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the world, as the atheistical astrologers believe, deserves some attention. Proceeding upon the supposition that there does exist such a concordance in the universe as they maintain, it is obvious, from the motions of the earth, and of the system to which she belongs, that no two astrological observations can be found in the course of many ages precisely similar: a general resemblance of effect is the utmost that may be obtained, until, in the progress of all the various movements of the universe, the earth, in all respects, come again to the situation which she held, in relation to every other part, at the time the first observation was made. When she has done this, it must be allowed, from the premises, that the series of effects will then be recommenced in every thing resembling the past. History and chronology having finished their tales, will begin then to repeat them, and persons under the same names, and in the same forms as those whom we know, and of whom we have heard, will come again. What a delightful anticipation! Another 1821 will return, when another Dr Scott, and another Blackwood's Magazine, will be found cheering and decorating the world! at once the delight of the jovial and the loyal, and a terror to the Whigs and Radicals, and all such evil doers,- -so revolving in concentric circles throughout the mazes of eternity!

Such are the general doctrines of astrology; and which La Place, in his Mechanique Celeste, has adopted. (By the way, how has it happened that the Edinburgh Review did not observe that La Place was an astrologer?) How the doctrines of astrology should ever have been applied to the fortunes of individuals, or even to the planets, which, in an estimate of the universe, are as little tangible by calculation as the atoms themselves, can only be accounted for by the presumption of quacks and impostors. At the same time, when the application had been once made, it was not difficult to form a plausible theory to explain the principles. Accordingly, say the judicial astrologers, our science, like that of every other, is the result of experience. The first observations were those of which the results had some concordance with the planets at different periods of the year. The tides, varying with the phases of the moon, early

attracted attention. Perhaps it was next remarked, that, when certain planets were in particular constellations, and the sun in certain signs of the Zodiac, special effects took place, and were naturally ascribed to the influences of those particular aspects.

A transition from the tides to the variations of the atmosphere was an obvious process of astrological contemplation; and as valetudinarians are particularly affected by the weather, the progress towards that branch of the science which relates to diseases necessarily took place.

If the diseases of man be regulated by the stars, why not his passions also? And as his passions govern his actions, making one class of motives more influential than another, why not by means of his passions regulate his fortune? Fortune is but another name for situation, and men are evidently allured into their various situsations by their passions. Hence the theory of judicial astrology-a theory at variance with the fundamental doctrines of the science. For the profes sors of it-that is, the fortune-tellersallege that man possesses his will free. and thereby has the power of election. and consequently also the power of changing his destiny.

But admitting, for the sake of argument, that the principles of the fortune-telling astrology are deduced from those of the astrological science, it may be asked on what grounds are we to credit the predictions? It is ma nifest, from the infinite which grasp astrology assumes, that the concerns of the earth itself can scarcely be palpable to its arithmetic; how then are we to believe the verity of those cal culations which pretend to describe the actions of such an infinitely small portion of the system as an individu man? Much stress, however, is laid by the fortune-tellers on the truth of particular prognostications; and the quacks concerned in "The New Prephetic Almanack" lay great claims upon public credulity for some of their hap-hazard bodements of political mischiefs. But they forget that if the results of their calculations are verified in one instance, purely from the truths upon which they assume they are founded, they should be verified in every instance, otherwise something must be allowed to have an influence on the results, over which their arith

etic has no control. Science does not mit of any casualties in its problems: less, therefore, every astrological prection can be demonstrated to be true, e whole of them must be consigned contempt; for the verification of one re and there cannot be admitted as proof of the truth of the science, but ould be assigned to the calculators chances-merely as a curious accint. This the radical knaves conned in "The New Prophetic Almack" know perfectly well, and they te care to wrap up their soothsayys in such mystical generalities that ey may be as well applied to the tunes of the King of Cockaigne, to any of the Kings of the Kingms of the Earth. We can scarcely e a better specimen of their jargon, in their account of the hieroglyphiabsurdities on the cover of their rk.

