Concerning Comets, To the reader 2
To the Reader.
SOme Worthy Persons having desired me to Write the History of Comets; I resolved (with Divine Permission and Assistance) to spend the spare hours of a few Weeks in an endeavour that way. And accordingly I have perused what Books I could meet with, which might be helpful to me in this undertaking. There is a late Author aStanislai, de Lubienietz See the Philosophic. Transactions for An. 1668. vol. 3. p 691., 1071,who on occasion of the Comets seen Annis 1664, 65 hath published a large Volume, which he calls Theatrum Cometicum, wherein he giveth an account of all the Comets which have been observed since Noah's flood being in number 415, together with the Events, whether Prosperous or Adverse. Also Erasmus Bartholinus hath written upon those Comets, which Books, I have very much wished for a sight of, as supposing I should meet with Passages therein, that would be serviceable to me in my present design: But I could not at this distance from Europe, suddenly obtain them.
As for what concerns the Time, and other circumstances relating to these Phaenomenas; I have been chiefly beholding to the Collections of Alstedius, Long…mentanus, Kepler, Hevelius and Ricciolus Though Rockenbachius is many times cited, I could not obtain the perusal of his Book (it not being in this American Wilderness) only I take his Observations upon trust from Hevelius, who hath faithfully expressed what the other hath written. Concerning remarkable Events: Besides the Authors mentioned. I have consulted Funcctus, Ca…visius, Cluverius, and several other Historians; and if the Reader please to take the pains to search the Authors quoted in the Margin, or where none is there cited, if he look into Calvisius and Funccius their Chronologies he will find that things have been truly related. As for Events which have hapned in these late times, it is needless to quote any Author, for that which our own eyes have seen, or ears heard. I know (as the great Orator could say) I am not born for my self, but for others. I may hope that my labour herein, will not be al…ogether unacceptable to the English Reader, since there never was yet (so far as I understand) an attempt of this kind, by an English hand. My chief design, is to inform and edifie the ordinary sort of Readers. Yet considering that God hath made me a debter to the wise as well as to the weak, I have added some things of the nature, place; motion of Comets, which only such as have some skill in Astronomy can understand; and unto such, hints of that kind will be both pleasant and profitable; such kind of knowledge being that which Tradition saith the Holy Patriarcl…s were some of them delighted in. Upon the mention of Historical passages, A. M. 2020. Abraham docuit Mathematicam & Astronomiam Alst. Encyclop. L. 33. Ca 8 p. 2119which imply a notable accomplishment of some Prophetical Scripture, I have (it being very proper for one under my circumstances so to do) taken special notice thereof, supposing that it may be instructive to some Readers, and not ungrateful unto others. These late years having been attended with several Comets, and there being some who would have the World believe, there is no cause of dread when such Ensigns amidst the Heavenly Host, are held up in the sight of all the Earth; I hope the publishing a discourse on the present Subject, will not be judged unseasonable. When the Benjamites saw the Flame, with a Pillar of smoke (in a proper and literal sense) though before they knew not that evil was near unto them, yet then they could not but be sensible of it. Judge. 20. 34, 40. If any be awakened with the sight of these Pillars of Smoke which we have seen flaming in Heaven, to prepare for whatever changes may befall them; And if this Treatise shall promove the attainment of that end, my design in writing of it will not be wholly frustrated, nor my labour in vain.
Boston N. E. Dec. 31. 1682. INCREASE MATHER.