William Lilly's History of His Life and Times by William Lilly

W >> William Lilly >> William Lilly\'s History of His Life and Times

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

In those times, there lived one William Marsh in Dunstable, a man of
godly life and upright conversation, a Recusant. By astrology he
resolved thievish questions with great success; that was his utmost sole
practice. He was many times in trouble; but by Dr. Napper's interest
with the Earl of Bolingbroke, Lord Wentworth, after Earl of Cleveland,
he still continued his practice, the said Earl not permitting any
Justice of Peace to vex him.

This man had only two books, _Guido_ and _Haly_ bound together; he had
so mumbled and tumbled the leaves of both, that half one side of every
leaf was torn even to the middle. I was familiar with him for many
years: he died about 1647.

A word or two of Dr. Napper, who lived at Great Lindford in
Buckinghamshire, was parson, and had the advowson thereof. He descended
of worshipful parents, and this you must believe; for when Dr. Napper's
brother, Sir Robert Napper, a Turkey merchant, was to be made a Baronet
in King James's reign, there was some dispute whether he could prove
himself a gentleman for three or more descents. 'By my saul,' saith King
James, 'I will certify for Napper, that he is of above three hundred
years standing in his family, all of them, by my saul, gentlemen,' &c.
However, their family came into England in King Henry the Eighth's time.
The parson was Master of Arts; but whether doctorated by degree or
courtesy, because of his profession, I know not. Miscarrying one day in
the pulpit, he never after used it, but all his life-time kept in his
house some excellent scholar or other to officiate for him, with
allowance of a good salary: he out-went Forman in physick and holiness
of life; cured the falling-sickness perfectly by constellated rings,
some diseases by amulets, &c.

A maid was much afflicted with the falling sickness, whose parents
applied themselves unto him for cure: he framed her a constellated ring,
upon wearing whereof, she recovered perfectly. Her parents acquainted
some scrupulous divines with the cure of their daughter: 'The cure is
done by inchantment,' say they. 'Cast away the ring, it's diabolical;
God cannot bless you, if you do not cast the ring away.' The ring was
cast into the well, whereupon the maid became epileptical as formerly,
and endured much misery for a long time. At last her parents cleansed
the well, and recovered the ring again; the maid wore it, and her fits
took her no more. In this condition she was one year or two; which the
Puritan ministers there adjoining hearing, never left off, till they
procured her parents to cast the ring quite away; which done, the fits
returned in such violence, that they were enforced to apply to the
Doctor again, relating at large the whole story, humbly imploring his
once more assistance; but he could not be procured to do any thing, only
said, those who despised God's mercies, were not capable or worthy of
enjoying them.

I was with him in 1632, or 1633, upon occasion. He had me up into his
library, being excellently furnished with very choice books: there he
prayed almost one hour; he invocated several angels in his prayer,
viz.[12] Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, &c. We parted.

[Footnote 12: The collect read on Michaelmas-day, seems to allow
of praying to angels. At some times, upon great occasions, he
had conference with Michael, but very rarely.]

He instructed many ministers in astrology, would lend them whole
cloak-bags of books; protected them from harm and violence, by means of
his power with the Earl of Bolingbroke.[13] He would confess my master
Evans knew more than himself in some things: and some time before he
died, he got his cousin Sir Richard to set a figure to see when he
should die. Being brought him; 'Well,' he said, 'the old man will live
this winter, but in the spring he will die; welcome Lord Jesus, thy will
be done.' He had many enemies: Cotta, Doctor of physick in Northampton,
wrote a sharp book of witchcraft, wherein, obliquely, he bitterly
inveighed against the Doctor.

[Footnote 13: Lord Wentworth, after Earl of Cleveland.]

In 1646, I printed a collection of Prophecies, with the explanation and
verification of Aquila, or the _White King's Prophecy_; as also the
nativities of Bishop Laud and Thomas Earl of Strafford, and a most
learned speech by him intended to have been spoke upon the scaffold. In
this year 1646, after a great consideration, and many importunities, I
began to fix upon thoughts of an _Introduction unto Astrology_, which
was very much wanting, and as earnestly longed for by many persons of
quality. Something also much occasioned and hastened the impression,
viz. the malevolent barking of Presbyterian ministers in their weekly
sermons, reviling the professors thereof, and myself particularly by
name.

