus, and annexed to the Ottoman Dominions, v. Rica [...]t of the present state of the A [...]menian Church, P. 389.

A D. 1516. A Comet ^d of a Lunar nature, was seen for some dayes. The King of Spain died. The next year Luther began to declare against indulgences. Soon after which great Commo­tions and mutations followed throughout all An­tichristendome. ^† Now did the merciless Spani­ards fall upon the Indians inhabiting the Terrae firma, where they murdered above four Millions of Souls. The Sulden of Aegypt was miserably Murdered, and the Mamalucks power (that had kept Aegypt under three hundred years) swal­lowed up by the Turks.

A D. 1523. And in the next year also, a Comet appeared. ^e A fearful Inundation followed, & Earth-quakes. The Sedition of the Rusticks in Germany, in which sixty thousand lives were lost. The King of France was taken Prisoner by [Page 96] Charles V. The Duke of Saxony died. In En­gland, after a great Rain, there followed such an extream [...]rost, as that many lost their nails, and some died with cold.

A.D. 1527. On the eleventh day of August, a most terrifying ^f Comet was seen, of an im­mense longitude, and bloody colour. The form of it, was like a mans arm holding an huge Sword in his hand with which he was ready to strike. Such terrour and horrour surprized the Specta­tors of this Prodigy, as that some died away with dread & amazement. ^g The next year another Comet was seen in Pisces, Jan. 18. There followed a great Dearth in England by reason of extremi­ty of Rain in Seed time; also a Famine in Venice, and in several other places, whereby many peri­shed. And that woful Disease known by the name of the English Sweat, infected all places of the Realm, whereby whole miriads were sent to the Grave. The Duke of Barbon took Rome, and sacked it. The Turks wasted Hungaria. In some places, Armies of Locusts devoured the fruits of the Earth.

A D. 1530. A ^h Comet was observed. And again the next year in August and September, ha­ving its motion from the beginning of Leo unto Libra, appearing first in the Morning before Sun­rise, [Page 97] afterwards in the evening. Again, ⁱ the year following from September 25. to October 20, its motion being from Virgo to Scorpio, and at first a southern, but at last a northern Latitude. The body of the Star was three times as big as the Planet Jupiter; the stream exceeding long, point­ing to the South-west. The next year in June, in Gemini; the Star somewhat greater then Jupiter, the figure like a long sword. As for the more re­markable Events, attending those Blazing Stars, thus annually appearing, they were such as these. An Earth-quake in Portugal; above a thousand houses were thrown down thereby. A sore Fa­mine in some Countries. A great Flood or Inun­dation of Waters in the Netherlands, viz. in Hol­land, Friezland, and Zeland (no less then four hundred and four Parishes were drowned;) yea and in Poland: Also at Rome the River Tyber o­verflowed its Banks. Now did the famous Con­fession of Ausburg come forth, and the name of Protestant was first known. That Confession was put into the form of a Covenant, subscribed by several of the Electoral Princes, who protested they would abide by the Truth, so did the opposers of Popery come to bear the name of Protestants. The World blazed and flamed out with Wars every where. In the East the Persians and Turks were at variance. Also the Turks made [Page 98] an irruption upon Christendome. Hungaria was full of Troubles. In Heluetiae there was an un­happy War, wherein Zuinglius (that Star of the first magnitude) lost his life. In Westphalia, the Munsterian Anabaptists brought all to confusion. In Denmark, the Popish party designing to suppress the Protestants, involved that Kingdome in War and Blood. In Africa, the Kingdome of Tunis was put into a flame by Barbarossa. Great mu­tations hapned in England which filled the World with discourse and wonderment, for King Henry VIII. cast off the Popes Supremacy, and turned the Monks and Friers out of doors, disposing of the Church-lands to whom he pleased. By all which things it appears, that the Blazing Stars mentioned were not seen for nothing.

A.D. 1538. A Comet appeared in January, ^k continuing three weeks. It was seen in the even­ing (in the sign Pisces) the Blaze 30 degrees in Longitude. The ^l next year a great Comet appeared in Leo, from May 6, to 17. Many things worthy of Remark hapned in this year. Amongst the Napolitans, the Sea was dried up eight miles; and out of that place there was a most horrendous irruption of fiery flames, and ashes, which falling upon the People living there­abouts, they were miserably destroyed. A ter­rible Conflagration hapned in Constantinople con­tinuing [Page 99] several dayes. A fiery Summer and a scorching Drought in many places. The King of France came with an Army into Italy. The King of Spains Navy was overcome by Barbarossa. The Duke of Saxony died with grief, and his death oc­casioned great mutations and miseries in that part of Germany. The Antinomians headed by an obscure and illiterate person (one John Isl [...]b) did now first begin to Blaze in Germany. A principal City in the Countrey of Mexico was almost over­whelmed by a Deluge of boyling water which descended from a Vulcano near unto it.

A.D. 1542, A ^l Blazing Star terrible to behold, was seen forty dayes. Three years after that another appeared of a bloody colour. Re­markable Events, were, a great Drought, in En­gland, the lesser Rivers were clean dried up, much Cattle died there for lack of Water. In Silisia and other Countries the Locusts did much harm. The designed Expedition of the Christians against the Turks proved unhappy, a great part of the Christian Army dying by an Epidemical Disease. The latter of these Comets was attended with the first Session of the Council of Trent; Also at the Popes Instigation the Wal [...]enses were destroy­ed for their Religion, and Popish, Barbarous, Un­paralleld Cruelties exercised towards them, The [Page 100] next year (viz. A.D. 1546.) Luther died, imm [...] ­diately upon whose death a Cloud of Blood which had been long impending, fell upon Germany, for a fatal War broke out between the Emperour and the Protestant Princes.

A.D▪ 1556. A Comet in Libra was seen from the beginning of March to April 23. The Co­lour varied. ^m The body of it shining like a [...] half Moon, the stream near its head more com­pact, but in the end more rare. Its motion from Virgo through Bootes to the North Pole of the Ecliptick; from thence through Andromeda to Piscis sep [...]entrionalis, where it vanished. In the midst of its appearance the motion was most swift, for it dispatched 15 Degrees every day. At the first it was retrograde, but afterwards direct. In the space of four dayes it was removed about 70 Degrees Westward, and 30 Degrees North­ward It moved towards the Planet Saturn, the nearer it came to him, the slower was its motion. ⁿ Its magnitude at its disappearing in a manner equal to what it was at first. This Comet was attended with the death of many Learned and Worthy Men; and with the fiery part of Queen Mary's Persecution. This year also, the Em­perour Charles V. did to the amazement of the World, resign his Crown, and betook himself to a [Page 101] Monastery. Such an Inundation hapned at Rome [...] River Tybers overflowing, as that a great part of the City was thereby destroyed.