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In the East, West, and South points the Mariner's Compass Card, a miniae representation of some Mathematical Astronomical Instrument is introduced, North Cardinal being filled up with common Index of that point, namely, Fleur de Lis.-The four intermediate ant points contain each an emblem of t season which accords with the appat place of the Sun in his progress stice to Solstice, at the times of his passthose points. The other eight intering points contain each a planetary sym; and the remaining sixteen subdiviis are uniformly filled up in a plain nner. Thus it will be observed, that h class of points, according to their conuence, is designated and diversified, so to be readily recognized.

The central part of the Compass Card, hin the points, contains, (besides the all space at the centre,) four concentric ular spaces, each divided into twelve tal parts.-The outermost of these spaincludes, in its twelve divisions, miniae sketches of the twelve signs of the diac; and the next interior twelve spacontain the twelve common symbols d to denote the Zodiacal constellations, the comparison of the figures of which, h those of the originals in the spaces ve them, a certain resemblance may be ced, that will serve to explain the figure each of the common symbols.-Proceedtowards the centre, the next twelve ices exhibit twelve numbers, that under h symbol being the number of the sign represents, according to the order in ich the twelve signs are put down in the nanack Tables, and in all other Astronical Computations. The twelve diviis of the fourth central space shew the

day of each month, on which the Sun enters that particular sign of the Zodiac, of the exterior circles. And lastly, The which appears in the corresponding division small space at the centre contains the date of the year, for which the Almanack is

calculated.

"In each corner of the square described, about the outermost circle of the Compass Card, certain celestial and terrestrial phenomena are represented; namely, First, The Sun darkened-Secondly, the Lunar Crescent, with an Halo, and Shooting Star -Thirdly, A Comet--and Fourthly, A Burning Mountain.

"The part of the design already described within which is faintly traced an Ellipse, is surmounted by a rectangular figure, to represent the Orbit of the Earth; and four small projections of a sphere are inserted, in order to shew the position of the Earth's Axis with respect to the Sun, or the Plane of the Ecliptic, at each Equinox and Solstice; and thus, to represent the manner in which the radiation from the centre is received by different parts of the surface of the Earth, at the four different

seasons.

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"The daily occupations and cares of this life so burthen the minds of those not born to affluence, that they cannot, even if duly educated, sift for themselves the truths of revelation; and it would be a dereliction of duty not to guide them to a knowledge of things future as far as we can. am moreover deeply concerned to notice that the temporary pastimes and fascinations of this world do so dizzy the heads of the wealthy, as to almost extinguish in their hearts those spiritual flames which the prospect of a permanent heritage ought to kindle and keep alive. Prophecy, that best fuel of pure devotion, has, I think, of late, been insidiously suppressed and doubly smothered. The sphere of my observation is sufficiently wide for me to discover that the buz of the overweening Rabbi is, Better let prophecy alone; whilst the indevout caviller, on the other hand, is blasphemously crying, "I don't believe." Thus, betwixt the timidity of the one, and the presumption of the other, I am fearing that the multitude has lulled itself into a

disregard of certain terrible visitations which the ancient oracles of religion assure us must be inflicted; and (taking it for granted that those oracles bear the signet of divine truth) so surely as they stand recorded, so surely will all the judgments preordained, sooner or later, my good cousin, be executed.

"Proofs enough of the near approach of that day which shall change the present economy of the moral world, are, to those who look up,' conspicuous. Seems it not then an unfathomable problem, (but I wish my fear may be ungrounded, and the reality be otherwise than as I apprehend,) that all the nations of Christendom should, unanimously, as it were, have forgotten that the whole universe is sentenced to undergo a certain doom, which, sudden 66 as the lightning that lighteneth out of one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven," shall come and overspread it?"-Luke xvii, 24.

After continuing in this strain for several pages, the learned Theban proceeds to state what are the visitations still impending, which it is the object of "the New Prophetic Journal" to expound.

