Book IX, chapters 1–7: Kasam: soothsaying, prophecy and the miracles of Scripture

BOOK IX.

CHAP. I. The Hebrew word Kasam expounded, and how far a Christian may conjecture of things to come.

KAsam (as John Wierius upon his own knowledge affirmeth, and upon the word of Andraeas Masius reporteth) differeth little in signification from the former word Ob; betokening Viticinari, which is, To Prophesie, and is most commonly taken in evill part, as in Deut. 18. Jerem. 27. &c. howbeit, sometime in good part, as in Isa. 3.2. To foretell things to come upon probable conjectures, so as therein we reach no further then becometh humane capacity, is not (in mine opinion) unlawful, but rather a commendable manifestation of Wisdome and Judgement, the good gifts and noble blessings of GOD, for the which we ought to be thankful; as also to yield due honour and prayse unto him, for the noble order which he hath appointed in nature: praying him to lighten our hearts with the beams of his wisdome, that we may more and more profit in the true knowledge of the workmanship of his hands. But some are so nice, that they condemn generally all sorts of Divinations, denying those things that in nature have manifest causes, and are so framed, as they foreshew things to come, and in that shew admonish us of things after to insue, exhibiting signs of unknown and future matters to be judged upon, by the order, law, and course of nature proposed unto us by God.

And some on the other side are so bewitched with folly, as they attribute to creatures that estimation, which rightly and truly appertaineth to God the Creator of all things; affirming, That the publick and private destinies of all humane matters, and whatsoever a man would know of things come or gone, is manifested to us in the heavens; so as by the Stars and Planets all things might be known. These would also, that nothing should be taken in hand or gone about, without the favourable aspect of the Planets. By which, and other the like devices they deprave and prophane the ancient and commendable observations of our fore-fathers, as did Colebrasus, who taught, That all mans life was governed by the seven Planets; and yet a Christian, and condemned for Heresie. But let us so far forth embrace and allow this Philosophy and Prophesying, as the Word of God giveth us leave, and commendeth the same unto us.

CHAP. II. Proofes by the old and new Testament, that certain observations of the Weather are lawful.

WHen God by his Word and Wisdom had made the Heavens, and placed the Stars in the firmament, he said, Let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for dayes, and years. When he created the rainbow in the clouds, he said it should be for a sign and token unto us. Which we find true, not only of the flood past, but also of the showres to come. And therefore, according to Jesus Sirachs advice, Let us behold it, and prayse him that made it. The Prophet David saith, The heavens declare the glory of God, and the earth sheweth his handy work: day unto day uttereth the same, and night unto night teacheth knowledge. It is also written, That by the commandement of the the holy one, the Stars are placed, and continue in their order, and fail not in their watch. It should appear, that Christ himself did not altogether neglect the course and order of the heavens, in that he said, When you see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway you say a showre cometh; and so it is: And when you see the southwinde blow, you say it will be hot, and so it cometh to pass. Again, When it is evening, you say fair weather, for the skie is red; and in the morning you say, today shall be a tempest, for the skie is red and lowring. Wherein as he noteth that these things do truly come to pass, according to ancient observation, and to the rule Astronomical; so doth he also by other words following admonish us, that in attending too much to those observations, we neglect not specially to follow our Christian Vocation.

The Physician is commended unto as, and allowed in the Scriptures: but so to put trust in him, as to neglect and distrust God, is severely forbidden and reproved. Surely, it is most necessary for us to know and observe divers rules Astological; otherwise we could not with opportunity dispatch our ordinary affairs. And yet Lactantius, condemneth and recounteth it among the number of Witchcrafts; from whose censure Calvin doth not much vary. The poor husbandman perceiveth that the increase of the Moon maketh Plants and living creatures fruitful; so as in the Full Moon they are in best strength, decaying in the wane, and in the conjunction do utterly wither and fade. Which when by observation, use and practice, they have once learned, they distribute their business accordingly; as their times and seasons to sow, to plant, to prune, to let their Cattel blood, to cut, &c.

