Éirinn go Brách (Ireland forever) - and Happy St. Patrick's Day - The Story of St. Patrick

Some of my favorite Irish sayings.

1. May the luck of the Irish be with you!

2. If you want praise, die. If you want blame, marry.

3. Here's to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold pint and another one!

4. If you’re enough lucky to be Irish... You’re lucky enough!

5. May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far.

6. A man may live after losing his life but not after losing his honour.

7. "All the world's a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed." - Sean O'Casey

8. You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your father was.

9. It is often that a person's mouth broke his nose.

10. It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money!

Once again, I survived for another year in spite of myself and celebrate life the way it should be celebrated, honoring my namesake St. Patrick, beloved patron saint of Ireland.

You see, my maternal grandfather was Patrick Campbell, born in Cork County, Ireland.  I spent an amazing amount of time with him growing up and listening to the endless stores of Ireland.

I came to appreciate the incredible story of St. Patrick, born in Scotland, kidnapped at 16 and taken to Ireland where he was under the Master Druid Milchu in Dalriada.  After six years he escaped and returned to Britain, became a Catholic priest, and was sent back to convert Ireland.

His knowledge of the Druid way, the rich folklore of Ireland, and the magical and mystical people and other creatures made him the perfect candidate for helping the Irish see the light.

In fact the story of St. Patrick is so fascinating I have included an account from the New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia.  Of course, it does not go into depth on the Druid teachings that benefited St. Patrick, but we Irish understand the reluctance of the church to give credibility to the Celtic and Druid culture before Christianity.

I have attended many St. Patrick parades in NY, even traveled to Dublin for the real deal in the Emerald Isle.  Back in Omaha, Nebraska, the Irish took over the town when I worked for Irish Mayor Gene Leahy.

Twice I traveled to Ireland and explored the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland where I was transformed to a time and place long ago.  Have a great and safe St. Pat's and slam down a Guinness for me.

New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia on St. Patrick

Apostle of Ireland, born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, in the year 387; died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, 17 March, 493. Some sources say 460 or 461. --Ed.

He had for his parents Calphurnius and Conchessa. The former belonged to a Roman family of high rank and held the office of decurio in Gaul or Britain. Conchessa was a near relative of the great patron of Gaul, St. Martin of Tours. Kilpatrick still retains many memorials of Saint Patrick, and frequent pilgrimages continued far into the Middle Ages to perpetuate there the fame of his sanctity and miracles.

In his sixteenth year, Patrick was carried off into captivity by Irish marauders and was sold as a slave to a chieftain named Milchu in Dalriada, a territory of the present county of Antrim in Ireland, where for six years he tended his master's flocks in the valley of the Braid and on the slopes of Slemish, near the modern town of Ballymena. He relates in his "Confessio" that during his captivity while tending the flocks he prayed many times in the day: "the love of God", he added,

and His fear increased in me more and more, and the faith grew in me, and the spirit was roused, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers, and in the night nearly the same, so that whilst in the woods and on the mountain, even before the dawn, I was roused to prayer and felt no hurt from it, whether there was snow or ice or rain; nor was there any slothfulness in me, such as I see now, because the spirit was then fervent within me.

In the ways of a benign Providence the six years of Patrick's captivity became a remote preparation for his future apostolate. He acquired a perfect knowledge of the Celtic tongue in which he would one day announce the glad tidings of Redemption, and, as his master Milchu was a druidical high priest, he became familiar with all the details of Druidism from whose bondage he was destined to liberate the Irish race.

Admonished by an angel he after six years fled from his cruel master and bent his steps towards the west. He relates in his "Confessio" that he had to travel about 200 miles; and his journey was probably towards Killala Bay and onwards thence to Westport. He found a ship ready to set sail and after some rebuffs was allowed on board. In a few days he was among his friends once more in Britain, but now his heart was set on devoting himself to the service of God in the sacred ministry. We meet with him at St. Martin's monastery at Tours, and again at the island sanctuary of Lérins which was just then acquiring widespread renown for learning and piety; and wherever lessons of heroic perfection in the exercise of Christian life could be acquired, thither the fervent Patrick was sure to bend his steps. No sooner had St. Germain entered on his great mission at Auxerre than Patrick put himself under his guidance, and it was at that great bishop's hands that Ireland's future apostle was a few years later promoted to the priesthood. It is the tradition in the territory of the Morini that Patrick under St. Germain's guidance for some years was engaged in missionary work among them. When Germain commissioned by the Holy See proceeded to Britain to combat the erroneous teachings of Pelagius, he chose Patrick to be one of his missionary companions and thus it was his privilege to be associated with the representative of Rome in the triumphs that ensued over heresy and Paganism, and in the many remarkable events of the expedition, such as the miraculous calming of the tempest at sea, the visit to the relics at St. Alban's shrine, and the Alleluia victory. Amid all these scenes, however, Patrick's thoughts turned towards Ireland, and from time to time he was favoured with visions of the children from Focluth, by the Western sea, who cried to him: "O holy youth, come back to Erin, and walk once more amongst us."

Pope St. Celestine I, who rendered immortal service to the Church by the overthrow of the Pelagian and Nestorian heresies, and by the imperishable wreath of honour decreed to the Blessed Virgin in the General Council of Ephesus, crowned his pontificate by an act of the most far-reaching consequences for the spread of Christianity and civilization, when he entrusted St. Patrick with the mission of gathering the Irish race into the one fold of Christ. Palladius had already received that commission, but terrified by the fierce opposition of a Wicklow chieftain had abandoned the sacred enterprise. It was St. Germain, Bishop of Auxerre, who commended Patrick to the pope. The writer of St. Germain's Life in the ninth century, Heric of Auxerre, thus attests this important fact: "Since the glory of the father shines in the training of the children, of the many sons in Christ whom St. Germain is believed to have had as disciples in religion, let it suffice to make mention here, very briefly, of one most famous, Patrick, the special Apostle of the Irish nation, as the record of his work proves. Subject to that most holy discipleship for 18 years, he drank in no little knowledge in Holy Scripture from the stream of so great a well-spring. Germain sent him, accompanied by Segetius, his priest, to Celestine, Pope of Rome, approved of by whose judgement, supported by whose authority, and strengthened by whose blessing, he went on his way to Ireland." It was only shortly before his death that Celestine gave this mission to Ireland's apostle and on that occasion bestowed on him many relics and other spiritual gifts, and gave him the name "Patercius" or "Patritius", not as an honorary title, but as a foreshadowing of the fruitfulness and merit of his apostolate whereby he became pater civium (the father of his people). Patrick on his return journey from Rome received at Ivrea the tidings of the death of Palladius, and turning aside to the neighboring city of Turin received episcopal consecration at the hands of its great bishop, St. Maximus, and thence hastened on to Auxerre to make under the guidance of St. Germain due preparations for the Irish mission.

It was probably in the summer months of the year 433, that Patrick and his companions landed at the mouth of the Vantry River close by Wicklow Head. The Druids were at once in arms against him. But Patrick was not disheartened. The intrepid missionary resolved to search out a more friendly territory in which to enter on his mission. First of all, however, he would proceed towards Dalriada, where he had been a slave, to pay the price of ransom to his former master, and in exchange for the servitude and cruelty endured at his hands to impart to him the blessings and freedom of God's children. He rested for some days at the islands off the Skerries coast, one of which still retains the name of Inis-Patrick, and he probably visited the adjoining mainland, which in olden times was known as Holm Patrick. Tradition fondly points out the impression of St. Patrick's foot upon the hard rock — off the main shore, at the entrance to Skerries harbour. Continuing his course northwards he halted at the mouth of the River Boyne. A number of the natives there gathered around him and heard with joy in their own sweet tongue the glad tidings of Redemption. There too he performed his first miracle on Irish soil to confirm the honour due to the Blessed Virgin, and the Divine birth of our Saviour.

Leaving one of his companions to continue the work of instruction so auspiciously begun, he hastened forward to Strangford Loughand there quitting his boat continued his journey over land towards Slemish. He had not proceeded far when a chieftain, named Dichu, appeared on the scene to prevent his further advance. He drew his sword to smite the saint, but his arm became rigid as a statue and continued so until he declared himself obedient to Patrick. Overcome by the saint's meekness and miracles, Dichu asked for instruction and made a gift of a large sabhall (barn), in which the sacred mysteries were offered up. This was the first sanctuary dedicated by St. Patrick in Erin. It became in later years a chosen retreat of the saint. A monastery and church were erected there, and the hallowed site retains the name Sabhall (pronounced Saul) to the present day. Continuing his journey towards Slemish, the saint was struck with horror on seeing at a distance the fort of his old master Milchu enveloped in flames. The fame of Patrick's marvelous power of miracles preceded him. Milchu, in a fit of frenzy, gathered his treasures into his mansion and setting it on fire, cast himself into the flames. An ancient record adds: "His pride could not endure the thought of being vanquished by his former slave".

Returning to Saul, St. Patrick learned from Dichu that the chieftains of Erin had been summoned to celebrate a special feast at Tara by Leoghaire, who was the Ard-Righ, that is, the Supreme Monarch of Ireland. This was an opportunity which Patrick would not forego; he would present himself before the assembly, to strike a decisive blow against the Druidism that held the nation captive, and to secure freedom for the glad tidings of Redemption of which he was the herald. As he journeyed on he rested for some days at the house of a chieftain named Secsnen, who with his household joyfully embraced the Faith. The youthful Benen, or Benignus, son of the chief, was in a special way captivated by the Gospel doctrines and the meekness of Patrick. Whilst the saint slumbered he would gather sweet-scented flowers and scatter them over his bosom, and when Patrick was setting out, continuing his journey towards Tara, Benen clung to his feet declaring that nothing would sever him from him. "Allow him to have his way", said St. Patrick to the chieftain, "he shall be heir to my sacred mission." Thenceforth Benen was the inseparable companion of the saint, and the prophecy was fulfilled, for Benen is named among the "comhards" or successors of St. Patrick in Armagh.

It was on 26 March, Easter Sunday, in 433, that the eventful assembly was to meet at Tara, and the decree went forth that from the preceding day the fires throughout the kingdom should be extinguished until the signal blaze was kindled at the royal mansion. The chiefs and Brehons came in full numbers and the druids too would muster all their strength to bid defiance to the herald of good tidings and to secure the hold of their superstition on the Celtic race, for their demoniac oracles had announced that the messenger of Christ had come to Erin. St. Patrick arrived at the hill of Slane, at the opposite extremity of the valley from Tara, on Easter Eve, in that year the feast of the Annunciation, and on the summit of the hill kindled the Paschal fire. The druids at once raised their voice. "O King", (they said) "live forever; this fire, which has been lighted in defiance of the royal edict, will blaze for ever in this land unless it be this very night extinguished." 

