BEfore we come particularlie to speake of Diuinations lawfull & vnlawful ; for the true and better vnderstanding of them , we will first define , what Diuination is : Diuination What Diuination is . is a foretelling of things to come , performing it in diuers manners , as well artificially , as naturally . But those that more curiously subtilize vpon the Etymologie , say , that to diuine is properly to foretell , and to foresee things to come , by an exteriour motion , without hauing any subiect , cause , or signe before hand God alone absolutely knoweth things to come . to coniecture so ; and therefore in this sort , God testifieth of himselfe , that he alone knoweth things to come , which afterward he reueiled by his Prophets and Apostles , as it pleased him . Now Satan desiring in this to bee Gods Ape , Satan Gods ( thereby the better to abuse the world , & to drowne men in intolerable superstition , by a naturall curiositie to know things to come ) hath iniuriouslie and falselie vsurped the same authoritie to Satan falsely a Diuiner . diuine , and from thence proceedeth the word Diuination : so that thereby Satan so much the more vnder a cloak of naturall things , is for the most part as a forger and counterfeiter ( excepting the diuination whereupon the subiect of this matter depends : ) and therefore it is necessarie to trie and examine in the first place , the might , subtiltie and craft of the diuell ; in whom we shall finde as great knowledge and vnderstanding , The power of Satan . ( excepting the Angels ) as in all the other creatures besides ; wee shall finde as great subtiltie for interpreting the signes of diuers things : a matchles vigilancie : an incomparable cunning , to inuent trumperies ; and deceit , vnder fine coloured , but false pretences : And to conclude , a most perfect malice accompanied with a perpetuall hate against Satan a perpetuall enemie to mankinde . mankinde : and the rather , seeing that it is not in his force , to doe any thing of himselfe : to hinder the course of things naturall ordained by God : to destroy and to make againe : to sound the depth of mans heart : or to foresee how God gouerneth the course of the world : the affayres of Kings and Princes before the reuelation of his diuine prophesies . Notwithstanding he perceiueth by his subtiltie the hid properties of things bodily and spirituall . His knowledge is exceeding by his manifold experience of things past : he diueth so farre as may possibly bee sounded into mens maners ; and copies out their actions , from whence he deriueth his greatest profit . Thus he incombers the actions of Kings & Princes of each in particular ; that contrarie to all reason and opinion of men , they are all so intermedlingly inwrapped each in other states , that scarse anie knoweth how to escape himselfe . Thorough the deepe whereof he so lancheth without sight , that he maketh one of them to entrap and beguile another : whereof euerie where are examples sufficient , and therefore S. Paul to the Ephesians setteth downe most liuely Satans puissance . But let vs see a little neerer the diuels policie , of what force & efficacie it is , especially in those things which concerne the ruines of Gouernment , or change of a Common wealth . First then , although that the diuell knoweth not the state and affayres of Kings and Princes in particular , as God from the beginning hath predestinated them in his immutable counsel , nor how he wil dispose and change them contrarie to the opinion of men & ordinarie course of things natural ; yet notwithstanding the knowledge which men by the permission of almightie God , haue drawn Man inferiour in knowledge to Satan . out of the diuine prophesies of ancient time , is not comparable to that of Satan , by reason he farre surpasseth man , in fine , quick & nimble subtiltie , which he vseth to his owne aduantage . These Spirits . know by the predictions of Prophets : that such Kings and Princes shall come to gouerne : besides , by what meanes Note . they shall attaine it , and by whom God will giue the Scepter into their hands : besides , when and how it shall be taken from them . And in one word , Satan Foretold . knoweth the estate of Gouernment which must happen , and how long it shal endure , and the enemies which shal rise vp for the ruine of it . From these & such like reuelations would they drawe their diuinations . They haue found out by the prophesies of Daniel the estate & chaunge of Monarchies which must happen , the ruine of Darius , the destruction of Asia : and that the Monarchie of Babylon shall be transported to the Greekes : By meanes whereof , when Alexander the Great consulted with the Oracles . Oracle at Delphos , Pythias answered him , Eris inuictus Alexander : Thou shalt be vnconquered Alexander . And afterward for confirming , and giuing credit to his Oracle , hee ceased not to shewe Satans subtiltie . signes & wonders together with vaine illusions , in the behalfe of Alexander , which way soeuer he marched with his armie : on the contrarie not to daunt Darius too much , he nourisht in him a Satan an Ambidexter . vaine hope by doubtfull dreames , perswading him fondly of victorie , against his enemie . For the temptations of Satan are of that sort , that they promise vs all ioy and happines whatsoeuer : but no sooner they are entertained of vs , but in their place commeth despayre , with a perpetuall torment . By the prophesie of Daniel and Esai , the diuell Satan knoweth the scripture . knewe that the Monarchie of the Assyrians should be wholly desolate and giuen into the power of the Medes and Persians , and that al this should be done by Cyrus . For this cause it was foretold , that King Croesus should be chased and spoyled of the kingdome of Lydia : And therefore knowing the might of King Cyrus , Satan ceased not to moue and incite Croesus by a bayte of ambition , to Croesus conquered . oppose himselfe against the Persian Cyrus . This being done , the Assyrians Empyre was spoyled , Croesus conquered , and the Monarchie translated to Cyrus .

There is one especiall example farre surpassing all that antiquitie mentioneth of Satans subtiltie , whereby apparantly he shewed the intent and effect of his whole treacherie : It was that of the great contemplatiue diuine Iamblicke , Iamblich . who desirous to knowe the name of him that should in the Empyre succeede the Emperour Ualens that then raigned , he made trial of it by a certain A thing vnlawfull . foolish ( be it spoken with reuerence to so wise a man ) and most vnlearned diuination in this manner : He caused the Greeke Alphabet written to bee put by distinct letters , in the ground , and vpon euery one he placed a graine of Barley ; A foolish proofe . in the midst a Cock , & the letters where the Cocke scraped the Barley , should signifie the thing he so much desired . Now it happened that the Cock bared these foure letters : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet now likewise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . he remained vncertain of the name which these letters should portend , to discerne whether it were Theodosius , or Theodotus , Theodorus , or Theodectes . The Emperour Ualens seeing the euent of all this , & fearing some false play , made Diuination will beget Tyrannie . ( Herod like ) all such to be put to death , as those letters did poynt out . He commaunded likewise , to search foorth the Diuine . Iamblicke , fearing the crueltie of the Emperour , by reason of the fault which he had committed , ( for it was not Vnmeete it should be . lawfull in Rome to enquire into the succession of the Empyre during the life of the Emperour ) poysoned himselfe . But we shall finde for the most part that the diuell the more to delude men by Doubtfull answers argue deceite , or ignorance . these diuinations , gaue his answers hid , darke , double , and doubtful , especiallie when himselfe ( which often happened ) was vncertaine of the euent , being only led by suspicious and sleight coniectures , without euidence of diuine reuelation , ( as appeared by the doubt of that name which those foure letters might portend : ) for not knowing the trueth , he talketh by circumstances and darke signes , sometimes telling the trueth to gaine credit to his false lyes , A Caueat . seeing by a malicious instinct he striueth to obscure the trueth , to the great dammage of mortall men . For his delight is in falshood , and his ioy is in our fall . That is the reason why hee vseth these doubtfull & vncertaine answers , to the intent to abuse men by his ridiculous apish mockeries , and finally to bring them by a certaine feare , and a sorrow of things to come , to most abominable wickednesse , in executing the self same euil , which before he had told vnto him , that inquired of it .

