Cover of Cometomantia, A discourse of comets shewing their original,

Classic Christian work

Cometomantia, A discourse of comets shewing their original,

by Edwards, John

Published in 1684, this provocative treatise explores the intersection of astronomy and theology during the late seventeenth century. The work systematically examines the origins and purposes of comets, challenging purely superstitious interpretations while maintaining their significance as divine signals. By blending empirical observation with scriptural analysis, it offers a compelling look at the transition from medieval wonder to early modern science. This volume is essential for readers interested in the history of ideas, the evolution of celestial mechanics, and the enduring human quest to decode the mysteries of the night sky.
Chapters
3
Word count
44,131
Type
Book
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Original
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Table of contents

  1. 01 Preface to the Reader 533 words
  2. 02 Omissions 143 words
  3. 03 Cometomantia 43,003 words
Front matter (2 sections)

Title Page

COMETOMANTIA.

A DISCOURSE OF COMETS: Shewing their Original, Substance, Place, Time, Magnitude, Motion, Number, Color, Figure, Kinds, Names, and, more especially, their Prognosticks, Significations and Presages.

Being a brief Resolution of a seasonable Query, namely, Whether the Apparition of Comets be the Sign of approaching Evil?

Where also is inserted an Essay of Iudiciary Astrology, giving Satisfaction to this grand Question, Whether any certain Iudgments and Predictions concerning future Events, can be made from the Observation of the Heavenly Bodies?

Both occasioned by the Appearance of the late Comets in England and other Places.

London, Printed for Brab. Aylmer, at the Three Pigeons over against the Royal Exchange in Cornhill. 1684.

Dedication to the Bishop of Salisbury

TO THE Right Reverend Father In GOD, SETH, Lord BISHOP OF SALISBURY, AND CHANCELLOUR OF THE Most Noble ORDER OF THE GARTER.

MY LORD,

I Dedicate This to your Lordship, and if any shall ask the Reason, I know no other than what all England knows as well as I, and that is the place you hold in the Church, and in the esteem of the Learned World, your great and admired worth, your skill in the profoundest sciences, of which your excellent works of Astronomy, and particularly your Praelections of Comets are an undeniable demonstration. Those that know either your Lordship or me, will not say I flatter you; for your vast merits command all that can be said, and for my part I am not inclined to fawn upon any person.

I cannot expect, my Lord, you should approve of this inconsiderable present, yet I persuade my self your Lordship will not be displeased at the good meaning of the Offerer. I need not acquaint your Lordship that it is part of one of the Canons of our Church, that poor beneficed men may go in short gowns. We mean folks, my Lord, must doe as well as we can. I submit the whole to your Lordship's censure, and hope you will not lay open those faults which, it may be, none but your self can see. But I will usurp no farther on your Lordship's patience, than only by begging your pardon that I have done it so far already.

I am, My Lord, Your Lordship's most dutiful Son and Obedient Servant.

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