A.D. 1558. A Comet was seen in the Evening under Coma Berenices, of a pale colour, continu­ing about 30 dayes. ^o Also in May the next year, and in December the year after that. These three years did not pass without such things as were very observable. In England there was such a prodigious Tempest as the like (in respect of circumstances) is seldome mentioned in any History. That year also Queen Mary died, and famous Queen Elizabeth seconded, whereby af­fairs both in Church and State were strangely al­tered. The Emperour Charles V. said that Co­met was sent to give him notice of his approach­ing Death. And at the sight of it, made this Pentameter, His ergò judiciis me mea fata vocant. So it hapned, for he died that year, ^p The next year the Pope died, and no less then fifteen Cardinals, also the King of France, the King of Portugal, the King of Denmark, and many other Princes.

A. D. 1577. This year a notable blazing Star amazed the VVorld for three Moneths together. Those famous Mathematicians Michael Mastlin, Cornelius Gemma, and Tycho Brahe, have written [Page 102] largely and learnedly concerning that Comet. It was seen first on the ninth of November, in the beginning of Capricorn, passing through that sign and Aquarius, to the midst of Pisces. The Star was equal to Venus in magnitude, being a compact solid body▪ and like a little Moon, shi­ning as the purest Silver. The stream differed in colour from the Star, for it was red and fiery, in breadth five Degrees, and in length thirty. To­wards the body of the Star, the rayes were more condensed, but the longer they were distended they appeared to be more scattered and diffused abroad, which argued that the Stream was pro­created by some external light penetrating through the body of the Star; and it was obser­ved to be opposite to the Sun, yet so as that the form of it was bending like a Bow, whose con­vexity was towards the Zenith, and concavity to­wards the Horizon. Both Gemma and Tycho found that this Comet was higher then the Moon. According to Tycho's observation, the true Dia­meter of the Star was 368. Mill. Germ. so that its proportion to the Earth was as 3 to 14. The Longitude of the Comets tail he found to be 96 Semidiameters of the Earth. He concluded it was not in the Airy but in the Etherial VVorld, because it did admit of no sensible Parallax. On November 10. the Parallax was 19 12 which was diminished every day until it came to two minutes, and that was a demonstration that the [Page 103] Comet ascended higher and higher. At the first it was distant from the Earth 173 Semidiamiters, but at last 1733. h. e. it ascended as high as the Sun it self. As for Events, the King of Persia died by poyson. The great Turk was slain in Battel, and seventy thousand with him. The King of Por­tugal would needs venture into Mauritaniae that so he might restore Mahomed to the Kingdome which his Uncle Abdelmeleck had detruded him from; in that memorable Battel the King of Portugal was slain, and the greatest part of the Nobility with him. Abdelmeleck though he ob­tained a victory died that day of an Apoplexy. Mahomed was drowned in the Marshes, so that three Kings lost their lives in one day. This [...] also Novograde in Muscovia (whose Inha­bitants were wont to say that nothing was able to oppose God, unless it were great Novograde) was taken, the Conquerour carrying away with him (as its said) ^* an 100 VVagons of Gold and Silver.

A. D. 1580. A wonderful Comet appeared this year. It was observed first October 2 having no Coma for several dayes, sc. not till October 9. VVhen on a sudden it appeared with a formidable blaze. The reason of which Maestl [...]n judgeth to be this. The Sun and the Comet were in op­posite signs in the Zodiack, so that at first the Coma [Page 104] ascending directly upwards could not be percei­ved by men here below, but as the Star receded from the Suns Diameter, the rayes issuing from thence were seen, which were adverse to the Sun, though not in exact [...] opposicion thereto. Its appearance con [...]inued above three Moneths. At first in the [...] at 7 h. but November 14. it was seen [...] [...]n the Morning and in the Evening, until December 6. when it ap­peared in the Morning only. It was bigger then a Star of the first magnitude, only of a darker co­lour, and not moving as the fixed Stars but as the Planets do. At first retrograde and slow in [...] progress, afterwards swiftly passing through A­ries, Pisces, Capricorn, Sagittarius, but towards the end of its appearance, the motion was more remiss, until it became almost stationary, it was as high as the Planet Mercury, or Venus, viz▪ 157. S.T. There followed an epidemi [...] Disease, which strangely run through all Europe. Also great VVars between the Emperour of Muscovia, and the Suevians and Polanders. The States of Pol­land united in renouncing obedience and subjecti­on to the King of Spain, and from thence they bear the name of the Vnited Provinces. The Christians in Cyprus this year rebelling against the Turks, were miserably destroyed: ^t So that [Page 105] of fourteen thousand Villages of Christians which then were in that populous Island, there now re­main but seven hundred.

A. D. 1585. A strange Star appeared ^q from the 8th of October, to the 5th of November, in the Sign of Pisces, having its motion direct through Aries, Taurus, &c. The magnitude equal to Jupiter but affording an obscure cloudy kind of light without any Coma. It was obser­ved to be as high as Saturn.

The next year ^r the Plague raged in the les­ser Asia, Austria and Hungaria. Italy and the low Countries were afflicted with a Famine. In the Countrey near Constantinople, Armies of Lo­custs devoured the fruits of the Earth. The Queen of Scotland being in England was tried for her life, condemned and beheaded.

A.D. 1590, A Comet appeared from Februa­ry 23. to March 6. near. Pisces Borealis. The blaze very thin and small, and about ten degrees in length. It was by Tycko observed to be as high as the Sun.

As for Events, the Pope Sixtus V. died, and his Successour Vrbanus VII. lived but ten dayes after he came to the Popedome, Gregory XIV. suc­ceeded him, but lived not a whole year, the next Pope, viz. Innocentius IX. lived but two Moneths; so that four Popes successively died in little more [Page 106] then a years time. There was a terrible Earth-quake this year in Moravia and Austria, whereby many Houses (especially in Vienna) were destroy­ed. The [...] Summer there was a sore Drought. A Shepherd in a place in Holland carelesly throw­ing some fire upon the ground, by reason of the dry season, the ground took fire, and burnt so that the Heavens seemed to flame nor could the fire▪ [...]e extinguished, until the Sea water was let in upon it. In Paris thirteen thousand Persons were famished to death this year.

A.D. 1596. July 9. A Comet of Saturnine aspect appeared in Vrsa major, from whence it hastned to Coma Berenices. ^r It passed through Cancer, Leo, and Virgo, and there turning aside, became Stationary. Remarkable Events were; a drought and earth-quake in divers places. The English burnt the Spanish Fleet. The Turks in Battle overcame the Austrians. This year many great Personages ^s d [...]ed in England, Also ^t many famous for Learning in other Countries. Ireland blazed with Tyr Owens Rebellion, nor could that Flame be extinguished without the ef­fusion of much English blood▪ An exundation of the River Tyber drowned 1500 persons in Rome, and the City received inestimable detriment thereby.

CHAP. IX. The History of Comets appearing in this last Cen­tury, with the more remarkable occurrences of Di­vine Providence which have attended them.

