The spirits could bestow the gift of invisibility, and the foreknowledge of the change of the weather; they could teach the exorcist how to raise storms and tempests, and how to calm them again; they could bring news in an instant of the result of any battle or other important event, wherever it took place. They could also teach the language of birds, and how to fly unseen through the air. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Josephus' Account of Astrology--Antediluvians acquainted with Astrology--Astrology after the Flood--Magicians in various Nations--The Spirit Bokim--Compact and Confederation with Spirits--Long Life and Magical Power--Feats of Magicians--A French Priest in compact with the Devil--Married to Venus--Turning Leather into Gold--A Novice in Magic destroyed by a Spirit--Principles of Magic--Implements, Materials, and Doings of Magicians--Piercing Sight--Lilly the Astrologer--Lilly consulted by Royalists--Astrological Predictions concerning Fires, Plagues, Famine, War, and the Fortunes of Great Persons. Josephus says that the antediluvians were well acquainted with astrology, and inscribed the principles thereof on pillars to preserve them to posterity from the Flood; for it was by this art, he believes, that they were enabled to foresee the coming Deluge. Subsequent to the Flood, the Assyrians were the first people who turned their attention to astrology. The Chaldeans, Egyptians, and Arabians soon became acquainted with the art, and by perseverance brought it to perfection and high estimation. In several nations none but those skilled in astrology were admitted to the administration of sacred rites or to the management of state affairs. In China, by the sacrifice of blood and the repetitions of several superstitious invocations to the sun and moon, devils were brought up from their place of abode, if not repose. In Tartary the magicians offered to the ocean, the mountains, and the stars, divers sorts of incense, by which means the spirits were compelled to appear. In the East and West Indies the power of magic was equally powerful. Greek and Roman magicians invocated spirits by prayers to the moon, and sacrifices of milk, honey, and blood. In our own country, incantation and conjuration, as already observed, were by no means uncommon.