By order of the king and the agency of the druids, repeated attempts were made to extinguish the blessed fire and to punish with death the intruder who had disobeyed the royal command. But the fire was not extinguished and Patrick shielded by the Divine power came unscathed from their snares and assaults. On Easter Day the missionary band having at their head the youth Benignus bearing aloft a copy of the Gospels, and followed by St. Patrick who with mitre and crozier was arrayed in full episcopal attire, proceeded in processional order to Tara. The druids and magicians put forth all their strength and employed all their incantations to maintain their sway over the Irish race, but the prayer and faith of Patrick achieved a glorious triumph. The druids by their incantations overspread the hill and surrounding plain with a cloud of worse than Egyptian darkness. Patrick defied them to remove that cloud, and when all their efforts were made in vain, at his prayer the sun sent forth its rays and the brightest sunshine lit up the scene. Again by demoniac power the Arch-Druid Lochru, like Simon Magus of old, was lifted up high in the air, but when Patrick knelt in prayer the druid from his flight was dashed to pieces upon a rock.

Thus was the final blow given to paganism in the presence of all the assembled chieftains. It was, indeed, a momentous day for the Irish race. Twice Patrick pleaded for the Faith before Leoghaire. The king had given orders that no sign of respect was to be extended to the strangers, but at the first meeting the youthful Erc, a royal page, arose to show him reverence; and at the second, when all the chieftains were assembled, the chief-bard Dubhtach showed the same honour to the saint. Both these heroic men became fervent disciples of the Faith and bright ornaments of the Irish Church. It was on this second solemn occasion that St. Patrick is said to have plucked a shamrock from the sward, to explain by its triple leaf and single stem, in some rough way, to the assembled chieftains, the great doctrine of the Blessed Trinity. On that bright Easter Day, the triumph of religion at Tara was complete. The Ard-Righ granted permission to Patrick to preach the Faith throughout the length and breadth of Erin, and the druidical prophecy like the words of Balaam of old would be fulfilled: the sacred fire now kindled by the saint would never be extinguished.

The beautiful prayer of St. Patrick, popularly known as "St. Patrick's Breast-Plate", is supposed to have been composed by him in preparation for this victory over Paganism. The following is a literal translation from the old Irish text:

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the Judgement Day.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.

I bind to myself today
God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.

I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false prophets,
Against the black laws of heathenism,
Against the false laws of heresy,
Against the deceits of idolatry,
Against the spells of women, and smiths, and druids,
Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man.

Christ, protect me today
Against every poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against death-wound,
That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ in the poop [deck],
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity,
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

St. Patrick remained during Easter week at Slane and Tara, unfolding to those around him the lessons of Divine truth. Meanwhile the national games were being celebrated a few miles distant at Tailten (now Telltown) in connection with the royal feast. St. Patrick proceeding thither solemnly administered baptism to Conall, brother of the Ard-Righ Leoghaire, on Wednesday, 5 April. Benen and others had already been privately gathered into the fold of Christ, but this was the Irish Kalendars to the fifth of April is assigned "the beginning of the Baptism of Erin". This first Christian royal chieftain made a gift to Patrick of a site for a church which to the present day retains the name of Donagh-Patrick.  The blessing of heaven was was with Conall's family. St. Columba is reckoned among his descendants, and many of the kings of Ireland until the eleventh century were of his race. St. Patrick left some of his companions to carry on the work of evangelization in Meath, thus so auspiciously begun. He would himself visit the other territories. Some of the chieftains who had come to Tara were from Focluth, in the neighbourhood of Killala, in Connaught, and as it was the children of Focluth who in vision had summoned him to return to Ireland, he resolved to accompany those chieftains on their return, that thus the district of Focluth would be among the first to receive the glad tidings of Redemption.

It affords a convincing proof of the difficulties that St. Patrick had to overcome, that though full liberty to preach the Faith throughout Erin was granted by the monarch of Leoghaire, nevertheless, in order to procure a safe conduct through the intervening territories whilst proceeding towards Connaught he had to pay the price of fifteen slaves. On his way thither, passing through Granard he learned that at Magh-Slecht, not far distant, a vast concourse was engaged in offering worship to the chief idol Crom-Cruach. It was a huge pillar-stone, covered with slabs of gold and silver, with a circle of twelve minor idols around it. He proceeded thither, and with his crosier smote the chief idol that crumbled to dust; the others fell to the ground. At Killala he found the whole people of the territory assembled. At his preaching, the king and his six sons, with 12,000 of the people, became docile to the Faith. He spent seven years visiting every district of Connaught, organizing parishes, forming dioceses, and instructing the chieftains and people.

On the occasion of his first visit to Rathcrogan, the royal seat of the kings of Connaught, situated near Tulsk, in the County of Roscommon, a remarkable incident occurred, recorded in many of the authentic narratives of the saint's life. Close by the clear fountain of Clebach, not far from the royal abode, Patrick and his venerable companions had pitched their tents and at early dawn were chanting the praises of the Most High, when the two daughters of the Irish monarch — Ethne, the fair, and Fedelm, the ruddy — came thither, as was their wont, to bathe. Astonished at the vision that presented itself to them, the royal maidens cried out: "Who are ye, and whence do ye come? Are ye phantoms, or fairies, or friendly mortals?" St. Patrick said to them: "It were better you would adore and worship the one true God, whom we announce to you, than that you would satisfy your curiosity by such vain questions." And then Ethne broke forth into the questions:

"Who is God?"
"And where is God?"
"Where is His dwelling?"
"Has He sons and daughters?"
"Is He rich in silver and gold?"
"Is He everlasting? is He beautiful?"
"Are His daughters dear and lovely to the men of this world?"
"Is He on the heavens or on earth?"
"In the sea, in rivers, in mountains, in valleys?"
"Make Him known to us. How is He to be seen?"
"How is He to be loved? How is He to be found?"
"Is it in youth or is it in old age that He may be found?"

But St. Patrick, filled with the Holy Ghost, made answer:

"God, whom we announce to you, is the Ruler of all things."
"The God of heaven and earth, of the sea and the rivers."
"The God of the sun, and the moon, and all the stars."
"The God of the high mountains and of the low-lying valleys."
"The God who is above heaven, and in heaven, and under heaven."
"His dwelling is in heaven and earth, and the sea, and all therein."
"He gives breath to all."
"He gives life to all."
"He is over all."
"He upholds all."
"He gives light to the sun."
"He imparts splendour to the moon."
"He has made wells in the dry land, and islands in the ocean."
"He has appointed the stars to serve the greater lights."
"His Son is co-eternal and co-equal with Himself."
"The Son is not younger than the Father."
"And the Father is not older than the Son."
"And the Holy Ghost proceeds from them."
"The Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are undivided."
"But I desire by Faith to unite you to the Heavenly King, as you are daughters of an earthly king."

The maidens, as if with one voice and one heart, said: "Teach us most carefully how we may believe in the Heavenly King; show us how we may behold Him face to face, and we will do whatsoever you shall say to us."

And when he had instructed them he said to them: "Do you believe that by baptism you put off the sin inherited from the first parents."
They answered: "We believe."
"Do you believe in penance after sin?"
"We believe."
"Do you believe in life after death?" Do you believe in resurrection on the Day of Judgement?"
"We believe."
"Do you believe in the unity of the Church?"
"We believe."

Then they were baptized, and were clothed in white garments. And they besought that they might behold the face of Christ. And the saint said to them: "You cannot see the face of Christ unless you taste death, and unless you receive the Sacrifice." They answered: "Give us the Sacrifice, so that we may be able to behold our Spouse." And the ancient narrative adds: "when they received the Eucharist of God, they slept in death, and they were placed upon a couch, arrayed in their white baptismal robes."

In 440 St. Patrick entered on the special work of the conversion of Ulster. Under the following year, the ancient annalists relate a wonderful spread of the Faith throughout the province. In 444 a site for a church was granted at Armagh by Daire, the chieftain of the district. It was in a valley at the foot of a hill, but the saint was not content. He had special designs in his heart for that district, and at length the chieftain told him to select in his territory any site he would deem most suitable for his religious purpose. St. Patrick chose that beautiful hill on which the old cathedral of Armagh stands. As he was marking out the church with his companions, they came upon a doe and fawn, and the saint's companions would kill them for food; but St. Patrick would not allow them to do so, and, taking the fawn upon his shoulders, and followed by the doe, he proceeded to a neighbouring hill, and laid down the fawn, and announced that there, in future times, great glory would be given to the Most High. It was precisely upon that hill thus fixed by St. Patrick that, a few years ago, there was solemnly dedicated the new and beautiful Catholic cathedral of Armagh. A representative of the Holy See presided on the occasion, and hundreds of priests and bishops were gathered there; and, indeed, it might truly be said, the whole Irish race on that occasion offered up that glorious cathedral to the Most High as tribute to their united faith and piety, and their never-failing love of God.

From Ulster St. Patrick probably proceeded to Meath to consolidate the organization of the communities there, and thence he continued his course through Leinster. Two of the saint's most distinguished companions, St. Auxilius and St. Iserninus, had the rich valley of the Liffey assigned to them. The former's name is still retained in the church which he founded at Killossy, while the latter is honoured as the first Bishop of Kilcullen. As usual, St. Patrick's primary care was to gather the ruling chieftains into the fold. At Naas, the royal residence in those days, he baptised two sons of the King of Leinster. Memorials of the saint still abound in the district — the ruins of the ancient church which he founded, his holy well, and the hallowed sites in which the power of God was shown forth in miracles. At Sletty, in the immediate neighborhood of Carlow, St. Fiacc, son of the chief Brehon, Dubthach, was installed as bishop, and for a considerable time that see continued to be the chief centre of religion for all Leinster. St. Patrick proceeded through Gowran into Ossory; here he erected a church under the invocation of St. Martin, near the present city of Kilkenny, and enriched it with many precious relics which he had brought from Rome. It was in Leinster, on the borders of the present counties of Kildare and Queen's, that Odhran, St. Patrick's charioteer, attained the martyr's crown. The chieftain of that district honoured the demon-idol, Crom Cruach, with special worship, and, on hearing of that idol being cast down, vowed to avenge the insult by the death of our apostle. Passing through the territory, Odhran overheard the plot that was being organized for the murder of St. Patrick, and as they were setting out in the chariot to continue their journey, asked the saint, as a favour, to take the reins, and to allow himself, for the day, to hold the place of honour and rest. This was granted, and scarcely had they set out when a well-directed thrust of a lance pierced the heart of the devoted charioteer, who thus, by changing places, saved St. Patrick's life, and won for himself the martyr's crown.

