The fyrste Chapter concernynge the gouernours of this yeare . Christe . be gospell he worlde .

VUhan I loke well & consyder the hy maister of the starres in his doctrine & writinge , I fynd that this yeare and from hence forth vnto the ende of the worlde , the Sunne , Mars & Mercurius shall reygne Now where as other men seke their speculacion out of the starres , that do not I regarde so much as experience in the doctrine of Christen ? And for the exhortacion and warnynge of all estates , I wyll describe the nature and properties of these thre gouernoures .

The Sonne a myghtye Lorde ouer heauen and earthe , is Iesus Christe oure only redemer and sauiour , in al thinges lyke vnto his heauenly father . Psal , ii . Io. xiiii . the bryghtnes of his glory . Sap. vii . Heb. i. the ymage of the inuisible god : by whom al thynges that are in heauen and earth , were created : thinges visible and thinges inuisible , whether they be maiesties or lordeshyps , ether rules or powers , Col. i , This Iesus Christ the euerlastynge worde of his heauenly father , which toke oure nature vpon hym : Heb: ii . Phil. ii . & she wed vs his fathers wyll , commynge into this worlde , broughte with him Mars that is the gospell , euen out of the bosome of his father . But wonder not thou that The god is called Mars . I call the gospell Mars . Christe our sauioure sayth in Mathew . Thinke not that I am come to sende peace vpon earthe , I came not to sende peace , but a swerde , for I am come to set a man at variaunce against his father , and the doughter againste her mother . &c. and a mans foes shal be they of his own housholde . Mat. x. Luce. xii . Michee . vii . Is not this a batayle ? They shall put you to trouble sayeth he ) and kyll you , and of al people shal ye be hated for my names sake . Mat. xxiiii . Therefore maye the gospell well be called Mars . 〈…〉 the ●ospell . for where it is preached there is the swerde , there is trouble and persecucyon , there wyll the enemyes sometyme draw theyr daggers at the preachers therof .

As for Mercurius , the Poetes fayne hym to be the messaunger & oratoure of the Heithen goddes , for the whiche cause he maye well be likened vnto the world , which with eloquence , painted wordes & outward appearance perfourmeth the message of the deuel , & entiseth me so longe , tyll it brynge them into destruccion . But ( as sainte Ihonsayeth in his epistle ) the world passeth away & the lust therof 1 , Io. ii And as S. Paule sayeth . The fasshion of this worlde passeth away 1. Cor. vii . Therefore muste we so hold vs within the feare of god , that we suffre not oure selues to be disceaued or seduced by Mercurius from the sonne & Mars . Leste we be corrupt with this disceitful world & so be defrauded of the ioy of the euer lasting world to com : nether shuld that paynted wisedom of this worlde moue vs in somuche as god maketh it very foolyshnes . i. Cor. i. & his worde ( which semeth to be but folyshnes in the sight of the world that sheweth he to be onelye wisedome and the very power of god , to the saluacion of as many as beleue theron : Roma . i.

Who so euer now hath the grace to perceyue and consyder this , let hym not go after Mercurius , let hym not folow the worlde and the beautifull lusters therof , let hym not entre in at the wide gate and brode waye that leadeth vnto destruccion . Mathe. vii . but let hym go in at the straite gate , and at the narowe waye , whiche is euen Iesus Christ . Ioh. xiiii . the only mercy seate . Rom. iii. & meane to come by the fauoure of GOD . By hym who soeuer entrethe , he maye be sure to be saued . Ioh. x. to receaue mercy , to fynde grace , & to be helped in the time of nede . Hebre. v , whiche god the father graunte vs for his sake .

Amen .

¶ The seconde Chapter , concernyng the increace or growing of frutes , and the dearth of the same .

THe sonne sheweth playnly : that all soch as feare god , shall haue a verye frutefull yeare . Psal. c. xxvii . & plenteousnes in the dayes of derth . Psal. xxxvi . In so moch that though Christe sende them without wallet , without scrippe & with out shues , yet wyll he so prouide for them that they shall lacke nothinge . Luce. xxii . For he sayethe him selfe : The labourer is worthy of his meate . Math. x. Luc. x. who so nowe wyll laboure , shall eate . But who so euer wyll not worke , ought not to eate , ii . Tessal , iii. Sturdy idle f●lows shal● not eate . Now yf we labour , I say , we shall eate also . Yee but where shall we get it ? Christ our sauyoure sayth : Be not ye carefull for youre lyfe , what ye shall eate or what ye shall drink , nor yet for your body what ye shall put on . Is not the lyfe more worth then meate , and the bodye more of value then rayment ? Beholde the foules of the ayre : for they sowe not , nether reape , nor yet cary into the barnes , and yet youre heuenly father fedeth them . math. vt . He geueth meate to the yonge rauens . Psal. c. xlvi . he openeth his hande and fyllethe his creatures with plenteousnes . Psal. c. iii.

Therefore though our handes we ought to laboure with oure handes and to cast our take vpon the Lorde . shulde alway be occupied in some good laboure . Eph. iiii . yet ought not oure hertes to take thoughte what we shall eate or drynke , but first to care howe to seke the kyngdome of god . math. vi . & so shulde all thinges necessary be ministred vnto vs . And why ? Man , lyueth not , by bred onely , but by euery worde that procedeth out of the mouth of god . Deute . viii . math iiii . which thynge Christ our sauioure hath manyfestly declared , in that he fed so many people with so few loaues & fysshes , lyke as he had done afore vnto the chyldren of Israell by the space of forty yeres in the wyldernes , where they wanted nothynge , for he hym selfe fed them , & blessed them in all the workes of theyr hande . wherfore in so moch as god our mercyfull father taketh soch care for vs ( .i. Pe v. ) we shulde by ryght cast all our care vpon him , & faithfully to cleue vnto his worde in our hertes , so the we nether mystrust his godly prouysion , nor leade an ydle lyfe . And yf we meane well in oure hertes , and deale truly with our handes , doutlesse he shall sende vs necessarye meate by some bodye , as he dyd to Elias the prophete by the wedowe in Sarepta . iii. Re. xvii . and lyke as he prouyded a break fast vnto Daniel amonge the Lions by the ministration of Abacuc . Dan. xiiii , Thus , I saye , they that feare god , shall haue plentye and aboundaunce of all thynges this yeare .