"First, The total annihilation of Ecclesiastical Despotism, Spiritual hypocrisy, and heretical doctrine throughout all nations. Dan. xi. 2 Thes. ii. Rev. xiii. &c.

"Secondly, The fulfilling of the times of the Gentiles, or that maturing of the conversion of all Ethnic nations which is fore

ordained. Isaiah, xi.; lx.; lxv. Luke, xxi.

24. Rom. xi..25. Rev. vii. 9. &c.

"Thirdly, The entire overthrow which the Ottoman Empire, and all Mohammedan nations, are destined to experience.-Dan. vii. Obadiah, &c.

xxxvii. xl. to the end, Psal. cxlvii. 2, an numerous other places.

"Tenthly, The Millenium; or, a lon reign of peace, by means of the universal ty of Gospel discipline.-Dan. vii. 27 Acts iii. 18. Rev. xx. ; &c.

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Eleventhly, The second coming of Christ in his own immortal magnificence and power, to call the dead from their grave to judgment with the living.-Dan. vi 13. Matt. xxiv. 29. John, v. Mark, x 26. Luke, xxi. 25. Acts, x. 1 Cor. xv. Res xiv. 14, &c.

"Twelfthly, The release of Satan, afte the Milleniums, with power to deceive and excite many nations to wage war with the Christian hosts.-Rev. xx.

"Thirteenthly, The total dissolution of the whole system of nature, and conta gration of the whole earth.-Isaiah, li 2 Pet. iii. 10. Rev. x. 6. ; xx. 11, &c.

"Though I may have enumerated thes as the events to which we are now look

forward, yet is the catalogue, no doubt very imperfect; and it is not to be sup posed that the events and scene are to suc ceed one another in the order in which they are here numbered. Some of the seem now to be in progress; and, from all the means afforded us of judging, the time is near when most of them are to be fort coming. It is fallacious to suppose one is to terminate before another com mences, in all cases, and many may be progress at the same time. Scripture pe to the latter days as the period of all them; and we are constantly admonished and tokens which are to appear; and to be TO WATCH!-to watch for certain signs

received, as SIGNALS of the LATTER DAYS. The command to Daniel vas, Shut up the words and seal the book, even to the TIME OF THE END! of the wick Ishall run to and fro, and KNOWLEDGE

"Fourthly, The effectual extermination of the vast armies of Gog and Magog, pro- ed shall understand, but TRE WISE sta bably of Russia, Prussia, and some other northern nations.-Exek. xxxviii. xxxix.

“Fifthly, The universal extinction of all those several powers which will combine to arrest the replanting of the kingdom of

understand.'-Dan. xii.

ledge, some, as the times of fulfilment "By the increase then of religious know proach, will be permitted to remove mysterious veilings and to decypher the

Israel.-Joel, iii. Isaiah, xxxiv. Ezek. full application of these profound enigmas

xxxix. 17. Rev. xix. &c.

Solutions of many obscure allusions have

"Sixthly, THE FATE OF GREAT BRI- already been effected by the pious labours

TAIN PROBABLY TYPIFIED BY THE
PROPHETIC THREATENINGS WHICH
FORETOLD THE DOWNFALL OF AN-
CIENT TYRE.-Ezek. xxvii, xxviii.
"Seventhly, The illumination of the

of Lord Napier, Dr More, Dr Johnso Dr Hales, Sir Isaac Newton, Bishop New ton, Faber, Clarke, Bicheno, and others and as every day draws nearer to reality, so is the allegorical raiment gradually taken

whole world by the diffusion of the Gospel. off, and the momentous secret tremblingly

-Rev. x.

"Eighthly, The perpetual subjugation of the Infidel king and his host.-Daniel xi. 36.

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discovered."

In former times the great topic of was the down the astrological oracles, Ninthly, The gathering of the Jews; fall of the papal authority; but the their peaceful occupation of the Holy Land, interest excited by the revolt of the and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.-Deut. Greeks, has been dexterously seized by "Fatidicoramus," and the doom

xxx. 3. Isaiah, xi. 11. Ezek. xx. ; xxxiv. ;

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the Ottoman empire is now discovered to have been one of the grand objects for which Daniel ate the book, sealed with the seven seals.

