An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

I answer, Though to sense and view the Sky or Heavens seem to have little strength in them, yet indeed their strength is beyond that of Rocks and Mountains. The learned Languages, both Greek and Latin, express the Sky by words which properly signify strength and firmness; ¹and we following the Latin word commonly call it in our English tongue, The Firmament, as much as to say, a firm thing. When the Apostle would set forth the steadiness (or as we translate) the steadfastness of the faith of the Colossians, he makes use of this word ([Greek or Hebrew] Chap. 2.5.) As if he had said, I rejoice to behold the firmament of your faith, or that your faith is as fi•me as the Firmament. Surely then the Sky or Firmament is very strong, else the strength of faith (which being strong, is the strongest thing, both actively and passively, in the world) had never been expressed by it. The Heavens are said to be strong (as saith is) because of their lastingness and duration. The Angels are pure Spirits, they are purer and of a more spiritual substance than the Sky or Heavens, yet they are strong, so strong and powerful, that they are called Powers; their strength is not a corporal strength of flesh and bone, as ours, and that of beasts is, nor is it a strength by compactness of earthy parts, as that of Stones and Metals is, but 'tis a strength of lastingness and activity arising from their spiritualness. Thus the Sky, especially taking it for the Heavens above th• air, is pure, there is a spiritualness in its nature, and so a strength of lastingness in it,² beyond that of any earthly or elementary body. The Heavens are not made up of contrary qualities, as elementary bodies are: In them heat and coldness, moisture and dryness, are mingled together, and these contending with each other, at last subdue each other; whence all elementary bodies become weak and corruptible. The Heavens have some cognation with elementary bodies, yet without the contrariety of active qualities. Heaven is like the Element of the Earth, in regard of firmness and solidity; it is like the water, in regard of its moveableness; it is like the air, in regard of its pellucidness or clearness; it is like the fire, with respect to its activeness. Heaven shines, yet 'tis without heat; 'tis solid, yet ⟨p. 570⟩