THE BELIEF in astrology was almost universal in the middle of
the seventeenth century; it began to waver and become doubtful
towards the close of that period, and in the beginning of the
eighteenth the art fell into general disrepute, and even under
general ridicule. Yet it still retained many partisans, even in
the seats of learning. Grave and studious men were loth to
relinquish the calculations which had early become the principal
objects of their studies, and felt reluctant to descend from the
predominating height to which a supposed insight into futurity,
by the power of consulting abstract influences and conjunctions,
had exalted them over the rest of manking. Among those who
cherished this imaginary privilege with undoubting faith, was an
old clergyman, with whom Mannering was placed during his youth.
He wasted his eyes in observing the stars, and his brains in
calculations upon their various combinations. His pupil, in
early youth, naturally caught some portion of his enthusiasm,
and laboured for a ti