But so farre as I can se or perceiue by this theologicall Astronomye , Mars threateneth a verye euyll and vnfrutefull yeare to dyuerse spiritual prelates , as popish byshops , & popish preistes , & other mo , except the sonne thorow his gracious influence be good vnto them , although Mercurius reigne in them with neuer so many horses , greate pompe , auctoritie , riches , oppression , with excedynge many seruauntes and dogges , which neuertheles yf they wyll forsake theyr abulions and dyete them selues after the qualities of the Sonne , they shall be kept fro many dyuerse sur lettes , and haue a very frutefull yeare in all thynges . And so wold I councell them to do : for Mars goeth aboute now this yeare , to withdrawe from the spiritualtye the gospell wyl resorm the spiritualtye . the excesse of theyr frutes , ryches , and worldly auctorite ( lyke as he hath threatened them this great whyle ) & intendeth planely to resourme them : And where as theyr whordome & olde custome withstande the furtheraunce of the trueth Mars purposeth to take the Sonne the gospell wyll suffre the spiritualtye no more to vse their whoredome . to helpe , and with the playster of mariage to heale the infirmitie of their vnclennes , yee and with his owne swerde of the spirite , to subdue theyr olde euell customes .

As for the multitude of the vngodly in generall , there shal come a great derth vpon them , acording to the wordes of a certayn true astronomer : Beholde , the tyme commeth ( sayeth the lorde god ) that I shall sende an honger into the earth : not the honger of bred , nor the thyrst of water , but an honger to heare the worde of the Lorde : so the they shall go from the one see to the other , yee from the north vnto the east , rennynge about to seke the worde of the lord , and shall not fynde it . Amos. viii . but because they wyll not beleue the trueth and haue pleasure in vnryghteousnes , therfore shall God sende them stronge delusion , that they may beleue lyes . ii . Tess. ii so that the tyme shall come whan they shall desyre to se one daye of the sonne of man , and shall not se it . Luce. xvii . I passe ouer many other plages that Mars threateneth vnto them , because they wyll not knowe the tyme of their vtsitation . Luce. xix .

¶ The thyrde Chapiter concernynge the sycknesses and disceases of this yeare :

THe Egipcians haddea maner and vse in theyr banckettes , to cary about an ymage of deathe , and to saye vnto euerye man that was at the bancket , Looke vpon this , eate , drynke and be mery , such one shalt thou be whan thou dyest .

And this they dyd ( do doute ) to put men in remembraunce of temperauncy and of deathe , leste they vndiscretly thorowe excesse of eatynge and drinking , shoulde happen to dye afore their age , for so doth god vse to punyshe soche syn : wherefore yf we dyete and temper oure selues thorowe the influence of the sone , we shall haue few diseases , except Mars brynge some other thinge to passe , that we mysknowe not our selues .

As for such as folowe Mercurius , lyuynge nyght and daye in 〈…〉 shall 〈…〉 th●s are . ryote and vnclennes , these ( I saye ) shal thorowe the Sonne haue great diseases in all the membres of the bodye , in the lunges , leuer , handes and fete , yea and parel also of the soule , I passe ouer the pouertie that dronkardes and riotous persons shall haue ? we shall be vnto them ? sorowe , stryfe , brawlynge , & woundes shal be amonge them .

Pro. xxiii . yea and soch as wyll nedes be ouerladen with excesse of eatynge and with dronkennes . &c. shall sodeynly be preuented with the daye of the Lorde . Luce. xxi There is douteles a maruelous sore punyshment to come vpon the hole world of the wycked , swerde , warres , honger , not onely spirituall ( as I sayd before ) but temporall , which plages haue ben aiore our tyme , but are not yet all pas●e . I nede not reherce the pestilence and other greate plages that god wyll sende to the reformacion of as manye as wyll be warned . As for the comon sorte of the vngodly , ther shal such a fearfulnes of deth come vpon them that they shall not tel wher to turn them nor how to escape death . O how bytter and greuous shall the remembraunce of deathe be this yeare , to soch as seke reste and consolacion in transitory substaunce of this worlde , to soche as knowe of no aduersitie but haue good dayes , and liue in volupguousnes . Eccle. xli . But O deathe howe acceptable & welcome shalte thou be vnto soch as are in aduersite , i theyr last age , or in dispayre .

who so euer thou be therfore the woldesie escape the sickenesses of this yeare , bewarre that thy bodye be not ouerladen with ouermoche man is hou●e ●● . eatynge or with dronkennes . Luc xxi . For excesse of meates bryngeth sycknesse , and glotonye commeth at the laste to an vnmeasurable heate . Eccle. xxxvii . Thorowe glotonye shall manye one perisshe this yere , but he that dyeteth hymselfe temperarlye , shall prolonge his lyfe . As for vnsaciable eaters , they shall not onely slepe vnquietly this yeare , but shall haue ache & payne of the body . Eccle. xxxi .

Concernynge the spirituall disease and sycknes that shall reigne this yeare , as it hathe done afore tyme , Paule one of the truest Astronomers sayeth playnely , that we be all synners . Ro: iii. yf we saye that we haue no sinne , we disceaue our selues , and the trueth is not in vs i. Io. i : This is now the spirituall disease that shall comonly reigne this yeare , but specyally in them syn is m●in them ●● wyll not a know of it that feale least of it , and wyll not knowlege it . Io. ix . For the Sonne hath soch vertue , that who so euer can se this disease , and wyll complayne of it . i. Ioh. i , it shall clense them , and make them whole . Yee the astronoemer sayth playnly , that Christ Iesus came into the world to saue synners ● . Timo. i. And an other that warneth vs in his pronosticacyon to bewarre of this sicknesse , gyueth vs yet good conforte and sayth : If any man synne , we haue an aduocate with the father euen Iesus Christ which is ryghteous : and he it is that optayneth grace for our synnes , not for oure synnes only , but also for the synnes of the whole worlde . i. Ioh. ii .