A D. 1607. September 25. A Comet appear­ed ^u continuing about forty dayes, ma­king its progress from the foot of Vrsa major, through Bo [...]es, until it came to the hand of Ophi­nebus, where it began to alter its course. The Star was not exactly round, but seemed to have a swol [...] face. It appeared bigg [...]r then any fixed Star. The rayes proceeding from it, were more condense and compacted then useth to be. Be­cause of its Septentrional Latitude, it might be seen both in the evening and in the morning, (and in Germany all the night long) whence the vulgar ignorantly concluded that there were two distinct Comets. As for remarkable occurrents, the Prince of Transilvania was poysoned by his Chan­cellour. The Hayduques with the Turks made wo­ful havock in Hungaria; The Emperour was in great distress, by reason that his Brother the Arch-Duke headed an Army, aspiring after the Imperial Crown, and prevailed so far that he was [Page 108] declared the King of Hungaria, after which he persecuted the Protestants in Austria. The Duke of Lorrain died. There were great Wars between the Sweeds and D [...]nes.

A.D. 1618. This year is famous for Blazing Stars, inasmuch as therein no less then four Co­mets were observed. The first appeared from August 25. to September 25. about three hours af­ter midnight, casting its blaze from the East to­wards the West. September 1. Kepler observed it to be a little below the left foot of Vrsa major, and declining towards the head of Leo, its moti­on was retrograde. Sept. 6. with the naked eye no blaze could be perceived, but with the Teles­cope one might perceive it like a thin Cloud: Sept. 23. it was come to 29. of Cancer. Lat. Boreal. 23. about 10 dayes, deflecting from the Ecliptick Southward, almost 15. Degrees, having a retro­grade motion. The Star was hardly perceivable in Europe by reason of its vicinity to the Sun, but in Persia, and in the East-Indies (though not in Europe) continuing from November 22▪ to De­cember 13. The fourth and last Comet appear­ing this year, was that which all the Earth looked upon with astonishment. It was first taken notice of November 24. and continued to January 24. h.e. for the space of 60 dayes. There are some now living who remember this blazing Star. But I find a far other kind of Description given of it, in the Books of those learned Mathematicians, [Page 109] who were accurate and diligent observers of this Prodigy, then that which is related by those still alive, that in their youth might see it. There had not the like Comet to this appeared for the space of 150 years.

It was seen first in Libra, moving towards the North with some inclination Westward, viz. through the midst of Libra and Bootes, when it came there it might be seen all the night long. The body of the Comet was to appearance big­ger then a Star of the first magnitude, and would sometimes seem to twinkle. Wendeline, Cusatus and others that viewed it with a Telescope, did to their admiration observe a little Nut or Star in the body of this Comet; after that it was broken into three Stars like Coals of fire in a flaming Oven, after that into a multitude of little Stars which could not be numbred because they would sometimes sparkle out, and otherwhile abscond from the eye. The blaze was narrow near the Star, but broad at a distance from it. At its first appearance it bended like a Bow, but afterwards it appeared straight. The Colour of the Blaze near the Star was red and fiery, but towards the end of it white and pale, very much resembling the Via Lactea. December 21. the visible Longi­tude of [...]he blaze was 22 Degrees, December 8. it was 58 Degrees, Decemb. 9 it was 75. Degrees in length. Longomontanus saith that once the Blaze was extended one hundred & four degrees [Page 110] in length; and that as for its distance from the Earth it was four times as high as the Moon, viz. 240 S.T. Before it was extinct it had a less Pa­rallax then the Sun, and therefore was above it. The true length of the blaze was beyond that of its distance from the Earth no less then 445 S.T. so that [...] man going forty miles every day would not in an hundred years go so far as that blaze ex­tended. He might sooner go round the whole Earth seventy times over, then once go over the extent of that formidable blaze. Remarkable Events, attending these Comets, were, the death of the Emperour and Empress. A drought all that Winter; An Earth-quake (which hapned on the day when the first of these Comets appeared) in Italy removed a Mountain which fell upon the Town of Plours, whereby an 1500. persons were crushed to death in a moment. But the great and fatal consequent of this Prodigy, was, the Bohemic and Germanic War, in which Rivers of Blood were poured forth. No less th [...]n six (some say eight) hundred thousand lives being cut off by the devouring mouth of the Sword. And the Prince Palatine, King of Bohemia dispos­sessed of his haereditary Estate, forced to fly for his life, and his Countrey made a desolation. Quickly after these Blazing Stars, God sent the Plague amongst the Indians here in New-England which swept them away in such numbers, as that the living were not enough to bury the dead. This [Page 111] year also in Grand Caire in Aegypt there died six hundred thousand by the Pestilence.

A.D. 1652. A Comet was seen December 10. continuing 21 dayes. Its motion was retrograde from the South towards the North, through the Hare, the foot of Orion, Taurus, unto Perseus. Its diurnal motion at first was 11 Degrees and 16 Minutes, but at last hardly 30 Minutes. When it was nearest to the Earth, its distance was 110 S.T. the Parallax being 31. m. 15. sec. But a little before its disappearance it was removed 2250 [...]. S.T. the Parallax being but 9 sec. so that at last it was as high as the Orb of Jupiter. When observed with a Telescope, the head appeared to be round, ^w and not less then the Moon when at the full; and four or five clo [...]s might be dis­cerned in the Cometical body ▪ whereof two were something bigger then the rest, and many minute little bodies resembling Stars, but their light not so vivid as that of the true Stars is. These clots in the Cometical body, did very much alter and dissipate every day. The blaze was seven degrees as to its visible Longitude, in form like a Pyramid [...] or Pillar of a duskish, smoaky kind of aspect. The true diameter of the Comet was 825. Mill. Germ., so that if a Man should travail 10 German (or 40 of our) miles every day, he could not go round the body of this Comet in less then 259 dayes, of so vast a circumference was its magnitude. Many undertook to predict strange [Page 112] things from the appearance of this Blazing Star; Especially a blind but insolent ^x Buzzard of our own Nation (as learned Mr. Gataker in the En­glish Annotations on Jer. 10.2. not undeservedly calls him) foretold matters which never came to pass, yet several things very remarkable we all know attended this Comet, e. g. Wars between England and Holland, Denmark, Sweden. Bloody Sea fights, the Sea and the Waves thereof roaring. Strange alterations in England, for the next year Cromwel dissolved that which is known by the name of the Rump-Parliament, and set up for himself. Also Quakerisme now began to infest the World. The Po [...]e and the King of Bohemia died within a year or two of this Comet.

A.D. 1661. A Comet appeared in the morn­ing from Febr. 3. to March 28. S.T. N. It was below the Dolphin, between the heads of Aquil [...] and Equuleus in the 10. Grad. [...] distance from the Earth was at first 2000, and at last 9000 S.T. so that it was higher then the Sun. Its motion direct from the East to the West. The Telescope discovered a Star to be in the body of the Comet, about which a more thin and dilute matter might be discerned. Feb. 5. that Star was divided into several parts. Febr. 6. it was dissipated into many little Stars, one of which was more dense and shining then the rest. The blaze was ob­scure and about seven degrees in Longitude, ac­cording [Page 113] to Hevelius ^y but Franciscus Milleit ^z writeth that it was sometimes extended unto 20 Degrees in Longitude, of a conica [...] form. As for Events, the Turks fell upon Germany (where especially this ^a Comet was observed) making woful havock there. That black Bartholomews day, which the Nonconformists in England, so much complain of, hapned but half a year after this Comet. The Fanaticks say, that the like is not to be paralleld in any History, that five and twenty hundred▪ Ministers should be silenced in one day. It is also said, that these Stars which were thus cast down, were some of them of the first magnitude. And therefore a Comet might well precede an event so remarkable. But this must pass for a Phanatick notion, Not long after this Comet, the cruel Tartars made incursions into Hungaria, Moravia, Silesi [...] sacking and burning many Towers, and making no less then an hundred and threescore thousand Souls Cap­tives, ^a whom they sold to their barbarous Brethren the Turks.