Secondly, I thought it a duty incumbent upon me, to satisfy the whole
kingdom of the lawfulness thereof, by framing a plain and easy method
for any person but of indifferent capacity to learn the art, and
instruct himself therein, without any other master than my
_Introduction_; by which means, when many understood it, I should have
more partners and assistants to contradict all and every antagonist.

Thirdly, I found it best as unto point of time, because many of the
soldiers were wholly for it, and many of the Independant party; and I
had abundance of worthy men in the House of Commons, my assured friends,
no lovers of Presbytery, which then were in great esteem, and able to
protect the art; for should the Presbyterian party have prevailed, as
they thought of nothing less than to be Lords of all, I knew well they
would have silenced my pen annually, and committed the _Introduction_
unto everlasting silence.

Fourthly, I had something of conscience touched my spirit, and much
elevated my conceptions, believing God had not bestowed those abilities
upon me, to bury them under a bushel; for though my education was very
mean, yet, by my continual industry, and God's great mercy, I found
myself capable to go forward with the work, and to commit the issue
thereof unto Divine Providence.

I had a hard task in hand to begin the first part hereof, and much
labour I underwent to methodize it as it is.

I ingenuously confess unto you (Arts' great Mecaenas, noble Esquire
Ashmole,) no mortal man had any share in the composition or ordering of
the first part thereof, but my only self. You are a person of great
reading, yet I well know you never found the least trace thereof in any
author yet extant.

In composing, contriving, ordering, and framing thereof (viz. the first
part) a great part of that year was spent. I again perused all, or most,
authors I had, sometimes adding, at other times diminishing, until at
last I thought it worthy of the press. When I came to frame the second
part thereof, having formerly collected out of many manuscripts, and
exchanged rules with the most able professors I had acquaintance with,
in transcribing those papers for impression, I found, upon a strict
inquisition, those rules were, for the most part, defective; so that
once more I had now a difficult labour to correct their deficiency, to
new rectify them according to art; and lastly, considering the
multiplicity of daily questions propounded unto me, it was as hard a
labour as might be to transcribe the papers themselves with my own hand.
The desire I had to benefit posterity and my country, at last overcame
all difficulties; so that what I could not do in one year, I perfected
early the next year, 1647; and then in that year, viz. 1647, I finished
the third book of[14] nativities,[15] during the composing whereof, for
seven whole weeks, I was shut up of the plague, burying in that time two
maid-servants thereof; yet towards November that year, the Introduction,
called by the name of _Christian Astrology_, was made publick. There
being, in those times, some smart difference between the army and the
Parliament, the head-quarters of the army were at Windsor, whither I was
carried with a coach and four horses, and John Booker with me. We were
welcome thither, and feasted in a garden where General Fairfax lodged.
We were brought to the General, who bid us kindly welcome to Windsor;
and, in effect, said thus much:

[Footnote 14: The name of the person whose nativity is directed
and judged, is Mr. Thompson, whose father had been some time an
inn-keeper at the White-Hart in Newark.]

[Footnote 15: I devised the forms and fashions of the several
schemes. E.A.]

'That God had blessed the army with many signal victories, and yet their
work was not finished. He hoped God would go along with them until his
work was done. They sought not themselves, but the welfare and
tranquillity of the good people, and whole nation; and, for that end,
were resolved to sacrifice both their lives and their own fortunes. As
for the art we studied, he hoped it was lawful and agreeable to God's
word: he understood it not; but doubted not but we both feared God; and
therefore had a good opinion of us both.' Unto his speech I presently
made this reply:

'My Lord, I am glad to see you here at this time.

'Certainly, both the people of God, and all others of this nation, are
very sensible of God's mercy, love, and favour unto them, in directing
the Parliament to nominate and elect you General of their armies, a
person so religious, so valiant.

'The several unexpected victories obtained under your Excellency's
conduct, will eternize the same unto all posterity.

'We are confident of God's going along with you and your army, until the
great work for which he ordained you both, is fully perfected; which we
hope will be the conquering and subversion of your's and the
Parliament's enemies, and then a quiet settlement and firm peace over
all the nation, unto God's glory, and full satisfaction of tender
consciences.

'Sir, as for ourselves, we trust in God; and, as Christians, believe in
him. We do not study any art but what is lawful, and consonant to the
scriptures, fathers, and antiquity; which we humbly desire you to
believe,' &c.

