Chapter IV: Part 4

Others thinke that these are not any new Comets, but some ancient starres that were there before, which now shine with that unusuall brightnesse, by reason of the interposition of such vapors which doe multiply their light, and so the alteration will be here onely, and not in the heavens. Thus _Aristotle_ thought the appearance of the milkie way was produced, for he held that there were many little starres, which by their influence did constantly attract such a vapour towards that place of heaven, so that it alwaies appeared white. Now by the same reason may a brighter vapor be the cause of these appearances.

But how probable soever this opinion may seeme, yet if well considered, you shall finde it to be altogether absurd and impossible: for,

1. These starres were never seene there before, and tis not likely that a vapour being hard by us can so multiply that light which could not before be at all discerned.

2. This supposed vapour cannot be either contracted into a narrow compasse or dilated into a broad: 1. it could not be within a little space, for then that starre would not appeare with the same multiplied light to those in other climates: 2. it cannot be a dilated vapour, for then other starres which were discerned through the same vapour would seeme as bigg as that; this argument is the same in effect with that of the paralax, as you may see in this Figure.

Suppose A B to be a Hemispheare of one earth, C D to be the upper part of the highest region, in which there might be either a contracted vapour, as G, or else a dilated one, as H I. Suppose E F likewise to represent halfe the heavens, wherein was this appearing Comet at K. Now I say, that a contracted vapour, as G, could not cause this appearance, because an inhabitant at M could not discerne the same starre with this brightnesse, but perhaps another at L, betwixt which the vapour is directly interposed. Nor could it be caused by a dilated vapour, as H I, because then all the starres that were discerned through it would be perceived with the same brightnesse.

Tis necessary therefore that the cause of this appearance should be in the heavens. And this is granted by the most and best Astronomers. But, say some, this doth not argue any naturall alteration in those purer bodies, since tis probable that the concourse of many little vagabond starres by the union of their beames may cause so great a light. Of this opinion were _Anaxagoras_ and _Zeno_ amongst the ancient, and _Baptista Cisatus_, _Blancanus_, with others amongst our moderne Astronomers. For, say they, when there happens to be a concourse of some few starres, then doe many other flie unto them from all the parts of heaven like so many Bees unto their King. But 1. tis not likely that amongst those which wee count the fixed starres there should be any such uncertaine motions, that they can wander from all parts of the heavens, as if Nature had neglected them, or forgot to appoint them a determinate course. 2. If there be such a conflux of these, as of Bees to their King, then what reason is there that they doe not still tarry with it, that so the Comet may not be dissolved? But enough of this. You may commonly see it confuted by many other arguments. Others there are, who affirme these to be some new created stars, produced by an extraordinary supernaturall power. I answer, true indeed, tis possible they might be so, but however tis not likely they were so, since such appearances may be salved some other way, wherefore to fly unto a miracle for such things, were a great injury to nature, and to derogate from her skill, an indignitie much mis-becomming a man who professes himselfe to be a Philosopher, _Miraculum_ (saith one) _est ignorantiae Asylum_, a miracle often serves for the receptacle of a lazy ignorance which any industrious Spirit would be ashamed of, it being but an idle way to shift off the labour of any further search. But here's the misery of it, wee first tie our selves unto _Aristotles_ Principles, and then conclude, that nothing could contradict them but a miracle, whereas 'twould be much better for the Common-wealth of learning, if we would ground our Principles rather upon the frequent experiences of our owne, then the bare authority of others.

Some there are, who thinke that these Comets are nothing else, but exhalations from our earth, carried up into the higher parts of the Heaven. So _Peno_, _Rothmannus_ & _Galilaeus_,[1] but this is not possible, since by computation 'tis found that one of them is above 300 times bigger than the whole Globe of Land and Water. Others therefore have thought that they did proceed from the body of the Sun, and that that Planet onely is

_Cometarum officina, unde tanquam emissarii & exploratores
emitterentur, brevi ad solem redituri_:

The shop or forge of Comets from whence they were sent, like so many spies, that they might in some short space returne againe, but this cannot be, since if so much matter had proceeded from him alone, it would have made a sensible diminution in his body. The Noble _Tycho_ therefore thinkes that they consist of some such fluider parts of the Heaven, as the milkie way is framed of, which being condenst together, yet not attaining to the consistency of a Starre, is in some space of time rarified againe into its wonted nature. But this is not likely, for if there had beene so great a condensation as to make them shine so bright, and last so long, they would then sensibly have moved downewards towards some center of gravity, because whatsoever is condenst must necessarily grow heavier, whereas these rather seemed to ascend higher, as they lasted longer. But some may object, that a thing may be of the same weight, when it is rarified, as it had while it was condenst: so metalls, when they are melted, and when they are cold: so water also when it is frozen, and when it is fluid, doth not differ in respect of gravity. But to these I answer: First, Metalls are not rarified by melting, but molified. Secondly, waters are not properly condensed, but congealed into a harder substance, the parts being not contracted closer together, but still possessing the same extension.