St. Patrick next proceeded to Munster. As usual, his efforts were directed to combat error in the chief centres of authority, knowing well that, in the paths of conversion, the kings and chieftains would soon be followed by their subjects. At "Cashel of the Kings" he was received with great enthusiasm, the chiefs and Brehons and people welcoming him with joyous acclaim.  While engaged in the baptism of the royal prince Aengus, son of the King of Munster, the saint, leaning on his crosier, pierced with its sharp point the prince's foot. Aengus bore the pain unmoved. When St. Patrick, at the close of the ceremony, saw the blood flow, and asked him why he had been silent, he replied, with genuine heroism, that he thought it might be part of the ceremony, a penalty for the joyous blessings of the Faith that were imparted. The saint admired his heroism, and, taking the chieftain's shield, inscribed on it a cross with the same point of the crozier, and promised that that shield would be the signal of countless spiritual and temporal triumphs.

Our apostle spent a considerable time in the present County of Limerick. The fame of his miracles and sanctity had gone before him, and the inhabitants of Thomond and northern Munster, crossing the Shannon in their frail coracles, hastened to receive his instruction. When giving his blessing to them on the summit of the hill of Finnime, looking out on the rich plains before him, he is said to have prophesied the coming of St. Senanus: "To the green island in the West, at the mouth of the sea [i.e., Inis-Cathaigh, now Scattery Island, at the mouth of the Shannon, near Kilrush], the lamp of the people of God will come; he will be the head of counsel to all this territory." At Sangril (now Singland), in Limerick, and also in the district of Gerryowen, the holy wells of the saint are pointed out, and the slab of rock, which served for his bed, and the altar on which every day he offered up the Holy Sacrifice. On the banks of the Suit, and the Blackwater, and the Lee, wherever the saint preached during the seven years he spent in Munster, a hearty welcome awaited him. The ancient Life attests: "After Patrick had founded cells and churches in Munster, and had ordained persons of every grade, and healed the sick, and resuscitated the dead, he bade them farewell, and imparted his blessing to them." The words of this blessing, which is said to have been given from the hills of Tipperary, as registered in the saint's Life, to which I have just referred, are particularly beautiful:

A blessing on the Munster people —
Men, youths, and women;
A blessing on the land
That yields them fruit.

A blessing on every treasure
That shall be produced on their plains,
Without any one being in want of help,
God's blessing be on Munster.

A blessing on their peaks,
On their bare flagstones,
A blessing on their glens,
A blessing on their ridges.

Like the sand of the sea under ships,
Be the number in their hearths;
On slopes, on plains,
On mountains, on hills, a blessing.

St. Patrick continued until his death to visit and watch over the churches which he had founded in all the provinces in Ireland. He comforted the faithful in their difficulties, strengthened them in the Faith and in the practice of virtue, and appointed pastors to continue his work among them. It is recorded in his Life that he consecrated no fewer than 350 bishops. He appointed St. Loman to Trim, which rivalled Armagh itself in its abundant harvest of piety. St. Guasach, son of his former master, Milchu, became Bishop of Granard, while the two daughters of the same pagan chieftain founded close by, at Clonbroney, a convent of pious virgins, and merited the aureola of sanctity. St. Mel, nephew of our apostle, had the charge of Ardagh; St. MacCarthem, who appears to have been particularly loved by St. Patrick, was made Bishop of Clogher. The narrative in the ancient Life of the saint regarding his visit to the district of Costello, in the County of Mayo, serves to illustrate his manner of dealing with the chieftains. He found, it says, the chief, Ernasc, and his son, Loarn, sitting under a tree, "with whom he remained, together with his twelve companions, for a week, and they received from him the doctrine of salvation with attentive ear and mind. Meanwhile he instructed Loarn in the rudiments of learning and piety." A church was erected there, and, in after years, Loarn was appointed to its charge.

The manifold virtues by which the early saints were distinguished shone forth in all their perfection in the life of St. Patrick. When not engaged in the work of the sacred ministry, his whole time was spent in prayer. Many times in the day he armed himself with the sign of the Cross. He never relaxed his penitential exercises. Clothed in a rough hair-shirt, he made the hard rock his bed. His disinterestedness is specially commemorated. Countless converts of high rank would cast their precious ornaments at his feet, but all were restored to them. He had not come to Erin in search of material wealth, but to enrich her with the priceless treasures of the Catholic Faith.

From time to time he withdrew from the spiritual duties of his apostolate to devote himself wholly to prayer and penance. One of his chosen places of solitude and retreat was the island of Lough Derg, which, to our own day, has continued to be a favourite resort of pilgrims, and it is known as St. Patrick's Purgatory. Another theatre of his miraculous power and piety and penitential austerities in the west of Ireland merits particular attention. In the far west of Connaught there is a range of tall mountains, which, arrayed in rugged majesty, bid defiance to the waves and storms of the Atlantic. At the head of this range arises a stately cone in solitary grandeur, about 4000 feet in height, facing Clew Bay, and casting its shadow over the adjoining districts of Aghagower and Westport. This mountain was known in pagan times as the Eagle Mountain, but ever since Ireland was enlightened with the light of Faith it is known as Croagh Patrick, i.e. St. Patrick's mountain, and is honoured as the Holy Hill, the Mount Sinai, of Ireland.

St. Patrick, in obedience to his guardian angel, made this mountain his hallowed place of retreat. In imitation of the great Jewish legislator on Sinai, he spent forty days on its summit in fasting and prayer, and other penitential exercises. His only shelter from the fury of the elements, the wind and rain, the hail and snow, was a cave, or recess, in the solid rock; and the flagstone on which he rested his weary limbs at night is still pointed out. The whole purpose of his prayer was to obtain special blessings and mercy for the Irish race, whom he evangelized. The demons that made Ireland their battlefield mustered all their strength to tempt the saint and disturb him in his solitude, and turn him away, if possible, from his pious purpose. They gathered around the hill in the form of vast flocks of hideous birds of prey. So dense were their ranks that they seemed to cover the whole mountain, like a cloud, and they so filled the air that Patrick could see neither sky nor earth nor ocean. St. Patrick besought God to scatter the demons, but for a time it would seem as if his prayers and tears were in vain. At length he rang his sweet-sounding bell, symbol of his preaching of the Divine truths. Its sound was heard all over the valleys and hills of Erin, everywhere bringing peace and joy. The flocks of demons began to scatter. He flung his bell among them; they took to precipitate flight, and cast themselves into the ocean. So complete was the saint's victory over them that, as the ancient narrative adds, "for seven years no evil thing was to be found in Ireland."

The saint, however, would not, as yet, descend from the mountain. He had vanquished the demons, but he would now wrestle with God Himself, like Jacob of old, to secure the spiritual interests of his people. The angel had announced to him that, to reward his fidelity in prayer and penance, as many of his people would be gathered into heaven as would cover the land and sea as far as his vision could reach. Far more ample, however, were the aspirations of the saint, and he resolved to persevere in fasting and prayer until the fullest measure of his petition was granted. Again and again the angel came to comfort him, announcing new concessions; but all these would not suffice. He would not relinquish his post on the mountain, or relax his penance, until all were granted. At length the message came that his prayers were heard:

• many souls would be free from the pains of purgatory through his intercession;
• whoever in the spirit of penance would recite his hymn before death would attain the heavenly reward;
• barbarian hordes would never obtain sway in his Church;
• seven years before the Judgement Day, the sea would spread over Ireland to save its people from the temptations and terrors of the Antichrist; and
• greatest blessing of all, Patrick himself should be deputed to judge the whole Irish race on the last day.

Such were the extraordinary favors which St. Patrick, with his wrestling with the Most High, his unceasing prayers, his unconquerable love of heavenly things, and his unremitting penitential deeds, obtained for the people whom he evangelized.

It is sometimes supposed that St. Patrick's apostolate in Ireland was an unbroken series of peaceful triumphs, and yet it was quite the reverse. No storm of persecution was, indeed stirred up to assail the infant Church, but the saint himself was subjected to frequent trials at the hands of the druids and of other enemies of the Faith. He tells us in his "Confessio" that no fewer than twelve times he and his companions were seized and carried off as captives, and on one occasion in particular he was loaded with chains, and his death was decreed. But from all these trials and sufferings he was liberated by a benign Providence.  It is on account of the many hardships which he endured for the Faith that, in some of the ancient Martyrologies, he is honoured as a martyr.

St. Patrick, having now completed his triumph over Paganism, and gathered Ireland into the fold of Christ, prepared for the summons to his reward. St. Brigid came to him with her chosen virgins, bringing the shroud in which he would be enshrined. It is recorded that when St. Patrick and St. Brigid were united in their last prayer, a special vision was shown to him. He saw the whole of Ireland lit up with the brightest rays of Divine Faith. This continued for centuries, and then clouds gathered around the devoted island, and, little by little, the religious glory faded away, until, in the course of centuries, it was only in the remotest valleys that some glimmer of its light remained. St. Patrick prayed that the light would never be extinguished, and, as he prayed, the angel came to him and said: "Fear not: your apostolate shall never cease." As he thus prayed, the glimmering light grew in brightness, and ceased not until once more all the hills and valleys of Ireland were lit up in their pristine splendour, and then the angel announced to St. Patrick: "Such shall be the abiding splendour of Divine truth in Ireland."

At Saul (Sabhall), St. Patrick received the summons to his reward on 17 March, 493 [See note above — Ed.]. St. Tassach administered the last sacraments to him. His remains were wrapped in the shroud woven by St. Brigid's own hands. The bishops and clergy and faithful people from all parts crowded around his remains to pay due honour to the Father of their Faith. Some of the ancient Lives record that for several days the light of heaven shone around his bier. His remains were interred at the chieftain's Dun or Fort two miles from Saul, where in after times arose the cathedral of Down.