We haue a most famous example and worth the marking , of an Oracle ( in respect of their doubtfull answers ) which was found in Greece vnder the shadowe Ambiguitie in oracles . of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifieth both man and light , if the accent be not rightly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , man , light . placed ( for the ancient Greekes were not careful in this , as it is well noted by Iustus Lypsius : ) then the doubt of the foresayd Oracle , by reason of the ambiguitie of the word , made them vncertaine whether their sacrifice should be of humane flesh or some other thing ; euen so now we see oftentimes that he hath told the euent of things , whereof he is the author : yet notwithstanding for al that , because God hath admirable meanes in his counsell for to gouerne all that is in the world , and because Satan is ignorant of the euent or chaunge God disproueth his sophistrie . of things disposed by GOD himselfe , ( whether it bee a punishment or a release of his rigor , which he vseth sometimes in the execution of his iustice ) he vttereth his diuinations & predictions in obscure manner , ballanced with an equal , yet difficult interpretation , which may as well agree to this as to that , not only for the doubtfull sense , but for the double reading of it . Of this kind was this : Croesus Halym penetrans magnam peruertit opum vim . Likewise the fraudulent example of the answere which the Pope Borgias . diuel gaue vnto Pope Borgias of eleuen yeares and eight moneths , may serue to confirme this . Furthermore , the diuell not only knoweth by diuine prophesies Satan cunning in diuine prophesies . the subuersions , ruines , and restroings of Monarchies , but he intrudeth himselfe often into the handling of them , & entermedleth in the counsel of Kings and Princes , enforcing them A states man . by all means possible to bring in a confusion : to trouble the estate : to oppose themselues one against another : to disperse Realmes : to debase lawes tending to the good gouernment of the Common wealth . He is alwayes hammering of some newes , daily to hinder good and sound counsell , and in stead The author of ill lawes . of them to set abroach other , fatall to the Church and the Common wealth : he enflameth the hearts of the mightie , with an ambitious desire of ruling , to this end , he perswades them to followe bad counsell , seruing for the execution of their dissignments : Such as these are Ieroboam . plentifull in the holie scripture . Thus he moued the Chaldeans to come to rob and spoyle Iob of his riches , and to sley Iob. 1. 17. his seruants . Thus he plotted like an ancient states man , to hinder the rebuilding of the Temple of Ierusalem , after the returne from Babylon , perswading Note . king Cambyses , by meanes of the Courts flatterers , to make warre against the Aegyptians , which hee did : And for feare lest the Iewes should enter into alliance Satan vseth great men sometimes for his turne . with them of Aegypt , the king commanded in plain termes , to hinder the work of the Temple which was then begun : and thus Satan compassed his intended scope . When he asked leaue to enter into the heard of swine , hee had more craft then a common politicke : He did A foreseeing Polititian . the Gaderens a displeasure in their religion , by that meanes , foreseeing they would entreat Christ to go out of their kingdome , and so runne headlong with their swine , into eternall destruction . Againe , he stood at the right side of the Sacrificer in Ierusalem , to hinder that no good thing might bee done in that citie . Hee attacheth ( as it were ) with a Rather them then others to make them hurt by example . contagious infection the most part of publique persons , the better by that meanes to obtaine his purpose , by reason of the charge which they sustaine for to preserue others . Then seeing that Satan intermingleth himself in the midst of affayres publique , and that by a diuine permission , he insnareth both 1. King . 22. one , and other , ayming continually to subuert the state , ( especiallie of Monarches ) knowing besides , that their ruine and change shall happen , it is no meruaile that hee oftentimes foresees the euents whereof he is the cause , and afterward forgeth Diuinations , to the Satan buzzeth into mens hearts that which he hath plotted himselfe . intent to deceiue both one and other . But although that God oftentimes permit Satan ( by reason of our demerits ) to exercise his tyrannie ouer the principall states of the world , yet notwithstanding , that permission is not infinite ; for God keepeth , gardeth , and defendeth Realmes , to the intent that being shaken they may not be altogether ruinated , God is the sure rocke of defence to a kingdome . causing his holie spirit to watch ouer them , against an enemie so mightie , in giuing them wholesome counsel , for the preseruation of their estate . It is most certaine that GOD permitteth Satan somtimes to tyrannize ouer one , or other , as we see in the King of Babylon , Dan 4. 29. who was giuen into his power for seuen yeares : yet notwithstanding when it pleased him hee made a restraint and brideled his vnruly will . We see sometimes how hee keepeth and vpholdeth the Realmes of wicked Kings , for to make them a meanes to maintaine his So at this day Spayne a stay for Christians against the Turke . Nero. Church , as appeared in the kingdomes of Babylon , Persia , and the Romanes in the time of Nero ( Natures most strange monster in respect whereof , it is sayd , that the societie of man is resembled to a flocke of sheepe , whereof though The societie of man compared . some indaunger themselues , yet the faithfull shepheard endeuoureth himselfe by all meanes possible , to saue his flocke whole , and defend it against the rage of the wolues , which would deuoure it . For if wee would but consider the matter a little further , we shall finde by the scripture in the time of Noah , after the building of the tower of Babylon , Gen. 10 1● that Nimrod was elected by diuine prouidence , to guide and gouerne the people then , when as the children , nephewes , and linage of Noah , wandered without townes to dwell in , destitute of cities , or houses , liuing by hunting and vpon the fruites of the earth , without any tillage , who then represented a maiestie , force and valour in his person ; by reason wherof the holie scripture saith , that hee was Robustus venator Domini , Gen. 10. 