EPI. There are two thinges which the learned haue obserued from the beginning, in the science of the Heauenlie Creatures, the Planets, Starres, and such like: The one is their course and ordinary motiones, which for that cause is called _Astronomia_: Which word is a compound of νομος & αστερων that is to say, the law of the Starres: And this arte indeed is one of the members of the _Mathematicques_, & not onelie lawful, but most necessarie and commendable. The other is called _Astrologia_, being compounded of αστερων & λογος which is to say, the word, and preaching of the starres: Which is deuided in two partes: The first by knowing thereby the powers of simples, and sickenesses, the course of the seasons and the weather, being ruled by their influence; which part depending vpon the former, although it be not of it selfe a parte of _Mathematicques_: yet it is not vnlawful, being moderatlie vsed, suppose not so necessarie and commendable as the former. The second part is to truste so much to their influences, as thereby to fore-tell what common-weales shall florish or decay: what persones shall be fortunate or vnfortunate: what side shall winne in anie battell: What man shall obteine victorie at singular combate: What way, and of what age shall men die: What horse shall winne at matche-running; and diuerse such like incredible things, wherein _Cardanus_, _Cornelius Agrippa_, and diuerse others haue more curiouslie then profitably written at large. Of this roote last spoken of, springs innumerable branches; such as the knowledge by the natiuities; the _Cheiromancie_, _Geomantie_, _Hydromantie_, _Arithmantie_, _Physiognomie_: & a thousand others: which were much practised, & holden in great reuerence by the _Gentles_ of olde. And this last part of _Astrologie_ whereof I haue spoken, which is the root of their branches, was called by them _pars fortunæ_. This parte now is vtterlie vnlawful to be trusted in, or practized amongst christians, as leaning to no ground of natural reason: & it is this part which I called before the deuils schole. PHI. But yet manie of the learned are of the contrarie opinion. EPI. I grant, yet I could giue my reasons to fortifie & maintaine my opinion, if to enter into this disputation it wold not draw me quite off the ground of our discours; besides the mis-spending of the whole daie thereupon: One word onely I will answet to them, & that in the Scriptures (which must be an infallible ground to all true Christians) That in the Prophet _Ieremie_ (M12) it is plainelie forbidden, to beleeue or hearken vnto them that Prophecies & fore-speakes by the course of the Planets & Starres. Chap. V. ARGVMENT. _How farre the vsing of Charmes is lawfull or vnlawfull: The description of the formes of Circkles and Coniurationes. And what causeth the_ Magicianes _themselues to wearie thereof_. PHILOMATHES.