[Sidenote 1: _Tycho Progym. l. 1. cap. 9._]

And beside, what likely cause can we conceive of this condensation, unlesse there be such qualities there, as there are in our ayre, and then why may not the Planets have the like qualities, as our earth? and if so, then 'tis more probable that they are made by the ordinary way of nature, as they are with us, and consist of exhalations from the bodies of the Planets. Nor is this a singular opinion; but it seemed most likely to _Camillus Gloriosus_, _Th. Campanella_, _Fromondus_,[1] with some others. But if you aske whither all these exhalations shall returne, I answer, every one into his owne Planet: if it be againe objected,[2] that then there will be so many centers of gravity, and each severall Planet will be a distinct world; I reply, perhaps all of them are so except the Sunne, though _Cusanus_ thinkes there is one also, and later times have discovered some lesser Planets moving round about him. But as for _Saturne_, he hath two Moones on each side. _Jupiter_ hath foure, that incircle his body with their motion. _Venus_ is observed to increase and decrease as the Moone. _Mars_, and all the rest, derive their light from the Sunne onely. Concerning _Mercury_, there hath beene little or no observation, because for the most part, he lies hid under the Sunne beames, and seldome appeares by himselfe. So that if you consider their quantity, their opacity, or these other discoveries, you shall finde it probable enough, that each of them may be a severall world. But this would be too much for to vent at the first: the chiefe thing at which I now ayme in this discourse, is to prove that there may be one in the Moone.

[Sidenote 1: _De Comet. l. 5. c. 4._
_Apolog._
_Meteor. l. 3. c. 2. Art. 6._]

[Sidenote 2: _Iohan. Fabr._
_Carolus Malaptius de Heliocyc._
_Scheiner. Rosa Vrsina._]

It hath beene before confirmed that there was a spheare of thicke vaporous aire encompasing the Moone, as the first and second regions doe this earth. I have now shewed, that thence such exhalations may proceede as doe produce the Comets: now from hence it may probably follow, that there may be wind also and raine, with such other Meteors as are common amongst us. This consequence is so dependant, that _Fromondus_[1] dares not deny it, though hee would (as hee confesses himselfe) for if the Sunne be able to exhale from them such fumes as may cause Comets, why not then such as may cause winds, and why not such also as cause raine, since I have above shewed, that there is Sea and Land as with us. Now raine seemes to be more especially requisite for them, since it may allay the heate and scorchings of the Sunne, when he is over their heads. And nature hath thus provided for those in _Peru_, with the other inhabitants under the line.

[Sidenote 1: _De meteor. l. 3. c. 2. Art. 6._]

But if there be such great, and frequent alterations in the Heavens, why cannot wee discerne them?

I answer:

1. There may be such, and we not able to perceive them, because of the weaknesse of our eye, and the distance of those places from us, they are the words of _Fienus_, as they are quoted by _Fromondus_ in the above cited place,

_Possunt maximae permutationes in coelo fieri, etiamsi a nobis non
conspiciantur, hoc visus nostri debilitas & immensa coeli distantia
faciunt._

And unto him assents _Fromondus_ himselfe, when a little after hee saies,

_Si in sphaeris planetarum degeremus, plurima forsan coelestium
nebularum vellere toto aethere passim dispersa videremus, quorum
species jam evanescit nimia spatii intercapedine._

"If we did live in the spheares of the Planets, wee might there,
perhaps, discerne many great clouds dispersed through the whole
Heavens, which are not now visible by reason of this great distance."

2. _Maeslin_ and _Keplar_ affirme, that they have seene some of these alterations. The words of _Maeslin_ are these (as I finde them cited.)[1]

_In eclipsi Lunari vespere Dominicae Palmarum Anni 1605, in corpore
Lunae versus Boream, nigricans quaedam macula conspecta fuit, obscurior
caetero toto corpore, quod candentis ferri figuram repraesentabat;
dixisses nubila in multam regionem extensa pluviis & tempestuosis
imbribus gravida, cujusmodi ab excelsorum montium jugis in humiliora
convallium loca videre non raro contingit._

"In that lunary eclipse which happened in the even of Palme-sunday,
in the yeere 1605, there was a certaine blackish spot discerned in
the Northerly part of the Moone, being darker than any other part of
her body, and representing the colour of red hot yron; you might
conjecture that it was some dilated cloud, being pregnant with
showers, for thus doe such lower clouds appeare from the tops of
high mountaines."

[Sidenote 1: _Disser. 2. cum nunc. Galil._]

Unto this I may adde another testimony of _Bapt. Cisatus_, as he is quoted by _Nierembergius_,[1] grounded upon an observation taken 23. yeeres after this of _Maeslin_, and writ to this _Euseb. Nieremberg._ in a letter by that diligent and judicious Astronomer. The words of it runne thus:

_Et quidem in eclipsi nupra solari quae fuit ipso die natali Christi,
observavi clare in luna soli supposita, quidpiam quod valde probat
id ipsum quod Cometae quoque & maculae solares urgent, nempe coelum non
esse a tenuitate & variationibus aeris exemptum, nam circa Lunam
adverti esse sphaeram seu orbem quendam vaporosum, non secus atque
circum terram, adeoque sicut ex terra in aliquam usque sphaeram
vapores & exhalationes expirant, ita quoque ex luna._

"In that late solary eclipse which happened on Christmas day, when
the Moone was just under the Sunne, I plainly discerned that in her
which may clearely confirme what the Comets and Sunne spots doe seeme
to prove, _viz._ that the heavens are not solid, nor freed from those
changes which our aire is liable unto, for about the Moone I perceived
such an orbe of vaporous aire, as that is which doth encompasse our
earth, and as vapours and exhalations, are raised from our earth into
this aire, so are they also from the Moone."

