De Cometis: or a discourse of the natures and effects of Comets, as
they are philosophically, historically, and astrologically considered.
With a brief (yet full) account of the III late Comets, or blazing
stars, visible to all Europe. And what (in a natural way of judicature)
they portend. Together with some observations on the nativity of the
Grand Seignior. By John Gadbury, [Greek: Philomathematikos]. London,
1665, 4to.
Gadbury, though his name descends only in astrology, was a well-informed
astronomer.[222] D'Israeli[223] sets down Gadbury, Lilly, Wharton, Booker,
etc., as rank rogues: I think him quite wrong. The easy belief in roguery
and intentional imposture which prevails in educated society is, to my
mind, a greater presumption against the honesty of mankind than all the
roguery and imposture itself. Putting aside mere swindling for the sake of
gain, and looking at speculation and paradox, I find very little reason to
suspect wilful deceit.[224] My opinion of mankind is founded upon the {116}
mournful fact that, so far as I can see, they find within themselves the
means of believing in a thousand times as much as there is to believe in,
judging by experience. I do not say anything against Isaac D'Israeli for
talking his time. We are all in the team, and we all go the road, but we do
not all draw.