who soeuer therefore hath this disease ( as there is no man without it ) let hym do wysely , let hym proue and examen him selfe by ●o man ●● 〈…〉 . tymes . i. Cor. xi . ii . Cor. xiii . And go to phisicke afore he be to sore sycke . Eccle. xviii . And aboue all thinges let hym bewarre of soche false surgeons and fayned phisicyans , as heale the hurt of the people with swete wordes . Iere. vi . and ( as a true Astronomer reporteth ) thorowe swete preachinges and flatterynge wordes disceaue the hartes of innocentes , and all for their belyes sake . Rom. xvi . Soch false phisicians laye wronge plasters to mens sores , and speake the meanyng of theyr owne herte , but not out of the mouth of the lord Iere. xxiii . yea they make soche as despise the worde of god , to contynue still in their dregges . Soph. i , and to do as theyr fathers haue done before them to theyr vtter destruccion . Ierem. xliiii . For soche false phisicians , as longe as they haue anye thynge to byte vppon , preache vnto men that all shall be well , Micher . iii. and mayntaine them in their wyckednes , makynge them beleue to do as their elders haue done before them , though it be contrary to gods worde , is the righte waye . Tusshe , saye they , ye shall prosper right well . Ier. xxiii . And vnto all them that walke after the luste of theyr owne herte , they saye ? Tusshe , there shall no mysfortune happen vnto you , ye shall se no swerd , there shall no honger come vpon you . Iere. xiiii , But yf a man put not somthing in their mouthes , they preach of warre against him . mic , iii , wherfor if thou wilt be hole of thy disease , beware of soch fayned Phisicians : at whom yf thou seke helth they shall make the pay dubble for it , that shall neuer ●e warie of 〈…〉 . do the good : but go thou boldly vnto hym , which only healeth the contrith in herte and byndeth vp theyr woundes . Psal. c. xlvi . He shall not cast the away . Ioh. vi . But yf thou come vnto hym , he shall refreshe the , he shall ease the. Math. xi . Ye thou be sycke , go vnto hym . for he is the ryght Phisician for soch as are diseased . Math. ix . Yf thou be thyrsty , and commest vnto hym , he hathe the water of lyfe for the. Ioh. iiii . Yf thou be anhongred after ryghteousnesse , thou shalt be satisfied . mat . v. Summa h● hym selfe wyl fede the , & bryng the to rest . Eze. xxxiiii . Thoughe thou be lost , he wyl seke the : though thou haste gone astraye , he wyll brynge the agayne : thoughe thou be wounded , he wyll bynde the vpthough thou be sycke and weake , he wyl make the hole and stronge Seke hym therfore this yere and as longe as thou lyuest , for with hym there is mercy , and plenteous redempcyon . Psal. c. xxix . He hath saluacion ynough for the : thou nedest not to seke helpe at any other , nether is ther saluacyon in any other . Act. iiii . Therfore byddeth he the euer come to hym selfe .

Math. xi . Ioh. vi . He neuer bad the seke other phisicians to heale the of this disease , for there is no help in the chyldren of men . Psal. c. xiv As for corporal diseases , god hath ordeyned outward medecynes for them in his creatures by the ministracyon of true phesicians , whiche gyfte of god no wyse man wyl abhorre . Eccle. xxxviii . But agaynst the sycknesse of synne there is no helpe nor succour but onelye in him selfe . And as there is no saluation withoute hym , so is there euer grace , mercy , pardon , & clene remission frely in hym , Esa. lv : for all soch as wyll receaue it , and be thankefull for the same :

▪ The fourthe Chapter concernynge the stryfe & trouble of this yeare , and the cause therof .

THe swerde that I spake of partly in that fyrst Chapter , is lyke to be drawen this yeare , for why , The Sonne , Mars , and Mercurius can not agre together . How accordeth the worlde with Christ & the gospel ? They shall neuer be at one Sore eyes may not abyde the clare lyght of the sonne , the lyghte wyll not consent to the workes of darknesse , nether wyll the beleuers haue parte with infidels . ii . Cor. vi .

Thus can there be no agremente , for they be of contrarye natures . Agayne , a scornefull bodye ( as Salomon sayeth ) loueth not one that rebuketh hym . Pro. xv . The chyldren of this worlde are scornefull . and therfore are they not contente The gospel 〈…〉 . to be refourmed by the gospel , whiche neuertheles thoughe it haue many enemyes ( as it hathe euer had ) yet because it is the truthe , it shall beare awaye the victorye . iii. Eso . iii. And that shortly . For god hath put into the hertes of dyuers princes to fulfyll his wyll , and to hate the whore of Babylon , to make her desolate & naked , to put down her abusions . Apo. xvii . & vtterlye to set her out of her stole . So that it appeareth euydentlye , that sathan shall no more haue so great dominion , as he hathe hadde in tymes paste . And nowe that he seythe that his kyngdome wyll haue a fall , he worketh ( and shall do ) al that he can by the chyldren of vnbeleife ( specially by the shauen Madianites ) to styrre vp warres , sedicions , secrete treason , and vtter defiaunce both amonge Princes and cominalties . For soch aduersaries of the trueth had rather set all nacyons by the eares , and wyckedly to relyste the ordinaunce of god in the auctorite of theyr Prince , then to submyt them selues to the gospel .

And wher as God hath raysed vp good men to preach his worde , the deuell is so wood at it , that he hath sent them a letter of defiaunce by some of his membres , euen with soch an answere as was geuen to Ieremy the prophet . For they say playnly . As for the gospel , we wyl not hear it , but what so euer goeth out of oure owne mouth , that wyl we do , we wyll set vp candels and offre to stockes and stones , we wyl do as oure fathers haue done before vs . For whan we so dyd , then had we plenteousnes of vytayls , then were we in prosperite , and no mysfortune came vpon vs . Iere. xliiii . But sence we lefte of soche Gods seruice , we haue had scarcenes of al thinges , and the worlde was neuer well sens . &c.

Soch strife ( I saye ) & debate shall happen this yeare because of the worde of god , for the enemyes therof had rather draw theyr daggers at it , then to be refourmed . But the louers of it shall spare no labour to conuerte them , and to mayntayne peace , and therefore I truste verely that thorow the gracyous influence of the sonne this stryfe and deuysyon shall turne to no bloud sheddynge , for god shall sende princes to defende his people from the malyce of the wycked yet shall the enemies of Goddes worde not cease from persecutyng but do all the myscheife they can , that by one waye or other the gospell of the glorye of God maye be stopped . Therefore thou louer of God and his worde , whan any soch heat of trouble happeneth vnto the ( for by trouble muste thou be tryed Maruell not at it , as thoughe it were a straunge thinge but reioyse , in asmuche as thou art partaker of Christes affliccions : that whan his glorye apperethe , thou mayest be mery and glad : And be euen as contente to be reuyled as he was . i. Peter . ii . For there is no disciple aboue his maister , nether seruaunt better then his lord . mat . x. yf : they haue called the good man of the house Belzebub , howe much more shall they cal than of his housholde so ? These and manye other swete wordes sayeth he hym selfe vnto the , that in hym thou mayest haue peace & a quiet conscience . In the worlde thou shalt haue trouble : but be of good conforte , he hathe ouercome the worlde . Ioh. xvi .

