ROYAL NATIVITIES.

DR. JOHNSON remarks that at the time Butler's Hudibras was published, astrology had a very extensive dominion; and that " its predictions raised hopes and fears in minds which ought to have rejected it with contempt." What effect Butler's satire upon astrology had upon the public is uncertain, but according to the Doctor, "cheats seldom stand long against laughter."

Lieutenant Morrison boasts that "the highest and noblest lady in the land, has honoured him by perusing his Almanack:" as well might a fool plume himself, that the Queen had honoured him by laughing at his folly. However, it may be safely affirmed, that no fears have been raised in her royal mind, by the predictions of this crafty astrologer;

and whatever may be his motives for the evil announcements he has made, respecting the early part of her Majesty's reign, his counsel will not be sought as to the best means of averting the evil influences of the stars, and escaping from shadows of his own creation.

"Science, with thy resistless light

Disperse these phantoms from my sight,

These mimic shades of thee."

In Zadkiel's Almanack for this year, the Lieut. has the following predictions respecting the Queen:

"Summer and autumn of 1839-much grief to the nation; danger of illness [italics] to her Majesty, and the loss of a nearrelation.

"The winter of 1840-great troubles; changes in the state. "The autumn of 1841-war; also danger to her Majesty's eyes. "The autumn of 1842-a very fatal period; perilous to her

Majesty's health; danger of consumption! If the nation be then at war, much loss and defeat; mutiny will attend the Queen's fleets, &c."

The Lieutenant then proceeds to give some direful intimations of something "most important early in the twenty seventh year !"-What such a man deserves, I leave her Majesty's loving subjects to determine. In the preface to this Almanack, the Lieutenant remarks

"That as it is impossible for two parallel lines ever to diverge, so is it that the WORKS and the WORD OF GOD should ever disagree."

He professes to believe that "the Bible rings with astrology" and that facts and predictions combine to demonstrate its truth. In his observations on my eighth letter, he called for some modern cases; and in his answer to the editor of the Weekly Dispatch, he appeals to FACTS-" to the facts in the nativity of VICTORIA QUEEN OF ENGLAND." To these facts I will presently direct my attention, but shall first present my readers with the Lieutenant's "final challenge" to myself, as quoted in his preface to "Zadkiel's Almanack for 1837:

"Let Mr. M. name three gentlemen in Cheltenham, I also will name three (who are opposed to belief in astrology), and let them meet and procure the time of birth of some individual, the same being perfectly authenticated; and also an authentic account of the leading events of that individual's life, and the age when they occurred. Let the time and place only of birth be furnished me, if known, positively to within two or three minutes; or if not known to within five minutes' time either way; let me have also an account of three events of importance in the life of that party, and the age when they happened. I will then produce, at a meeting of these gentlemen, a written statement of the nature of those events, and the age at which they occurred, all through the life of that individual."

My reasons for refusing to accept of his challenge at the time it was given, I have already stated at page 201. However, as it has since been reiterated in the Lieutenant's Almanack for 1837, and as my

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proposed course of argument against astrology is now completed, I am disposed to meet the Lieut. upon ground somewhat similar to that proposed in the challenge, and certainly upon that which he has chosen in his Almanack for the present year. I shall therefore make some remarks upon the nativity of King William the Fourth, the "Nativity of Victoria Queen of England," and upon that of Queen Adelaide.

In Zadkiel's Almanack for 1837, the Lieutenant has the following prediction respecting William the Fourth:

"In JULY he will be liable to some illness of a feverish nature, and will be distressed by the conduct of a lady of very high rank, and be much urged to warlike resolutions. InSEPTEMBER (about the time of the directions) the King will again be exposed to some vexations by females: yet he will be more popular, and will move about a great deal, probably take a long journey; also his health improves. The 9th of NOVEMBER is fortunate for his Majesty; his health becomes good, &c."

Not one of these predictions was fulfilled, for his Majesty died on June 20th, 1837, to the dismay of the Lieut. and the shame of his deluded adherents. Here is "a modern case”— -one of the Lieutenant's own selection-one that convicts this lynx-eyed prophet of imbecility, if not of something worse, and proves that FACTS, if well scrutinised, will make "diviners mad" (Isaiah xliv. 25). What has this cun.

ning fortune-teller now to say for himself? In his letter to the editor of the Cheltenham Journal (June 24th, 1837), he hopes to be permitted to offer " a few words on the death of the good King;" and then adds, "It may be thought that my not having clearly foretold the sad event,* is a failure as regards astrology." He then proceeds to make some observations on the time of birth: and, if the assertion may be credited, "one minute and forty seconds," threw him out in his predictions! and yet, in his final challenge to me, the time is only required to be known " WITHIN TWO OR THREE MINUTES!!" and in his Herald of Astrology for 1832 (page 72), he says

"Letters must mention the place and time of birth to the nearest minute, if possible; if not known to a QUARTER OF AN HOUR, nothing can be learned.!!"

It is remarkable, however, that though the Lieut. has been in the habit SEVERAL YEARS, of furnishing the public with ANNUAL PREDICTIONS respecting the destinies of the Royal Family, we find no complaint that the times of birth of the illustrious individuals were not accurately given to the public, till accumulated facts furnish such a battery against his fragile edifice, that he fears its destruction, and endeavours to ward off their force, by affirming that his *See Letter x. page 196 and 197.