An exposition with practical observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…

Thirdly, Some stars are more excellent, of greater virtue and name then others; when these are named, it is for special reason. The Lord nameth these, as stars of more then ordinary dignity. These are in degree next to the Sun and Moon: when a few are named for many, we usually name the chiefest: as the whole people of the Jews are set forth by the heads of their Tribes, by the Chiefs; and when a Nation is spoken of, it is by those greater names, the Magistrates and the Ministers. These are named, because they have most to do, and the greatest business in a Nation. So these stars are here named, because they are of special use and ⟨p. 214⟩influence. The Apostle gives us this clearly (1 Cor. 15.41.) There is one glory of the Sun, another of the Moon, and another glory of the Stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. One star hath a more honourable name then another. Some stars God doth not vouchsafe to name particularly to us, when others, which are of greater glory, are. As in a building, some parts of it are chief, The foundation, the top stone, the corner stone; the strength and beauty of the whole building are comprehended under these. God hath made differences and degrees in all creatures; in the heavenly as well as earthly. The names of most stars are concealed, as being of a lower degree. And we find that whensoever in Scripture stars are spoken of, scarce any are named but these, and these are often named, which implies their superiority and dignity. The Prophet urges this as an argument of humblest addresses unto, and dependence upon God. (Amos 5.8.) Seek him that maketh the seven stars (that is, Pleiades) and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, &c. He doth not say, Seek him that maketh all the stars, the Lord made all. But because he hath given so much virtue and excellency to these, these only are reported as of his making. Here, Which maketh Arcturus: (there) Seek him which maketh the seven stars; As if he had said, In those stars God hath laid out much of himself, and made his power and wisdom most visible: How much hath God in himself, who hath communicated so much to one senseless creature?

Thirdly, Some stars are more excellent, of greater vertue and name then others; when these are named, it is for speciall reason. The Lord nameth these, as stars of more then ordinary dignity. These are in degree next to the Sunne and Moon: when a few are named for many, we usually name the chiefest: as the whole people of the Jews are set forth by the heads of their Tribes, by the Chiefs; and when a Nation is spoken of, it is by those greater names, the Magistrates and the Ministers. These are named, because they have most to doe, and the greatest businesse in a Nation. So these stars are here named, because they are of speciall use and