比克一帕特拉奇文件-JonathanSwift.pdfVIP

The Bickerstaff-Partridge Papers The Bickerstaff- Partridge Papers Jonathan Swift 1 The Bickerstaff-Partridge Papers PREDICTIONS FOR THE YEAR 1708 Wherein the month, and day of the month are set do, the pers named, and the great actios and events of nxt year particularly related, as will co to pass. Written to prevet the people of England from being farther imposed on by vulgar alanack-makers. By Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq. I have long considerd the gro abuse of astrology in this kingdo, and upon debating the matter with mysf, I could nt possibly lay th fault upon the art, but upon those gross impotors, who set up to be th artists. I know several learned mn have coteded that the whe i a cheat; that it is absurd and ridiculous to imagine, the stars can have any ifluence at all upon human actions, thoughts, or inclinations: And whover has not bet his studi that way, may be excused for thinking so, when he sees in how wretchd a manner that noble art is treated by a few mean illiterate traders between us and the stars; who import a yearly stock of nonsnse, lyes, folly, and impertinence, whic they offer to the world as genuine from the planets, tho they descend from no greater a height than their own brain I intend in a short ti to publh a large and rational defence of thi art, and therefore shall say no more in its justificati at prest, than that it hath been in all ages defended by many learned men, and among the ret by Socrates himelf, who I look upo as undoubtedly the wisest of unipird mortals: To which if we add, that thse who have cdemned th art, though otherwise learned, havig been such as either did not apply their studies th way, or at least did not succeed in