[Sidenote 1: _Hist. Nat. l. 2. c. 11._]

You see what probable grounds and plaine testimonies have brought for the confirmation of this Proposition: many other things in this behalfe might be spoken, which for brevity sake I now omit, and passe unto the next.

Proposition 13.

_That tis probable there may be inhabitants in this other World, but
of what kinde they are is uncertaine._

I have already handled the Seasons and Meteors belonging to this new World: 'tis requisite that in the next place I should come unto the third thing which I promised, and to say somewhat of the inhabitants, concerning whom there might be many difficult questions raised, as whether that place be more inconvenient for habitation then our World (as _Keplar_ thinkes) whether they are the seed of _Adam_, whether they are there in a blessed estate, or else what meanes there may be for their salvation, with many other such uncertaine enquiries, which I shall willingly omit, leaving it to their examination, who have more leisure and learning for the search of such particulars.

Being for mine own part content only to set downe such notes belonging unto these which have observed in other Writers.

_Cum tota illa regio nobis ignota sit, remanent inhabitores illi
ignoti penitus_,

(saith _Cusanus_)[1] since we know not the regions of that place, wee must be altogether ignorant of the inhabitants. There hath not yet beene any such discovery concerning these, upon which wee may build a certainty, or good probability: well may wee guesse at them, and that too very doubtfully, but we can know nothing, for if we doe hardly guesse aright at things which be upon earth, if with labour wee doe finde the things that are at hand, [2]how then can wee search out those things that are in Heaven? What a little is that which wee know? in respect of those many matters contained within this great Universe, this whole globe of earth and water? though it seeme to us to be of a large extent, yet it beares not so great a proportion unto the whole frame of Nature, as a small sand doth unto it; and what can such little creatures as wee discerne, who are tied to this point of earth? or what can they in the Moone know of us? If wee understand any thing (saith _Esdras_[3]) 'tis nothing but that which is upon the earth, and hee that dwelleth above in the Heavens, may onely understand the things that are above in the heighth of the heavens.

[Sidenote 1: _De doct. ign. l. 2. c. 12._]

[Sidenote 2: Wisd. 9. 16.]

[Sidenote 3: 2 Esd. 4. 22.]

So that 'twere a very needelesse thing for us, to search after any particulars, however, wee may guesse in the generall, that there are some inhabitans in that Planet: for why else did Providence furnish that place with all such conveniences of habitation as have beene above declared?

But you will say, perhaps, is there not too great and intollerable a heate, since the Sunne is in their Zinith every moneth, and doth tarry their so long before hee leaves it?

I answer, 1. This may, perhaps, be remedied (as it is under the line) by the frequencie of mid-day showers, which may cloud their Sunne, and coole their earth: 2. The equality of their nights doth much temper the scorching of the day, and the extreme cold that comes from the one, require some space before it can be dispelled by the other, so that the heate spending a great while before it can have the victory, hath not afterwards much time to rage in. Wherfore notwithstanding this, yet that place may remaine habitable. And this was the opinion of the _Cardinal de Cusa_, when speaking of this Planet, he saies,[1]

_Hic locus Mundi est habitatio hominum & animalium atque
vegetabilium_.

"This part of the world is inhabited by men and beasts, and Plantes."

To him assented _Campanella_, but hee cannot determine whether there were men, or rather some other kinde of creatures. If they were men, then he thinkes they could not be infected with _Adams_ sinne; yet, perhaps, they had some of their owne, which might make them liable to the same misery with us, out of which, perhaps, they were delivered by the same means as we, the death of Christ, and thus he thinkes that place of the _Ephesians_ may be interpreted, where the Apostle saies,[2] _God gathered all things together in Christ, both which are in earth, and which are in the heavens_: So also that of the same Apostle to the _Colossians_, where hee saies,[3] that _it pleased the Father to reconcile all things unto himselfe by Christ, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven_.

[Sidenote 1: _De doct. ign. l. 2. c. 12._]

[Sidenote 2: Eph. 1. 10.]

[Sidenote 3: Col. 1. 20.]

But I dare not jest with Divine truthes, or apply these places according as fancy directs. As I thinke this opinion doth not any where contradict Scripture, so I thinke likewise, that it cannot be proved from it, wherefore _Campanella's_ second conjecture may be more probable, that the inhabitants of that world, are not men as wee are, but some other kinde of creatures which beare some proportion and likenesse to our natures, and _Cusanus_ too thinkes they differ from us in many respects; I will set downe his words as they may bee found in the abovecited place,

_Suspicamus in regione solis magis esse solares, claros & illuminatos
intellectuares habitatores, spiritu aliores etiam quam in luna, ubi
magis lunatici, & in terra, magis materiales, & grossi, ut illi
intellectualis naturae solares sint multum in actu & parum in
potentia; terreni vero magis in potentia, & parum in actu, lunares
in medio fluctuantes. Hoc quidem opinamur ex influentia ignili
solis aquatica simul & aeria lunae, & gravedine materiali terrae,
& consimiliter de aliis stellarum regionibus suspicantes, nullam
habitatoribus carere, quasi tot sint partes particulares mundiales
omnius universi, quot sunt stellae quarum non est numerus, nisi apud
eum qui omnia in numero creavit._

"Wee may conjecture (saith he) the inhabiters of the Sunne are
like to the nature of that Planet, more cleare and bright, more
intellectuall and spirituall than those in the Moone where they
are neerer to the nature of that duller Planet, and those of the
earth being more grosse and materiall than either, so that these
intellectuall natures in the Sun, are more forme than matter, those
in the earth more matter than forme, and those in the Moone betwixt
both. This wee may guesse from the fiery influence of the Sunne, the
watery and aereous influence of the Moone, as also the matereall
heavinesse of the earth. In some such manner likewise is it with the
regions of the other Starres, for wee conjecture that none of them
are without inhabitants, but that there are so many particular
worlds and parts of this one universe, as there are Stars which are
innumerable, unlesse it bee to him who created all things in number."