¶ The fyfth chapter concernyng the estate of kynges , and prynces , and superioure powers .

THe influence of the Sonne and Mars declareth euidently by all coniectures ( yee certaynly without any dout ) that kynges and princes shall haue a prosperous yere : & me thynke I dare be bolde to saye the same , in as muche as I se that they begyn nowe some of them to seeke the true honoure of God , and to delyuer theyr people from oppression . And to wake me doute the lesse herin . Salomon ( whiche was a kynge hym selfe , and that of greate experience ) sayeth these wordes : Pro. xxv .

Take awaye vngodlynes from the kynge , and his seate shal be stablished with righteousnes . Seynge nowe that god beginneth so graciouslye to worke in Princes , who hath not occasion to hope for great increace of prosperite in them ? For lyke as whan a prince delyteth in lyes ( as sayeth the wyse man . pro. xxix . ) all his seruauntes are vngodly , euen so whan the kynge or prynce is a fauourer and mayntenet of the trueth , his people shall the more be geuen to the fear of God . And I dout not , but god this same yeare ( by the faithfull ministracion of his auctorite in kinges & princes ) shall brynge noble actes to passe , to the great deliueraunce of poore people , and reformacy on of the ignoraunt .

Thynkest thou not that God intendeth great good vnto vs , in that he so gracyously endeweth the hertes of dyuerse prices ? dout not therin . Let them remembre therfore that the power whiche they haue , is geuen them of the Lorde , and the strength from the hyest : Sap. vi . lest they beynge officers of Gods empyre , be necligent in kepyng the lawe of ryghteousnes But yf they delyte in moche people , let them loue the lyght of wysdome which is gods worde : for by it they shal set the people in ordre , and the nacyons of theyr enemyes shal be subdued vnto them : Sap. viii . who so euer he be then that loueth not to resyst the ordynaunce of god , let hym submytte him selfe to the auctorite of his prynce , and let hym not byte his lyppe at it , though good Ezechias breake the brasen serpente , that the chyldren of Israell haue worshypped so longe . iiii . Re. xviii . let it not greue hym ( I saye ) that the vertuous kynge Iosias expelleth soythsayers , charmers , expounders of tokens , Idois , and other out of his londe , to set vp the wordes of the lawe of God . iiii . Reg. xxxiii . Let euery man rather geue thankes vnto God , and bee glad , that Bell is delyuered into Daniels power , that the falshede of Bels prestes is come to lighte , and that the dragon is deuoured , whome the people was wonte to worshippe . Dani. xiiii . Let no man therfore resyst this power of God that doth soch actes by the ministracion of prynces , but let euery wyse man be content to be refourmed of his erroure , to do wel , and remembre that the kyng beareth not that swerde for naught . Ro. xiii . & the ( as the wyseman sayeth : ) The kynges displeasure is a messaunger of death . Pro. xvi . Be thou therfore yf thou b● thankfull vnto god & obedient v●to thy pri●●● thou shalt haue a prosperous yere thankfull vnto god and obedient vnto thy prynce , & doute not but thou shalte haue a ryght prosperous yeare , and I can not se how it is possible to be otherwyse , for as longe as the kynge maketh so manye Daniels of his councell it must nedes be to the great wealth and prosperite of the people .

¶ The syxte Chapter concernynge the darknesse of this yeare :

WHan I consydre the corrupte nature of Mercurius , & how he hath ben , is , & euer shal be contrarie vnto Mars & the Sonne , I fynde by all experience , that he shall cast a greate myste betwene vs and the Sonne , so that it shall be darke : for though the lyght shyne in darkenesse , and become into the worlde Iohn . i. yet shall they ( whose workes are euell and after the condicions of Mercurius ) loue the darknesse more then the lyghte . And thus shall this darkenes be in them that lyue naughtelye & folowe theyr owne abhominacions , for because they do euell , therefore shall they hate the lyght , and not come to it , lest theyr dedes be reproued . Ioh. iii. And ( as Paul sayth ) yf the gospell shal be yet hyd , it shal be hydde in them that are loste , among whom the God of this worlde shall blynd ●here shal be 〈…〉 not the gospell . the myndes of them that beleue not , lest the lyght of the gospell of the glory of Christe ( whiche is the ymage of god ) shulde shyne vnto them . ii . Corint . iii. But where the chyldren of God are , there shall be lyghte . Exod. x. and the workes of lyfe . Seynge therefore that the lyght is yet a lytle whyle with the walke whyle thou haste it , that the darkenesse fall not vpon the. Ioh. xii . for he that walketh in darknes woteth not whether he goethe .

But beleue thou stedfastlye on the lyght , while thou hast it , that thou mayest be the chylde of lyghte , and escape the horrible darknes of the wicked . sapi. xvii .

¶ The seuenth Chapter , concernynge the estate of the spiritualte .