A.D. 1664. A famous Comet was conspicuous to the whole VVorld this year. Many have pub­lished their Sentiments concerning it. A Reve­rend and worthy Person ^b amongst our selves [Page 114] (who is now ascended above the Stars) hath left us his observations about the motions of this Co­met as by himself taken notice of. But no man hath done it with greater accuracy then Hevelius, who being singularly advantaged with the best Mathematical Instruments which the World can afford to make discoveries of this nature. ^c Reports that it was observed by him in Dantzick, Decemb. 14. S T. N. About 5 h. A.M. in the 8. Degree of Libro, the head of a somewhat yel­lowish colour, affording a dull and dim light, ne­ver so vivid and splendid as the true Stars or Pla­nets appear with, in the very middle of which one might perceive a more clear shining body, whose diameter was about four Minutes, invironed with a thinner Body of 12. Minutes, whose light was more dim But when observed with a long Telescope, one might see that the Star in the midst of the head of the Comet, did not consist of one clot only, but of many particles, some of which were more compact and lucid, others more thin and obscure. As the subtile matter observed a­bout the small particles like Nuts in the body of the Comet, was condensed, the head grew bigger, so as that December 20. it was observed to com­prehend 24 Minutes, and in the midst of it a most lucid and thick clot, of a fiery colour, which was compassed about with matter, some of which was [Page 115] more rare, some more dense, intermixed with lesser Nuts o [...] Stars. In the beginning of Ja­nuary, that thick and lucid Clot began to attenu­ate, and break away, whence the head of the Co­met was diminished, that January 6. it seemed to contain but 8 Minutes, January 22. The form of the Comet was not exactly round, but seemed to be rough and broken, and in some places point­ing out more then in other places. As for the true magnitude of the Comet, it was at first about six times as big as the Earth, after it was diminish­ed in January, it was again augmented in Februa­ry. It did not alwayes keep the same distance from the Earth. The Parallax was 59. sec. In the midst of its appearance, when the motion was most swift about 4. m. and at last but 16. sec. So that at first it was distant from the Earth 3500. S.T. in the midst 1000 And February 4. 1200. S. T. Towards the end of December when near­est to the Earth, it was twenty times as far off as the Moon, in the middle of January it was as high as the Sun, in the beginning of February as re­mote from the Earth, as Mars is. The Blaze was 14. Degrees in Longitude, being towards the extremity spread abroad, resembling a Peacocks tail. It appeared sometimes longer, and some­times shorter. December 21. it was observed to be 22 Degrees in length, and towards the point of it, to bend a little▪ the concavity towards the Horizon, but the next day it was straight again [Page 116] December 28. a sudden and great alteration [...] observed in the Blaze; for it pointed not towards the West, as before it had done, but upwards and towards the North. From December 29. it be­gan to incline more Eastward. January 5. the Blaze pointed directly towards the East. It was observable that it seemed still to point towards the Gemini; so that the Blaze was ever in oppo­sition to the Sun; and we may therefore conclude that it did proceed from the beams thereof, pier­cing through the body of the Comet. The Star lost its Blaze in the latter end of January, and yet recovered it again in part in the beginning of February. Its motion was retrograde, from Cor­vus, through Hydra, the Skip, Canis major, the Hare, Eridanus, the head of the Whale unto A­ries, so that it passed through six signes in the Zo­diack, viz. Libra, Virgo, Leo, Cancer, Gemini, Taurus. Thus far is Hevelius his account of this notable Comet. Not long after this another, no less admirable did appear. It was by the but now mentioned learned person first observed, April 6. St. N. about 1 h. A▪M, in the breast of Pega­sus, viz. in 14.21. of Pisces, and Lat. Boreal. 26.30 of a clear and radiant aspect. In the midst of the Comets head one might with a Te­lescope discern one Nucleus or Star very lucid and shining like Gold, which was encompassed with a more dilute matter. The Blaze proceeding therefrom was almost as thick as the matter in [Page 117] which the Nucleus was contained. April 8. it appeared very lucid, so that one might perceive the Comet after the other Stars disappeared, the Nucleus not much altered from what it was at first April 16. the Comet seemed brighter then any of the fixed Stars, yea to outshine Saturn; then by the help of the Telescope one might discern the Nucleus to be more bright and bigger then be­fore. The Diameter of the Nucleus was less then Jupiter's, but equal to Saturn's, whence one might conclude that the Comet was as yet in­creasing. The Nucleus seemed to cast a notable shadow on that side which was a verse to the Sun. For the blaze seemed to be divided, the reason of which might be because the Nucleus was so com­pact and solid, that the beams of the Sun could not pass through it, only through the thin matter which was on both sides of it. The matter on the fore part of the Nucleus as the Comet came nearer to the Sun▪ appeared to be more acumina­ted and diminished. The Parallax of this Co­met was at first 69 sec. at last 41. sec. The mag­nitude of the Nucleus was 12. sec. and of the whole head of the Comet 6. min. so that when nearest to the Earth, it was sixty times as high as the Moon, and at last as high as the Sun. The blaze was 17. sometimes 25. Degrees as to its visible Longitude. The motion of this Comet was direct according to the order of the signs, at first appearing in Pisces, and at last in Taurus. It [Page 118] continued for the space of fourteen dayes.

As for remarkable Events attending these Bla­zing Stars, we cannot but remember what doleful things quickly followed. An unhappy War be­tween two professing Nations, viz. the English and the Dutch, whereby much Christian and Prote­stant blood was shed. A terrible Plague in En­gland the like never known there before this time, so that in London (besides what was in some other parts of the Nation) there died sometimes a­bove seventeen thousand in one week; and more then an hundred thousand were swept away in a years time in that one City by the besome of De­struction which the Lord sent amongst them. The next year the Papists set London on fire; which dreadful Conflagration continued for several dayes, until eighty seven Parishes were consumed by those fatal flames. The smoak of that burn­ing caused the Sun to look as if it were turned into darkness, and the Moon into blood. It hath been computed that there were burnt within the Walls of the City twelve thousand houses, and without a thousand. ^* The whole damage a­mounting to at least nine Millions, and nine hun­dred thousand pounds sterling. Also, the mise­ries which the English inhabiting the Caribbee Islands, were n [...]t long after these Comets, expo­sed unto, not only by the Sword of their Enemies, [Page 119] but by the prodigious Tempests which God sent amongst them, are still fresh in memory.