This ended, we departed, and went to visit Mr. Peters the minister, who
lodged in the castle, whom we found reading an idle pamphlet come from
London that morning. 'Lilly, thou art herein,' says he. 'Are not you
there also?' I replied. 'Yes, that I am,' quoth he.--The words
concerning me were these:

From th' oracles of the Sibyls so silly,
The curst predictions of William Lilly,
And Dr. Sybbald's Shoe-lane Philly,
Good Lord, deliver me.

After much conference with Hugh Peters, and some private discourse
betwixt us two, not to be divulged, we parted, and so came back to
London.

King Charles the First, in the year 1646, April 27, went unto the Scots,
then in this nation. Many desired my judgment, in time of his absence,
to discover the way he might be taken: which I would never be drawn
unto, or give any direction concerning his person.

There were many lewd Mercuries printed both in London and Oxford,
wherein I was sufficiently abused, in this year, 1646. I had then my
ascendant _ad_ [symbol: Gemini] [symbol: aspect "conjunction"], and
[symbol: Moon] _ad propriun_. The Presbyterians were, in their pulpits,
as merciless as the Cavaliers in their pamphlets.

About this time, the most famous mathematician of all Europe,[16] Mr.
William Oughtred, parson of Aldbury in Surry, was in danger of
sequestration by the Committee of or for plundered ministers;
(_Ambo-dexters_ they were;) several inconsiderable articles were deposed
and sworn against him, material enough to have sequestered him, but
that, upon his day of hearing, I applied myself to Sir Bolstrode
Whitlock, and all my own old friends, who in such numbers appeared in
his behalf, that though the chairman and many other Presbyterian members
were stiff against him, yet he was cleared by the major number. The
truth is, he had a considerable parsonage, and that only was enough to
sequester any moderate judgment: he was also well known to affect his
Majesty. In these times many worthy ministers lost their livings or
benefices, for not complying with the _Three-penny Directory_. Had you
seen (O noble Esquire) what pitiful ideots were prefered into
sequestrated church-benefices, you would have been grieved in your soul;
but when they came before the classis of divines, could those simpletons
but only say, they were converted by hearing such a sermon, such a
lecture, of that godly man Hugh Peters, Stephen Marshall, or any of that
gang, he was presently admitted.

[Footnote 16: This gentleman I was very well acquainted with,
having lived at the house over-against his, at Aldbury in
Surrey, three or four years. E.A.]

In 1647, I published the _World's Catastrophe_, the _Prophecies of
Ambrose Merlin_, with the _Key_ wherewith to unlock those obstruse
Prophecies; also _Trithemius of the Government of the World by the
presiding Angels_; these came forth all in one book.

The two first were exquisitely translated by yourself, (most learned
Sir) as I do ingenuously acknowledge in my _Epistle unto the Reader_,
with a true character of the worth and admirable parts, unto which I
refer any that do desire to read you perfectly delineated. I was once
resolved to have continued _Trithemius_ for some succeeding years, but
multiplicity of employment impeded me. The study required, in that kind
of learning, must be sedentary, of great reading, sound judgment, which
no man can accomplish except he wholly retire, use prayer, and accompany
himself with angelical consorts.

His Majesty Charles the First, having entrusted the Scots with his
person, was, for money, delivered into the hands of the English
Parliament, and, by several removals, was had to Hampton-Court, about
July or August 1647; for he was there, and at that time when my house
was visited with the plague. He was desirous to escape from the
soldiery, and to obscure himself for some time near London, the citizens
whereof began now to be unruly, and alienated in affection from the
Parliament, inclining wholly to his Majesty, and very averse to the
army. His Majesty was well informed of all this, and thought to make
good use hereof; besides, the army and Parliament were at some odds, who
should be masters. Upon the King's intention to escape, and with his
consent, Madam Whorewood (whom you knew very well, worthy Esquire) came
to receive my judgment, viz. In what quarter of this nation he might be
most safe, and not to be discovered until himself pleased.

When she came to my door, I told her I would not let her come into my
house for I buried a maid-servant of the plague very lately. 'I fear not
the plague, but the pox,' quoth she; so up we went. After erection of my
figure, I told her about twenty miles (or thereabouts) from London, and
in Essex, I was certain he might continue undiscovered. She liked my
judgment very well; and, being herself of a sharp judgment, remembered a
place in Essex about that distance, where was an excellent house, and
all conveniences for his reception. Away she went, early next morning,
unto Hampton-Court, to acquaint his Majesty; but see the misfortune: He,
either guided by his own approaching hard fate, or misguided by
Ashburnham,[17] went away in the night-time westward, and surrendered
himself to Hammond, in the Isle of Wight.