IF our spiritualtye sate not oute of Moyses seate , Mathewe , xxiii . and taughte not theyr owne lawes and constitutions : yf they taughte vs the truethe althoughe they were but sayers and not doers them selues Mat , xxiii . yf they transgressed not the commaundement of god because of theyr owne tradicyons , math xv . yf they layed not to heuy burthens vpon mens shulders , mat . xxiii . Yf they loued not the hyest seates , and shute not vp the kyngdome of heauen before men , yf they deuoured not wedowes houses vnder the coloure of longe prayers , and were not full of robberye and vnclennesse , ypocrisie & , wyckednes within , yf these corrupcyons ( I saye ) were not in them . yee yf all the abhominacyons of the world besyde were not in a maner as a shadowe in conparyson to theirs , it wer not to be mistrusted , but that they shulde haue a ryght prosperous yeare , but seynge they speake euell of the waye of trueth , & thorow couetousnes with fained wordes make marchaundyse of vs ii . Pet. ii . Seynge they folowe the waye of Balaam , and walke styll in theyr erroures . Seynge they speke false thorow ypocrisi , forbiddynge all prestes to marye , and comaundynge to abstayne from the meates which god created to be receaued with thankes geuynge i. Tim. iiii . seynge they haue not fed the flock of Christ , but them selues , & are churles to the people . Ezech xxxiiii . seynge the most parte of them entre not in at the dore into the shepefolde , but come in some other way to steale , to kyll , and destroye , Io. x. Seyng they tel but lyes to man tayne theyr preachynges withal , and blaspheme the name of God vnto the people for an handfull of barleye or a pece of bread , Ezecht . xiii . Seyng ( I say ) that theyr wal is buylded but with vntempered morter , it muste nedes fall , for the Lorde hym selfe wyll vpon them , & requyre his shepe out of theyr handes . Eze. xxxiiii . yee the shepe them ●he broken ●all wyll ●owne . selues shall folowe them no more , but flye from them , seyng they are but straungers , and hyred seruauntes : for in so moch as Christe goeth now before his shepe , they wyll folow him and harken no more to the voyce of straungers . Iohn . x. This is now the yeare of aduersite that the spiritualtie is lyke to haue for in so moche as they haue not Gods worde on their syde , they shall be fayne to stoppe their mouthes . Mich. iii. And all plantes that the father in heauen hath not planted , shal be pluct vp by the rotes . Math. xv .

For all this when I consydre the gracyous influence of the sonne , I fynde by the instruccyon of Mars , that though all the be against the spiritualtye yf they wyll obeye the ordinaunce of God , and submytte them selues to his worde , there shall none peryshe but the chyldren of perdicion . Ioh. xvii . As for all soche as stryue agaynst the f●r●ame , & wyll nedes of malyce resiste the power and persecute the people of God , let them bewarre that they be not drowned with theyr Pharao : for God hath herde the complaynte of his poore oppressed , & lente them a Moses to be theyr gyde , to brynge them out of Egypte , and not onely to defende them , but all other also as manye as wyll conuerte vnto his word , and be refourmed by his auctorite and power in his anoynted kynges . Seyng then that god hathe called so manye of the spirytualtye all readye , and doth dayly cal mo to the knowlege of his word , I can not dispayre but the he wyll also be gracyous to many mo of them , for thoughe the rebellyons are lyke to haue an euell yeare , I dout not but ther be many among them , which shortly whan the hyer powers shall requyre them , wyll be refourmed , to the great worshipe of the worde of God . To whom for the conuersion of some all ready , be thankes , honour and glorye now and euer more . AMEN . ▪

THere endeth this true & faythfull Pronosticacō vpon the yere . M , CCCCC . xlviii . gathered out of the scriptures of God .

¶ A spirituall Almanacke , wherin euery Christen man and woman may se what they ought daylye to do , or leaue vndone . Not after the doctrine of the Papistes , not after the lernynge of Ptolomy , or other Heythen Astronomers , but out of the very true & wholso me doctrine of God our almyghty heuenly father , shewed vnto vs in his worde , by his prophetes & Apostles , but specyally by his deare sonne Iesus Christ . And is to be kept not onely this newe yeare , but contynually vnto the daye of the LORDES commynge agayne .

FOR so muche as Almyghtye GOD hath charged by Moses .

Dente . vi . and. xi . that we alwayes shulde haue his commaundementes in oure syght and mynde , as a sygne & token in oure handes , and to teache our chyldren his godlye wyll and commaundement . Ephe. vi . to commen & talke therof at nyght whan we go to bed , and in the morninge whan we ryse , & to wryte the same vpon the walies and postes of oure houses , to the intent that we shuld nat forget his worde , his wyll and commaundement , and lest we shuld folowe our owne ymaginations : Therfore ( good christen man and woman who so euer thou be ) I thought it frutefull to putte the in remembraunce of thy dewtye .

And this coulde I not do better , than by these godly textes of holye scripture , which I haue broughte here together , speciallye to the honoure , laude and praise of god , exhortynge the that art necligente & forgetfull in kepinge his lawes , to take better holde , and go forwarde in his wayes and turne not asyde , nether to the ryghte hande nor to the lefte , but be ware of such as teache the ought saue the doctryne of god . And that thou mayst be sure what thou doest . I praye Iesu Christ our onely mediatour obtayne for the his holy spirite , and geue the a good holsome newe yere with the true knowlege of his godly wyl , and increace of his faythe . Amen .

To daye yf ye wyll heare the voyce of God , harden not your hertes . Hebre. iii.

Euery day it is good to beleue , to lerne , and to do what god hath commaunded : And so lykewyse is it good to leaue vndone that god hath forbydden .

This daye is it good to lerne gods worde , for it is the vncorruptible sede , wherof we are borne anew in god . i. Pet. i. It is the fode of the soule , wherby mālyueth . Deut. viii . math. iiii . & not only by bred . The worde of god is quycke & myghty in operacyon , & sharper then any two edged swerde , & entreth thorow , euen vnto the deuydynge asonder of the soule & the sprete , & of the ioyntes & the mary . Hebr. iiii . &c. It is good in dede to lerne gods worde , for all good thinges al good thinges come in gods word . come to vs with it , & innumerable ryches there thorow . Sap. vii . Therfore are they blessed that heare it , and to do therafter . Luc. xi .

This daye is it good to beleue the worde of god : for he that beleueth and is baptysed , shal be saued . Mar. xvi . yee god geueth them power to be his chyldren , that beleue in his name , Ioh. i. wherfore he that commeth vnto god , must beleue , for without faythe it is not possible to please god . Hebr. xi .