CHAP. III. That certain observations are indifferent, certain ridiculous, and certain impious; whence that cunning is derived of Apollo, and of Aruspices.

I Know not whether to disallow or discommend the curious observation used by our elders, who conjectured upon Nativities; so as, if Saturn and Mercury were opposite in any brute sign, a man then born should be dumb or stammer much; whereas it is dayly seen, that children naturally imitate their Parents conditions in that behalf. Also they have noted, that one born in the Spring of the Moon, shall be healthy; in that time of the wane, when the Moon is utterly decayed, the child then born cannot live; and in the conjunction, it cannot long continue.

But I am sure the opinion of Julius Maternus is most impious, who writeth, that he which is born when Saturn is in Leo, shall live long, and after his death shall go to heaven presently. And so is this of Allumazar, who saith, that whosoever prayeth to God, when the Moon is in Capite Draconis, shall be heard, and obtain his Prayer. Furthermore, to play the cold Prophet, as to recount it good or bad luck, when Salt or Wine falleth on the table, or is shed, &c. or to prognosticate that guests approach to your house, upon the chattering of Pies or Haggisters, whereof there can be yielded no probable reason, is altogether vanity and superstition; as hereafter shall be more largely shewed. But to make simple people believe, that a Man or Woman can foretel good or evil fortune, is meer Witchcraft or Cosenage; for God is the only searcher of the heart, and delivereth not his counsel to so lewd reprobates. I know divers writers affirm, that Witches foretel things, as prompted by a real Devil; and that he again learneth it out of the Prophesies written in the Scriptures, and by other nimble sleights, wherein he passeth any other earthly creature; and that the same Devil, or some of his fellows runs or flies as far as Rochester, to Mother Bungie; or to Canterbury to M.T. or to Delphos, to Apollo; or to Aesculapius, in Pergamo; or to some other Idol or Witch; and there, by way of Oracle, answers all Questions, through his understanding of the Prophesies contained in the Old Testament, especially in Daniel and Isaiah; whereby the Devil knew of the translation of the Monarchy from Babylon to Graecia, &c. But either they have learned this of some Oracle or Witch; or else I know not where the Devil they find it. Marry certain it is, that herein they shew themselves to be Witches and fond Diviners: for they find no such thing written in Gods Word.

Of the Idol called Apollo, I have somewhat already spoken in the former title of Ob or Pytho, and some occasion I shall have to speak thereof hereafter; and therefore at this time it shall suffice to tell you, that the credit gained thereunto, was by the craft and cunning of the Priests, which tended thereupon; who with their counterfeit miracles so bewitched the people, as they thought such vertue to have been contained in the bodies of those Idols, as God hath not promised to any his Angels, or elect people: For it is said, that if Apollo were in a chafe, he would sweat; if he had remorse to the afflicted, and could not help them, he would shed tears, which I believe might have been wiped away with that handkerchief, that wiped and dryed the Rood of Graces face, being in the like perplexities. Even as another sort of Witching Priests called Aruspices prophesied victory to Alexander, because an Eagle lighted on his head: which Eagle might (I believe) be cooped or caged with Mahomets Dove, that picked peason out of his ear.

CHAP. IV. The predictions of Soothsayers, and lewd Priests; the prognostications of Astronomers and Physitians allowable: Divine Prophesie holy and good.

THe cosening tricks of Oracling Priests and Monks, are and have been specially most abominable. The superstitious observations of senceless Augurers, and Soothsayers (contrary to Philosophy, and without authority of Scripture) are very ungodly and ridiculous. Howbeit I reject not the Prognostications of Astronomers, nor the conjectures or forewarnings of Physitians, nor yet the interpretations of Philosophers; although in respect of the Divine Prophesies contained in holy Scriptures, they are not to be weighed or regarded: For the end of these, and the other, is not only far differing; but whereas these contain only the words and will of God, with the other are mingled most horrible lyes and cosenages; for though there be many of them learned and godly, yet lurk there in corners, of the same profession, a great number of counterfeits and coseners. J. Bodin putteth this difference between Divine Prophets and Inchanters; to wit, the one saith alwayes true, the others words (proceeding from the Devil) are alwayes false; or for one truth, they tell a hundred lyes. And then, why may not every. Witch be thought as cunning as Apollo? and, why not every counterfeit cosener, as good a Witch as Mother Bungie? For it is odds, but they will hit the truth once in a hundred Divinations, as well as the best.

