Concerning Comets, Chapter 4
CHAP. IV.
An Historical Account of what Blazing Stars were seen within the first five hundred Years after Christ's Incarnation, and the Notable Events which still followed them.
VVE proceed to consider what Blazing Stars have appeared since our Saviours Nativity. Some mention that, which directed the Magi to the Town and House where Christ was born. The superstition of former ages hath pictured that Star with a Blaze pointing towards Bethlehem. But Tycho and mv. Ricciolum de novis stellis C. 19. P. 179. &c.others, have by invincible Arguments, proved that that admirable Star was not a Comet properly.
The first then which we shall take notice of, is, that which was seen, A. D 13. appearing in the sign of Aries nAlstedius in Chron. C. 49for the space of 32 dayes.
Arserunt{que} toti passim minitantia mundo Lumina—
After which three Roman Legions perished; Quintilius Varius, was slain by the Germans. Upon whom the Emperour Tiberius maketh war.
Cum fera ductorem Germania Varum. Infecti{que} trium legiorum sanguine campos.
A. D. 14. As Calvisius reckons, but according to other Chronologers A. D. 16. oSuetonius. Alsted.divers Comets (or several appearances of the same Comet) were observed, which have been judged as portentous of the death of Augustus Caesar, who died not long after. Other remarkable Events attending this Comet, were, a great Mutiny in the Roman Army, terrible slaughters amongst the Germans, whose King Arminius was slain by his own Kin…men: an Earthquake whereby a great part of the City of Rome was ruined, and an inundation through the River Taber's overflowing so that many Persons & E…ifices were destroyed.
A. D. 56. A Star was seen in the sign of Cancer, pLycosthenes. Alsted. encyclop P. 2159.blazing for the space of four Moneths, directing its course from the North towards the East. The Emperour Claudius died, bloody Nero succeeded, who murdered besides his own Mother, and his Wife, and his Master Seneca, an infinite number of holy Martyrs. The same Comet appeared again the next Year, so that Ner…' Reign began with a blazing Star, great Commotions hapned in Judea. Chronologers observe that it was in this Year, that Hermogenes and Phygellus made woful Apostasie and Schisme in the Asiatick Churches; and so apeared to be no other then wandring Stars, 2 Tim. 3. 15.
A. D. 62. A Comet was seen flaming in the Heavens, qSenca Nat. Q. L. 7. Chap. 21, 09,for the space of six moneths together, having its motion from the East, partly towards the West, and partly towards the South rAlstediusThis appearing after Nero's quinquennium, wherein he seemed a good Emperour, was expired, 'tis (r) thought that it was portentous of his after unparalleld Cruelties, and most Tragical end.
A. D. 66. Another Comet sTacitus Rockenbachius. Mizaldus. Alsted.appeared for six Moneths together, in the sign of Gemini. After which followed prodigious Tempests, and a fearful Earth quake, whereby Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Coloss (famous Cities in the lesser Asia) were sorely afflicted. This Blazing Star was attended with a terrible Persecution, in the which the Apostles Paul and Peter were put to Death. Rome was set on fire by Nero, that Conflagration continued for six dayes together. Soon after this Meander and his Followers caused great trouble among Christians in the Primitive times. He was an Antichrist, h. e. a false Christ, it is not improbable but that the Apostle John hath respect to him as well as to other pretended Christs, 1 Joh. 2. 18.
A D. 70. (or as others 71) A blazing Star like a flaming Sword appeared tJosephus de bello Judaeorum. L. 7.for a year together. It was first observed at the time of the Jews Passeover (viz. on the eighth of April) in the sign of Virgo. This was attended with a new Emperour, viz. Vespasian, with the destruction of Jerusalem, and the most miserable ruine of the Jewish nation, by the Sword of the Romans. uZonaras. T. 1.Many other Prodigies were taken notice of at the same time. Armies fighting in the Air, &c. Xephilinus writeth that there were two prodigious Eclipses of the Moon, viz that the Moon was obscured on the fourth, and on the seventh day; And from him Lycosthenes speaks to the same purpose. But Calvisius did by calculation find, that there were two Eclipses of the Moon this year, which were not supernatural.
A D. 76. (or 77.) A Comet called wPlin. L 2. C 25. Suetonius. Lycostle …, &c.Acontias, because of its appearing in the form of a Dart, was observed. The Emperour Titus (in the fifth year of his Consulship) d…scribed this Comet in verse. The next year another Comet was seen (or rather the same Comet appeared the second time) there followed an horrible Earth-quake in Cyprus and other places, whereby many Towns perished. xHevelius & Rockenbachius.The next year a Comet was seen again eighty dayes. Earth-quakes followed, and a terrible Plague in Rome, and a remarkable Drought. When Vespasian the Empero…r saw this Blazing Star, he joked at it, saying, it concerned the Parthians who had long hair, not him who was Bald. But soon after Vespasian himself died. This Comet was attended with the Heresie of Cerinthus and the Ebionites.