9. aut , Coram Domino , a strong hunter of the Lord , by reason of the might and Or as some say , tyrannize ouer men . puissance that hee had to tame the sauage and wild beasts : Whereby we may well conclude , that Common wealths had their beginnings by violent Tyrannies , & that Nimrod by force & violence obtained the soueraigntie . Notwithstanding we find in scripture , that he was a most heroicall King and no Tyrant : ( howsoeuer some doe intend otherwise ) A monarchy easily a tyranny . because that by his meanes was established the forme of a Common wealth , most durable to gouerne , His beginning . and to keepe the people in order and discipline . And so from this first diuine wisedome , humane societie was kept vnited from time to time . This likewise A Prince Gods Vicegerent . is the cause why the Prince is tearmed Gods Vicegerent vpon earth . Finally , he was garded with such force , that the Empyres ( which wee call Monarchies ) by this meanes were ordained : & then of the selfe same Monarchies , ( by reason A thing vsuall . of an insatiable ambition and desire to rule ) proceeded Tyrannies . But although that Tyrants , by the permission of God , seemed sometimes ( by reason of their horrible murders and destructions ) to bee willing to cancell all law , and peruert all iustice , that tended to the maintenance of a Common-wealth , and whereby Empyres flourished : yet notwithstanding wee finde by the discourse of histories , that the verie Tyrants themselues , by a diuine prouidence , Tyrants haue often had a care of good lawes . haue oftentimes left behinde them good lawes , as the true markes of Iustice , tending to the maintenance and conseruation of kingdoms , to the intent that humane societie should not either be disperst , or raced out . God hath the meanes to vs vnknowne , to keep them from such wickednesses , that he turneth the euil of present ruling Tyrants , vnto the especiall good of gouerning posteritie : for his will is the perfect rule and the infallible direction of all right and equitie . By reason whereof some are of that mind , that although the Empyre of the Turkes , in dignitie and greatnes The Turke no Monarch . exceeded the foure Monarchs of the worlde , yet notwithstanding it could not bee reputed for a true Monarchie , because that amongst those barbarous people , there was neither humanitie nor forme , or shewe of iustice , but a Without Iustice no Monarchie . meere deuastation of Empyres , and a reall destruction of all lawes and policies ; which were established and dreamingly obserued of other Monarchies , vnder whom ( notwithstanding their enormities ) God had continually preserued miraculously a forme of iustice , to the intent to preserue his owne people . I will onely alleadge two examples ( not to bee too troublesome ) without touch or mention of the Romane lawes afterward brought in , to shew by them the equitie and iustice , which Tyrants and Infidels themselues haue somtimes in the gouernment of their Common-wealths vsed , as well in regard of their Iustice somtimes amongst Tyrants . ciuill and politicke order , as Militarie . The one long since famous , is the example of the execution of iustice in King Cambyses ( otherwise a great Tyrant ) which he executed vpon the Iudge Cambyses . Herodotus lib. 1. corrupted with bribes in the person of Sysannes , who after he was put to death he was fleyed , and his skinne hung ouer the Iudgement seate , where his sonne was commanded to sit as Iudge , that in iudging he might remember the offence of his father . The other , is the famous Anaxilaus . and memorable example of Anaxilaus , whom the Lacedaemonians vsed thus : He seeing that in the time of the siege of the citie Byzance , Clearchus the Gouernour began to take the goods of the Burgesses , that dyed for famine , to diuide amongst his Souldiers , to the intent to hold the towne longer , he dealt in the absence of Clearchus with the enemie , to yeeld vp the towne vpon good conditions , which soone yeelded without pillage or shedding of bloud . Afterward Anaxilaus was accused to them of Sparta for rendring the towne , who ( vsing a most honest excuse ) answered , that they ought to make warre against the enemie and not their owne selues , and that it was a thing most vniust to handle the Burgesses more rudely then the enemie . And for these excuses full of reason they absolued him . This example may serue at this day sometimes to excuse publique persons , whom some But not to excuse treason . indeuour to accuse and blame slanderously , without discretion , not considering that God miraculously gouerneth the heart of those whom God hath placed to gouerne others , to the intent to hinder and preuent the totall ruine of his people and Common wealth ; as we may reade of the Prophet Ieremiah , who gaue counsell to the King Zedechias , when he was besieged in Ierusalem , to yeeld himselfe to the Chaldeans , to the intent to preserue the people and the towne , notwithstanding many others perswaded the contrarie . Many such examples full of naturall equitie are largely handled by Saint Ambrose in the third booke of his Offices . On the other side to returne to our former subiect , it is knowne vnto all , that the diuell hath knowledge concerning the ruines and changes of Common wealths , and Not absolutely . that he hath learned much by the periods of yeares , and the fatall age of Realmes , and Empires , knowing by obseruation of times , that they are limited : and because their state is subiect to change , that serues him for all occasions . Cicero in the twelft of the Nature of Cicero de Natura Deorum . gods , speaking of the inuention of sundrie diuinations , and superstitious obseruations , hath these wordes , Multas Obseruation hath begotten this Diuination . res diuturnus vsus ita notauit vt artem Diuinationis efficeret : & in another place he saith , Obseruatio diuturna notandis rebus fecit artem : The histories of all times doe teach vs ( in case wee would carefully obserue them , & search them throughly ) that the most parte of the greatest kingdomes , haue not endured fiue hundred yeares . Many haue light 500. yeares the common period of a Kingdome in former time . short of that full time : none or very few haue passed it , but haue fallen either at that period , or not long before it ; some hauing perished in whole , some onely changed in some forme ; the gouernment of the Kings of Iuda beginning The Kings of Iuda . Saul . with Saule , the first kingdome continued to the captiuitie of Babylon , which was fiue hundred yeres . The same space of time was likewise againe marked after the Captiuitie , beginning at Esdras , and continuing to the Emperor Esdras , Vespasian . Ioseph de Bell. Iud. Uespasian , which ruinated Ierusalem from the very grounde , and then were the Iewes dispersed , and scattered from one part of the world to another : and since that time their common wealth Gods iudgement . was neuer perfectly restored , notwithstanding the indeuours and extreame paines they imployed therein . The Commonwealth of the Athenians from The common wealth of Athens continued 490. yeares . Cecrope to Codrus , continued foure hundred fourescore and ten yeares : which was then changed to a Democratie . The Common wealth of the Lacedaemonians The common wealth of the Lacedemonians . Romaine Consuls 500. yeares . changed about that time , vnder the Kings Heraclides , till the time of Alexander the Great . The Romayne Consuls gouerned fiue hundred yeares , from the banishment of the Kings , vntill the time of the monarchie of Augustus ; the same was obserued since Augustus till Valentinian . West Empire . the fall of Ualentinian the last Emperor of the West : and that then the West Empire fayled : and that the barbarous Uandales , Alaius and others , inuaded Uandales the countries of Spayne , and in the ende all Italie , with the citie of Rome . The same number of yeares were