For he held that the stars were not all in one equall Orbe as we commonly suppose, but that some were farre higher than others which made them appeare lesse and that many others were so farre above any of these, that they were altogether invisible unto us. An opinion (which as I conceive) hath not any great probability for it, nor certainty against it.

The Priest of _Saturne_ relating to _Plutarch_ (as he faignes it) the nature of the Selenites, told him they were of divers dispositions, some desiring to live in the lower parts of the Moone, where they might looke downewards upon us, while others were more surely mounted aloft, all of them shining like the rayes of the Sun, and as being victorious are crowned with garlands made with the wings of _Eustathia_ or _Constancie_.

It hath beene the opinion amongst some of the Ancients, that their Heavens and Elysian fields were in the Moone where the aire is most quiet and pure. Thus _Socrates_, thus _Plato_,[1] with his followers, did esteeme this to bee the place where those purer soules inhabit, who are freed from the Sepulchre, and contagion of the body. And by the Fable of _Ceres_, continually wandring in search of her daughter _Proserpina_, is meant nothing else but the longing desire of men, who live upon _Ceres_ earth, to attaine a place in _Proserpina_, the Moone or Heaven.

[Sidenote 1: _Nat. Com. lib. 3. c. 19._]

_Plutarch_ also seemes to assent unto this, but hee thinkes moreover, that there are two places of happinesse answerable to those two parts which hee fancies to remaine of a man when hee is dead, the soule and the understanding; the soule he thinkes is made of the Moone, and as our bodies doe so proceede from the dust of this earth, that they shall returne to it hereafter, so our soules were generated out of that Planet, and shall bee resolved into it againe, whereas the understanding shall ascend unto the Sunne, out of which it was made where it shall possesse an eternity of well being, and farre greater happinesse than that which is enjoyed in the Moone. So that when a man dies, if his soule bee much polluted, then must it wander up and downe in the middle regions of the aire where hell is, and there suffer unspeakable torments for those sinnes whereof it is guilty. Whereas the soules of better men, when they have in some space of time beene purged from that impurity which they did derive from the body, then doe they returne into the Moone, where they are possest with such a joy, as those men feele who professe holy misteries, from which place (saith he) some are sent downe to have the superintendance of Oracles, being diligent either in the preservation of the good, either from or in all perils, and the prevention or punishment of all wicked actions, but if in these imployments they mis-behave themselves, then are they againe to be imprisoned in a body, otherwise they remaine in the Moone till their body be resolved into it, & the understanding being cleared from all impediments, ascends to the Sunne which is its proper place. But this requires a diverse space of time according to the diverse affections of the soule. As for those who have beene retired and honest, addicting themselves to a studious and quiet life, these are quickly preferred to a higher happinesse. But as for such who have busied themselves in many broyles, or have beene vehement in the prosecution of any lust, as the ambitious, the amorous, the wrathfull man, these still retaine the glimpses and dreames of such things as they have performed in their bodies, which makes them either altogether unfit to remaine there where they are, or else keepes them long ere they can put off their soules. Thus you see _Plutarchs_ opinion concerning the inhabitants and neighbours of the Moone, which (according to the manner of the Academickes) hee delivers in a third person; you see he makes that Planet an inferiour kind of heaven, and though hee differ in many circumstances, yet doth hee describe it to be some such place, as wee suppose Paradise to be. You see likewise his opinion concerning the place of damned spirits, that it is in the middle region of the aire, and in neither of these is hee singular, but some more late and Orthodox Writers have agreed with him. As for the place of hell, many thinke it may be in the aire as well as any where else.