CHAP. V. The diversity of true Prophets; of Urim, and of the Prophetical use of the twelve precious stones contained therein; of the divine voyce called Eccho.

IT should appear, that even of holy Prophets, there were divers sorts: for David and Solomon, although in their Psalms and Parables are contained most excellent Mysteries, and notable Allegories; yet they were not indued with that degree of Prophesie, that Ely and Elisha were, &c. For as often as it is said, that God spake to David or Solomon, it is meant to be done by the Prophets; for NATHAN or GAD were the Messengers and Prophets to reveal Gods will to David. And Ahiam the Shilonite was sent from God to Solomon. Item, the spirit of Prophesied which Elias had, was doubled upon Elisha. Also, some Prophets prophesied all their lives, some had but one vision, and some had more according to Gods pleasure; yea, some prophesied unto the people of such things as came not to pass, and that was where Gods wrath was pacified by Repentance. But these Prophets were alwayes reputed among the people to be wise and godly; whereas the Heathen Prophets were evermore known and said to be mad and foolish, as it is written both of the Prophets of Sibylla, and also of Apollo; and at this day also in the Indies, &c.

But that any of these extraordinary gifts remain at this day, Bodin, nor any Witchmonger in the World shall never be able to prove; though he in his book of Devilish madness would make men believe it: for these were miraculously maintained by God among the Jews, who were instructed by them of all such things as should come to pass; or else informed by Urim: so as the Priest by the brightness of the twelve pretious stones contained therein, could Prognosticate or expound any thing: Which brightness and vertue ceased (as Josephus reporteth) two hundred years before he was born. So as since that time, no answers were yielded thereby of Gods will and pleasure. Nevertheless, the Hebrews write, That there hath been ever since that time, a Divine voyce heard among them, which in Latin is called Filia vocis, in Greek [Greek], in English the Daughter of speech.

CHAP. VI. Of Prophesies conditional; whereof the Prophesies in the old Testament do intreat, and by whom they were published; Witchmongers answers to the objections against Witches supernatural actions.

CHrist and his Apostles prophesied of the calamities and afflictions, which shall grieve and disturb the Church of God in this life; also, of the last day, and of the signes and tokens that shall be shewed before that day: and finally, of all things which are requisite for us to foreknow. Howbeit, such is the mercy of God, that all Prophesies, Threatnings, Plagues, and Punishments are annexed to conditions of Repentance: as on the other side, corporal blessings are tyed under the condition of the cross and castigation. So as by them the mysteries of our salvation being discovered unto us, we are not to seek new signes and miracles; but to attend to the doctrine of the Apostles, who preached Christ exhibited and crucified for our sins, his Resurrection, Ascension, and thereby the Redemption of as many as believe, &c.

The Prophesies in the old Testament, treat of the continuance, the government, and the difference of Estates; or the distinction of the four Monarchies, of their order, decay and instauration; of the changes and ruines of the Kingdoms of Juda, Israel, Aegypt, Persia, Graecia, &c. and specially of the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and how he should be born of a Virgin, and where, of his Tribe, Passion, Resurrection, &c. These Prophesies were published by Gods special and peculiar Prophets, endued with his particular and excellent gifts, according to his promise, I will raise them up a Prophet out of the midst of their Brethren, I will put my words in his mouth, &c. Which though it were specially spoken of Christ, yet was it also spoken of those particular Prophets, which were placed among them by God to declare his will; which were also figures of Christ the Prophet himself. Now if Prophesie be an extraordinary gift of God, and a thing peculiar to himself, as without whose special assistance, no creature can be a Prophet, or shew what is to come: Why should we believe, that those lewd persons can perform by Divinations and Miracles, that which is not in humane, but in Divine power to accomplish?