obserued a little after , from the time that Constantine the Great transported the Constantine . Italian Empire to Constantinople , vntill Charlemaine , who restored the Empyre Charlemaine . of the west , hauing chased the Lombards out of Italie . Likewise wee may call to minde by histories , that many realmes and Common wealthes haue endured not past the halfe period of those fiue hundred , or there about ; as that of the Persians , which from Cyrus to the last Persians continued 230. Darius flourished : but in the two hundred and thirtie yeares , it was fully ruinated by the force of Alexander the Monarch of the Greekes 250. yeeres . Great . On the other side , the Monarchie of the Greekes , which began with Alexander , and afterward successiuely was deriued to diuers kings , as of Syria , and Aegypt , continued two hundred and fiftie yeares , which after that time was subuerted by the might of the Romans . Furthermore if we would search the Chronicles of France , we shall finde the same period ( after that Syagre , last Proconsull and Lieutenant for the Romans in France , was deposed ) till Clowis Fraunce . the first christian king , vntill Pepin father of Charlemaine , and then after vntil Hugh Capet , was numbred 237. yeres . 237. yeeres . Further , besides all this , we may see in the discourse of histories , that the period The periode of 700. yeares obserued by some . of seuen hundred yeares brought notable change to states . The Common wealth of the Carthaginians , ( then The Carthaginians had continued 700. yeares . when it was wholly spoyled by Scipio ) had continued seuen hundred yeares . The warre betwixt Caesar and Pompey , Caesar and Pompey his warre was in the 700. yeare after Romes foundation . which is some sort decayed the state of the Romayne Empire , happened in the seuen hundred yeares after Romes foundation ; and at the same time two periods met together , the one of fiue hundred from the beginning of the Consuls , Two Periodes met together . the other of seuen after the foundation of Rome . In like sort about seuen hundred yeares after the destruction of Carthage , Totilas the king of the Tot●las . Gothes robbed the citie of Rome , carying captiue with him the principall Lordes of the citie , which Scipio had long before foretolde , when Carthage The Moores with Spaine in the yeare after Christ 700. was besieged . So likewise doe we reade that the Moores dealt with Spayne , the yeare after Christ seuen hundreth ; after that were they all chased out by Ferdinand of Arragon , grandfather by Ferdinand . the mother to Charles the fifth . For example , of our times we see , that it is seuen hundred yeares past , that Charles Charles the great . the Great established the westerne Empyre , which period ( considering the Note this . change of the times present ) seemeth to threaten some great ruine , although there is nothing so of necessitie , but as it pleaseth God to dispose all things for the best . Now it is needefull likewise to examine more nearely the Qualitie of The qualitie of periods . the foresaid periods , for it is questioned of at this day , if there be any such period necessarily certaine , and fatall for Empires : likewise why some fayle before Todin and others . their prefixed time , without expecting their ordinarie fall . The Philosophers not knowing how to finde Ignorance of true causes faineth false ones . out the reasons , because of their incredulitie , haue so incombred their true vnderstandings , that they haue forged arithmetical aenigmes , other imposing to starres , and coelestiall causes . But for the true vnderstanding of it , let vs consider the testimonies and examples of holy Scripture , besides the meere coniectures of heathen Philosophie . The vniuersall period of Empyres is declared vnto vs by the Prophet Daniel , speaking The touchstone of periodes . of the seauenty weekes , containing about fiue hundred yeares since the restoring of the Temple , after the returne from Babylon , vntill the time of Christ . But because the period is not generall and perpetuall ( by reason that we see some Empyres not attaine halfe their period ; ) notwithstanding we shall finde by the discourse and testimonie of histories , that the period ( as by a diuine institution ) is fatall to the most According to our view . Empyres for their beginnings and endings , as may bee apparantly manifest , both by the examples alleadged before , & by many others here and there which may bee alleadged to that purpose . The reason of the difference in regarde of time , and the diuersitie of change which happeneth in them , is likewise grounded vpon the holy scripture of Gods word : we haue saide before , that GOD giueth the Scepter of realmes as it pleaseth him , and taketh them away as his pleasure is . Likewise The change of Kingdoms not by chance . the change of kingdomes happeneth not by chaunce , but by diuine prouidence ; by reason of the causes , which goe before the ruines of them , by meanes whereof , God so disposeth of Realmes and Empyres , that whomsoeuer he hath installed for gouernement , are by him defended with might and authoritie , as the especiall gift of God , accompanied with many vertues requisite thereunto , namely wisdom , happines , goodwill , iustice , clemencie , &c. all which ioyntly sustaine the pillars of the Empyre : for it is written , Misericordia & veritas custodiunt regem & clementia fulcitur thronus eius . In such sort that the Common wealths of Kings and Princes defended with this authoritie , are for a long time , flourishing and in Prosperous Kingdomes . most prosperous estate . On the contrarie , if the Common wealth be gouerned by wicked kinges , vitious , or tyrants , and that the subiects to the imitation of their Prince , are infected with the same faultes , and plunged so deepe , that they can no way get out ; then authoritie failes , vertues are abandoned , and punishment doth ensew : hereupon GOD hasteneth his iudgementes which preuent the reuolutions , and changes in that they had apparance to The punishment of sinne is the change of the state . continew longer : he punisheth sinnes both of the Prince and people ordinarily by the chaunge and ruine of the Common wealth : for being not bound to the periods of time , he disanulleth , God not tyed to periods . changeth , and altereth their estates , as it pleaseth him . This sheweth Salomon plainly , where he sayth : Because of Iniustice Kingdomes are translated from one place to another , for the sinnes of the land , Wisdome the stay of a land . some after others are made Princes , and by reason of a wise and vnderstanding man , the Empire is more durable . Thus wee may see the reason of the contrarietie in respect of the chaunge of the periods aboue mentioned . Master Peucer treating M. Peucer . the difference of them , sayth , that three sorts of sins are noted in the holie Causes of the fall of Kingdomes three . 1. Impietie . 2. Iniustice . 