True indeed, Saint _Austin_ affirmes that this place cannot bee discovered;[1] But others there are who can shew the situation of it out of Scripture; Some holding it to bee in some other world without this, because our Saviour calls it +skotos exoteron+, outward darkenesse.[2] But the most will have it placed towards the Center of our earth, because 'tis said,[3] Christ descended into the lower parts of the earth, and some of these are so confident, that this is its situation, that they can describe you its bignes also, and of what capacity it is. _Francis Ribera_ in his Comment on the _Revelations_, speaking of those words, where 'tis said,[4] that the blood went out of the Wine-presse, even unto the horses bridles by the space of one thousand and sixe hundred furlongs, interprets them to bee meant of Hell, and that that number expresses the diameter of its concavity, which is 200 _Italian_ miles; but _Lessius_ thinkes that this opinion gives them too much roome in hell,[5] and therefore hee guesses that 'tis not so wide; for (saith hee) the diameter of one league being cubically multiplied, will make a spheare capable of 800000 millions of damned bodies, allowing to each sixe foote in the square, whereas (saies hee) 'tis certaine that there shall not be one hundred thousand millions in all that shall bee damned. You see the bold _Iesuit_ was carefull that every one should have but roome enough in hell, and by the strangenesse of the conjecture, you may guesse that he had rather bee absurd, than seeme either uncharitable or ignorant. I remember there is a relation in _Pliny_, how that _Dionisiodorus_ a Mathematician, being dead, did send a letter from his place to some of his friends upon earth, to certifie them what distance there was betwixt the center and superficies: hee might have done well to have prevented this controversie, and enformed them the utmost capacity of that place. However, certaine it is, that that number cannot bee knowne, and probable it is, that the place is not yet determined, but that hell is there where there is any tormented soule, which may bee in the regions of the aire as well as in the center; but of this onely occasionally, and by reason of _Plutarchs_ opinion concerning those that are round about the Moone; as for the Moone it selfe, hee esteemes it to bee a lower kinde of Heaven, and therefore in another place hee cals it a terrestriall starre,[6] and an Olympian or celestiall earth answerable, as I conceive, to the paradise of the Schoolemen, and that Paradise was either in or neere the Moone, is the opinion of some later Writers, who derived it (in all likelihood) from the assertion of _Plato_, and perhaps, this of _Plutarch_. _Tostatus_[7] laies this opinion upon _Isioder. Hispalensis_, and the venerable _Bede_; and _Pererius_[8] fathers it upon _Strabus_ and _Rabanus_ his Master. Some would have it to bee situated in such a place as could not be discovered, which causes the penman of _Esdras_ to make it a harder matter to know the outgoings of Paradise, then to weigh the weight of the fire, or measure the blasts of wind, or call againe a day that is past.[9] But notwithstanding this, there bee some others who thinke that it is on the top of some high mountaine under the line, and these interpreted the torrid Zone to be the flaming Sword whereby Paradise was guarded. 'Tis the consent of divers others, who agree in this, that Paradise is situated in some high and eminent place.[10] So _Tostatus_:

_Est etiam Paradisus situ altissima, supra omnem terrae altitudinem_,

"Paradise is situated in some high place above the earth":

and therefore in his Coment upon the 49. of _Genesis_, hee understands the blessing of _Iacob_ concerning the everlasting hills to bee meant of Paradise, and the blessing it selfe to bee nothing else but a promise of Christs comming, by whose passion the gates of Paradise should bee opened. Unto him assented _Rupertus_, _Scotus_, and most of the other Schoolemen, as I find them cited by _Pererius_,[11] and out of him in Sr. _W. Rawleigh_. Their reason was this: because in probability this place was not overflowed by the flood, since there were no sinners there which might draw that curse upon it. Nay _Tostatus_ thinkes that the body of _Enoch_ was kept there, and some of the Fathers, as _Tertullian_ and _Austin_ have affirmed, that the blessed soules were reserved in that place till the day of judgement, and therefore 'tis likely that it was not overflowed by the flood; and besides, since all men should have went naked if _Adam_ had not fell, 'tis requisite therefore that it should be situated in some such place where it might bee priviledged from the extremities of heat and cold. But now this could not bee (they thought) so conveniently in any lower, as it might in some higher aire. For these and such like considerations have so many affirmed that Paradise was in a high elevated place, which some have conceived could bee no where but in the Moone: For it could not be in the top of any mountaine, nor can we thinke of any other body separated from this earth which can bee a more convenient place for habitation than this Planet, therefore they concluded that it was there.

[Sidenote 1: _De civit. Dei. lib. 22. ca. 16._]

[Sidenote 2: Mat. 25. 30]

[Sidenote 3: Eph. 4. 9.]

[Sidenote 4: Rev. 14. 20.]

[Sidenote 5: _De Morib. div. l. 13. c. 24._]

[Sidenote 6: _Cur silent oracula._]

[Sidenote 7: _S. W. Raw. lib. 1. cap. 3. Sec. 7._]

[Sidenote 8: _in Gen._]

[Sidenote 9: 2 Esd. 4. 7.]

[Sidenote 10: _In_ Genes.]

[Sidenote 11: _Comment. in 2. Gen. v. 8. lib 1. cap. 3. Sec. 6 7._]

It could not bee on the top of any mountaine.

1. Because wee have expresse Scripture, that the highest of them was overflowed.[1]

[Sidenote 1: Gen. 7. 19.]

2. Because it must bee of a greater extension, and not some small patch of ground, since 'tis likely all men should have lived there, if _Adam_ had not fell. But for a satisfaction of these arguments, together with a farther discourse of Paradise, I shall referre you to those who have written purposely upon this subject. Being content for my owne part to have spoken so much of it, as may conduce to shew the opinion of others concerning the inhabitants of the Moone, I dare not my selfe affirme any thing of these Selenites, because I know not any ground whereon to build any probable opinion. But I thinke that future ages will discover more; and our posterity, perhaps, may invent some meanes for our better acquaintance with these inhabitants. 'Tis the method of providence not presently to shew us all, but to lead us along from the knowledge of one thing to another. 'Twas a great while ere the Planets were distinguished from the fixed Stars, and sometime after that ere the morning and evening starre were found to bee the same, and in greater space I doubt not but this also, and farre greater mysteries will bee discovered. In the first ages of the world the Islanders either thought themselves to be the onely dwellers upon the earth, or else if there were any other, yet they could not possibly conceive how they might have any commerce with them, being severed by the deepe and broad Sea, but the after-times found out the invention of ships, in which notwithstanding none but some bold daring men durst venture, there being few so resolute as to commit themselves unto the vaste Ocean, and yet now how easie a thing is this, even to a timorous & cowardly nature? So, perhaps, there may be some other meanes invented for a conveyance to the Moone, and though it may seeme a terrible and impossible thing ever to passe through the vaste spaces of the aire, yet no question there would bee some men who durst venture this as well as the other. True indeed, I cannot conceive any possible meanes for the like discovery of this conjecture, since there can bee no sailing to the Moone, unlesse that were true which the Poets doe but feigne, that shee made her bed in the Sea. We have not now any _Drake_ or _Columbus_ to undertake this voyage, or any _Daedalus_ to invent a conveyance through the aire. However, I doubt not but that time who is still the father of new truths, and hath revealed unto us many things which our Ancestours were ignorant of, will also manifest to our posterity, that which wee now desire, but cannot know. _Veniet tempus_ (saith _Seneca_[1])

