two great lights] To wit, the Sunne, and the Moone; the Sunne the greater indeed, for it is one hundred and sixty sixe times greater then the Earth (as Astronomers resolve, though rather upon probable conjecture then certaine demonstration). Amongst the Celestiall lights the Moone in appearance seemes the greatest next the Sunne, and is called a great light, as the Sunne is (without any difference) when it is thirty nine times lesse then the Earth, and is the least but one (that is Mercury) of all the Planets, and of farre narrower compasse then the fixed stars, for some of them as Astronomers affirme are an hundred and seven times greater then the earth, though they seeme much lesse: Neverthelesse the Moone being the lowest of these shining bodies, and so neerer to the earth, as it appeareth to be bigger in quantitie, so it ministreth more light to mans use, then any of the single starres of the greatest magnitude, yea then all of them together, when it is at the full; yet this fulnesse of light, is for a great part of it but a borrowed brightnesse from the body of the Sunne, which the moone receiveth and reflecteth like a Looking-glasse. to rule] The Sunne, Moone, and Starres, by their motions, light and influences under God, Jeremiah 31:35. serve much not onely for distinction of times, and for qualification of the creatures for naturall operations, (whereof see Deuteronomy 33:14. Hosea 2:21. Job 38:31.) but for ordering of Civill and Ecclesiasticall matters with most conveniencie, both for the doing and forbearing of them: In this rule their commission and power depends upon the Almighties pleasure; for when he will have it so, the Moone shall not give her light, and the Starres shall fall from heaven, Matthew 24:29. See also Joe 2:31. Acts 2:20.