3. Lecherie . scripture , which principally cause the ruines & changes of a common wealth . Impietie ruinating the Church : Iniustice corrupting the Common wealth : and Lecherie destroying the familie , with which Pride is intermedled , & their seueral harmes redound vnto al : for this cause Intemperancie & Pride mixt , is noted by the Poet to bee most speciall for the subuerting of a state : Nam caetera regna Luxuries vitijs odijsque superbia vertit . Aristotle ascribing the chaunge of Empyres Aristotle . to sinnes , comprehendeth them all vnder this one word of inequalitie , Inequality . & the difference of the degrees of honor , and dignities ; and that for vertue , although not for religion . But the causes and occasions going before these chaunges , consist in the manners and actions of men , which all are not of the same sort , but exceeding diuers . And therefore the same author addeth and reproueth the former opinion that states are troubled by diuers meanes . I take it here not a thing impertinent ( seeing the subiect of our matter ) to stay a little and examine somewhat the opinion of some authors , which are willing to set down rules to iudge of the happenings for the euents and chaunges of Common wealths . Amongst others Plato Plato . Celestial influence . ascribeth not this either to a celestiall influence , nor to the motion of starres , but to the dissolution of Harmonie . This is his opinion , but wee finde at this day a great contrarietie amongst the late writers , for the true vnderstanding of Plato his mind , and chiefly of the word Bodin . de Rep. lib. 4. Harmonie . Master Iohn Bodin is of that minde , that this Harmonie is to bee vnderstood Harmonie . of tunes & melodious sounds . For the better interpretation whereof , and the more to confirme his opinion , in the fourth booke of his Politicks he hath made the forme of a Triangle with certaine numbers thereupon , to ground a musicall harmonie ; and so apply it to Plato his opinion . Wherein he is reprehended by Master Augier Ferrier Lord of Castillon , who making the distinction Aequiuocation in Harmonie . of the word Harmonie , to put away all equiuocations , sayth , that the word Harmonie is a generall terme , applied to all things well beseeming : and to all good proportions : to all Common wealths well framed : to all families well ordered , and generally to euery thing iustly and orderly disposed : of perfect measure and of fine accorde . So the Phisitians call the best constitutions of bodie . The Musitians take the word otherwise , and referre it to tunes & melodious soundes : and so Plato saying that Common wealths come to ruine when the harmonie faileth , that is to Plato expounded by M. Augier . say , when the policie , the lawes , the order , the vnion of the inhabitants is broken , vseth the word in the first signification : for it is then that a way is open to troubles & seditions whatsoeuer . And speaking to Master Bodin , thinke you ( sayth he ) that Plato vnderstood that of tunes & melodious sounds , which Plato neuer thought of concerning the change of Kingdomes and Common-wealths ? And giuing another reason against the former interpretation , hee saith , that all proportion is not song , or melodie , although otherwise it bee a harmonie , for his good structure and equall figure : he alleadgeth onely this place for the defence of the true vnderstanding of that which Plato wrote , and of the word Harmonie : for concerning Harmonie not the ground of Kingdomes . the maine poynt , Bodin himselfe is of that opinion , that changing or preseruation of Common wealths , no way depends on the Harmonie of soundes . But a man ought more to feare it , when the citizens begin to stray from the naturall The fall of a citie is the breach of good lawes . harmonie of good lawes wel ordered ; and from manners rightly disposed , to lawes , customes , and maners vnlawfull , wicked , and pernicious : although he denyeth not that Harmonie of sounds hath a great force and effect to chaunge a Common wealth : for ( sayth he ) we haue a memorable example of the Cynethian Common wealth in The Cynethian common wealth . Arcadia , which hauing forsaken the pleasure of Musicke , soone after fell to seditions and ciuill warres , attributing the effect to Musicke , to appease and mollifie The effect of Musicke . a people so barbarous and sauage . By meanes whereof he confesseth that this causeth the naturall harmonie of well agreeing lawes , which causeth men to continue in good and perfect order , and thereupon followeth the preseruation of the Common wealth . It is verie likely that Musicke hath a great force to appease the minds of men , as diuers examples may giue vs witnesse , namely of Saul and Pythagoras , who as well before Pythagoras . as after his sleepe vsed a certaine Musicall and melodious Harmonie : And as Censorin speaketh , Vt animum sua semper diuinitate imbueret : To furnish the minde with the diuinitie of it . The same author sayth , that Asclepiades the Phisitian Asclepiades . vsed ordinarily a musicall harmonie to call furious and phreneticall spirits to their own nature : and there upon is it common ( sayth he ) Ut legionibus in Musicke expelleth the feare of danger . acie dimicantibus metus mortis classico depellatur : & in nauis metu vel vt facilius laborem sufferant à vectore Symphonia adhibetur . Yet notwithstanding he teacheth vs that Musicke at this day hath not the effect to withstand the sedition of our age , because she hath lost much of her ancient nimblenes , by reason whereof Musick not so nimble as it hath beene . Musicke is not esteemed of all equally in generall . On the other side we may obserue the opinion of those who would iudge of the chaunge of Kingdomes , ( although they are founded vpon a ground ruinous ) as those who The Horoscopy of cities bad rules to iudge by of chaunges . build vpon the Horoscopies of townes , thereby to iudge of Common wealths : Imagining that some Planets and fixt Starres are the workers and contriuers of the worldes aduentures , of which by reason of their incertitude I will not speake , as being a thing meerely ridiculous , to referre the acts , manners of men , cities and particular euents , to any such cause . Others as curiously obseruing A 100 vnprofitable curiositie . the same matter concerning the state of kingdomes , haue not onely noted the yeares , but the moneths , as Master Iohn Bodin , who saith , that if we marke the great and notable changes of states and kingdomes , we shall finde September . the most parte to haue been in September , in which moneth the lawe of God gaue his beginning to all the world : and for better confirming his opinion , hee giueth diuerse examples ; amongst others the great victorie of Augustus Augustus . M. Anthony conquered the 2. day of September . against Marc. Anthonie , which happened the second day of September , being a contention for the greatest Empire that euer was . Paulus Aemilius changed the great Empire of Macedoma into many popular estates , and sent King Perseus prisoner to Rome , obtaining the victorie the thirteenth of September : the fourteenth of September 13. September . Sultan Syliman dyed before Segett , and the seuenteenth the towne was taken : the day following , Sigismund the father of Augustus , king of Polonia , put to flight the armie of the Muscouits : the day after Iames the king of Scots was slaine , with many of his Nobilitie by the English in battayle . He reciteth many moe examples besides , which we may reade in the fourth booke of his De Republica , where hee likewise affirmeth , that there haue been many great Princes who haue dyed in that moneth , and there he reciteth at least twentie . But me thinkes ( as one September not so fatall as Bodin writeth . well noteth ) that this should giue too much credit to the moneth of September , to the preiudice of the other , in that it hath force to change estates , and that these curiosities are not to bee admitted of vs , but to bee referred rather to the historicall Calender , then to bee reputed a matter of sounde doctrine : for what moneth is there which may not be authorised with like examples ? In euery moneth some great states haue dyed . At least , it is changed from his former naturall force , in respect of that time present : for the greatest alterations and change of states at this day , and especially in the kingdome of France , In Fraunce the greatest alterations betwixt December and August . haue happened betwixt December and August . The