_quo ista quae nunc latent, in lucem, dies extrahet, & longioris aevi
diligentia._

Time will come when the indeavours of after-ages shall bring such things to light, as now lie hid in obscurity. Arts are not yet come to their Solstice, but the industry of future times assisted with the labours of their forefathers, may reach unto that height which wee could not attaine to.

_Ueniet tempus quo posteri nostri nos tam aperta nescisse mirentur._

As wee now wonder at the blindnesse of our Ancestors, who were not able to discerne such things as seeme plaine and obvious unto us. So will our posterity admire our ignorance in as perspicuous matters. _Keplar_ doubts not, but that as soone as the art of flying is found out, some of their Nation will make one of the first colonies that shall inhabite that other world. But I leave this and the like conjectures to the fancie of the reader; Desiring now to finish this Discourse, wherein I have in some measure proved what at the first I promised, a world in the Moone. However, I am not so resolute in this, that I thinke tis necessary there must be one, but my opinion is that 'tis possible there may be, and tis probable there is another habitable world in that Planet. And this was that I undertooke to prove. In the pursuit whereof, if I have shewed much weaknesse or indiscretion; I shall willingly submit my selfe to the reason and censure of the more judicious.

[Sidenote 1: _Nat. Quaest. l. 7. c. 25._]

[Decoration]

The Propositions that are proved in this Discourse.

Proposition 1.

_That the strangenesse of this opinion is no sufficient reason why it
should be rejected, because other certaine truths have beene formerly
esteemed ridiculous, and great absurdities entertayned by common
consent._

By way of Preface.

Prop. 2.

_That a plurality of worlds doth not contradict any principle of
reason or faith._

Prop. 3.

_That the heavens doe not consist of any such pure matter which can
priviledge them from the like change and corruption, as these
inferiour bodies are liable unto._

Prop. 4.

_That the Moone is a solid, compacted opacous body._

Prop. 5.

_That the Moone hath not any light of her owne._

Prop. 6.

_That there is a world in the Moone, hath beene the direct opinion of
many ancient, with some moderne Mathematicians, and may probably be
deduced from the tenents of others._

Prop. 7.

_That those spots and brighter parts which by our sight may be
distinguished in the Moone, doe shew the difference betwixt the
Sea and Land in that other world._

Prop. 8.

_That the spots represent the Sea, and the brighter parts the Land._

Prop. 9.

_That there are high Mountaines, deepe vallies, and spacious plaines
in the body of the Moone._

Prop. 10.

_That there is an Atmo-sphaera, or an orbe of grosse vaporous aire,
immediately encompassing the body of the Moone._

Prop. 11.

_That as their world is our Moone, so our world is their Moone._

Prop. 12.

_That tis probable there may bee such Meteors belonging to that world
in the Moone, as there are with us._

Prop. 13.

_That tis probable there may be inhabitants in this other World, but
of what kinde they are is uncertaine._

FINIS.

* * * * *
* * * *
* * * * *

[Transcriber's Additional Notes and Errata]

Works and Authors Cited in Sidenotes:

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list. A few sources could not be identified; others are so well-known, they did not need to be marked.

The following spellings and name forms are used consistently:

Austin = Augustine
Blancanus the Jesuit(e) = Josephus Blancanus, Giuseppe Biancani
Caelius = Lodovicus Caelius Rhodiginus
Tycho = Tycho Brahe
Nicholas Hill "a country man of ours". Hill the early atomist,
not Hill (Montanus, van de Bergh) the printer.
Keplar = Kepler (Johannes)
Julius Caesar = Caesar la Galla, Giulio Cesare La Galla, Lagalla
Maeslin = Maestlin (Michael)
Rawleigh, Rawly = Raleigh (Sir Walter)
Verulam = Francis Bacon (1st Baron Verulam)

Note also "sydera" for "sidera".