Writings of St. Patrick

The "Confessio" and the "Epistola ad Coroticum" are recognized by all modern critical writers as of unquestionable genuineness. The best edition, with text, translation, and critical notes, is by Rev. Dr. White for the Royal Irish Academy, in 1905. The 34 canons of a synod held before the year 460 by St. Patrick, Auxilius, and Isserninus, though rejected by Todd and Haddan, have been placed by Professor Bury beyond the reach of controversy. Another series of 31 ecclesiastical canons entitled "Synodus secunda Patritii", though unquestionably of Irish origin and dating before the close of the seventh century, is generally considered to be of a later date than St. Patrick. Two tracts (in P.L., LIII), entitled "De abusionibus saeculi", and "De Tribus habitaculis", were composed by St. Patrick in Irish and translated into Latin at a later period. Passages from them are assigned to St. Patrick in the "Collectio Hibernensis Canonum", which is of unquestionable authority and dates from the year 700 (Wasserschleben, 2nd ed., 1885). This "Collectio Hibernensis" also assigns to St. Patrick the famous synodical decree: "Si quae quaestiones in hac insula oriantur, ad Sedem Apostolicam referantur." (If any difficulties arise in this island, let them be referred to the Apostolic See). The beautiful prayer, known as "Faeth Fiada", or the "Lorica of St. Patrick" (St. Patrick's Breast-Plate), first edited by Petrie in his "History of Tara", is now universally accepted as genuine. The "Dicta Sancti Patritii", or brief sayings of the saint, preserved in the "Book of Armagh", are accurately edited by Fr. Hogan, S.J., in "Documenta de S. Patritio" (Brussels, 1884). The old Irish text of "The Rule of Patrick" has been edited by O'Keeffe, and a translation by Archbishop Healy in the appendix to his Life of St. Patrick (Dublin, 1905). It is a tract of venerable antiquity, and embodies the teaching of the saint.
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the Melchizedek Chronicles - Ancient Knowledge kept from You - The Secret of the Seven Angels who Move the Spheres According to God - Johannes Trithemius 1508 AD

Johannes Trithemius

1462-1516

Abbot of Sponheim

A TREATISE ON THE SEVEN SECONDARY CAUSES, I.E.,

INTELLIGENCES, OR SPIRITS, WHO MOVE THE SPHERES

ACCORDING TO GOD

(Written 1508)

                                                                               

Of the Heavenly INTELLIGENCIES

 Governing the Orbes under GOD.
1508

Okay, a brief diversion before I tell you the ancient secrets of the Seven Angels who Move the Spheres According to God.  Finish this and you will be fascinated and left wondering why no one ever mentioned this in your life.

For as long as I can remember I have been driven to question everything because the truth has been hidden from us for reasons we cannot even imagine.  The thought was ingrained in my nature since before I learned what or how to think.

I never understood it as I went through each phase of the relentless programming we are all exposed to in school, in families, in culture, in history books, in politics and even in religions.  For many years it was a journey I took alone as no one seemed to share my skepticism or cynicism or pessimism or whatever you may want to call it.

When I was very young I began a lifelong avocation of collecting old dictionaries, in particular the Encyclopedic Dictionaries of the 1800's.  That was where I began to notice the first supple and then pronounced changes in how words were being used, and defined, and then redefined.

To a student of old dictionaries the difference between 19th century and 20th century definitions for the same words was dramatic and shocking so many liberties were used in altering common definitions.  It seemed as if history was being bent in the English usage to accommodate a history that didn't really exist.

The Native Americans have a wonderful term with some very dark connotations called "shape shifting" in which things morphed into something entirely different from what you thought you were seeing.  It was mostly used when describing the powers of the ’ánt’įįhnii, or witches from the dark side in Navajo.

These shape shifters or skinwalkers altered reality to achieve their heinous goal and they date back to the First Emergence, the dawning of the age of man.  They are feared because they are murderous and full of evil.

Could it be that our very own history, culture, religion and laws of God and nature are caught up in the relentless quest of the dark side to gain the favor and then dominance over an unsuspecting public.

My search led me to several generations of Indigenous traditional spiritual leaders, to theologians, to ancient Greek philosophers, to ancient Chinese mystics and to the world of Druids and magic in search of truth.

Early on it was clear that history was not a particularly viable source of truth because the vast majority of historical accounts were written to defend or justify a person, principle, practice, philosophy or precept.  Bending the truth to justify a morally or ethically bankrupt idea was in vogue.  It didn't matter what field it was used, there was penetration by the dark side into practically all aspects of humanity.

No where was this more evident than in the ancient field of metaphysics whose definition is not even remotely recognizable today.  In fact, in barely 100 years the metaphysical definition has been turned upside down.

Let me give you an example.

Today most people view metaphysical activity as new age gobble de gook, relating to things that are thought to exist but cannot be seen or proven.  It is a definition meant to undermine all that it encompasses.  The very nature of the definition brings into doubt the veracity of anything that could be learned or extracted.

Yet over 100 years ago it meant something a great deal more.

Here is the 1906 definition from my five volume dictionary:

The New American Encyclopedic Dictionary

An Exhaustive Dictionary of the English Language

Practical and Comprehensive

GIVING THE FULLEST DEFINITION

(ENCYCLOPEDIC IN DETAIL),

THE ORIGIN, PRONUNCIATION AND USE OF WORDS.

[Yes that is the name of the 4,731 page dictionary and that length is before the last century of advances in science, medical, technology, computers and everything else.  Today Webster's New World Dictionary has compressed the old and new information into 1,692 pages, a loss of 3,039 pages of definitions.]

Metaphysics

1. History and Philosophy; A term popularly employed to denote a science dealing with subjects incapable of being dealt with by physical research.  Broadly viewed, the Aristotelian metaphysic was the science of the first principles of being, the science of the first principles of knowing, and the science of God, as the beginning and ending of all things; and these three were the foundation of scholastic philosophy, which found its highest expression in Thomas Aquinas.  Metaphysics "is made by him conversant with being as such and its modifications.  In itself each ens is res and unum; in distinction from others it is aliquid; as in harmony with the action of the knowing faculties, it is verum; and as harmonizing with the will, it is bonum."  The Roman metaphysic of the present day is, to a great extent, Thomist, and is divided into General, or Ontology, and Special, embracing Cosmology, Psychology, and Natural (as distinguished from Moral and Dogmatic) Theology.  The Leibnitzo-Wolfian metaphysic is noteworthy for its rationalistic tendency.  Its  ontology treats of the existence in general; its rational psychology, of the soul as a simple non-extended substance; its cosmology, of the world as a whole; and its rational theology, of the existence and attributes of God.  The Metaphysic of Kant was rationalist.  Summarizing the remarks accompanying his notice of the course for 1765, Wallace says:

"In the course on Metaphysics the early lectures would deal with experiential Psychology, where, avoiding all mention of a soul, a reasoned account would be given of the facts or phenomena of the mental life.  Going on next to the theory of living bodies (the Biology of the period), and thirdly to Cosmology, or the theory of the material world, he would come in the fourth place to Ontology, which expounds the general properties of things, and includes rational Psychology (where the idea of soul or spirit is brought in), and would terminate with rational Theology." -- Kant, p. 131

2. Supernatural arts. (Cockeram.)

Supernatural acts: Being beyond, above or exceeding the powers or laws of nature.  It is a stronger term than preternatural, and is frequently used as synonymous with miraculous.

"Cures, wrought by medicines, are natural operations; but the miraculous ones wrought by Supernatural arts, were supernatural."  Boyle; Works, v. 167.

The supernatural: That which is above or beyond the established course or laws of nature; that which transcends nature; supernatural agencies, influences, phenomena and the like.

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Perhaps the broad nature of metaphysical before this past century explains a lot about the acceptance of pagan practices as religion before the time of Jesus and the blurred world between religion and magic, a condition that existed well into the 16th century AD if not more recently.

Possible fictional history tells us King Arthur ruled in a time when wizards and Druids shared a place of equality with priests, and during the same time period the non-fictional accounts of St. Patrick (387 AD to 493 AD) reportedly say he was trained as a Druid before becoming a priest.  Notably he is the patron saint of witchcraft among other unusual areas.

By the 16th century AD Popes were still consulting shamans and oracles and Catholics like Nostradamus and St. Teresa of Avila were the most prominent psychics of the century and many more centuries to come, having to spend their lives in fear of the Spanish Inquisition, also Catholic.

So all of this is to prepare you for yet another carefully hidden document of history by a Benedictine Abbot named Johannes Trithemius.  Johannes also happened to be a practitioner of Magic and as the following indicates, is an excellent example of the blend of Christianity, Hermetic Philosophy and the attendant "sciences" of magic, astrology, alchemy and Cabala.

Johannes was assigned by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian 1 to identify the spiritual forces or heavenly intelligences as they call it that guide the universe under God.  The result was an astonishing formal Treatise written in 1508 defining the ages of the archangels and their impact on mankind.

The Seven Spirits According to God

Johannes Trithemius

(1462-1516)

Johannes Trithemius was born Johann Heidenberg in Trittenheim on the Mosel in what is now the German state of Rheinland-Pfalz on February 1, 1462.  His Latin name, Trithemius, derives from Trittenheim, his city of birth.  He broke with his family to pursue a scholarly life and studied at Heidelburg.

Having taken refuge in the Benedictine abbey of Sponheim during a snowstorm he resolved to stay and at the age of 21 became its abbot. As Abbot of Sponheim, Trithemius studied, wrote and amassed a large library.  In 1506 Trithemius left Sponheim and became the Abbot of the Monastery of St. Jacob in Wurzburg.  He died in 1516.

Trithemius' Work and Thought

The major works of Trithemius include Steganographia written circa 1499, Polygraphiae, a cryptographic work and De Septum Secundeis, a History of the World based on astrology, both of which were published in 1508.

Steganographia is primarily concerned with the sending of secret messages by angels, though it also touches on cryptography and a system of rapid learning.  Trithemius sets forth a hierarchy of angels and spirits ruling over regions of the Earth as well as days and hours.  Ultimately these angels are subject to the seven planetary angels, also set forth in De Septum Secundeis.

Trithemius is an excellent example of the Renaissance fusion of Christianity, Hermetic Philosophy and its attendant sciences of magic, astrology, alchemy and Cabala.  His magical system depends on the sympathy and harmony between the three worlds of the material, celestial and angelic/Ideal.

What is true of all of the Renaissance Magi, with the possible exception of Giordano Bruno, is their adherence to Christianity, albeit of a rather heterodox nature.  This insistence on the consonance between magic and Christianity is particularly pronounced in Trithemius, a Benedictine Abbot.

Trithemius says, "The word magic is the Persian term for what in Latin is called wisdom, on which account magicians are called wise men, just as were those three wise men who, according to the Gospel, journeyed from the East to adore, in his crib, the infant who was the Son of God in the flesh."

Nepiachus, cited in Braun, Trithemius and Magical Theology said Trithemius' work had considerable influence on later Renaissance writings on magic, particularly on Cornelius Agrippa.  In his Three Books of Occult Philosophy Agrippa states that he conferred with Trithemius, "of diverse things concerning chemistry, magic and Cabalie, and of other things, which as yet lie hidden in secret sciences and arts."