same may I alleadge likewise of the death of the greatest Lordes of France , who dyed in other moneths , and that the moneth of September hath almost lost his prerogatiue since . For concerning the Princes which haue dyed of late in France , and which haue brought notable change with them , ( as we may see at this day ) we shal finde none which dyed in the moneth of September , Mouns●ier Duke of Alenson , and The Duke of Alenson dyed in Iune . brother of the late King dyed in Iune , 1584. and the tenth of that moneth . The Prince of Orange ( whose death can The Prince of Orange . neuer be sufficiently lamented , nor the manner hated and abhorred ) likewise A hatefull proscription . dyed the same day of Iuly following , whose death was violent and practised by the Spanish treason in that manner , that neuer historie in respect of the proscription hath made mention of the like ; vnlesse it be of Pyrats , Robbers by sea , and such , who ( according to the lawes of nations ) haue euer been excluded from the benefit of faith , trueth , and loyaltie , and consequently from all saftie , for as Tullie writeth : Pyrata non est ex perduellium numero definitus , sed communis hostis omnium , alioqui ius etiam bellicum fidesque iurisiurandi saepe cum hoste seruanda . For instance we haue the memorable proscription of Crocotas the Crocotas . arch pyrat , of whom Augustus the Emperor caused proclamation to be made by the sounde of his trumpet , that whosoeuer A fact that for it the greatnes of Spaines fall cannot satisfie the measure of Gods wrath . would take him , should haue a hundred & twentie thousand crownes . I onely alleadge this in respect of the most detestable murder of the worthie and vertuous Prince of Orange : not long after the death of these two great personages followed the fatall ruines of the Lowe Countrey . In one worde Catherine of Medices , the Duke of Guyse Katherine of Medices . his brother , the Cardinall , the King of Vnder pretence of confession to kill a Prince neuer heard of before . France last slayne by that false Iacobin , ( a murther written in Tymes forhead , by the pen of aeternitie to astonish all posteritie ) these all happened from December to August : and therefore mee thinkes September hath small vertue to induce vs to respect it . But of all rules which I knowe worth the marking to iudge by of the falles of kingdomes , & Common wealths , I finde none more renounced by Master Bodin , then the numbers of seuen and nine , and those which arise from the multiplication of these two , and the perfect number of 496. which first is obserued by him , and he saith the reason is , because of the infinite wisdome of God , who hath so disposed Bodin . all things by number , that kingdomes themselues after certaine yeres , haue ordinarilie come to ende , and that humane things fall not out by chance . I confesse indeede , concerning the criticall dayes ( whereof the seauenth day is called the King by Galen ) that from thence are drawne strange meruailes of numbers , applyed to weekes , moneths , yeares , ages , worlds ; and so to townes , Common wealths , and Kingdomes : whereunto all that may bee referred which we haue spoken before of the periods of 500. of 250. of 700. yeares , although Numbers no certaine grounds of vndoubted truth . I finde such contrarietie in the examples alleadged by Master Bodin , for the confirming of these numbers , that they are not firmly to be relied on , as vndoubtedly true . For to the intent to haue them established more stronglie , he alleadgeth the Romane fasts , who , as he sayth , can neither faile nor lye . But on the contrarie , Onuphrius who hath corrected them iustly , maketh a doubt . And as Master Augier sayth , he likewise would relye vpon the annales of Fabius pictor . And in the first place the better to confirme his Square , being the roote of the fatall number , composed of twelue Twelues , multiplied by Bodin greatly erred . 12. he saith that the Monarchie of Rome continued a hundred and fortie yeares , which by the consent of all authors continued 244. yeares , or thereabout : and I finde another which saith it endured longer , namely , 245. yeares , which cannot serue to fulfil the Cube of the fatall number ▪ but it is an exceeding fault to slippe a hundred yeares . Furthermore , A 100. yeeres slipt by M. Bodin . 196. to confirme one of the perfect numbers , namely , that of 196. and to shew the effect of it , he sayth , that since Augustus vnto Augustulus the last Emperour of the Romanes , the one whereof he calleth by the name of Conquering , All ●hese shall be more plainely set downe in my booke of the vniuersall periods of all Kingdomes . the other of Diminishing , there was 496. yeares ; where the Histories and Chronicles mention fiue hundred . On the other side , to the intent the better to ground his opinion of numbers ; as likewise to shewe their force , he alleadgeth that in holie scripture the law of GOD The 7. number . hath nothing so often as the 7. number ; be it either in the solemne feasts , of the Sabboth , or the seauenth moneth ; be it for the freeing of seruants , and leauing the ground without tilth , the seauenth yeare , which was the yeare of Iubile . But some doe reproue this , for as much as that the places out of scripture implie It is no Sabboth for a Kingdome to fall . naturally a rest or Sabboth , whereas on the contrarie the seauenth , alleadged for the fall , and change of kingdomes , is full of troubles , depending on humane actions , which number can neither be drawne out of the law of God , either in plaine tearmes , or by way of The 7. number not drawen out of Scripture necessarilie . necessarie consequent : yet for all this he confesseth , that of those aboue named rules , indifferently obserued of diuers authors , there is none of necessitie , whereupon wee may so iustly relye our selues , as to set down a certaine iudgement of things to come : seeing that the greatest part of those , who haue been willing to iudge of the meanes , & rules surely touching the foresayd changes , Vncertainty in Diuinations . they haue often stayed themselues vpon Astronomie , supposing that change of Kingdomes chieflie to depende vpon starres , and celestiall causes , whereunto God hath sometimes ( as it were ) tyed himselfe for the shewing of things to come ; wherein Satan as the Prince of A sleight of Satan . the ayre , maketh to appeare oftentimes the euents which resemble the true , that should happen : and hereupon he forgeth these false predictions . But seeing that by the effects of celestiall bodies , the vnlearned themselues are able to iudge of their force and vertue ; notwithstanding from all antiquitie , there hath been found contrarietie of opinions , The certaintie and vncertaintie of Astronomicall iudgements . amongst them who will iudge soundly in Astrologie : wherefore it shall not bee impertinent to this purpose to handle a word or two for the examining of the certaintie or vncertaintie of them , thereby the better to vnderstand this which I haue in hand , the rather because Astrologie it selfe is placed Astrologie . amongst Diuinations . Some & of great learning would whollie make it frustrate , and exclude it from the liberall An absurd error begotten of ignorance . Arts , as teaching vs prestigious & false surmises vnder trueths colour . Some are so foolish , that they giue vnto it the force of gouerning the whole world : namely , all that which may happen to A foolish Superstition . men , not daring to attempt , or vndertake any thing in the world without the fauour of the starres and celestiall bodies . Zanch. Myzald . Others that haue better iudged of it haue not ascribed vnto them an absolute power , but an intermediate