Albertus Magnus: _De quattuor coaequaevis_ ----: _De caelo et mundo_ Aristotle: _De Caelo_ Bede: _De ratione temporum_ Christopher Besoldus: _De Natura Populorum ejusque variatione, et de Linguarum ortu atque immutatione_ (1632) Josephus Blancanus (Giuseppe Biancani): _Sphaera mundi_ (Full Title: _Sphaera Mundi seu Cosmographia. Demonstrativa, ac facili Methodo tradita: In qua totius Mundi fabrica, una cum novis, Tychonis, Kepleri, Galilaei, aliorumque; Astronomorum adinventis continetur_) ----: _Aristotelis loca mathematica ex universes ipsius operibus collecta et explicata_ Tycho (Brahe): _Astronomiae instauratae progymnasmata_ Th. (Tommaso) Campanella: _Apologia pro Galileo_ (1622) Collegium Conimbricenses (Jesuits of Coimbra University): _Commentarii Collegii Conimbricensis Societatis Jesu in quattuor libros physicorum Aristotelis de Coelo_ (1592) Cardinal de Cusa, Cusanus (Nicholas of Cusa/Kues, Nicolaus Cryffts): _De Docta Ignorantia_ Johannes Fabricius: _De Maculis in Sole Observatis, et Apparente earum cum Sole Conversione Narratio_ (1611) Text not identified by name. Libertus Fromondus (Libert Froidmont): _Meteorologicorum libri sex_ (1627) Galileo: _Nuncius Sidereus_ Camillus Gloriosus (Giovanni Camillo Glorioso): _De Cometis dissertatio astronomico-physica_ (1624) Isidore: _Originum_ Johannes Kepler: _Dissertatio cum Nuncio Sidereo_ The name "Galileo" (or "Galilei") is sometimes included in the title, as "Diss. cum Nunc. Syd. Galil." ----: _Epitome astronomiae Copernicanae_ ----: _Astronomiae Pars Optica_ Julius Caesar (Giulio Cesare La Galla): _De Phenomenis in Orbe Lunae_ (1612) Leonard Lessius: _De perfectionibus moribusque divinis_ (1620) This work is often cited as "De Moribus"; other early mentions are found in _Tristram Shandy_ and _The Anatomy of Melancholy_. Maeslin (Michael Maestlin): _Epitome Astronomiae_ (1610) Carolus Malapertus, Malapertius (Charles Malapert): _Austriaca sidera heliocyclia astronomicis hypothesibus illigata_ (1633) Jacobus Mazonius (Jacopo Mazzoni): _In universam Platonis et Aristotelis philosophiam praeludia sive de Comparatione Platonis et Aristotelis_ Johannes Eusebius (Juan Eusebio) Nieremberg: _Historia Naturae_ (1635) Augustinus Nifus (Niphus, Agostino Nifo) Quoted text not identified by name. Benedictus Pererius (Benito Pereira): _Commentariorum et disputationum in Genesim tomi quattuor_ (1591-99) Plutarch: _De facie in orbe lunae_ ----: _De tranquillitate animi_ Erasmus Reinhold: Commentary (1542, 1553) on Georg Purbach's _Theoricae novae planetarum_ Caelius = Lodovicus Caelius Rhodiginus (Lodovico / Luigi Ricchieri): _Lectionum antiquarum libri triginta_ Ruvio (Antonio Rubio): Commentary on Aristotle's _De Caelo_ (Julius Caesar) Scaliger: _Exotericae exercitationes ad Hieronymum Cardanum_ Christoph Scheiner: _Rosa Ursina sive Sol ex Admirando Facularum & Macularum suarum Phoenomeno varius_ Tostatus (Alonso Tostado): _In Genesis_

* * * * *

Errors and Anomalies:

All but one occurrence of -que is written with a ligature. They have been expanded for this e-text.

