Chapter IX.--Professions of Some Kinds Allied to Idolatry. Of Astrology in Particular.

We observe among the arts ¹ also some professions liable to the charge of idolatry. Of astrologers there should be no speaking even; ² but since one in these days has challenged us, defending on his own behalf perseverance in that profession, I will use a few words. I allege not that he honours idols, whose names he has inscribed on the heaven, ³ to whom he has attributed all God's power; because men, presuming that we are disposed of by the immutable arbitrament of the stars, think on that account that God is not to be sought after. One proposition I lay down: that those angels, the deserters from God, the lovers of women, ⁴ were likewise the discoverers of this curious art, on that account also condemned by God. Oh divine sentence, reaching even unto the earth in its vigour, whereto the unwitting render testimony! The astrologers are expelled just like their angels. The city and Italy are interdicted to the astrologers, just as heaven to their angels. ⁵ There is the same penalty of exclusion for disciples and masters. "But Magi and astrologers came from the east."

[See Titus iii. 14. English margin.]