vertue amongst the rest . The reason of such as wholly contemne the Art without No good reason . ascribing vnto it anie vertue , or force at all , is grounded vpon the vncertaintie of it , as being onely builded vpon vncertaine coniectures , without the true demonstration of things , whervpon onely trueth depends . But those that do auouch the vertue of them , suppose in the first place , that God sayd in the beginning that he made lights , that Gen. 1. he placed them in the heauens , to separate night from day , and to be for signes and seasons for dayes and yeares . From this place they reason thus , that Nature made nothing in vaine , since that all creatures are made for some certaine end , but these creatures day lie doe the same workes by their order and course appoynted them of God , and the end of No good reason . that which they doe is their operation ; now the starres doe by the order of nature that which the Art of Astronomie saith hath bin found out by experience , and afterward approued by many reasons . Then the end of the starres is that for which they were created . Likewise the demonstrations of things are taken from celestiall causes , and their effects , obserued of a long timed experience , by the influence , intension , remission , accesse and recesse of starres : for euen as An vnlike similitude . in the seede the vertue of those things is hid which it bringeth foorth , euen so in the starres is hid the force of that likewise giuing the effect of a naturall elementarie change , which is incontinently perceiued of them who before haue searched by supputation the caelestiall motions , and haue attained by long experience to knowe the course of things , with the euents and effects . The reason is , for euen as wee iudge of the force of things which wee feele , by their effect , euen so wee iudge of the force of Starres by the experience we haue from the long reach of their effects . And although their force being hid vnto vs , is It is impossible to haue such experience . not so apparantly discouered and clerely seene , notwithstanding the ordinarie signes shew them , and the common obseruations of long experience make them to bee easilie knowne ; so that those who haue this foresaid experience , may easily foretell by an euident coniecture , This possible & common . the ordinarie effect of the Starres . But thereby to foretell of the natiuities of men which the Greekes cal pronosticon Geneseon , that which may happen Meere toies and vaine fables . vnto them in such a yeare , or such a day , it is hard for a man to giue credit to them ; so that it be not for the searching of naturall causes in that manner , as wee haue spoken before . For as Master Beza speaketh in a certaine epistle , Beza his opinion of Iudiciall Astrologie . of iudiciall Astrologie : If any one would haue foretolde that the Empyre of Augustus should haue endured so long , it should likewise haue beene necessarie to haue diuined what should haue happened of Brutus , Cassius , Lepidus , and Anthonie , his aduersaries , which would haue brought a man into a labyrinth not easely auoyded . So likewise How far one may iudge of particular men . speaking of the vsage of the former searching , hee referres them onely to complexions , and dispositions of bodies , by meanes whereof , one may iudge if such a man will become melancholicke , or whether he will be subiect to such or such sickenesses . This opinion is confirmed somewhat by that of Phisitions . Diogenes the Stoike ; notwithstanding the Phisitians themselues are able to iudge of all things aboue mentioned by signes , and Symptoms more certaine , and yet there of the profite is not great . Others who vnder a shewe of religion , haue contemned the Astrologicall science , alledge for reason the place of Ieremie The art contemners of this age , misvnderstand Ieremie . saying : Let them stand and saue thee the Southsayers of heauen , which gaze on the starres , and cast the moneths to tell thee of things to come : yet notwithstanding the true meaning of that place is no whit to condemne , or detest the foresaide science , but onely the superstitious abuse of it , which hath been brought in by little and little , by those who by meanes of their Diabolicall artes , and The abuse of Astronomie . vnder the hope of some base gayne , haue corrupted the true knowledge of it . Others erroniouslie haue sought out all the secrets of the world , by meanes of caelestiall causes , in such sort , that continuing in the same superstition , they are at the length fallen into so great abuse , He that yeeldeth himselfe to beleeue Pronostications , giueth himselfe the 1. of Ianuarie to be a foole al the yeare after . that they will gouerne all their actions , according to the course and demonstration of Starres , preferring their Pronostications before Gods promises . From hence proceedeth the superstitious elections of workes , good or bad , gouerned according to the twelue signes of heauen : in like manner the My L Henry Haward in lib. of supposed Prophets . dayes fortunate , and vnfortunate ; with the angles and circles forged by the Philosopher Pythagoras , to knowe by the composition of numbers and letters which it conteined ( intermediating the obseruation of the day of the moneths , and the Planets ) all that any man desired to know . To conclude , from hence is it Errours from hence . come to passe , that some are perswaded that the soules abide in the Moone : others were perswaded that as soone as she lost her light , she was inchaunted : and for that cause in olde time they were wont to sound Trumpets , Tabrets , Cornets and other instruments to remedie that , to the intent to driue away those Lib. 1. Annal. inchauntments : or ( as Lipsius vpon Tacitus saith ) Ad leuandos lunae labores , To ease the moone of her trauailes . Plutarch , Liuie & others haue made mention also of it . And Iuuenall saith , Cum frustra resonant Ignorance of true causes brought this . aera auxiliaria Lunae . Furthermore , many haue adored and acknowledged the Planets for their gods , chiefely the Sunne , whereunto all the gods of the Coeli . Rhoding . Panims may bee referred and agree as Macrobius noteth , and as Histories are full . The tractes and steppes ( as it were ) of this Idol-madnes , may appeare in the lawes of the Romans , Titul . de Coelicolis & Iudaeis . Likewise in the Scripture , in the 7. and 47. chapter of Ieremie , God conuert all those who yet worship them in many places of the world . To the intent then that we may soundly iudge of Astrologie , let vs conclude ( following What Astronomers can doe by their art . the common opinion ) that Astrologers generally cannot foretell any other thing by the knowledge of their art , but that which concerneth the constitution of the ayre , and the particular change of that , according to the demonstration of the coelestiall signes . But concerning those tokens and signes that appeare extraordinarily in the heauens , as Comets , and such like strange apparitions , Comets . ( although the prediction of their effect depend sometimes on caelestiall causes ) yet notwithstanding in my opinion such signes are more certaine and sure in their operation , to signifie the change and euents of Common wealths then any other ; for if wee Zanch. de oper. lib. 3. cap. 2. would search the histories of all times , wee shall finde that neuer Comet appeared , which vndoubtedly brought not after it some generall or particular change , and most often the sad and lamentable euents of warre , plague famin , deluges , the death of great personages , and the like ; but by reason that these fall out extraordinarilie , so likewise their effects are extraordinarie . Those that are curious to knowe the euents which at all times haue been obserued , & wherof the histories are full , may read the catalogue of wonders , written in latine by M. Fritschius , and imprinted at And Erastus de Come●is . Noremberge , where he recites abundance in all kindes . And of late time in respect of those in the Lowe Countries , they may feele the effect by their scarce well tuned iarres , in the middest of their best townes , which began immediatly after the Comet in the yeare 1577. and the earthquake which followed , which Earthquakes is also numbred amongst strange and prodigious signes . A certaine Mathematician in his booke of the discourse , and Pronostication by him made , concerning a Comet seene in the yeare 1581. saith amongst other things , that A Comet . 