though they have for a long time lien neglected
_so in original: "lain"?_
+pollous ede kai oudena noon echontas+
_text reads +pellous+; last vowel in +echontas+ unclear_
both St. _Uincentius_and _Senafinus_
_"Senafinus" could not be identified, but cannot be Serafinus_
_Aristotle_ was the viol of Gods wrath
_spelling "viol" as in original_
the world is much beholden to _Aristotle_ for all its sciences
_text reads "it sciences"_
if there be more worlds than one
_text reads "more words"_
[Sidenote] Ecclus. 43. 3. 4.
_so in original: "Eccles."?_
[Sidenote to "Ptolome"] _I{o} Apost._
_reading unclear, text not identified: "I^o."?_
[Sidenote to "Rosa Vrsina"] _lib. 4. p. 2. cy. 24, 35._
_unclear: "ty." or error for "cp."?_
_Hebraeonia l. 2. c. 4._
_text unclear: "Hebraeoma"?_
and more especially _Malapertius_
_text reads "Mulapertius"_
but never confuted by any solid reason
_text reads "coufuted"_
[Sidenote] ... _dissertatio / cum Nic. Hill._ ...
_so in original: error for "dissertatio cum Nunc[ius] Sid[ereus]"
(by Kepler)?_
vius qui ad experimenta haec contradicendi animo accesserant
_so in original_
it might probably be deduced
_text reads "de deduced"_
so _Ioach. Rlelicus_
_so in original: "Rheticus"?_
Others think[1] that there be some bodies
_text reads "that there some bodies"_
[Sidenote] So _Bede_ in _d. de Mund. constit._
_single letter illegible: could be "fi" or "a"_
[Sidenote] Eusebius Nioremb. _Hist. Nat.
_so in original: "Nieremberg"_
sententiam exsuscitare velit
_text reads "excuscitare"_
that earth in the writings of _Capernicus_ and his followers
_spelling as in original_
[Sidenote] _Lect. ant. l. 1. c. 15._
_text reads "Lect. aut l. 1"_
Nay this opposes his owne eye-witnesse
_text reads "owne-eye-witnesse"_
that in the Moone there should be any mountaines
_text reads "thete"_
_Olympus_, _Atlas_, _Taurus_ and _Enius_
_text unclear; may be "Emus": for Mt. Aenus?_
the 47th proposition in the first booke of elements.
Therefore the whole line _A_ _G_ is somewhat more than 104
_"the 47th proposition" is better known as the Pythagorean theorem.
"104" is presumably an error for "1004"; the correct figure is
almost 1005_
[Sidenote] _Plat. de fac._
_so in original: "Plut[arch]"?_
[Sidenote] _Praefat. ad Austrica syd._
_so in original: "Austriaca"_
[Sidenote to Caelius] _Progym. 1._
[Sidenote to Tycho] _l. 20. c. 5._
_notes may be reversed: Tycho Brahe wrote a "Progymnasmata"_
because of the exuperancy of the light in the other parts
_so in original: "exsuperancy"_
because they are farre neerer it than wee
_text unclear_
a more chokie soyle like the Ile of _Creete_
_spelling as in original: "chalky"_
in his time tooke especiall notice
_text reads "looke" but catchword has "tooke"_
such appearances may be salved some other way
_so in original_
[Sidenote] _Carolus Malaptius de Heliocyc._
_so in original: Malapert(i)us_
2. _Maeslin_ and _Keplar_ affirme, that they have seene some of these
alterations. The words of _Maeslin_ are these (as I finde them
cited.)
[Sidenote] _Disser. 2. cum nunc. Galil._
_sidenote is attached to Maeslin quote, but work named is by Kepler_
there are some inhabitants in that Planet
_text reads "inhabitans"_
The equality of their nights doth much temper the scorching of the day,
and the extreme cold that comes from the one, require some space
_wording as in original_
This part of the world is inhabited by men and beasts, and Plantes.
_text reads "Planets"_
intellectuares habitatores
_so in original: "intellectuales"?_
ex influentia ignili solis
_adjective "ignilis" may have been invented by author cited_
but _Lessius_ thinkes that this opinion gives them too much roome
_text reads "opi/on" at line break_
hee cals it a terrestriall starre
_text reads "terrestraill"_
_Pererius_ fathers it upon _Strabus_ and _Rabanus_
_text reads "fathers is"_

Punctuation:

the Cities and Mountaines hanging." What shall wee thinke
_marginal quotes continue through line beginning "shall wee"_
a propension in its subject
_text reads "'its" with leading apostrophe_
But the position (say some) is directly against Scripture
_opening parenthesis missing_
Scripturequae coelum pluribus realibus atque
_"atque" written out (all other -que occurrences use ligature)_
more directly proved by _Maeslin_, _Keplar_, and _Galilaeus_
_no comma after "Maeslin"_
it seemed most / likely to _Camillus Gloriosus_, _Th. Campanella_
_text has period (full stop) for comma_
too much for to vent at the first: the chiefe thing
_text reads "at the first. the"_
the words of _Fienus_, as they are quoted by _Fromondus_ in the above
cited place, _Possunt maximae ..._
_text has "... cited place) _Possunt ..."_
_could also be:_
the words of _Fienus_ (as they are quoted by _Fromondus_ in the
above cited place) _Possunt maximae
vespere Dominicae Palmarum Anni 1605, in corpore Lunae
_text reads "Anni 1605. in corpore"_
And this was the opinion of the _Cardinal de Cusa_
_text reads "de cusa"_
but to lead us along from the knowledge of one thing to another
_"a/long" printed at line break without hyphen_

Printer's Errors:

Invisible letters or punctuation marks, supplied from context, are shown in {braces}.

2{.} Grosse absurdities have beene entertained [Sidenote] _Plutarch. de t{r}anq. anim._ [Sidenote] _Lib. 9. Architecturae{.}_ [Sidenote] Reinhold _comment. in Purb. Th{e}or. pag. 164._ [Sidenote] _In lib. de natur. rerum{.}_ [Sidenote] _De 4r. Coaevis.... Exercit{.} 62._ [Sidenote] _Plut. de plac. phil. l. 2. c. 13{.}_] [Sidenote] _Ex qua parte luna est transpi{c}ua non totum secundum superfi{ci}em, [Sidenote] _Albert. mag. de {c}oaevis. Q. 4. Art. 21._ [Sidenote] _S{c}alig. exercit. 62._ some others have thought it to be ver{y} much like a Fox Mihi autem dubium fuit nu{m}quam ... sese in conspectum da{t}uram But it may be againe obj{e}cted yet would the motion of i{t}s centre by an attractive vertue still hold it w{it}hin i{t}s convenient distance, so that whether their ear{t}h moved _"within": "i" missing, "t" invisible_ You may see this truth assented unto by _Blancanus_ the J{e}suit and if you obj{e}ct that the light which is conveyed for he confesses himselfe that he saw this by the glasse{.} our earth appeares a{s} brigh{t}

* * * * *

Pagination:

_Pages 177-192 (printed as 175-190) are all one error: The eight pages printed on one side of the sheet forming signature N were misnumbered by -2._

118, 120 _read_ 18, 20 123 _reads_ 113 166 _reads_ 66 177, 180, 181, 184, 185, 188, 189, 192 _read_ 175, 178, 179, 182, 183, 186, 187, 190 209 _reads_ 107 210, 211 _read_ 208, 209 212, 213, 214 _no printed number_ 215 _reads_ 63