★ B[utler], J[ohn] [XVII secolo]. [Al recto della seconda carta] Hagiastrologia [in caratteri greci], Or, the most Sacred and Divine science of Astrology. 1. Asserted, in three Propositions; Shewing the Excellency and great Benefit thereof, where it is rightly understood and religiously observed: 2. Vindicated, Against the Calumnies of the Reverend Dr. More in his Explanation of the grand mystery of Godliness: 3. Excused, concerning pacts with evil spirits, as not guilty, in humble Considerations upon the Pious and Learned Discourse upon that Subject, by the Right Reverend Father in God, Joseph sometimes Lord Bishop of Norwich. By J.B., B.D. a Protestant minister of the true antient Catholick and apostolick faith of the Church of England. [Al recto della prima carta: London, Printed for the author; And are to be Sold by William Bromwich, at the Three Bibles in Ludgate-Street. M.CD.LXXX [sic] (1680). [Al recto della seconda carta: London, Printed M.DC.LXXX].
In 8° (19 cm), [a]4 b-e4 f1 g4 B-G8 (G8 bianca); [ ]3 Aa-Hh8, cc. 25, pp. 91 [1], cc. [1 bianca]; cc. [3], pp. 128. In 2 parti, con autonomi frontespizi. La prima parte ha quale titolo Hagiastrologia, or, Astrology a sacred science; la seconda parte Astrologia, or, The most sacred and divine science of astrology vindicated. Da p. 113 della seconda parte si trova An humble consideration by way of comment upon the pious and learned discourse of [...] Joseph late Lord Bishop of Norwich. Note a stampa al margine. I verso della prima, della seconda, della settima carta e di f1 sono bianchi. La pagina [92] è bianca. Errata in e4 verso. Dedica, nella prima parte, a Thomas Doleman senza luogo né data tra [a]3 recto e b3 recto. Dedica, nella seconda parte, a Elias Ashmole senza luogo né data.
Butler fu cappellano del Duca di Ormond; cominciò a studiare l’astrologia per confutarla, ma si convertì successivamente ad essa, divenendone lucido assertore. L’opera costituisce in buona parte replica a An explanation of the grand mystery of godliness di Henry More (vedi la scheda n. 5332) e a Resolutions and decisions of divers practicall cases of conscience in continuall use amongst men del Vescovo di Exeter e Norwich, Joseph Hall (London, Butter, 1649). More replicò a sua volta a Butler nel 1681 con l’opera Tetractys anti-astrologica (vedi la scheda n. 5333).
Esemplari: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek München; British Library; Manchester University; National Library of Wales; University College London; Jesus College, Oxford; Bodleian Library, Oxford; Withchurch Rector’s Library; Winchester Cathedral Library; Cambridge University; Dr. William’s Library, London; UCLA Library, Los Angeles; The National Library of Medicine of the USA; Henry Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California; University of Illinois; University of Chicago; Pennsylvania State University; Southern Oregon University; Harvard University; Yale University.
Bibliografia: Gardner 192.