I cannot find in Authors, that any Comet appeared after that, for about the space of fifty years, viz. not until the year of our Lord 138, when a Star zRockenbachiuswas seen blazing 39 nights together in the signs of Aquarius and Pisces. An Earthquake followed so that the Cities of Nicopolis and Cesarea were swallowed up thereby.
A. D. 145. aIdem.A Star was seen blazing in Aquarius six nights. An Earth-quake and a Prodigious Flood followed Rhodus and other famous places were shaken after an horrendous manner. The Valentinian Hereticks prevailed about this time.
A. D. 188. A bearded Comet (from its form called Pogonias) was seen. bHerodian L. 1. Lavater.Great Wars ensued in the Roman Empire. The Temple of peace (so called) was suddenly burnt down. The Capitol was struck with Lightning and set on fire, the neighbouring Edifices (wherein was a famous Library) was consumed. The next year the City of Rome was afflicted with a sore Fam…ne. About this time the Britans losing their King Lucius fell into dissentions amongst themselves, and so became a prey to the Romans.
A. D. 195. in the dayes of the Emperour Severus cV. Hevelii Cometog. C. 12 P. 805.a Star was seen blazing for many dayes together. Which was then looked upon as an Omen of approaching Miseries. About that time, there were great wars between the Romans and the Parthians; Also lamentable contentions and schismes amongst Christians about the observation of Easter. The Bishop of Rome took upon him to excommunicate those that were not of his mind about that matter whereby a world of sin and trouble was occasioned, and way made for Persecution. Not long after this the Originists and those that would be called Apostolici occasioned great troubles in the Churches.
A. D. 217. dCalvisius Lycosthenes.A Comet appeared in the sign of Pisces for 18 dayes. This was attended with the Death of Caracalla. The Emperour Antonius visiting the City of Alexandria, desired to see the Youth therein, and giving a sign to his Souldiers caused them to be cruelly slain. The Romans made great slaughter amongst the Gothes. The of Parthia came with a great Army against the Romans. The Emperour died.
After this time, no Blazing Star appeared (or however none none is mentioned by any Hystorian, that I have met with) for near upon an hundred years. The next was eScribente Rockenbachi…A. D 306 soon after which Constantius Chlorus (the Father of great Constantine) died at York in England (then called Britain.) The blazing Star was attended with the most bloody and cruel Persecution that ever was, viz. that under Dioclesian, who hoped he had (according to his design) destroyed all that did bear the Name of Christ throughout the Earth. This Year did Miletius his Schism happen. Within a few years Arius began to disseminate his Pestiserous Doctrine, and Donatisme put the African Churches into an unhappy Blaze.
A D. 323. A Comet appeared fPeucerus de divinatione. P. 359. Alst. &c.in the sign of Virgo. After which the Arian Heresie prevailed exceedingly, so that the Christian world (as Jerome speaks) sighed to see it self become an Arian. The memorable wars between Constantine and Licinius hapned about that time, which issued in wonderful changes, the whole Empire being turned upside down. The marvellous things spoken of in the twelfth Chapter of the Revelation… were now accomplished.
A. D. 337. A stupendous Comet, and terrible to behold, was seen in the sign of Aries gOrosius L. C. 19. Eutropius L 10 Alstedius &c.continuing for the space of six Moneths. Immediately after which followed the death of Constantine, sirnamed the great, whose death made way for great Divisions in the Roman Empire, and infinite miseries upon all Christendome. His Son Constantius being an Arian, quickly became a Persecutor.
A D. 363. A Blazing Star hEckstormius ex Ammiano L. 25. D. Christiani Hevelius &c.was seen and that not only in the night but in the day time. This was attended with Iulian the Apostate his war against the Persians, and with the prodigious death of that great Apostate. About two years after that, another Comet was seen in Aries, continuing eleven weeks. A most prodigious Earthquake followed iAlst. ubi supra & in Encycloped P. 2165 Calvisius in Chronol.which was perceived (as Historians affirm) in all parts of the world. The like to this Earthquake was never known. The waves of the Sea were roul'd out of their chanels, and Ships left hanging on the tops of Houses; & a fearful-Inundation, so that m…ny Cities, and innumerable Souls perished by those Calamities. Many Persons about Constantinople were killed by an Hail-storm. The Macedonian Heresie caused great troubles and disturbances in the Church of Christ. The Iews attempted to rebuild a Temple at Ierusalem, but fire came from Heaven, and utterly consumed their Foundation. The cruel Persecution under Valens began the next year, so that the Church was in great danger of being carried away by that flood, as Iohn …oretold in the Revel. Ch. 12 15. A. D 383 (or as some Historians A. D. 393.) A Comet was seen of that sort which is called kRockenbachius. Alstedius, &c. V. Niceph. L. 12. C. 33. 38.Xiphias in respect of its appearing like a Sword, bigger and higher then the Morning Star, which was then where this Comet appeared, viz in Libra, continuing for the space of four Months, viz. from the beginning of May to September. Its motion was towards Ʋrsa Major, in the midst of which Constellation it disappeared. This was looked upon as portentous of Eugenius his Invasion. The Battle fought between Theodosius & Eugenius was a very memorable Providence, inasmuch as upon Theodosius his Prayers, God sent a Storm which beat back the Arrows of the Enemy into their own faces, the Stars in their courses fighting against them. Some mention Valentinians strangulation, and a prodigious overflowing of the River N…lus as direful consequents of this Comet. The Helvidians, Priscillianists, and other Hereticks who caused great troubles amongst Christians began this Year.