Johannes Trithemius

1462-1516

Abbot of Sponheim

A TREATISE ON THE SEVEN SECONDARY CAUSES, I.E.,

INTELLIGENCES, OR SPIRITS, WHO MOVE THE SPHERES

ACCORDING TO GOD

(Written 1508)

                                                                               

Of the Heavenly INTELLIGENCIES

 Governing the Orbes under GOD.
1508

To the august and pious Maximilian 1, Emperor and Caesar by the Grace of God:

Renowned Caesar, it is the opinion of Ancients, that this lower World by ordination of the first Intellect (which is God) is directed and ordered by Supernatural Intelligences, to which Conciliator Hermes assents, saying, that from the Original or first beginning of heaven and earth, there were Seven Spirits assigned to the seven Planets.  Each of these Spirits rules the World for a period of 354 years, and four months.

Many learned scholars have approved this assertion, which I do not guarantee, but only lay before you Most Blessed Majesty.

The first Angel or Spirit, that of Saturn is called Oriphiel, to whom God confided the government of the World from the beginning of Creation.  Oriphel’s reign began March 15 in the first year of the World, and it endured 354 years and 4 months.

The name Oriphiel was given to him on account of his spiritual office, not his nature.  Under his dominion men were crude and savage, did cohabitant together in deserts and uncouth places, in the homely manner of beasts of the wild.  This needs no demonstration for it is clearly evident in the Text of the Book of Genesis.

The second guiding Spirit World is Anael, the Spirit of Venus, who following Oriphiel began to rule according to the influence of this Planet in the year of the world 354 the fourth month, that is, the 24th day of the month of June.  Anael ruled the world 354 years, and 4 months, until the year from the Creation of the world 708 as appears to any that shall calculate the Age thereof.

Under the rule of this Angel, men began to be more civilized, built houses, erected cities, invented manual arts and began the manufacturing of weaving and spinning of yarns.  They also indulged plentifully in the pleasures of the flesh, took unto themselves faire women for their wives.  Neglecting God, they grew distant in many things from natural simplicity; they invented games and songs, set themselves to playing the harp (kithara), and did imagine all that had to do with the worship and purpose of Venus and her cult.  And this wantonness of life in men did continue until the deluge, receiving the just punishments for their depravity.

The third ruler of the Spirit, Zachariel, the Angel of Jupiter, began to govern the world in the year of the Creation of Heaven and Earth 708, the eighth month, that is, the 25th day of the month of October.  Zachariel ruled the World 354 years, 4 months, until the year of the World’s Creation 1060 inclusively.

Under Zachariel’s direction men began to take turns usurping Dominion over one another.  They began to hunt, to make tents, to adorn their bodies with all different kinds of garments.

There arose a great division betwixt the good and evil men; the Pious invoking God, such as Enoch, whom the Lord took into Him in Heaven, while the wicked plunged into snares and pleasurable allurements of the flesh.

Men under the Dominion of Zachariel began to live more civilly, to submit to laws and commands of their Elders, and did distance themselves from their former barbarism.  Under his rule Adam the first man died, leaving to all posterity an assured testimony, that necessarily we all must die.

Various arts and inventions of men did about this time first appear and manifest themselves, as historians have more clearly expressed.

The fourth Ruler of the World was Raphael, the Spirit of Mercury, whose rule began in the year of the Creation of Heaven and Earth 1063 the 24th day of February and he reigned 354 years 4 months.  His dominion continued until the year of the World 1417 and fourth month.  In these times writing was first found out, and letters excogitated in the form of trees and plants, later to be modified into more graceful shapes.  The Nations varied or changed the face of their characters according to their own fancy.

The use of musical instruments, under the time and rule of this Raphael began to spread.  Commerce and trade betwixt man and man was now first invented.  A presumptuous, rude and simple audacity in these times begot Navigation or the manner of sailing from one place to another, and many such like things in one kind or other.

The fifth Ruler of the World was Samuel, the Angel of Mars, who began the 26th day of the month of June in the year of the World 1417 and swayed the rule of this World 354 years 4 months, until the year of the World 1771 and eighth month.

Under Samuel’s rule the empire and government of men imitated the nature of Mars.  Also under the dominion of this Angel, the universal deluge of waters happened in the year of the World 1656 as evidently it appears by history out of the Book of Genesis.

It is a remarkable fact, as the ancient philosophers have told us, that so often when Samuel the Angel of Mars is ruler of the World, there ariseth notable changes of monarchy.  Religions and sects do vary and are overturned.  Laws are changed.  Principalities and kingdoms are transferred to strangers, whom we may easily find out, by perusal of histories.

Notwithstanding Samuel such changes do not occur at the beginning or entrance of his dominion but manifest according to the disposition of his behavior or custom when he hath exceeded the middle time of his governance, which very thing is likewise to be true concerning the Angels of the other Planets, (as it may be manifested from histories).  That is, the influence of the Angel’s powers reaches its peak when their stars reach the zenith of their revolution.

The sixth Ruler of the World is Gabriel the Angel of the Moon, who began after Samuel the Angel of Mars had finished his course, the 28th day of the month of October in the year of the World 1771 and eighth month.  He rules the affaires of the World 354 years and 4 months, until the year of the World 2126.

Again in these times men were multiplied, and built many new cities.  And we must note that the Hebrews do affirm that the General deluge was in the year of the World 1656 under the moderation of Mars.  But the Septuagint interpreters, Isidorus and Beda, confirm the Deluge to be in the year of the World 2242 under the Rule of Gabriel, the Angel of the Moon, which seems unto me by multiplication to be rather closer unto truth, but to express my further conception hereof, is not the work of this present discourse.

Michael the Angel of the Sun was the 7th Ruler of the World, who began the 24th of February, in the year of the World according to common computation 2126, and he governed the world 354 years and four months, until the year of the age of the world 2480 and four months.

Under the Dominion of the Angel of the Sun even as histories consent with truth, Kings first began to appear amongst mortal men, of whom Nimrod was the first that with an ambitious desire of sovereignty, did tyrannize over his companions.

The worship of several Gods by the foolishness of men was now instituted, and they began to adore their petty Princes as Gods. Sundry arts also about this time were invented by men; to wit, the mathematics, astronomy, and magic.  That worship which formerly was attributed to one God now began to be given to diverse creatures.  The knowledge of the one true God, little and little, and because of the superstition of men, became forgotten.

About these times architecture was found out, and men began to use more policy both in their civil institutions and in their manners or customs of living.

From henceforth the eighth time in order, again Oriphiel the Angel of Saturn began to govern the World the 26th day of the month of June, in the year from the beginning of the world 2480 and four months.  He continued his government of the world this second return, 354 years and four months, until the year of the world 2834 and eight months.

Under the rule of this Angel the nations were multiplied, and the earth was divided into regions, and many kingdoms instituted.   The Towel of Babel was built, and the “Confusion of Tongues” then fell out.

Men were dispersed into every part of the earth, and men began to till and manure the earth more accurately, to ordain fields, sow corn, plant vineyards, to dig up trees, and to provide with greater diligence, what ever was more convenient for their food, and raiment.

From that time forward, first of all, amongst men, the discerning of nobility begun to be taken notice of; which was, when men in their manner of living, and in wisdom did excel the rest of men, undertaking trophies of glory from the great ones of the earth, as rewards for their merits.

From hence first of all, the whole world began to come into the knowledge of men, whilst every where the nations being multiplied, many Kingdoms did arise, and various differences of tongues did follow.

The ninth time in order and course, Anael, the Angel of Venus began again to sway the world the 29th day of October, and in the year of the Creation of Heaven and earth 2834 and 8 months: and he presided 354 years, four months, until the year of the World 3189.

In these times men forgetting the true God, began to honor the dead, and to worship their statues for God, which error hath infected the World more than two thousand years.  Men did now devise curious and costly ornaments, for better trimming, and adorning their bodies.

They found out different kinds of musical instruments.  Again men prosecuted too much the lust and pleasures of the flesh, instituting, and dedicating statutes and temples to their Gods.  Witchcraft and incantations in these times were first excogitated by Zoroaster King of the Bactrians (and diverse others as well as he) whom Ninus King of Assyria defeated in war.

In order the tenth time Zachariel the Angel of Jupiter, again began to rule the world the last day of February, in the year of the building, or framing the heaven and earth, 3189 and he moderated according to his custom, and manner 354 years, and four months, until the year of the world 3543 and four months.

These were joyful times, and might truly be called golden, wherein there was plenty of all manner of useful things, which much conduced for the increase of mankind, giving thereby exceeding beauty and adornment to the things of this World.

In like manner about this time, God gave to Abraham the Law of Circumcision; and first of all promised the Redemption of Mankind by the Incarnation of his one and only begotten Son.  Under the government of this Angel, the Patriarchs first Founders of Justice were famous, and the righteous were divided from the ungodly, by their own proper endeavor and consent.

About these times in Arcadia, Jupiter grew famous, who was titled also Lisania, the Son of Heaven and God, a King, who first of all gave Laws to the Arcadians, made them very civil in their manners and behavior, taught them the worship of God, erected them temples, instituted priests, procured many advantageous benefits for mankind, for which his people so greatly benefit.  He was by them called Jupiter, and after his death accounted for as a Deity or God.

He originated from the priestly sons of Heber, viz. Gerar, as ancient Histories do record to posterity.  It is also reported under this Angel that Prometheus, also the son of Atlas, is reported to have found men rude and ignorant, and he made them wise and knowing, humane, courteous, accomplished in learning and manners.

He made images by art to move of themselves.  He first found out the use of the ring, scepter, diadem, and all kingly ornaments.

In or about these times other jovial men did excel, men most wise and women also, who by their own understanding delivered many profitable inventions to mankind.  When they died for the greatness of their wisdom they were reputed as Gods.  Photoneus, who first of all instituted amongst the Greeks laws and judgements, also Sol (Apollo), Minerva, Ceres, and Serapis amongst the Egyptians, and very many besides.

In order the eleventh time Raphael the Angel of Mercury again undertook the ordering of the world the first day of the month of July, in the year of the world 3543 and fourth month; he continued in his commands 354 years, and four months, until the year of the Creation of heaven and earth 3897 and 8 months.

Verily in these times, as it evidently appears from the Histories of the Ancients, men more earnestly applied themselves to the study of wisdom, amongst whom the last learned and most eminent men, were Mercurius, Bacchus, Omogyius, Isis, Inachus, Argus, Apollo, Cecrops, and many more, who by their admirable inventions, both profited the world then, and posterity since.

Several Superstitions also about these times, concerning the worship of their Idols were instituted by men.  Sorceries, incantations, and arts of framing Diabolical Images were now in a marvelous manner increased, and whatsoever either of subtly, or wit, that could possibly be attributed to the invention or cunning of Mercury about these times, did exceedingly increase.