A.D. 1667. Feb. 15. A Comet was seen only the Coma and not the Star could be by us discern­ed by reason of its being in the sign Pisces, where the Sun then was. Its Longitude above thirty Degrees. ^† March 1. Its extream point rea­ched to that Star in Eridanus which is called the fourteenth by Bayerus. March 2. it passed through the 15 Star in Eridanus, and left to the Southward the 14th. tending to the Southern Star which precedes the Ear of Lepus, so that it was more Northerly, and more Easterly then at first. Both in Italy and in Portugal it was observed at the same time, as with us in New-England. Also at Lions and several other places in France; and yet (which is very strange) it was not observed at Paris, nor at London or in any part of England. The London Gazette saith, that March 17. at Venice they observed a Comet to the North-East, the tail of it much longer then that which appeared three years since, but of less brightness, and that it was seen late in the night.

As for Events; many places were this year sorely afflicted with Earth quakes. In Asia, there was an horrendous Earth-quake which con­tinued for 80 dayes together. The Cities of [Page 120] Begbara, Angora, and several other Towns suf­fered much thereby. The City of Tocall was wholly levelled to the ground. Polio (a conside­rable City) was destroyed, a thousand and eight hundred persons being killed by their Houses fal­ling upon them. Torqueto (another considerable City) was overthrown in a moment, and above six thousand persons lost their lives, being buried in the ruins, of the City. Also several places in Europe were affrighted with Earth-quakes this year: particularly Constantinople, and Adrianople, but especially Raguse which was in a great part destroyed. Also the Plague broke out, in the chief City of the European Tartary; and in great Poland, and in Paccardy, it raged in Donay, Ghent and other places. A fire in Moscow de­stroyed thirty thousand Houses, and five hundred Churches and Chappels; a great part of the Cities of Gottenbourg, and Stetin, were this year also consumed by fire. In the Countrey about Cadiz there was a great Drought, so as that the Death of many of their Cattle was occasioned thereby. The Turks made very furious Assaults upon Can­dia, which was the next year surrendred to them. The King of Poland resigned his Crown into the hands of the States, by which means that King­dome was involved in troubles and confusions. A prodigious Tempest hapned there, Hail-stones of an incredible bigness fell upon the Trees▪ break­ing them so as was strange to behold. The peo­ple [Page 121] there concluded that this Hail-storm was a presage of their future sufferings. Don Juan caused great Troubles and Commotions in the Kingdome of Spain. There hapned a Popular Tumult in Sardinia wherein the multitude inraged at the Taxes imposed on them killed the Vice-Roy. In Africa Taffiletto made great stirrs subduing the Kingdomes of Fez and Morocco to his obe­d [...]ence▪ so that by his Conquests, he at last styled himself not only the King but the Emperour of Barbary.

A.D. 1677. A Comet appeared in the sign Taurus, between the Base of the Triangle, and the unformed Stars in the Cloud of Aries. The head of it was in a right line with the heart of Cassiopeja and the Alamak. ^d It seemed to be about the bigness of a Star of the first magni­tude, but of a much fainter and duller Light. It had a bright Star in the middle of it, about the brightness of Saturn, when near the Horizon, and was about 25 Seconds in Diameter, the mat­ter in which it was involved having an hazy shi­ning, but not so clear, and bright, and dense as the Nucleus in it was. The length of it was about eight Degrees, sometimes longer, and some­times shorter. C [...]ssini observed it at Paris, April 18. ^* Hevelius at Dantzick, April 17. and it [Page 122] continued until April 28, h. e. 12 dayes. Its mo­tion being direct, it soon came to be in conjuncti­on with the Sun; and then could not be by us discerned▪

As for Events following this Comet; within a year a Town in Piedmont called Bosia suddenly sunk down into the Earth, so as that nothing of it appeared, only two persons in the whole Town that escaped with their lives. But I find that some late Writers in England, think that this Co­met was an Omen of the late Horrid Popish Plot, wherein it was resolved that the Protestant Name should no more be had in remembrance, which hellish design was ripe for Execution, had not He which sits in the Heavens prevented. It was before observed, that Hamans bloody Conspiracy to cut off the Lords People, was attended with a Bla­zing Star. And why might not this Combination of the Antichristian party (which was worse then that of Hamans) be so too? Now as the Dis­covery of Haman (who was a Type of Anti-Christ) his wicked contrivance, ended in the ut­ter destruction of himself, and of his Children; So the Lord grant that the revealing of this Po­pish Plot may issue in the ruine of Antichrist, and of those that do uphold him; and let every Man that fears God, or that bears any love to his Name and Truth, say▪ Amen!

A▪D. 1680. The motion of the Comet which appeared this year, was diligently followed by [Page 123] the Ingenious Mr. John Foster, the late Printer in Boston in New-England. And though he be gone (not without a publick loss by his death and the sorrow of many) it being mentioned amongst evil Omens, that the cunning Artificer shall be taken away) he hath left behind him, some of his Ob­servations concerning this Comet. It was first here taken notice of Nov. 14. at 5. h. A.M. near 18 Degrees of Libra. 1 Gr. and 30. min. Lat. Austral. Nov. 19. It was within a Degree of Spica Virginis, directing its course Northward a­bout 40. min. Several Mornings after that were cloudy here in Boston, and not long after it was in conjunction with the Sun, so that it was seen no more in the Morning. It was then conjectured that within a few dayes it would appear in the E­vening, and so it did Dec. 10. when only the Blaze and not the Star was to us visible. December 12. Its Blaze appeared very red and fiery, extending as far as the breast of the Swan. Dec. 14. its head was first discerned, the Blaze passing to the North-ward of Cor Aquilae. Dec. 16▪ its appear­ance was very terrible, the Blaze ascended above 60 Degrees almost to its Zenith, growing conti­nually broader from the head, and was brightest on both ends, especially on the South side, the middle considerably darker then either of the sides. Jan. 8. Gave the fairest opportunity to find its true place and parallax, by its approach to a fixed Star of the third Magnitude, in the [Page 124] right shoulder of Andromeda. At 6. h. 5. m. it was 28. m. distant from that Star. At 50. m. past 6. its distance was 25. m. At 10. h. 5. m. The Comet passing by the said Star, left it 12. m. Southward. Its visible hourly motion was 6. m. direct, which if compared with its daily motion, we shall find it little (if at all) retarded by rea­son of its Parallax, which is an evidence of its vast distance from the Earth. For if it had not been much higher then the Moon, its true motion would have far exceeded its visible. About the middle of February, it vanished out of our sight.