A. D. 889. A Blazing Star appeared from the North, being in the sign of Gemini, continuing for twenty dayes. lPeucerus apud Tychon Tom. 1. P. 619 625.Its Magnitude and brightness equal to Lucifer. In form like unto a Pillar. Proclus observed this Comet to be higher then the Planet Jupiter. One remarkable event which hapned after it, was, a most prodigious Hail-storm continuing without intermission for two dayes together. Great Commotions and changes in France by reason of Marcomers invasion hapned not long after this. Also wars between Theodoseus and Maximus.
A. D. 402. (circiter) mLavater ex Sozom. Hist. Eccl. L. 8. C. 4. Claudianus in Poemate de hello GetecoAn exceeding bright Comet in form like a Sword was seen. After this Gainus made an attempt upon Constantinople. Stilicus waging war with the Goths, overcame them. The Emperour Arcadius died. An Army consisting of no less then two hundred thousand Barbarians under Radagiso made a fearful irruption upon the Roman Empire. Now was the first Trumpet (which Iohn speaks of in the Apocalyps) sounded. These terrible shakings in the Roman Empire being fitly set forth by that of a storm of Hail, and Fire, and Blood, Rev. 8 7, as Mr. Mede interpretech. A great Persecution was raised against the Christians in Persia. Also the Persecution raised by the Donatists in Africa, was within a year or two of this time.
A. D. 409. …here was an amazing Eclipse of the Sun, so that the Stars were seen in the day time. This was attended with a fearful Comet appearing like a Sword in the sign of Virgo, nNiceph. … 13. C 36. Alsted.blazing for the space of four months (viz, Iune, Iuly, August, September.) The greatest Calamities followed that had been heard of in the World. All Europe, a great part of Asia, and Africa, was overwhelmed with Judgments. A sore Drought, and Famine and Pestilence, and wars amongst the Nations swept away an infinite number of Men. Rome was taken by Alaricus the Goth, who set up whom he pleased as Emperour there. Now did the second Angel sou…d the Trumpet, and the Roman Empire suffer a violent death, and is therefore resembled unto a Sea made bloody by the fall of a great Mountain all in a flame, as the forementioned great Interpreter doth expound, Rev. 8. 8.
A. D. 4. 8. A Comet was seen in Libra, in the MonethMonth of September. oHerlicius. Alstedius, & alii.Great Sedition and Commotions followed throughout Italy, and in Spain. The Africans prepared a formidable Fleet and marched towards Rome. Not long after this, Famous Hierom died. The Pestilent Heresie of Pelagius occasioned m…ch trouble in the Churches.
A. D. 423. An horrible Comet was seen flam…ng: pMercellinus. Eckstormius …x Schossero. Hevelius.Immediately upon which the Emperour Honorius died. Castinus with an A…my cometh upon the Vandals and maketh great sloughter in Spain. The Scots and Picts grievously infest the Britains.
A. D. 423. This Year upon a great Eclipse of the Moon, a Comet appeared, qLycosthenes Lavater Alstedafter which Prodigious showers of Blood were rained down upon Tholous in France for a whole day together. A terrible Persecution was raised against the professors of the truth in Africa, by Gensericus. Theodoricus the King of the Visigoths warring against Attila, was slain.
A. D. 448. A Comet was seen in the sign of Leo, continuing many dayes. rHerlicius EckstormiusThere followed a Prodigious Earth quake in the East. Attila oppressed and destroyed a great part of Italy. The Venetians perished by a Flood. The Eutichean Heresie began to prevail.
A. D. 454, (circiter) There were divers appearances of a blazing Star which was attended with Earthquakes.Sigebertus Funccius, Alsted. (c) The Emperour died. Attila after he had destroyed seventy Cities in the East, and conquered the Forthern parts, came with five hundred thousand Souldiers, and making …ful Devastations in Germany, was himself slain in a bloody Battle with Aetius. Rome was taken and spoiled by Gensericus.
Historians make mention of two other Comets observed in this Century. The one tLavater, Lvcosthenes, Alstedius.A. D. 459. which was followed with a sore Pest amongst miserable Mortals. The other A. D. 488. After which great troubles were raised by Arian Hereticks. Gundamond the King of the Vaudals became the Authour of a great Persecution.