Moses the wisest Commander of the Hebrews, expert in the knowledge of many things and arts, a Worshipper of one only true God, did deliver the people of Israel from the slavery of the Egyptians, and procured their liberty.  About this time Janus first of all reigned in Italy, after him Saturnus, who instructed his people to fat their grounds with soil or dung, and was accounted or esteemed for a God.

Near these times Cadmus found out the Greek Letters, or Characters, and Carmentis, the daughter of Evander, the Latine.  God Omnipotent, under the Government of this Raphael, the Angel of Mercury, delivered by the hands of Moses, to his people a Law in writing which giveth a manifest testimony of our Saviour Jesus Christ, his future birth and nativity to be born in the flesh.

Here arose in the World a wonderful diversity of Religions: During these times, here flourished many Sybills, Prophets, Diviners, Soothsayers, or such as used inspection into the entrails of Beasts, Magicians, or Wise men, Poets, as Sybilla, Erythraea, she of the Isle of Delphos, she whom we call the Phrygian, because she lived in Phrygia with the rest.

Again in order the twelfth time Samuel the Angel of Mars, began to exercise his Dominion upon the world, the second day of the month of October, in the year of the world 3897 and eighth month, and his time of ruling, was 354 years, and four months from thence, until the year 4252.

Under Samuel’s empire and rule was that great and most famous Destruction of Troy in Asia the less (Minor).  Also an admirable mutation and alteration of monarchies as many kingdoms came together with new institutions, or moldings of many new cities, as Paris, Mainz, Carthage, Naples, and very many besides these.

Many new Kingdoms were newly erected, or now had their first beginning, as that of the Lacedemonians, Corinthians, Hebrews, and divers more.  Here in these times all over the whole world there were very great wars, and battles of kings and nations, and several alterations of empires.  The Venetians from this time do compute and reckon the original both of their people and taking the city of Troy from the Trojans.

And its observable that very many other Nations, as well in Europe as in Asia, pretend to have taken their original from the Trojans, to whom I thought good to give so much credit, as they themselves were able to persuade me was truth, upon sufficient testimony and proof.

The Arguments they produce concerning their nobility and antiquity are frivolous, being desirous to magnify themselves openly, as if there were no people, or nation in Europe, before the Destruction of Troy, or as if there had been no peasant, or clown amongst the Trojans.

Under the moderation also of this Planet, Saul was made first King of the Jews, after him David, whose son King Salomon, built in Jerusalem the Temple of the true God, the most famous and glorious of the whole world.

From hence the Spirit of God illustrating and enlightening his Prophets with a more ample illumination of his grace, they did not only foretell of the future incarnation of our Lord and Savior, but also many other things, as holy Scriptures do testify, amongst whom were Nathan son of King David, Gad, Asaph, Achias, Semeias, Asarias, Anan, and many others.

Homer the Greek Poet, writer of Troy's Destruction, the Phrygian Dares and the Cretan Dictis who witnessed and have likewise described it, are supported to have been alive near about these times.

The thirteenth time in order, Gabriel the Spirit of the Moon, again undertook the ordering of this world the 30th day of January in the year from the beginning of the Universe 4252 and he presided in his Government 354 years, 4 months, until the year of the World 4606 and fourth month.

In this time many Prophets were famous and excelled amongst the Jews: Elisha, Micah, Abdias, with many others.  There were many alterations of the Kingdom of the Jews.  Lycurgus gave Laws and Ordinances to the Lacedemonians.  Capetus, Sylvius. Lyberius Sylvius, Romulus Sylvius, Procas Sylvius, Numitor, Kings of Italy flourished during the moderation of this spirit.  More Kingdoms also had their Original or foundation under him, as those of the Lydians, Medes, Macedonians, Spartans, and others did.  The Monarchy of Assyrians under Sardanapalus now ended.

And in like manner the Kingdom of the Macedonians was consumed, or worn out.  Sundry laws are imposed on men, the worship of the true God is neglected, and the Religion of false Gods too much propagated.  The City of Rome is built under the Dominion of this Spirit, in the year 1484 which year in order, was the 239 of the Angel Gabriel.  The Kingdom of the Sylvans in Italy now ended, and that of Rome began in these times.  Thales, Solon, Cheilon, Periander, Cleobulus, Bias of Priene, and Pittacus, the seven wise men (Seven Sages) of Greece flourished, and from thence Philosophers and Poets came into high esteem.

At Rome, Romulus the first founder of the city reigned 37 years being a fratricide and a stirrer up of sedition.  After whom Numa Pompilius continued that Kingdom in peace a full 42 years as he amplified the worship of the Gods, and lived in the time of Hezekiah King of Judea.

About the end of the rule of this Angel of the Moon Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, took Jerusalem, and destroyed Zedechiah the King and carried away all the people as captives.  Jeremiah the Prophet, now famous; foretold of this destruction and also their future delivery from Babylon.

When Gabriel had finished his course, again Michael Angel of the Sun did assume the fourteenth government of the World, who began the first day of the month of May, in the year of the World 4606 the fourth month, and did rule the World according to his own order 354 years and 4 months, until the year of the World's Creation 4960 and eighth month.

In the time of this Angels moderation of evil Merodach King of Babylon, did restore both the liberty and king to the people of the Jews, according to the direction of the Angel Michael, who as Daniel wrote, stood for the Nation of the Jews, unto whom they were committed by God.

In these times likewise the Monarchy of the Kingdom of the Persians began, whose first King Darius and the second Cyrus did bring to utter ruin that most powerful Kingdom of Babylon in the days of Balthazar, as Daniel and the Prophets had predicted.

In these times the Cumaean Sibyl was much spoken of and grew famous; who brought nine books to Tarquinius Priscus the King to be bought for a certain price, in which were contained the reason, order, and succession of future predictions of the whole commonwealth of the Romans.

But when the King refused to give her the price demanded, Sibyl (the King seeing it) burnt the first three books, demanding the same price for the other six; which when again he had denied to give her, she committed to be burnt three of those remaining, and would have done so by the rest; unless the King by persuasion and Council of others, had not redeemed them from consuming, giving the same price for the three last, for which he might have had the whole nine.

Moreover the Romans having abrogated Government by Kings constituted two Consuls to reign every year.  Phalaris the Tyrant in these times occupied Sicilia.

Magique (magic) or natural philosophy was also in these times highly esteemed amongst the Kings of Persia.  Pythagoras the Philosopher and very many others flourished amongst the Greeks.  The Temple and City of Jerusalem are reconstructed.  Esdras the Prophet restored from memory the books of Moses, burned by the Chaldeans, who were also called Babylonians.  The text was called the Babylonian version.

Xerxes King of the Persians brought his Army against the Greeks, but had no success therein. The City of Rome is taken, burned, and destroyed by the Gauls except for the Capitol only preserved by a goose, who stirred up the sleeping soldiers with his honking.  The Athenians had eminent wars in these times.  Socrates and Plato the Philosophers lived now.

The Romans lessened the power of their Consuls and instituted Tribunes and Aediles.  Also about these times they were involved in many calamities.

Alexander the great after the expiration of the rule of Michael, reigned in Macedonia, destroyed the Monarchy of the Persians in Darius, conquered all Asia, and annexed it with part of Europe to his own Empire.  He lived 33 years, reigned 12 after whose death infinite wars and many mischiefs followed, and his Monarchy became divided amongst four.  Now amongst the Jews, first of all, they began to contend for the Priesthood.  The Kingdom of Syria began.

After the Spirit of Michael had finished his course then the fifteenth time in order, Oriphiel the Angel of Saturn, the third time assumed the regulating of this World, the last day of the month of September, in the year from the building of the Universe 4960 and eighth month: and he did rule in Chief 354 years, 4 months, until the year of the World 5315.

Under whose moderation, the Punic war began betwixt the Romans and Carthaginians.  The City of Rome was almost wholly consumed by fire and water.  The Brazen Molten Image called Colossus, in height one hundred and twenty six feet fell down, being shaken by an earthquake.  At or near this time the City of Rome enjoyed peace one year after the Punic War, which Commonwealth had never been without War in 440 years before.

Jerusalem together with the Temple is burnt and destroyed by Antiochus and Epiphanes.  The History of the Machabees and their Wars were now acted.  In these times Carthage 606 years after its first foundation is destroyed, and burned continually for the space of 17 whole days.  In Sicilia seventy thousand slaves made a Conspiracy against their Masters.

Many great wonders in these times were beheld in Europe.  Tame domestic cattle fled to the woods, it rained blood, a fiery ball shined, appeared, and glistered out of heaven with great noise and crackling.  Mithridates King of Pontus, and Armenia held wars with the Romans for 40 years. The Kingdom of the Jews is restored, which had interruption 575 years from the time of Zedechias until Aristobulus.

The people also of Germany called the Teutonic invaded the Romans and after many fights are overcome and one hundred and threescore thousand (160,000) of them slain, besides innumerable others of them who perished with their families under the rule of Caius and Manlius the Consuls.  Notwithstanding this, many of the Romans were before this killed by them, after which time Civil Wars did much shake the Roman Commonwealth, which endured full 40 years.

Three Suns appeared and were seen in Rome, but not long ere they were reduced into one.  A very few years succeeding, Julius Caesar usurped the government of the Romans, which Octavius Augustus after him amplified, and joined Asia, Africa and Europe into one Monarchy.  He reigned 36 years by whom, or whose means God gave peace to the whole World.

In the year from the building of the City 751 and of Caesar Octavius Augustus the 42^nd year, 245 years and the eighth month, the 25th of December, of the government of the aforesaid Oriphiel the Angel of Saturn, Jesus Christ the Son of God is born in Bethlehem of Judea, of Mary the Virgin.

Note how fair and wonderful the Ordination of Divine providence is for the World at first was created under the rule of Saturn his Angel Oriphiel and mercifully redeemed, restored, and made new again under his third government so that the great number and agreement of concurring actions may seem to administer no small belief to this manner of description, or setting forth, that this World is governed by the seven Angels of the Planets.  For in the first Governance of Oriphiel there was one only Monarchy of the whole World, under his second (as we mentioned before) it was divided amongst many.

Again, during his third, (as is manifest) it was reduced into one, although, if we consider or measure time aright, it is manifest also that in the second government of Oriphiel there was but one only Monarchy, when the Tower of Babel was built.