As for Remarkable Events, attending this Bla­zing Star, We that live in America know but little of the great Motions in Europe, much less in A­frica and Asia, until a long time afterwards. On­ly we are informed of some considerable Commo­tions the last year, between the Tartars and the Chineses. Likewise in Hungaria, some things worthy of Remark have hapned. Above four hundred Villages in that Countrey have lately been laid desolate by Sword and Fire. The Turks have an Army on foot there, and it is strange to consider (only God maketh the Earth to help the Woman) that those Barbarous Infidels, should declare unto the Emperour of Germany, that they will not be at peace with him, except he do's restore unto the oppressed Protestants their liber­ties and estates which have been unjustly taken [Page 125] from them. The Pope has disposed of the Ecclesi­astical 10th. in the State Millan to be imployed in a war against the Hungarian Protestants. This last Summer the Protestants (commonly called Re­bels) in those parts have had Wonderful succes­ses against the Popish Generation. It is possible this may be a beginning of Revenges upon the Ene­my. The great expectation, is, that the next year the Grand Signior will come in person against the Emperour, with the most formidable Army which hath been known in the World for these many a­ges. It may be another (the last and most fatal) blast of the second wo Trumpet, is now about to sound. In the Summer after this Blazing Star, there was an afflictive Drought▪ not only in Ame­rica, but in Europe. The next (i. e. the last) win­ter, there was a great Inundation in the Nether­lands; many thousands peri [...]hed in the fatal night when those great Waters came nigh unto them. It is said that those Provinces suffered more by that Inundation, then by all the French Wars which of late have been so heavy upon them. The poor Protestants in France, are blazing in a flame of Persecution. The French KING in his De­claration newly come forth, boasts that he hath caused several Millions of Protestants to forsake their holy Profession, and to turn Roman Catho­licks; He also and the Pope are quarelling who shall be Pope in France. Yea his hand seems to be against every one, and every mans against him, [Page 126] the issue whereof must needs in probability be some great overturnings and alteration of the pre­sent State of Affairs in Europe. And besides these particulars (which are considerable) other things have come to pass in Europe since the Co­met last mentioned, which deserve to have a Re­mark set upon them. For the last year there was a terrible conflagration in Moscow (it begun in a Stable) whereby four thousand Houses were consumed, and turned into ruinous heaps. And this last Summer the great City of Plesco, is made desolate by fire, not above seventy Houses remain­ing. Also the Czar (or Emperour) of Musco­via is lately dead; and his Death hath occasioned a very great Commotion about a Successour to the Crown. At first his Brother was Proclaimed; but the City of Mosco rose up in Arms about it, and the Souldiers there have lately made a dismal slaughter amongst the Nobility and chief Citizens, deposing the late Czar's Brother, and setting up his Uncle as Emperour in his stead. For three dayes together (viz. 15, 16, & 17 of May last) things in that great and imperial City, were in the strangest Confusion imaginable; on the seventh day of June last, a terrible Earth-quake hapned in that part of the World, continuing for the space of half an hour, whereby many stately Fabricks were thrown down to the ground, and an hundred lives destroyed by their fall. Moreover this last Summer, God hath opened the Windows of Hea­ven [Page 127] in a very awful manner, so as that the Floods occasioned by the great Rains, have destroyed many Towns in Sicily. We hear that Mount Aetna (which has been wont to vomit Fire) has of late cast out such an abundance of Water, as that the Neighbouring Countrey is drowned thereby. We hear also, that on the sixth day of June last, a most prodigious Tempest hapned in Sicily, whereby the Town of Randazzo, Franca­ville, and Tortorica became subject to a sudden and unexpected ruin. About half an hour before Sun­set, there hapned so great a darkness, as that no object could be distinguished at the distance of four paces; after which there arose an amazing Storm of Rain, Thunder and Lightning▪ which lasted for thirty six hours. About one of the clock in the Morning, great Torrents fell upon the Neighbouring Mountains, with such irresist­able fury, as that Trees of extraordinary bigness were carried away before them, which coming a­gainst Tortorica threw down the Walls and Hou­ses thereof, 600. of the Inhabitants were drowned. The Arch-Deacon, and many others ran into the Church of St. Nicholas for safety, but the violent Waters overthrew the Church, and destroyed all the People which hoped to find Sanctuary therein On the 25 of Iune last the Popes Palace of St. Peters in Rome, was stricken with a Thunder-bolt, the Fire-ball passing from one Room to another, until it entred that where the Pope useth to give [Page 128] Audience. Fanaticks think that this may be an Omen that Heaven will pour down a Vial full of Wrath upon the Throne of the Beast ere long.

A.D. 1682. It is reported that in Germany a Blazing Star was seen June 17. in the South-west, which continued visible for the space of an hour, and was then obscured by the rising of the Sun. If that Relation be true, there have been two Co­mets (or one hath twice appeared) this present year. For it is certain that there was one visible in August last. Some had a sight of it August 15. for my own part, I saw it not until August 18. 3. h. A.M when it was in the foreclaw of Vrsa major. The stream about 10. Degrees in Longi­tude; the Star bigger then that which appeared about 2 years ago. It was then perceived by us in N.E. only in the morning, whenas I am in­formed by Letters from London,that they saw it in the Evening the same night when we beheld it in the morning only. By reason of its septen­trional Latitude, tis past doubt that in the more Nor [...]hern Climates it was seen both in the morning and in the evening of the same day, yea all the night long, as hath been noted concerning the Co­mets appearing Annis 1432, 1470, 1513, 1607. August 23. it was by us in New-England seen in the Evening only, having removed from the place we first saw it in, about 39 Degrees, and was come near Coma Berenices; not considerably changing its Latitude, but moving in a line almost [Page 129] parallel with the Ecliptick. Thus it passed through Coma Berenices ▪ and through the leg of Bootes▪ August 31. Its Latitude was diminished from 24. to 16. Gr. It was come between the feet of Bootes, about 75. Degrees from the place we first saw it in. I had not an opportunity to view it with a Telescope above once (and that was Sept. 12.) through which it appeared to be a very dim and hazy kind of body. It was then about the foot of Virgo, where it disappeared in the Moneth of September.

There is an Anonymous Astrologer in London (some of whose Notions are taken out of Gadbu­ries Book of Comets, Printed Anno 1665.) that has published his Sentiments upon this Comet; presumptuously determining not only what the Events are which shall attend this, with the for­mer Blazing Stars, but the places, yea and persons concerned therein. No man of wisdome and judgement can relish the boldness of such a Pro­phet after; Especially considering that he does praedict things that are contrary to the Scriptures of Truth. He prophesies of the Turks Con­version, and consequently Salvation; when as the sure Word of Prophesie unto which we shall do well to give heed, informs us that the Turk shall come to his end, and there shall be none to help him, Numb. 24.24. Dan. 11.45. Rev. 9.15. The vain Astrologer likewise affirms, that Rome shall be destroyed by the Turkish power, when as the [Page 130] holy Scriptures assure us, that it shall be done by some of those horns which have given their po­wer to (the [...]) Antichrist, which the Turk: never did, Rev. 17, 16. If men did with under­standing read the Scriptures more, they would mind Judicial Astrologers less. This notwithstand­ing I find that judicious Writers are of Opinion, that such a Saturnine Comet as this was, hath a natural influence into, and therefore does portend a cold and tedious Winter, much Snow, and con­sequently great Floods; Malignant and Epidemi­cal Diseases; in special the Plague: concerning which Deus avertat Omen! Some things worthy of Remark, have already hapned in Europe, be­ing contemporary with this Blazing Star. I un­derstand by Letters, that Vines and Corn are very much damnified, in several Countries by the great Rains which have fallen the latter end of this last Summer. We are also ascertained, that about the middle of September last (the Comet being hardly out of sight) there was a very prodigious Tempest in Italy. Not far from Florence there hapned most terrible Thunder and Hail mingled with Fire; the Hail-stones were many of them three, some of them five pound in weight; the like was never known in those parts; The wild Beasts and Birds were killed thereby. For the space of eight Miles in length, and two in breadth. It swept away all the Branches from the greatest Trees, as Oakes, Chesnuts, &c. It destroyed all [Page 131] the Autumn Harvest that was on the Ground, and left not a Vine standing▪ It carried away the roofs of Houses; inasmuch as persons were kil­led in their beds. A Church was beat down to the ground, and the Bells carried a quarter of a mile. Since this Discourse was written and sent to the Presse, we have the sad Tidings of another dismal Fire, which hapned in London this Winter, viz on the 19th. day of N [...]vember last: It is re­ported that a thousand Houses were consumed in those unhappy Flames. What further Events shall attend this Blazing Star which our eyes have so lately beheld, is known unto him, Who ruleth in the Army of Heaven, and doth what he will amongst the Children of Men.