This daye is it good to kepe the worde and commaundementes of God , for he that loueth me ( sayeth Christ ) wyll kepe my worde , & my father wyll loue hym , and we wylcome vnto hym , and wyll make oure dwellyng with hym . Ioh. xiiii . He that hath my commaundementes ( sayeth he ) and kepeth them , the same is he that loueth me , and he that loueth me , shal be loued of my father . Therfore ( I say ) it is good this daye for euery one of vs to kepe gods commaundementes , that is , to haue no Gods but one . Exod. xx . To sanctifie and halowe the name of god : that is , to call onely vpon it in all nede & necessite &c. To halowe the Sabboth the righte sabboth . day , namely to rest from our owne workes , as god dyd from his , Heb. iiii . to the intent that he may worke in vs , and we to fulfyll his wyll by hearynge his worde , by stedfast fayth and prayer . &c. To honour father and mother , Mar. xv . that is , to be obedient vnto them Ephe. vi . To helpe them in theyr nede , to cherysh them to comforte them in aduersite . &c. for that is acceptable and well pleasynge vnto the Lorde . Collos. iii. To kyll nobodye , that is to hate no man . mat v. ●o beare no malyce in oure myndes , to geue no euell wordes , but euen to loue our enemies . Mat , v. and to do good for euell ▪ To breake no lawfull wedlocke , that is , to commytte no whoredome , aduowtrye , nor vnclennes , but ether to lyue chaiste or els to marye . i. Cor. vii . To steale nothynge , that is , to vse no false marchaundyse , neither in barganing , weyght nor measure . i. Tess , iiii . Leu. xix . Deute : xxv . Ezech , xlv . but truely to labour in some good occupacion , for the susteynyng of the poore : Eph: iiii . To beare no false witnes , that is , to hurt no mansname nor fame to lye of no man . Ephe. iiii : but ether to saye that truth , orels to kepe sylence . To couet no mans house wyfe , seruant , good , nor any thynge that is his , that is , not once to lust after our neghbours euell . Rom. vii . and xiii . but hartelye to loue hym euen as our selues . Leuit. xix . and to do vnto hym after the maner as we wolde he dyd vnto vs . Mat. vii . Cob , iiii : These commaundementes ( I say ) is it good for vs to kepe , not onely this daye , but as longe as we lyue , to the honourynge of the blessed name of god in vs , to the increace of his kyngdome , and to the fulfyllyng of his godly wyll .

This daye is it good in fayth and stedfast beleue to worke partyte good workes & that by loue , for loue is the fulfyllyng of the law Rom. xiii . & hydeth the multitude of synnes . i. Pet. iiii . loue hath many noble condicyons , loue is pacient & curteous , loue enuieth not i. Cor. xiii . loue doth not frowardely , The condi●ous of 〈◊〉 . loue is not puffet vp , loue dealeth not dishonestly , seketh not her owne , is not prouoked vnto anger , thynketh no euell , reioyseth not of iniquite , but reioyseth in the trueth , beareth all thynges , beleueth all thynges , hopeth all thynges , suffereth all thynges . who so euer now hath the sprete of God , and hath truly receaued the lyght of his worde , wyll vse these workes , these frutes of the sprete , gal . v. and this armoure of lyghte . True belenecs do good workes .

This is the new commaundement that oure master hathe geuen vs , for by this shall euery man knowe the we are his disciples , yf we loue one another , Io. xiii . not in worde and tonge onely , but in dede and verite . i. Ioha ▪ iii. not to suffre them to want , and we haue , not to let them peryshe , and we maye helpe them , but louyngly & with a good hert , to distiribute vnto the necessites of the saites . Ro. xii , to fede the hongry , to minister drinke to the thyrsty The workes of C●●●sten men . Esa. lviii . Eze , xviii . To lodge the harbourlesse , to vyset the sycke . ii : Tim. i. to burye the deed . Tobi. i. and shortly , to do vnto eueryman , euen as we wold be intreated out selues .

This daye is it good one of vs to tell another his faute , and that louynglye after a brotherlye correctyon without any desyre of ven geaunce , for it is written : Thou shalt not auenge thy selfe , nor bear euell wyll agaynst the chyldren of thy people . Leui. xix . Thou shalte not hate thy brother in thyn hert , but shalt tell thy neghboure his faute , that thou bear not synne for his sake , And ( as that wyse man sayth ) Tell thy frende his faute , lest he be ignoraunt , and say : I haue not done it . Or yf he haue done it , that he do it nomore . Ecel . xix . Reproue thy neghboure , that he maye kept his tonge , and yf he haue spoken ( any thynge amysse ) that he say it no more . For that doctrine of Christe and the Apostles is , that yf any man be ouertaken of a faute , they that are spiritual oughte to enfourme hym with a meke sprete , considerynge them selues , that it is theyr they that haue the sperite of gods knowlege , ought to e●form their brethren . owne nature also to be tempted . Galla. vi . yf thy brother trespace agaynst the ( sayeth oure mayster Christ ) go thy way & tell hym his faute betwene the & hym alone . yf he hear the , thou hast wonne thy brother . But yf he hear the not , them take yet with the one or two , that in the mouth of two or thre wytnesses euery matter may be stablished . yf he heare not them , then tel it vnto the congregacyon . yf he hear not the congregacion , then holde hym as an heythen and publycan . mat . xviii . Now yf any that is in that nombre of the breathren in Christ , & wyl be taken for a Christen man in dede be an whoremonger , or couetous , or a worshipper of ymages , ether a rayler , or a dronkarde , or an extorcyoner , the doctryne of Paule is playne , that we shulde not eat , nor kepe company with soch .

This day is it good to beware of false prophetes , of mens owne Bewarre of false dotrine . ymaginacyons and dreames , lest we receaue lyes in stede of the truth lest we receaue the poyson of Anti christes lawes , in stede of the blessed worde of God , lest we shote at a wronge marke , and be disceaued by soch as walke in humblenes of theyr owne chosynge and in spiritualy of Angels . Coll. ii . But let vs beware of false prophetes , whiche come vnto vs in shepes clothynge , and are ranynge wolues within . math. vii . who so euer therfore commeth vnto vs , & bryngeth not that doctrine of Christ , let vs nether receaue hym into the house , nor salute hym , lest we be partakers of his euell dedes . For by false prechers doth the Lord our god proue vs to were whether we loue hym with all our herte and with al our God proueth vs by false preachers . soule . Deu. xiii . wherfore it shal be good for vs , not onely this daye , but as longe as we lyue , to walke after the Lorde our god , & to fear hym & to kepe his commaundementes his statutes , his lawes , & his constitucyons , to herken vnto his voyce , to serue hym , & to cleue vnto hym . ye subiecte tes obeye four pry●ces .

