As for the most signal events abroad in
France, Flanders, Italy and Spain, I shall make no scruple to
predict them in plain terms: Some of them are of importance, and
I hope I shall seldom mistake the day they will happen;
therefore, I think good to inform the reader, that I all along
make use of the Old Style observed in England, which I desire he
will compare with that of the news-papers, at the time they
relate the actions I mention.
I must add one word more: I know it hath been the opinion of
several of the learned, who think well enough of the true art of
astrology, That the stars do only incline, and not force the
actions or wills of men: And therefore, however I may proceed by
right rules, yet I cannot in prudence so confidently assure the
events will follow exactly as I predict them.
I hope I have maturely considered this objection, which in some
cases is of no little weight. For example: A man may, by the
influence of an over-ruling planet, be disposed or inclined to
lust, rage, or avarice, and yet by the force of reason overcome
that bad influence; and this was the case of Socrates: But as the
great events of the world usually depend upon numbers of men, it
cannot be expected they should all unite to cross their
inclinations, from pursuing a general design, wherein they
unanimously agree. Besides the influence of the stars reaches to
many actions and events which are not any way in the power of
reason; as sickness, death, and what we commonly call accidents,
with many more, needless to repeat.
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