From this time forward the Kingdom of the Jews was quite taken away and the sacrifice of meat-offerings ceased, nor shall liberty be restored to the Jews before the third Revolution of the Angel Michael, and this shall be after the Nativity of Christ, in the year 1880 the eighth month.  In the year of the World 7170 and eighth month many of the Jews in those times, and of the Gentiles also, shall embrace Christian Religion, most plain and simple men preaching the word of God, whom no humane institution, but a divine spirit hath inspired.  The World shall then be brought to its first innocence of its simplicity, the Angel of Saturn Oriphiel governing the World every where.

Celestial things are mixed with earthly, many of the Christians for that faith which they did preach shall be slaughtered by the rulers of this World.  About the ending of the rule of Oriphiel Jerusalem is destroyed by the Romans, and the Jews are dispersed into every Nation, there being massacred of them eleven hundred thousand (1,100,000), and four score thousand (80,000) sold for slaves, the residue of them fled; and so the Romans wholly destroyed Judea.

After that Oriphiel had finished his government, Anael the Angel of Venus, the sixteenth in order, the third time reassumed his Regiment of the World the last day of January, in the year of creating the Heaven & Earth 5315 but from the year of the birth of Christ 109, and he regulated the affairs of the World 354 years, 4 months, until the years of the World 5669 and 4 months, but of the Nativity of our Saviour Jesus Christ in the flesh 463.

And its remarkable that almost during the whole rule of this Anael the Angel of Venus, the Church of Christians did flourish in her persecutions, and prevailed, many thousands, of men being butchered for the Faith of Christ.  Moreover in these times very many Heresies began to be broached in the Church, which were not extinguished but after some time, and with labor and the blood of good men.

Many men were eminent about these times in all manner of learning, and such as were learned and eloquent Divines, Astronomers, Physicians, Orators, Historiographers, and men of like quality, not only amongst the Gentiles but also Christians.

At length the persecution by Infidels ceased after Constantine (Caesar) the Great, had assumed the Christian faith, in the year of the World 5539 after the middle of the Government of the aforesaid Anael the Angel of Venus.

Although those professing the religion and faith of Jesus Christ in some measure were now and then disturbed and molested by the Ungodly; yet notwithstanding the peace of the Church did remain free from molestation a long time.

From this time forward Mankind which from the time of Ninus the King for almost
the space of two thousand and three hundred years had most miserably gone astray about the worship of Idols was now revoked mercifully to the knowledge of only one God.

Various arts of subtlety in these times were augmented, and increased in reputation according to the nature of Venus.  For the manners of men are changed with the time, and the inferior bodies are disposed according to the influence of the superior bodies of the heavens.

The mind of man (verily) is free, and receives not the influence of the Stars, unless it doth too much accommodate his affection by attaching itself with the body.  For the Angels who are the movers of the Orbs can neither destroy nor subvert any thing which nature itself hath constituted or framed.

A Comet of unwonted and unusual greatness did precede the death of Constantine.  The Aryan Heresy in many Countries disturbed the Holy Church.  Toward the end of this Angels rule, in the time of the Emperor Julian, Crosses appeared in the garments of men.  In Asia and Palestine wars followed along with pestilence and famine in those places where apparitions of the Crosses appeared.

In these times also about the year of our Lord 360 the Franks or Franconians in Germany had their Original, who afterwards wasted Gaul, gave the name unto it of France, having first overcome and conquered the people thereof.  The description of France in greatness is long and wide, or of great circuit, whose metropolis Moguntia sometimes was, now truly and only Herbipolis (Mainz).

The Bavarians, Suevians, the people of Rhine, Saxons, Thuringers, this day do occupy a great part of France including Germany, under jurisdiction of the Papacy in some places. Moreover in the 280th year of the governance of this Angel Anael, the Roman Empire began to decline, whilst the City Rome was taken and burned by the Goths.  The Imperial seat was first moved into Greece under Constantine, to Byzantium, a fatal deed that caused the declining of that whole Monarchy.  For near the end of the rule of this Angel Anael historians tell there did arise Radigifus, Alaricus, Atholfus, Kings of the Goths, who were soon followed by Ganseric, King of the Vandals and Attila, King of the Huns – all of whom invaded all over Europe and did most miserably tear the Empire asunder, as is evident in these Histories.

When Anael the Angel of Venus had finished his rule then Zachariel the Spirit of Jupiter did reassume the Universal Government of this World the seventeenth time, the first day of June, in the year of the World 5669 the fourth month, but in the year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 463 and four months; and governed in his turn 354 years and four months until the year of the World 6023 and eighth month, but of our Lord God 817.

Many men in these times out of their affection to Christian Philosophy betook themselves to live in the Wilderness.  Many wonders occurred, comets, earthquakes, and it rained blood.

Merlin, born in Tumbe (Caledonia) at the beginning of Zachariel’s rule, predicted wonderful things in the beginning or entrance of this Angels Government.  Arthurus who commonly is called Arthur, the most glorious King of Great Britain, who overcame the Barbarians, restored peace to the Church, went away and conquered in many battles, propagated the Faith of Christ, and subdued to his dominion all Gaul, Norway, Denmark, and many other Provinces.  He was the most glorious of all Kings that lived in his time, who after many famous actions performed, did never more appear, being expected to return by the Britains for many years.  In times past many praise-worthy songs were published by the Bards of that people of wonderful Poesie, for whilst he reigned, England was in its most flourishing condition unto whom three times ten kingdoms were subject.

In or near these times the several Orders of Monks began to multiply in the Church of God.  Theodoric King of Goths being an Aryan did possess all Italy, slaying Boetius their Consul.  All manners of Estates were full of perturbation, as well the Empire as Church affairs, or Church and Commonwealth were now in great distress.

Zenon and Anastasius, Aryan Emperors in the East, Theodoric and his successors in Italy, Honorius King of the Vandals in Africa did exercise no small Tyranny.

Clodoucus (Clovis) King of France at length in Gaul being turned Christian, both overcame the Goths and restored peace in many places, though not in every country and kingdom.

In the time of St. Benedict and year of Christ 500 or thereabouts, in the beginning of the government of this Angel Zachariel the Spirit of Jupiter, whose spirits’ property it is to change empires and kingdoms, which was done in this rule, histories do manifestly declare, and what himself could not perform, he ordained Raphael the Angel of Mercury, his successor, to perfect through Charlemagne, King of Frenchmen.

Many Kingdoms came to their end under these 350 years, the Goths, Vandals, Burgundians, Lumbards, Thuringers, Almains, Bavarians, and very many besides.  Justinian the Emperor was the first about these times to beautify the Commonwealth very deservedly with his Laws.  Many gallant and most admirable men flourished under Zachariel.  Justinian built the Temple of St. Sophia in Constantinople consisting of 400 Towers.

About this time the Empire is divided and made Bipartite, and Ever and Anon is more and more oppressed with mischief.  Many signs in heaven appeared about these times, as is easily collected from Histories.  Kusro, King of the Persians took Jerusalem.  Later he was killed by Heraclius the Emperor.  Mahomet the Arabian in these times about the year of Christ 600 introduced the Sect of Saracens, by which Sect the Roman Empire of Asia is now quite extinguished.

Dagobert King of France slew the English, at that time called Saxons (whom in battle he overcame). Its remarkable that little by little Christianity about these times began to fail in Asia and Africa, upon entrance of the Sect of the Saracens therein, which now had almost poisoned the whole world except Europe where the Order of St. Benedict spread the Christian religion.

About the year of our Lord God 774 Crosses appeared in the garments of men and not long after the Roman Empire is divided, one part of the monarchy passing into Charlemagne who was of the Franks Nation in Germany.  He preserved the Empire and Church from perishing and fought many famous battles.  The name of Western Gaul, or Westphalia’s in Saxon after his victory first had its beginning.

In the eighteenth place after finishing the rule of Zachariel, the Angel of Jupiter, Raphael the spirit of Mercury undertook the disposing of this worlds affairs the third time, on the second day of November in the year of the Creation of the World, 6023 eighth month, and he swayed the scepter of the World 354 years, four months, until the years of the world 6378 and of our Lord God 1171.

In the first beginning of this rule of Raphael the Angel of Mercury, the Monarchy of the Roman Empire (as we mentioned before) was translated to Charlemagne the Great.  After Charlemagne his son Lodowick ruled 25 years who after dying, his sons contending amongst themselves, did again weaken the strength of the Empire.

The Normans harrowed France.  Rome is twice scourged by the Saracens.  Under Lodowick II it rained blood from Heaven in Italy, by the space of three whole days.

In Saxony a certain village with all its buildings and inhabitants was in a moment swept away by a horrible gaping or opening of the earth.  About the year of our Lord God 910 there were many great motions in Italy, and Italy fell from the Empire of the Franks or Franconians, and ordained proper kings for themselves of their own election.  The first whereof was Berengarius the Duke of Fonolivium, after whom seven in order succeeded, near upon fifty years, until the passing of the Empire to the Germans. 

The first Emperor that was thereof was Otto, from which time the Empire began to be reformed, unto whom Otto II his son and his nephew Otto III after succeeded in the Empire.  Under Otto III the Hungarians are converted to the Christian Faith but Otto III dying without children instituted after his death the Electors of the Empire in the year of Christianity 1002 even as they remain to this present day.  Jerusalem is again taken by the Saracens.  Many strange sights are seen in the air, in the Heavens, in the Earth and sea, and in waters.

Otto III being dead, Henry I by election of the Princes succeeded and reigned 20 years.  He founded the Church of Hamburg.  His wife, Kunegund, died a virgin and was famous for her glorious miracles.  After Henry Konrad, first Duke of the Franks is chosen Emperor and ruled 20 years.  Godfrey, Count of Bouillon, recovered the Holy Land and City of Jerusalem from the hands of the Infidels.

Before the end of Raphael’s rule many signs and omens were seen and a little time after the nation of the Tartars went beyond the bounds of their own country and did many mischiefs to the Empire of Rome.

There was famine, pestilence, and earthquakes in the Empire.  Three suns were seen in the East, and as many Moons.  In the year of our Lord God 1153 Frederick I called Barbarossa began to reign and ruled 33 years beginning in the 336 year of Raphael.  He did many noble exploits and enlarged the strength of that Empire, performed sundry wars with great success, in whose ninth year the Egians and Lituotrians were converted to the Faith of Christ.

Samuel the Angel of Mars in order, the nineteenth time came to accept the governance of the universal world, it being now his third return, and this he did the third day of March in the year of the World 6378 and he regulated mundane affairs 354 years four months, until the year of the World 6732 four months, and of our Lord God 1525.

Under whose predominance many wars were all over the whole world, by which means infinite thousands of men perished and sundry kingdoms lost their former bounds.  Emperor Frederick I had many differences with the Princes of Italy, many controversies arose, sundry great battles were fought, and many thousands of Romans perished.

