An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth, fortieth, forty-first, and forty-second,…

That is, canst thou stop their rising, or the giving forth of their influences, which open the earth by a kindly warmth, & cause grass and corn, herbs and flowers, plants and trees of all sorts, to spring and put forth? canst thou bind them up from exerting their natural effects and proper operations? certainly thou canst not. He that is bound, cannot do what he would, nor what he could, ⟨p. 237⟩nor what he daily did when at liberty. The Philistines had a great mind to bind Sampson, supposing that then he could not put forth his mighty strength to mischief them. Prisoners, when bound and laid in chains can do nothing. As there is a binding to do, so a binding not to do; and that not only with material cords,¹ but metaphorical vows, oaths and promises. We commonly say, He that is bound must obey: But can any bind the Stars to obedience? what, or who but God, can bind or stay, either the constant motions or ministrations of the Stars? Sampson could not be bound by the Philistines till he betrayed himself, and discovered the secret where his strength lay. Who knows where the strength, force and virtues of the Stars lye? or if any knew that secret, could they climb up to the Stars, and cut off that lock wherein their strength lieth? or break the pipes by which their influences are conveyed down to the earth? Canst thou bind The sweet influences of Pleiades?

That is, canst thou stop their rising, or the giving forth of their influences, which open the earth by a kindly warmth, & cause grass and corn, herbs and flowers, plants and trees of all sorts, to spring and put forth? canst thou bind them up from exerting their natural effects and proper operations? certainly thou canst not. He that is bound, cannot do what he would, nor what he could, ⟨p. 237⟩nor what he daily did when at liberty. The Philistims had a great mind to bind Sampson, supposing that then he could not put forth his mighty strength to mischief them. Prisoners, when bound and laid in chains can do nothing. As there is a binding to do, so a binding not to do; and that not only with material cords,¹ but metaphorical vows, oaths and promises. We commonly say, He that is bound must obey: But can any bind the Stars to obedience? what, or who but God, can bind or stay, either the constant motions or ministrations of the Stars? Sampson could not be bound by the Philistims till he betrayed himself, and discovered the secret where his strength lay. Who knows where the strength, force and vertues of the Stars lye? or if any knew that secret, could they climb up to the Stars, and cut off that lock wherein their strength lyeth? or break the pipes by which their influences are conveyed down to the earth? Canst thou bind The sweet influences of Pleiades?