CHAP. X. That Blazing Stars are commonly signs of evil E­vents, therefore not to be slighted; nor this last Blazing Star which is attended with such rare Conjunctions of the Planets. Judicial Astrolo­gers condemned. The Conclusion.

FRom the things which have been expressed, We may rationally conclude, that all the wise Men who lived in all former Ages were not alto­gether mistaken▪ wh [...]n they believed that Comets are forerunners of some great and commonly mi­serable [Page 132] Events hastening upon the World. Judi­cious Zanchy (as well as Mede) conceives that by the Pillars of Smoke spoken of in the Prophet Joel, as portentous of the amazing and terrible things which were coming upon the Jewish Nation Blazing Stars are meant, he saith that when he lived at Strasburge, there was a Comet seen; after which the death of some great Personages, and civil Wars in France ensued: and addeth ^a that if we read and observe Histories, we shall find that thus it hath been ever since the World be­gun, that Comets have never appeared, but soon after, miserable Wars, mortal Diseases, &c. have followed. So that they are preachers of divine wrath, and the consequences of them prove fatal unto some or other, in which respect all ought to walk with an holy fear of the infinite Majesty, who doth whatsoever he pleaseth in Heaven and Earth, in the Sea▪ [...] in all deep places, and ac­cordingly causeth such tokens to appear in the Heavens when it seemeth good unto him. And whereas, Droughts, Caterpillars, Tempests, Inun­dations, Sicknesses, are frequently known to fol­low upon the appearance of such Phaenom [...]na's, I see no sufficient reason why we should not suppose them to be not only signal but causal thereof; and perhaps of Earth-quakes ^b also. It is undubi­table [Page 133] that the true Planets and fixed Stars have a natural influence into such things, though the manner of their operation is by us silly Mortals undeclarable. Gen. 1.14. Deut. 33.13, 14. Judg. 5.20. Job 38.31, 32, 33. And therefore it is not impossible but that Comets may have the like na­tural influence, especially when they are near to the Sun, and that therefore the Blaze proceeding from them reacheth the Earth, though by us un­discernable. The light which the Moon recei­veth from the Sun hath a physical and wonderful influence upon the Earth, so may the Beams which blaze through a Cometical body have likewise. As to their natural operation, they may have dif­ferent effects, causing Droughts in one place, in­undations in another, Earth quakes in another, &c. according to the occult qualities which are in the subjects of their influence. And whereas, Wars, Commotions, Persecutions Heresies, the Death of Princes, Changes, and overturnings in the World do usually happen after the appearance of such Stars, they seem to be only signal and not causal of such events. The reasons alledged by some to prove that Comets have a physical influence into such effects are not solid. [...] should therefore ra­ther conclude, that they are signs of such things to follow only in respect of their Vniversal and supernatural cause, God having ordained them for that end, that so the Inhabitants of the World, when they behold such fearful sights might there­by [Page 134] be awakened unto repentance. I know some Learned Men do not assent unto this conclusion. Scaliger laughs at their conceit who ^c suppose that Comets threaten Kings and Kingdomes. Budritius ^d hath published a Tractate, whose design is to prove the con [...]rary. And the truth is, that the Arguments insisted on by the Admi­rers of Aristotle are frivolous; And when they speak of Comets falling upon the Earth, and so infecting the Air, and tell us that sometimes Stones of a Sulphurous nature have fallen down out of them, their phansies are ridiculous. But it doth not follow that a princ [...]ple is not true, because it hath been weakly maintained by some that have undertaken its Patronage. The weightiest ob­jection against the inference which we adhere un­to, is, That there have been some happy Comets, and that the evils pretended to follow after them, have sometimes hapned when no Comet hath ap­peared▪ Tacitus calls that an happy Blazing Star which was seen before Nero's Death, because it signified the downfal of one that had a malig­nant influence upon the whole Earth; Others mention the Comets that were observed before Wickliff, Huss, and Luther began to publish the Gospel, as happy Omens that the light of truth should be dispersed in the World. But truly, the number of instances on this hand, is so small and inconsiderable, that it cannot invalidate their [Page 135] Assertion, who affirm that Blazing Stars are most commonly pornentous of evil Events. And if we should say as some do that the appearance of a Comet is like the coming of a New Ruler to the people, ^e Either a great good or a great evil, there is room left to fear the worst. Moreover, as there are contrary Interests in the World, so that may be happy for one, that will be woful for the other. And although such evil Events as those in the preceding Chapters related, have sometimes hapned without any blazing star imme­diately forerunning, that doth not prove, that when such signs do appear in heaven, they are not signal of miseries not far off. Wars & commotions have hapned though Armies have not been seen fighting in the Air. Will any man there­fore say, that such apparitions are not to be ac­counted ominous or significative that evils of that nature are like to ensue? However, it is certain­ly much better for men to fear and prepare for the worst, then that Judgement should overwhelm them in their sin and security. A Jesuit confes­seth, ^f that when Johannes de Capistrano upon the appearance of a Comet. A▪D. 1460. decla­red in his publick Sermons, that except the world did reform their lives and w [...]yes, they might just­ly expect that great Calamities were at hand, it was both piously and prudently done of him. It is dangerous for men to jest with such awful works of God. They that do so are guilty of worse [Page 136] then barbarous prophaness: and such persons (be they high or low) seldome long escape the vengeance of Heaven. Some have observed that ^g when Pericles slighted a great Eclipse of the Moon, it proved a fatal Eclipse to him, and to those that he was concerned in. And Vespasian's Example should teach men to be careful how they despise such Works of God. Lege Historiam ne fias Historia. The merciful and righteous God useth to discharge his Warning pieces, before his Murdering pieces go off. Thrice happy they who take the Warning. I know not but that the possessed man might speak Truth, who affirmed the best Verse in Virgil to be that,