The aforesaid Frederick did wholly subvert Milan.  Leige is destroyed.  Jerusalem is again taken by the Saracens.  The Empire of the Tartans grew the greatest in the whole world about these times.  This was a true calamity for the world and continues until this day.

After Frederick, Henry his Son is elected Emperor. On Henry’s death a schism confounds that Empire under Philip and Otto.  Many battles followed in the confines of Germany, at Argentine, Cologne, Lieden, Spires in Wurtemburg and all over the Kingdom.

The sect of the Mendicant Friars began in these times, in the 40th year, or thereabouts of Samuel, from whence it is most apparent that all things are done by providence. The Saracens fought many battles against the Christians in Asia and Africa. Constantinople is taken by the Germans.  Baldwin Earl of Flanders is instituted Emperor.  In Almain more then twenty thousand young men are drowned in the sea by pirates, seduced by a vain spirit that did give forth they would recover the Holy Land.

From Spain many shepherds or keepers of cattle united themselves together, coming to Paris despoiling the clergy of their property and livelihoods, the common people taking part with them, or being well pleased with it.  But when they extended their hands to take away the goods of the Laity, they were quite cut off and destroyed.

In the year of Christ 1212 Frederick II is elected, he reigned 33 years, and did many acts against the Church.  In the year 1238 an eclipse and a continuous earthquake undid many thousands of men.  Frisia also by continuous incursions of the sea, was almost wholly submerged and there did perish more then one hundred thousand men and women.  The Tartars devastated Hungary and Poland, and conquered Armenia the Greater and many regions besides.

In the year of Christ 1244 a certain Jew digging in the ground at Toledo in Spain, found a book, in which it was written, in the third world Christ shall be born of the Virgin Mary and shall suffer for the salvation of man.  The man believing converted immediately and was baptized.  It was the third rule of the Angel of Saturn, concerning which, as we have shown, in the beginning of whose reign Christ was born of a Virgin.

During this period of Samuel the Popes of Rome, deposing the Emperor Frederick, left the Empire vacant 28 years, until the election of Rudolph, Count of Hapsburg, chosen by election of the princes in favor of other princely candidates: Henry, Count of Schwarzenburg at Thuringia; William, Earle of Holland; Konrad the Son of Frederick; Alphonzo, King of Castille; Richard Earl of Cornwall and brother to the King of England.  Many evils were multiplied upon the face of the Earth.

At or near this time about the year of our Lord God 1260 the Confederacy of the Swiss began, a small people in number, but increased with time.  They have slain many of their nobility and being a warlike people have banished and frighten away many others of their nobles from their proper habitations, whose Commonwealth is now known to all the people of Germany.

In the year of Christians 1273 Rudolf of Hapsburg is constituted Emperor by Election of the Princes.  He reigned 18 years, the best of men, prudent in all manners of affairs, from whom afterwards descended all the Dukes of Austria. The Tartans invading the Lands of Christians, Constantinople and Greece brought infinite damage to the Christians.

The Saracens do occupy many cities in Asia, kill and destroy more than four hundred thousand Christians.  Rudolf being dead, Adolf of Nassau is elected Emperor and he governed six years.  Albert, Rudolf’s son, defeated Adolf at Worms and killed him, then was chosen Emperor in the year of Christ 1298.  He governed ten years and was slain by his brother’s son.

The Order of the Knights Templar by command of Pope Clement the fifth is destroyed.  The Isle of Rhodes is recovered by Christians out of the hands of the Saracens after a siege had continued four whole years.  Albert being slain by his nephew; Henry VIII is constituted the eighth Emperor, being Count of Luxembourg, who reigned 5 years.  After him Louis IV of Bavaria reigned 32 years, beginning in the year 1315 unto whom the Popes of Rome gave him the crown.

Frederick Duke of Austria opposed them but he was defeated.  After Louis, Charles IV, King of Bohemia is constituted Emperor; who converted the Bishop of Prague into an Archbishop and he reigned 31 years.  There were most fearful Earthquakes.

Charles did institute many things in favor of the Princes Electors, concerning their customs, which were not in use formerly.  Gunther, Count of Schwarzenburg styled himself King and opposed Charles the Emperor, but prevailed naught at all against him.

After Charles, his son Winceslaus governed 22 years, after whom Jodocus Marques of Moravia succeeded.  Sigmund Cozen, German of Winceslaus was disposed, Leopald Duke of Austria, eight Earls and more than 4000 soldiers fighting against the Swiss were all by them slain.  During the rule of Winceslaus King of Bohemia Emperor, the Tenets of John Huss had their beginning. Winceslaus being deposed, Rupert, Count Palatine of Rhine, and Duke of Bavaria was elected, and ruled 10 years.

In the year of our Lord God 1369 the Christians did engage themselves in a war against the Saracens, which succeeded ill by reason of the French men’s arrogance: because more than one hundred thousand of our men did die in that war; besides such as were made captives, amongst whom was John, Duke of Burgundy.   Many were the wars of those times.

In the year of the World 1407 Sigmund is made Emperor, and governed 27 years.  He endeavored to waste and destroy the Kingdom of Bohemia thereby to extinguish heresy, but it little availed him. The Kingdom of France is most grievously wasted and consumed by the English and Burgundians.

Sigmund being departed of this life, Albert, Duke of Austria, Sigmund's son in Law, succeeded in the year of Christians 1438 and only reigned two years, an admirable man and worthy of the Empire.  He being deceased, Frederick III, Duke of Austria, the Son of Ernestus, by election of the Princes, is chosen Emperor and reigned 56 years.  A man of a Divine soul and peaceable conversation, who began to rule in the year 1440.

In the year of Christians 1453 Constantinople is taken by the Turks by Treachery of a certain Janvens.  A little after by degrees all Greece fell from their Christian faith.  For a little time after many Kingdoms and Provinces of the Christians were harrowed, wasted, and taken by the Turks.  Many and most grievous wars the Christians had amongst themselves about this time, in France, England, Saxony, Westphalia, Prussia, Flanders, Sweden, and other places.  In these times the art of printing was newly found out, and invented at Mainz, the metropolis of Germany, a wonderful industry and not without the special gift of the Deity.

In the year of Christ 1456 the Turks were overthrown in Hungary by the faithful Christians, whereof many of them perished.  The Pilgrimage of young men to Saint Michael was wonderful.  There were Earthquakes in the Kingdom of Naples, and more than forty thousand people perished thereby.

In the year of the World 1462 Mainz is taken and spoiled being the metropolis of the Franks in Germany.  Charles, Duke of Burgundy overcame the Franks in the year 1465 and after that in 1467 he destroyed the cities Dinant and Liege.  In 1473 he entered Gelderland, and with much valor obtained it and in like manner all the whole Dukedom of Lorraine.

A comet during all the month of January 1472 appeared.  Charles, Duke of Burgundy not long besieged the Town of Nussicum one whole year’s space; in or about 1474 whose magnanimous Prince was slain in war in 1467.  The Turks took away from the Christians about these times many of their cities, Nigropont in Euboia, the Kingdom of Bosnia, Dukedom of Speta, Achaia, Mysia, and more Kingdoms besides these in the East.

In the year 1476 a convocation of fools was in Franconia of Germany near Niclaushausen, full of errors.  In the year 1480 they besieged the Rhodians with a powerful Army but prevailed not; departing the same year from Rhodes, they took the city Hydruntum, more than twelve thousand Christians being slain there, only 22 soldiers escaping.  The next year Mahomet Emperor of the Turks died, to whom Bajazet his first born succeeded in the Kingdom, having reigned now at this present 27 years.

In the year of Christ 1486 Maximilian the Son of Frederick was instituted King of Romans at Frankford, and saluted Julius Caesar by the Pope in 1508 who instituted the Order of Warfare of Saint George purposely against Heretics and Turks.  He brought the Swiss low by war and even to this day makes war against the rebellious Sicambrians.  He will be fortunate against all such as break their Leagues or Covenants with him.

The King of France after his wonted manner, a constant persecutor of the Empire, is discovered to plot new devices against it.  The Omnipotent protects those assigned to the Government of Samuel.  In the year 1508 the Venetians, rebels to the Empire of Caesar, are threatened with War and Banishment.  Punishment of stubbornness will be the reward of an advised satisfaction.  About the end of this third rule of Samuel, the image of alteration shall pass to the first and shall be the Perdition of many men for unless Aries be reduced again, (God assisting) (ad algos) there will be transition of one monarchy, or of some great kingdom.

A strong sect of Religion shall arise, and be the overthrow of the Ancient Religion.  It's to be feared least the fourth beast lose one head.  Mars first of all in the rule of Samuel foretold the Flood.  In his second return, the siege and destruction of Troy.  In his third toward the end thereof will be found great want of virtue from matters preceding may be judged what will or ought to succeed.

This third rule of Mars shall not be consummated without Prophecy, and the institution of some new Religion, from this year of our Lord 1508 here yet remains until the end of the rule of Samuel 17 years wherein signs and figures shall be given, foreshadowing the beginnings of evil.

For in the year 1525 Crosses were seen in the garments of men by the space of ten years before, what is past already shall have their consequences.  Thirteen years from hence being justly summoned away, thou shalt surrender thy place and thou shalt revive again far greater to me, after the Fates in the third; unless it be lawful thou obscure thyself in a cloud.

The twentieth time in order, Gabriel Angel of the Moon received the moderation of the World, in the year of the World 6732 the fourth month, and fourth day of June in the year of Christ 1525 and he shall regulate the world 354 years, and four months, until the year of the world 7086 and eight months, but of our Lord Christ 1879 and 11 months (the twenty-first time in order and third rule of the Angel Michael).

The future Series of this Rule requireth Prophecy.  Most sacred Caesar, I have not written these things assertively, or that we must believe it by any means whatever with the faith of Orthodox Divinity.  There are some who believe these periods correspond to Lunar months, which if thou hold fit to consent unto, then those things I have written must be changed.

I bear witness with my own proper hand, and confess with my own mouth, that in all these things delivered I believe nothing and admit only what the Catholic Church has approved by the authority of its Doctors.  The rest, I refute and contemn as vain, feigned and superstitious.

Finis Johannes Trithemius

Christian Years of the Third Cycle of the Ruling Angels

         Reign                             Angel                  Planet

245 BC-109 CE                    Oriphiel               Saturn

109 CE-463 CE                     Anael                  Venus

463 CE-817 CE                   Zachariel               Jupiter

817 CE-1171 CE                  Raphael              Mercury

1171 CE-1525 CE                Samuel                  Mars

1525 CE-1879 CE                Gabriel                 Moon

1879 CE-2233 CE                Michael                  Sun

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