[Footnote 17: This Ashburnham was turned out of the House of
Commons the 3d of November, 1667, for taking a bribe of five
hundred pounds of the merchants. I was informed hereof 26th
November, 1667.]

Whilst his Majesty was at Hampton-Court Alderman Adams sent his Majesty
one thousand pounds in gold, five hundred whereof he gave Madam
Whorewood. I believe I had twenty pieces of that very gold for my share.

I have something more to write of Charles the First's misfortunes,
wherein I was concerned; the matter happened in 1648, but I thought good
to insert it here, having after this no more occasion to mention him.

His Majesty being in Carisbrook-Castle in the Isle of Wight, the Kentish
men, in great numbers, rose in arms, and joined with the Lord Goring; a
considerable number of the best ships revolted from the Parliament; the
citizens of London were forward to rise against the Parliament; his
Majesty laid his design to escape out of prison, by sawing the iron bars
of his chamber window; a small ship was provided, and anchored not far
from the castle to bring him into Sussex; horses were provided ready to
carry him through Sussex into Kent, so that he might be at the head of
the army in Kent, and from thence to march immediately to London, where
thousands then would have armed for him. The Lady Whorewood came to me,
acquaints me herewith. I got G. Farmer (who was a most ingenious
lock-smith, and dwelt in Bowlane) to make a saw to cut the iron bars in
sunder, I mean to saw them, and aqua fortis besides. His Majesty in a
small time did his work; the bars gave liberty for him to go out; he was
out with his body till he came to his breast; but then his heart
failing, he proceeded no farther: when this was discovered, as soon
after it was, he was narrowly looked after, and no opportunity after
that could be devised to enlarge him. About September the Parliament
sent their Commissioners with propositions unto him into the Isle of
Wight, the Lord William Sea being one; the Lady Whorewood comes again
unto me from him or by his consent, to be directed: After perusal of my
figure, I told her the Commissioners would be there such a day; I
elected a day and hour when to receive the Commissioners and
propositions; and as soon as the propositions were read, to sign them,
and make haste with all speed to come up with the Commissioners to
London. The army being then far distant from London, and the city
enraged stoutly against them, he promised he would do so. That night the
Commissioners came, and old Sea and his Majesty had private conference
till one in the morning: the King acquaints Sea with his intention, who
clearly dissuaded him from signing the propositions, telling him they
were not fit for him to sign; that he had many friends in the House of
Lords, and some in the House of Commons; that he would procure more, and
then they would frame more easy propositions. This flattery of this
unfortunate Lord occasioned his Majesty to wave the advice I and some
others that wished his prosperity had given, in expectation of that
which afterwards could never be gained. The army having some notice
hereof from one of the Commissioners, who had an eye upon old Sea,
hasted unto London, and made the citizens very quiet; and besides, the
Parliament and army kept a better correspondency afterwards with each
other.

Whilst the King was at Windsor-Castle, once walking upon the leads
there, he looked upon Captain Wharton's _Almanack_: 'My book,' saith he,
'speaks well as to the weather:' One William Allen standing by; 'what,'
saith he, 'saith his antagonist, Mr. Lilly?' 'I do not care for Lilly,'
said his Majesty, 'he hath been always against me,' and became a little
bitter in his expressions. 'Sir,' saith Allen, 'the man is an honest
man, and writes but what his art informs him.' 'I believe it,' said his
Majesty, 'and that Lilly understands astrology as well as any man in
Europe.' _Exit Rex Carolus._

In 1648 I published a _Treatise of the Three Suns_, seen the winter
preceding; as also an Astrological Judgment upon a Conjunction of Saturn
and Mars 28 June, in 11 degrees 8 minutes of Gemini.

I commend unto your perusal that book and the _Prophetical Merlin_,
which, seriously considered, (Oh worthy Esquire) will more instruct your
judgement (_De generalibus contingentibus Mundi_) than all the authors
you yet ever met with.