"Then I heard, (says the prophet) one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, 'How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot ?' And he said unto me, UNTO two thousand and three hundred days, THEN shall the sanctuary be cleansed.""

Upon this passage we must quote

the comment.

"It has been already said, that the great integral body of an empire was, in holy prophecy, commonly symbolised by a beast ; and the members of such empire each by

a horn; so that, on a diminished scale, the mind might obtain a comprehensive view of the vast subjects alluded to. In order, therefore, to have one feature of the prophecy comport with another, it has been usual to signify periods of time by some minuter portion of duration; and thus days have been made the symbol of years; the 2300 days here mentioned are, therefore, 2300 years. But no era is stated distinctly from which these 2300 years are to be reckoned. Taking the literal expressions of our English Bible for our guide, it seems that the vision is purposely to shew the rise and effect of those powers in the Grecian dominions which should produce conspicuous vicissitudes in the religion of the country; and more particularly of the consequences resulting from the rise and power of the little horn. Now it will be recollected, that the first scene of the vision presents the ram STANDING STILL before

the river Ulai. We are next told of his pushing westward, &c. and it seems to me reasonable that this movement should be taken for the era at which the 2300 years are to commence, for it brings us directly to the particular spot pre-ordained to become the seat of the little horn. This movement, or pushing, is that celebrated march of Xerxes at the head of his cohort of three millions against Greece, which took place in the year 480 before Christ. There would then have expired 479 years before the Christian era, to which, if we add 1821, the years since the birth of Christ, we have 479+1821-2300

and, consequently, if our chronology be correct, and our epoch true, we are to look for the cleansing of the sanctuary in 1822. But, upon concluding my comment, Iought to remark to you, that though the clause "THEN shall the sanctuary BE CLEANSED," seems to imply the entire cleansing, yet I am of opinion that it ought to be read, THEN shall the cleansing of the sanctuary BE; that is, shall begin, with

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We shall now proced to notice some of the predictions. "I am sorry," says the seer, "to see Venus on the 1st day of the new year, in the head of the Dragon, and hastening to an opposition of Mars, of course, posited in the Dragon's tail. Strife must, I apprehend, ensue, and although it is possible this country may have hitherto escaped carnage, it cannot long, unless some extraordinary interposition shall, through a merciful providence, avert the impending catastrophe. The voice of warning cannot be too strenuously excited-(observe the sedition)—and if the stewards of the public persist in their obduracy, a day will come when they will repent it."

The aspects for March, it seems, foretel" a most universal ferment throughout Europe”—indicative of a new era, either political or religious-perhaps both—(another French revolution, we suppose.) There is also a special prediction-" The death of one of high rank and fame, a field marshal, as I suppose, may be held in expectation during this month-malice the cause."-The death of any field marshal, or eminent warrior, will serve to fulfil the prophecy-we should not be surprised to hear of that pleasant mannered gentleman, old Ali Pacha kicking about that time.

The timely warnings for May, deserve a place.

"The application of the forebodings described in the preceding page for March, is rather of a general than a particular nature, though I am inclined to say that they allude to the German Empire more than to any other part of Europe. I cannot say whether it is intestine or foreign hostility that threatens a terrible shock to that government-whether a revolt of some of its vassal states, or of some important portion of its army-but evident enough it is, that a great change is about to take place in that Empire. Still the ferment which has been already excited in other states seems greatly augmented, and in some the sword is very active. It is almost impossible to fix the allusions, but the general tenor of them indicates dreadful wars and bloodshed. I could also point out certain omens