This day is it good for euery subiecte to be obedient , and to submitte hym selfe to the auctorite of the hyer power , i. Pe. ii . Sa. vi . for there is no power but of god . The powers that be , are ordined of god : so that who so euer resysteth that power , resisteth that ordinance of god . And they that resiste , shal receaue to them selues dampnacyon . For rulers are not to be feared for good workes , but for euell . yf thou wylt be with out feare of the power , do wel then and thou shalt haue prayse of the same , for he is the mynister of god for thy wealth . But yf thou do euell , then feare : for he beareth not the swerde for noughte . For he is the offycer of god , a taker of vengeaunce , to punyshe hym that doth euell . wherfore we muste nedes obeye euery one of vs , not onely for punyshement , but also because of conscience . we are warned also by saynte Paule in an other place , to submytte oure selues vnto prynces , and to the hyer auctorite , and to obeye the offycers . Tit. iii. Submytte youre selues , sayeth saynte Peter , vnto all maner ordinaunce of men for the Lordes sake : whether it be vnto the kynge , as vnto he kynge the chef : ●● vnder ●d . the chefe heade , or vnto rulers , as vnto them that are sent of hym , for the punyshement of euel doers , but for the prayse of them that do wel , i. Pet. ii . As for such as wyl nedes disobeye , let them remembre that the kynge beareth not the swerde for nought . Ro. xiii . & that ( as Salomon sayeth ) The kynges displeasure is a messanger of death . Prouerb . xvi .

This daye is it good for kynges , ye prynces execute you● office prynces and temporall iudges , to execute theyr offyce as out of the power that god ministreth vnto them . i. Pet. iiii . for in verye dede the power is gyuen them of the Lorde , and the strength from the hyest . Sap. vi . Therfore seing they are the offycers of his kyngdome , as the wyse man sayth , they ought not to be neglygent , but to execute true iugement , to kepe the lawe of ryghteousnes , to walke after his wyll , to loue the lyghte of wysedome , to expell soythsayers , charmers , expounders of tokens . Idols and all abhominacyons out of theyrlonde . iiii . Reg. xxxii to set vp the wordes of the lawe of god , to put downe the houses of Idols trye , to se that the lawe and worde of god be taught among the people The study to good rynet . ii . Para. xvii to spare nether cost nor laboure for the mayntenaunce and defence of the same , to seke the peace , wealth , & prosperite of their comons , to iudge euery man ryghteously without any wrestynge of the lawe . Deut. xvii . to knowe no mans person in iudgement , to take no gystes : Leui. xxiii . but euer to haue the lawe of God by them , & to reade therin al the dayes of theyr lyues , that they may lerne to fear the Lorde theyr god , to kepe al the wordes of his lawe , and to do ther after , Deut. xvii . that they lyft not vp theyr hertes aboue theyr brethren , and so turne asyde from the commaundement , ether to that ryght hande or to the lefte , but that they may prolonge theyr dayes in theyr office : Ye seruauntes obeye your Lordes & Mastres .

This day is it good for seruauntes to obey theyr bodely masters , with feare and tremblyng , in synglenes of theyr herte , euen as vnto Christ , not with seruyce only in the eye syghte , as men pleasers , but as seruauntes of Christ , doynge the wyll of god from that herte with good wyll , thynkyng the they serue euen the Lorde and not men . Ephe. vi . Ye seruauntes ( sayeth saynt Paule in another place ) be obedient , vnto , youre bodelye maysters in all thynges , not with seruyce of the eye as pleasers of men , but in synglenes of the herte , fearyng God . what so euer ye do , do it hertely euen as vnto the Lorde and not vnto men . And be sure , that of the Lorde ye shall receaue the reward of the inheritaunce , for ye serue the Lorde Christ . Coll. iii. And vnto Tit. ii . Exhorte seruauntes to be obediente vnto theyr maysters , to please in all thinges , not answeryng no bedient ●●uaunt ca●seth the ●or●e of 〈◊〉 to haue good re●●●● . agayne , nether to be pykers , but to shewe al good faythfulnes that in all thynges they maye do worshipe vnto the doctrine of God our Sauiour . Tit. ii . wherfore yeseruauntes , ( sayeth saint Peter ) o beye youre masters with al feare , not only yf they be good and curteous , but also yf they be forward i. Pet. ii . And therfore was saynt Paule so earnest to se this ordynance of God kept : namely that as many seruauntes as are vnder the yocke . shulde count theyr masters worthy of all honour , that the name of god and his doctrine be not euell spoken of . And the they which haue beleuynge maysters , shulde not dispyse them because they are brethren , but rather do seruice , for so moch as they are beleuynge , and beloued , & partakers of the benefite . i : Timo. vi .

This daye is it good for soche men as haue seruauntes , to put awaye ye lordes Masters d youre seruauntes ●● eucl all threatenynges and churlyshe wordes , Eph. vi . doynge vnto theyr seruauntes that which is iust and equall , and knowe the they them selues also haue a master in heauen , Col. iii. Therfore ( accordynge to the councell of the wyse man ) where as thy seruaunt worketh truly , intreate hym not euel , nether the hyrelyng , that is fayth full vnto the. Eccle. vii . loue a discrete seruaunt as thyn owne soule . defraude hym not of his lybertye . nether leaue hym a poore man . How be it yf he be not obedient , bynde his fete . but do not to moch vnto hym in any wyse , & without discrecyon do nothynge , Ecclesi . xxxiii , Therfore shuld euell serua●tes be correcte , seynge they wyll not be the better for wordes , Pro. xxix . for though they vnderstonde them , yet wyl they not regarde the Do thou then the councell of the wyse man : tame thy euell seruaunt with bondes and correccyon . Eccl , let not ●ou●e seruauntes go●dle . xxxiii . Yf thou set hym to laboure , thou shalt fynde rest , but yf thou let hym goydle , he shall seke lybertie . For as ( Salomon sayeth ) he the delycatly bringeth vp his seruaunt from a chylde . shal make hym his mayster at length . Prouerb . xxix . Sende hym to laboure therfore , that he go not ydle , for ydlenes bryngeth moche euell . Set hym to worke , for that belongeth vnto hym & becommeth hym well . Eccl. xxxiii .