Howbeit, when I deny that Witches can ride in the Air, and the miraculous circumstance thereof; by and by it is objected to me, That Enoch and Elias were rapt into the heavenly bodily: and Habacuck was carryed in the Air, to feed Daniel: and so falsly oppose a Devils or a Witches power against the virtue of the holy Ghost. If I deride the Poets opinions, saying, that Witches cannot Coelo deducere Lunam, fetch the Moon from Heaven, &c they tell me, that at Joshuah's battel, the sun stayed; and at the passion of Christ, there was palpable darkness. If I deny their cunning in the exposition of Dreams, advising them to remember Jeremiah's connsel, not to follow or credit the expositors of Dreams; they hit me in the teeth with Daniel and Joseph; for that the one of them expounded Pharaoh the Aegyptian Kings, the other Nebuchadnezzar the Persian Kings dream. If I say with Solomon, That the dead know nothing, and that the dead know us not, neither are removeable out of Abrahams bosome, &c. they produce the story of Samuel: wherein, I say, they set the power of a Creature as high as the Creator. If I say, that these Witches cannot transubstantiate themselves, nor others into beasts, &c. they cite the story of Nebuchadnezzar, as though indeed he were made a material beast, and that also by Witchcraft; and strengthen that their assertion with the fables of Circe and Ulysses his companions, &c.

CHAP. VII. What were the Miracles expressed in the old Testament; and what are they in the new Testament; and that we are not now to look for any more Miracles.

THe Miracles expressed in the old Testament were many, but the end of them all was one, though they were divers and differing in shew: as where the sacrifices of Moses, Elias, and Solomon, being abundantly wet, were burnt with fire from heaven, &c. The variety of tongues at the building of Babylon; Isaacs birth of Sarah being by nature past children; the passage through the Red-sea; Daniels foretelling of the four Monarchies, in the fourth whereof he apparently foresheweth the coming of the Lord. All these, and many other, which are expressed in the old Testament, were merciful instructions, and notable miracles to strengthen the faith of Gods people in their Messias. If you had gone to Delphos, Apollo would have made you believe with his Amphibological answers, that he could have foretold you all these things.

The Miracles wrought by Christ were the raising up of the dead (which many would impute to the woman of Endor, and also to our Witches and conjurors) the restoring of the lame to limbs; the blinde to sight; the dumb to speech; and finally, the healing of all diseases; which many believe our Witches can do; yea, and as they themselves will take it upon them: As for casting out of Devils (which was another kind of Miracles usual with Christ) Witches and Conjurors are said to be as good thereat, as ever he was: and yet, if you will believe Christs words, it cannot be so; for he saith, Every Kingdom divided against it self, shall be brought to nought, &c. If Satan cast out Satan, he is divided, &c. and his Kingdom shall not endure, &c:

Peters Chains fell off in Prison, so did Richard Gallisies fetters at Winsor; marry the Prison doors opened not to Richard, as they did to Peter. Elias by special grace obtained rain, our Witches can make it rain when they list, &c. But sithhence Christ did these Miracles, and many more, and all to confirm his truth, and strengthen our faith, and finally, for the conversion of the people (as appeareth in John 6.7. & 12. insomuch as he vehemently reproved such as upon the sight of them would not believe, saying, Wo be to thee Corazin, wo be to thee Bethsaida; if the miracles had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, &c. Let us settle and acquit our Faith in Christ, and believing all his wonderous works, let us reject all these old wives fables, as lying vanities: whereof you may finde in the Golden Legend, M. Mal. and specially in Bodin miraculous stuffe, enough to check all the Miracles expressed in the old and new Testament; which are of more credit with many bewitched people, then the true Miracles of Christ himself: Insomuch as they stand in more awe of the menacies of a Witch, then of all the threatnings and curves pronounced by God, and expressed in his Word. And thus much touching the word Kasam.