And as for this last Blazing Star, which is ge­nerlly disregarded amongst Men in the World, it seemeth to be the more Ominous, in that some rare Conjunctions of the Superiour Planets happen this year also. October 20. There was a Con­junction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, there ha­ving been in the praeceding Moneth of September, first a Conjunction of Iupiter and Mars, and then of Saturn and Mars in the same sign. And (which is notable because unusual) these two superiour Planets make two Conjunctions more [Page 137] in the same sign, the one in the next Moneth, viz. on the thirtieth of Ianuary, in the 18. Degree of Leo; the other the sixth of May next in the sixteenth Degree of the same sign. As for those great Conjunctions of all the Planets which hap­pen but once in 794. years, there have been but seven of them since the World begun. The se­cond of which was attended with Noah's Flood. The third with the overthrow of Pharaoh, when the Children of Israel were brought out of the Land of Aegypt. The fourth with the Captivi­ty of the Ten Tribes. The fifth with the begin­ning of the Christian, and the Destruction of the Iewish World. The sixth with the division of the Empire in the dayes of Carolus Magnus. The Last was 79. years ago. A Learned and Judicious Author ^h saith of it▪ that as the foundation of Rome was laid at the same time when the Children of Israel were carried into Captivity by the As­syrians under the fourth of these Conjunctions, so the seventh ere the consequents or concomi­tants of it be over, will be attended with the con­version of the Iews, and the utter ruin of Rome, which he thinks will come to pass in the year 1694. About which time some others conjecture that great things will be accomplished in the World. Mr. Brightman on Rev. 9.15 [...]o [...]clu­deth that the present Turkish Power shall not be [Page 138] continued beyond the year 1696. Dr. Meo [...] supposeth that the time allotted for the Reign of Antichrist will expire about the year 1692. Du Moulin's judgement was that the Pope shall not be able to make War with the Saints, so as to overcome them any more▪ after the year. 1689. Outinam! Others conceive that Annus 1688. will be a year of wonders, which brings to mind the Verses published by Regiomontanus above two hundred years ago,

Whether any of these have guessed right, he that lives thirteen years hence, will be better able to say: I am apt to believe that ere this Century be expired, there will be very great Revolutions in the World. But besides these general ones, there are particular Conjunctions of the two Su­periour Planets, which meet together once in (about) 20 years, and use to continue in their con­junction, until Mars come and joyn with them; and then it is admirable to behold three great Stars shining in the same sign in the Heavens▪ with­out any scintillation, ^* and these some call great Conjunctions ⁽¹⁾ as portending great Events in [Page 139] the World. And such a conjunction there has & will be within this twelve moneths, besides seve­ral others, in the same year and in the same Sign in the Heavens (as but now was noted) which is admirable to consider; some say the like hath not been these two thousand years. And it being in one of the signs in the fiery Trigon, there are who conclude that great Desolations by burning are at hand. I find that some weighty Writers con­ceive that such rare Conjunctions are portentous not only of great Revolutions and Changes, but also of new and unheard of Diseases amongst Mortals. The judiciously learned Hospinian ^k seems to incline unto this Opinion. It cannot be denied, but that the Planets have a great influence upon the Earth as to things which according to the course of nature are produced: The five lesser Planets are in the Scripture by way of emi­nency termed ^l Stars of light, and are conjunct­ly mentioned with the Sun and Moon, as affording light, and being influential to the Earth beyond what may be affirmed of other Stars, Psal. 148.3 therefore to observe the Motion of the Coelestial bodies, and what effects they do produce accord­ing to the ordinary course of nature, which the divine providence hath stated, is lawful and good. Turnheuseri [...]s reports (how he knew it to be so, I [Page 140] cannot tell) ^m that the Holy Patriark Abrae­ham, by occasion of the Comet which appeared A.M. 2018. was induced to study Astronomy, that so he might be the better able to judge of the nature and meaning of such works of God. All this notwithstanding the curiosity and presumpti­on of Iudicial Astrologers, is not to be justified, who undertake peremptorily to Prognosticate, what the particular things are, (yea, and the pla­ces and persons concerned in them) that shall come to pass after such Configurations and Plane­tary Aspects. I have read of a Mah [...]medan A­strologer who did praedict a great inundation to be in Syria, A.D. 1095. because of a Conjun­ction of all the Planets (except Saturn) in the watery sign of Pisces, (like as it was before No­ah's Flood) which fell out to be true. But such Astrologers have at other times come off with shame by their bold and rash predictions, as Cal­visius, and Wendelinus have more then once noted e. g. A.D▪ 1 [...]86. because of rare Conjunctions of all the Planets then hapning; the Astrologers of those dayes declared that there would follow ho [...] ­rendous Tempests of Wind, and after that I know not what miracles, nothing of which came to pass. Again, A.D. 1323. By reason of a no­table Conjunction of the Planets in Libra, one John David (a great Astrologer at Toledo in Spain) and many others with him, sent forth his Procla­mations [Page 141] a broad into the VVorld, declaring that that Conjunction of the Planets would be atten­ded with Famine, Earth-quakes, and such a Storm of VVind, as that there would be no living above Ground, affirming that all the Philosophers and Astrologers in Spain, Arabia, and in Greece were of the same Opinion. But when these things should be accomplished, not a word of them pro­ved true. Another on the like ground, declared that the World would end, Anno. 1464. Another from the like Planetary Conjunctions, prophesied that Anno. 1524. a General Deluge would over­whelm the Earth; which many injudicious people giving credit unto, got either into Ships or unto high Towers, lest haply the Astrologers flood should drown them. ^† But the event proved these predictions to be false and foolish.

Thus God delights to baffle Judicial Astrolo­gers, when they will presume to know the times and the seasons, which he hath [...] in his own power. It was the saying of a wise King in Po­land, that to be able certainly to predict future Events is Gods Prerogative: ^* And a wiser then he, yea, the wisest amongst the sinful Sons of Men hath said, A Man cannot tell what shall be, [Page 142] and what shall be after him, who can tell? Eccl. 10.14. Notable changes have hapned in our dayes, which the Monethly Prognosticators could tell us nothing of, before that God who rules in the Kingdomes of Men brought them to pass. The Star-gazers in old Babylon, who by looking upon the Heavens, and observing the Courses and Conjunctions of the Stars there, would undertake to tell the fates and fortunes of Kingdomes, all the Iudicial Astrologers and Wizards there, could not by all their skill in the Stars read their own and the Nations ruin, until the day that it came upon them, Isai. 47.13, 14. Therefore it is not good positively to determine what the particular miseries or mutations are, nor the persons or pla­ces that shall undoubtedly perceive the effects thereof, when rare Conjunctions of the Planetary Bodies happen, or when Blazing Stars appear. Only that at least some of those Evils which have been wont to attend the like appearances, are at the door, we may rationally conjecture and con­clude.

I shall therefore finish this Discourse, with the apposite and celebrated Expressions o [...] that Fa­mous Poet ⁿ who Speaking of Comets, saith,

To the same purpose another in English speaketh thus, Silvester in his Translati­on of Dubar­tas. P. 14.