This daye is it good for wemen to be obedient & to submytte themselues ye we men obeye youre husbandes . vnto theyr husbandes as vnto the Lorde . For the husbande is the wyues heade , euen as Christe also is the heade of the congregagatyon , and he is the sauioure of his body . Eph. v. Therfore as the congregacyon is in subieccyon to Christ , so lykewyse let the wyues be in subieccyon to theyr husbandes in al thynges , as it is comly in the Lorde : Col. iii. that euen they whiche beleue not the worde , maye with out the worde be wonne by that conuersacyon of the wyues , whan they se theyr good lyuynge , i. Pe. iii. And let not theyr outwarde apparel be wemen shal not be to gorgiously arayed . with broyded heer , & hauynge on of golde , or in putting on of gorgious aray , but let the in warde man of the herte be vncorrupte with a meke and a quyet sprete , which before god is moch set by . For after this maner in the olde tyme dyd the holy wemen whiche trusted in god , tyer themselues , and wer obedient vnto theyr husbandes : Euen as Sara obeyed Abraham & called hym lorde . Gen. xviii .

This daye it is good for men to loue their wiues , euen as Christ ye men loue your wiues loued the congregation , and gaue hym selfe for it , to sanctifie it . and clensed it in the fountayne of water by the worde , to make it to hymselfe a glorious congregation , hauynge no spotte nor wrincle , nor any soche thyng , but that it should be holy and without blame . Eph. v. So ought men also to loue their wyues , euen as theyr owne bodies . He the loueth his wyfe , loueth hym selfe . For no man euer yet hated his owne fleshe , but noryssheth & cherysheth it , euen as the Lorde doth also the congregacyon . Therfore ought euery man to do so , that he loue his wyfe euen as hymselfe , & not to be bytter vnto them , Coll. iii. but to dwell with them accordyng vnto knowlege , geuyng honoure vnto the wyfe , as vnto the weaker vessell , and as vnto them that are heyres with them of the grace of lyfe , that theyr prayers be not let . i. Pe. iii. ye childre● honor you● fathers mother● .

This daye is it good for chyldren to honoure theyr fathers and mothers , and to obeye them in all thynges , for that is well pleasyng vnto the Lorde . Ephe. vi . Coll. iii. yee the Lord wyll haue the father honoured of the chyldren : & loke what a mother commaundeth her chyldren to do , he wyll haue it kept Eccl. iii. who so honoureth his father , his synnes shal be forgeuen hym , and he that honoureth his mother , is like one that gathereth treasure together , who so honoureth his father shall haue ioye of his owne chyldren , and whan he maketh his prayer , he shal be herde . He that honoureth his father , shal haue a longe lyfe : and he that is obedient for the Lordes sake , his mother shall haue ioye of hym : He that feareth the Lord , honoureth his father and mother , and doth them seruice euen as it were vnto the Lorde hymselfe . Honoure thy father therfore in dede , in worde , & in all pacyence , that thou mayste haue his blessinge : for the blessynge of the father buyldeth vp the houses of the chyldren , but the mothers curse roteth out the foundacyons . Reioyse not thou whan thy father is reproued , for it is no honoure vnto the , but a shame .

For the worshipe of a mans father is his owne worshippe , and wher the father is without honoure , it is the dishonesty of the sone . My sonne make moche of thy father in his age , and greue hym not as longe as he lyueth . And yf his vnderstondynge fayle , haue pacyence with hym , and despyse hym not in his strength : For the good dede that thou shewest vnto thy father , shall not be forgotten , and whan thou thy selfe wantest , it shal be rewarded the. &c. He that forsaketh his father , shal come to shame , and he that defyeth his mother , is cursed of god wherfore my sonne , do thou thy deutye with louynge mekenesse , and so shalt thou be loued aboue other men . ye fathers brynge vp youre chyldren in the fear of god

This day is it good for fathers and soch men as haue chyldren to brynge them vp in the norture & informacyon of the Lorde . Ephe. vi . and not to be cruel vnto them , lest they be of a desperate mynde : Collo . iii. But diligently to teach them the commaundementes of God , for ( as the wyse man sayeth ) who loueth his chylde , holdeth hym styl in norture and vnder correcyon , Pro. xiii . that he may haue ioye of hym afterwarde . Eccl. xxx . and that he grope not after his neghbours dores . He that teacheth his sonne , shall haue ioye in hym , and nede not be a shamed of hym amonge his acquayntaunce &c. An vntamed horse wyll be harde , & a wanton chylde wyll be wylfull . Therfor who so euer thou be that hast a chylde , geue hym not lybertye in his youth : Bowe downe his necke whyle he is yonge , hit hym vpon his sydes whyle he is a child , lest he be to stubborne , and geue nomore force of the , ( and so shalte thou haue heuynes of soule . )

Teach thy chylde and be diligent therin , lest it be to thy shame . with holde not correccion from the chyld : for yf thou beatest hym with the rodde , he shal not dye therof . Pro. xxiii . Thou smytest hym with the rod , but thou delyuerest his soule from hell .

This daye is it good for euery ye spiritu a shepherds fede your lockes one the is a bishope or spiritual shepherde , to be blameles , the husband : of one wyfe , sober , discrete . i. Tim iii. As the stewarde of God : Tit. i. not wylfull , not angry , not geuen vnto moche wyne , no fyghter , not gredy of fylthy lucre , but manerly harberous , apte to teache , gentle , abhorryng stryfe , abhorryng couetousnes , such one as loueth goodnes , and is ryghteous , holy , temperate , one that ruleth his owne house honestly , hauynge obedient chyldren with al honesty , such one as cleueth vnto the true worde of doctrine , that he may be able to exhorte with holsome lernynge , and to improue them that say agaynste it For aboue all thynges it is good byshopes euty● for a byshope or spirituall shepeherde , to shewe hymselfe an example of good workes , with vncorrupt doctryne , with honesty , with the wholsome worde whiche cannot be rebuked : that soch as with stande , may be ashamed , hauyng nothynge in them to disprayse . Of soch thynges also as belonge to the doctrine of Christ , wolde the apostle haue them to speake earnestly : that they whiche are beleuers in God , myght be diligent to excell in good workes : for these thynges at good and profitable vnto men .

For a conclucyon , who so euer thou art or of what estate so euer thou be , take hede that there be not in the an euell herte of vnbeleue , to departe from the lyuynge god Hebr. iii. but exhorte thy selfe dayly with his worde , whyle it is called , To daye , lest thou waxe harde herted thorow the disceatfulnes of synne