In this year, for very great considerations, the Council of State gave
me in money fifty pounds, and a pension of one hundred pounds _per
Annum_, which for two years I received, but no more: upon some
discontents I after would not or did require it. The cause moving them
was this; they could get no intelligence out of France, although they
had several agents there for that purpose. I had formerly acquaintance
with a secular priest, at this time confessor to one of the Secretaries;
unto him I wrote, and by that means had perfect knowledge of the
chiefest concernments of France, at which they admired; but I never yet,
until this day, revealed the name of the person.

One occasion why I deserted that employment was, because Scott, who had
eight hundred pounds _per Annum_ for intelligence, would not contribute
any occasion to gratify my friend: And another thing was, I received
some affront from Gualter Frost their Secretary, one that was a
principal minister belonging to the Council of State. Scott was ever my
enemy, the other knave died of a gangrene in his arm suddenly after.

In 1648 and 1649, that I might encourage young students in astrology, I
publickly read over the first part of my _Introduction_, wherein there
are many things contained, not easily to be understood.

And now we are entered into the year 1649: his Majesty being at St.
James's House, in January of that year, I begun its observations thus:

'I am serious, I beg and expect justice; either fear or shame begins to
question offenders.

'The lofty cedars begin to divine a thundering hurricane is at hand; God
elevates men contemptible.

'Our demigods are sensible we begin to dislike their actions very much
in London, more in the country.

'Blessed be God, who encourages his servants, makes them valiant, and of
undaunted spirits, to go on with his decrees: upon a sudden, great
expectations arise, and men generally believe a quiet and calm time
draws nigh.'

In Christmas holidays, the Lord Gray of Grooby and Hugh Peters sent for
me to Somerset-House, with directions to bring them two of my
Almanacks.--I did so; Peters and he read January's Observations.

'If we are not fools and knaves,' saith he, 'we shall do justice:' then
they whispered. I understood not their meaning till his Majesty was
beheaded. They applied what I wrote of justice, to be understood of his
Majesty, which was contrary to my intention; for Jupiter, the first day
of January, became direct; and Libra is a sign signifying Justice; I
implored for justice generally upon such as had cheated in their places,
being treasurers, and such like officers. I had not then heard the least
intimation of bringing the King unto trial, and yet the first day
thereof I was casually there, it being upon a Saturday; for going to
Westminster every Saturday in the afternoon, in these times, at
White-hall I casually met Peters; 'Come, Lilly, wilt thou go hear the
King tried?' 'When?' said I. 'Now, just now; go with me.' I did so, and
was permitted by the guard of soldiers to pass up to the King's-Bench.
Within one quarter of an hour came the Judges, presently his Majesty,
who spoke excellently well, and majestically, without impediment in the
least when he spoke. I saw the silver top of his staff unexpectedly fall
to the ground, which was took up by Mr. Rushworth: and then I heard
Bradshaw the Judge say to his Majesty,

'Sir, instead of answering the court, you interrogate their power, which
becomes not one in your condition'--

These words pierced my heart and soul, to hear a subject thus
audaciously to reprehend his Sovereign, who ever and anon replied with
great magnanimity and prudence.

After that his Majesty was beheaded, the Parliament for some years
effected nothing either for the publick peace or tranquillity of the
nation, or settling religion as they had formerly promised. The interval
of time betwixt his Majesty's death and Oliver Cromwel's displacing
them, was wholly consumed in voting for themselves, and bringing their
own relations to be members of Parliament, thinking to make a trade
thereof.

The week, or three or four days before his Majesty's beheading, one
Major Sydenham, who had commands in Scotland, came to take his leave of
me, and told me the King was to be put to death, which I was not willing
to believe, and said, 'I could not be persuaded the Parliament could
find any Englishman so barbarous, that would do that foul action.'
'Rather,' saith he, 'than they should want such a man, these arms of
mine should do it.' He went presently after into Scotland, and upon the
first engagement against them, was slain, and his body miserably cut and
mangled.

In 1651 I published _Monarchy or no Monarchy_, and in the latter end
thereof some hieroglyphics of my own, composed, at spare time, by the
occult learning, many of those types having representations of what
should from thence succeed in England, and have since had verification.

I had not that learning from books, or any manuscript I ever yet met
withal, it is reduced from a cabal lodging in astrology, but so
mysterious and difficult to be attained, that I have not yet been
acquainted with any who had that knowledge. I will say no more thereof,
but that the asterisms and signs and constellations give greatest light
thereunto.

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9