of a fatal character, which bespeak personal jealousy, and individual mischief; indeed, I am apprehensive that at least two memorable assassinations will be heard of about this time. Something, too, of a most atrocious nature seems, by the signs of last month, to have been detected; and the author will, it appears, be, in some manner, publicly degraded. I wish all political craftsmen would be persuaded to think that honesty is really the best policy, and be induced to act up to the maxim. It is surprising that statesmen have, in general, so very little regard to the warnings of Providence and the experience of all past ages." "It does appear," says Sir Willon, "that some are about to enjoy better times. I wish I could inform my readers that this refers to England; but it is a more western nation, (we hope Ireland,) and I should think Spain, or rather the Spanish people of South America, which is now probably settling a new and liberal system of independence. The position of the moon, I regret to remark, bodes something rather unfavourable to the popular cause of Great Britain."

But these extracts are sufficient to shew the spirit in which the New Prophetic Almanack is got up; and perhaps our strictures may have the effect of increasing the sale, for "a time," or "half a time," among a class of readers whom it is not likely the work has yet reached. In case, however, they should fail of this effect, we cannot resist the temptation of introducing a very philosophical disquisition concerning comets, and so conclude.

"On Comets, as lessons of destiny, the remarks I have to make, although confined to an individual case, must, I anticipate, educe as well the acquiescence as the surprise of every sensible mind, though it will not be possible to do justice to my subject in the narrow limits that remain open. If we turn to look at those mighty heroes of former ages, suffixed to whose names we behold these imposing words, "THE GREAT," let us at the same time recollect that an individual of our own time, by an extraordinary course of adventures, without the stubborn force of prejudice, and the secret and powerful engine-work of state-craft to ply with, lifted himself from a station the most obscure and low to a pinnacle of glory the most gorgeous and exalted. Need it be said that the now harmless Napoleon is the object of these remarks? Without entering upon speculations concerning the application of such an instrument by the hand of Providence, and with out tracing his career of fame, to his forlorn end, be it, first of all, here remember

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ed, that he was born in August, 1769; and, for several months immediately pre ceding his birth, the Northern regions of the heavens were visited by one of those signal messengers to which the attention of the reader is now expressly solicited. Se. condly, Without following his steps to the summit of his fame, let us pause a moment to behold him upon it, surrounded by majesty of his own creating-himself seated on the throne of the world! Spain, on his West, the allotted portion of one brother. Westphalia of another, on his Eastern Quarter-Holland, on his North, receives the third for her King-and with the Crown of Naples, on his South, he decks the husband of his sister! At every point that seemed to afford security to pire were his military Dukes and minor relatives posted on high pedestals of ho nour; and thus may we say that he seemed to have stamped the validity of solid the illustrious Archduchess of Austria greatness by his marriage at this time with Indeed, nothing human could appear more stable than the Monarchy of France in 1811.-I have now reason to call again for calm and candid attention.-At the meridian of his glory, which I have just been describing, a Comet of prodigious character came to witness his eminent station. Returning from his perihelion, that magnificent luminary became faintly per ceptible at the beginning of September, 1811, at which time it had acquired 26° of vertical in the Latitude of Corsica, and Celestial North Latitude, and was then the Southern Extremity of Natural France. Its splendour continued to increase until it had reached 48° of Celestial Latitude, at which time blazing with unspeakable splen dour it stood upon the Zenith of Paris and its Latitude. Having traversed the heavens in such a track as to reign vertically over every point of Latitude from South to North of France, let it be, of all things, most strictly noticed, that its highest de gree of lustre was at that particular time when it was on the Meridian and Zenith of Paris at Noon-day! After it had attained these limits northward in the heavens it retreated again towards the South, retracing back again the latitudes of France from North to South, until it vanished at that point of declination where it had first be come visible, namely, Corsica!-Can any reflecting mind fail to associate the appearance of this illustrious messenger of the skies with the fate of that prodigy of men, who then reigned over the world with a lustre, perhaps, unparalleled?

over the latitude of

But the victory of Death over this once has been recently achieved; and during controller of kings, and terror of nations, his few latter weeks, whilst the spirit of his mortal existence was rating, did not the blazing star of Yale gradually evapo

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