1581. the Comet in the yeare 1577. ( whereof wee spake ) was in the Horoscope of Don Iohn , and in the sixt house of Mounsieur the Duke of Alenson , which two No vndoubted certainetie in Comets . had both been partakers of the same fortune , if credit might haue been giuen to that . Certaine it is , that Comets and extraordinarie signes of heauen doe daylie portend some noueltie , good or euill for some . The redemption Starres from time to time haue foreshewed wonders to come . of mankinde was presaged by an extraordinarie signe of Heauen , in forme of a Starre ; which guided the wise men of the East to adore and worship him , who was descended from heauen , to drawe vs from eternall damnation . And in the time of the Emperor Augustus , before the birth of our Sauiour Christ , many signes extraordinarily appeared in heauen , in such manner , that all the Diuines small and great were in armes ( as it were ) and flockt together to aduise vpon it . And then when as the Massacre continued throughout al France a new starre began to appeare in the heauen , whereof the Lord Plesseyes Dever . Chr. Relig. speaking , saith , that since the creation of the world the like was not seene but at the birth of our Sauiour Iesus Christ : Al the world marked it , for 3. yeares together : al the Astronomers admyred it , & remaine yet astonished . The wise of the Heauens signes serue to confute Atheists . world who in a deepe irreligious policy thought al things to be eternal , now began to worship a Creator . And what shall wee thinke ( sayth he ) but that it signifieth the newe birth of Christ in earth by the preaching of the Gospell ? Wee reade also of a certaine flame of fire which shewed it selfe miraculously in the heauen right aboue the armie of Licinius the Emperour of the East , at the Licinius . same time when hee lost the battell against Constantine the Great , then when there was question for an vniuersall chaunge of the Romane Empire , and a totall destruction of Gods Church : for the one maintained the Christians , the other tyrannized vpon them , and in the cruellest manner put them to death . Hereupon followed a most bloudy and deadly warre betwixt these two . It was then or a little before that Constantine had seene in the heauen the victorious Crosse of Christ , whereof Eusebius speaketh so assuredly : For when he would combate , Maxence hauing seene the Maxent . foresayd Crosse with this inscription about it , In this signe shalt thou ouercome thy enemies : he caused then the Christians to come , and enquired of them concerning our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , of his natiuitie , of his passion , of his resurrection . The scripture likewise teacheth vs , that the signes & tokens from heauen threaten vs and Luk. 2● . bring strange punishments , as appeareth by the place of Ieremie , where he sayth , A signis coeli nolite timere : which Ieremie misconstrued . some would haue expounded , that wee should not relie vpon the starres , nor haue any care of that which they may signifie : these are such as are most willing to contemne the arte and skill of Astronomie . The meaning of Ieremies words are no such thing : for he would not seeme either to contemne or condemne the signes of heauen , thereby to despise Astronomie , but only to admonish the faithfull fearing God , to the intent they might remaine confirmed & strengthened in Gods promises , without being discouraged or fearefull in their mindes by the sight of the signes in heauen . On the other side , a man Wonders in the aire to what they serue . may set downe the same iudgement of many other strange signes , which are shewed in the heauens contrarie to the course of nature , as Armies , Dragons , raining downe of bloud , fire , fearefull Eclipses , and such like , which bring often times after them like chaunges to their owne strangenes . Cleanthes the Philosopher hauing marked foure causes wherby a man may know the mightie puissance of the gods , hath put the extraordinarie signes of the heauens for the third cause : the Greekes called this kind of Diuination ( Teratoscopia ) that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . is to say , a monstrous and strange vision . But when these and such calamities are whole and entire , as it happened to the townes of Sodom , of Gomorrah ( which in Abrahams time were made a lake of Brimstone ) and since that to the townes of Helice and Bura : that change is then as it were from death to life , & by consequent farre more great and more notable then of a Monarchie turned into an Aristocratie and Democratie , or any other kind of common wealth ; and therfore well deserueth to bee added to the chapter of chaunges , and ruines of Common wealths . The foresayd Catalogue containeth many sorts as well of townes swallowed by the earth , as consumed by thunder from heauen , and otherwise ; Inundations vniuersall , and Inundations . particular , are of this sort . Furthermore wee may here adde to the Diuinations aboue sayd , the great Coniunctions of Coniunctions of Planets . the hye Planets , which are principallie set to play together , thereby to iudge of the chaunge and fall of a Common-wealth . And although these depende likewise vpon Astrologie , yet notwithstanding these seeme to bee more certaine and better grounded then any other particular predictions of the stars , by reason of their reuolution and ordinarie running euerie eight hundred yeare , or there about , according to the opinion of Master Augier Ferrier , which No absolute necessitie . as a man would think haue shewed their effect ( as it were ) to the touch , and to the eye , with an astonishment of the wise , although that draw not with it any meere necessitie . For we must not think the necessitie of their operation such , as the Astrologers did say , in the yeare 1524. hauing foretold that there shuld 1524. happen a Coniunction , like to that of the Deluge , ( although some yet are of that minde that there was no Coniunction ) Ridiculous feare so in the yeare 1588. and that the whole earth should bee ouerflowed with water . By reason whereof they haue made themselues ridiculous to the whole worlde with a number of Infidels , who built vp pillars And therefore E. Zing . in his tables made our period to be 1584. whom I shall confute in my booke of periods . Then Christ as he was should not haue beene ignorant of it . Lib 4. de Repub. to saue themselues . It is also for the same matter that Master Bodin iesteth so at Cyprian Leouice in his fourth booke of his Common wealth , who for the great Coniunction in the yere 1584. was bold to pronosticate the second comming of the sonne of God in his glorious maiestie . Many notable chaunges , which happened here and there by reason of great Coniunctions , may bee seene in Bodin in the same place . By these rules and meanes aforesayd , wee may settle a certaine iudgement for the chaunge that is to happen to Common wealths , Realmes and Empires .