IN order to which, I first observe; That the Influx of celestial Bodies exerts its Power very efficaciously in all Sublunaries and Inferiours. Hence, touching the four Humours of our Bodies, Mars is thought to excite the yellow Bile, as Saturn exasperates Melancholy; and Luna to encrease Phlegm, as Sol and Jupiter govern the Blood.
SECONDLY, I observe, That the Power and Influence of the Planets lies effectually in Metals, Stones, Gems, Herbs, Roots, and all Subterranean Bodies; as Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Tin, Lead, and whatever is contained in the Bowels of the Earth, whether it tend to Use or Necessity, Profit or Pleasure; the Virtues and Increase of them all proceeding from their peculiar Stars.
THIS we may easily conceive, by considering that God, who made all things for his singular, great, and good Ends, would never have exhibited to us such a fair and spacious Heaven, such a Course, Order, Continuation, and Series of Stars to delight and feed our Eyes, like an empty Shadow, or an idle Picture: But, to the contrary, the Trees, the Roots, the Branches, the Seas, the Rivers, the Streams, and whatever runs thro’ the Veins of the Earth, or graces the Surface of Sea or Land; yea, whatever is, or may be distinguished by the Variety of Things or Names, together with our Bodies, and their implanted Humours, He subjected to the Heavens, that they might perceive some superiour Impulse, Motion, and Agitation from the Stars, and experience the Utility of their Effects.
HENCE the learned Arabians ascribed the Bodies, Actions, and Dispositions of Men to Stars and Signs: As Proclus teacheth, that Superiours and Inferiours are manifestly one in the other. But these Inferiours are defin’d, some to be Solar, others Lunar; on which the Sun and Moon make strong Impressions, like those of the Stars and Signs they are under. In reference to which, they distribute the human Body among the Planets and Signs of the Zodiack; and most ingeniously demonstrate, that as the Triplicities of those Signs answer one another, and agree in Celestials, so they also concur in the Members of the Body; which Observation, daily Experience also confirms. As for example: By a Coldness of the Feet, the Belly and Breast are affected; and these Members answering to the same Triplicity, any proper Medicine apply’d to the one, helps the other; as by warming the Feet, the Pain of the Belly ceaseth.
WHEREFORE, if we consider the many occult Qualities, and secret Influences of celestial Bodies, besides these three which are manifest to us, namely, Heat, Light, and Motion, we shall readily and rationally agree with Astrologers, as well as Philosophers, in this Point; that the celestial Bodies concur with other natural Causes, in the regular Procession of all the different Steps of the Conformation and Constitution of human Conception.
MOREOVER, in the Work of Animation, they concur not only physically, but efficiently; not as formal, final, or material Causes, but meerly by Action; upon which Great Efficient, all other Causes depend. And yet they concur efficiently not as the only particular, immediate, and proximous Agents, but as the common remote, physical Agents, moving physically. Now this Aristotle also plainly teacheth, saying; that, “As this inferiour World hath Existence from superiour Beings, so all worldly Existences must necessarily be ordered and directed by those, as the common efficient Cause of all Sub-celestials.”
BUT I would farther observe, that the only Action of those Bodies in this Work, is to dispose and govern all proper, special, and singular Causes pertaining to Nature, preserving them physically; that is, by their Motion, Light, and Heat.
THE reason I call those Bodies the remote, not the proximous Agents in the Work, is, because they do not in Substance, Motion, or Light, immediately reach or touch the Foetus; but only, by their secret Qualities and Influences, extended to these inferiour Orbs, penetrate through, and affect the Womb, tho’ never so closely shut up: By which means, the Spirit and Power of the Seeds, the Faculties of the Womb, and all concurring Causes are fomented, govern’d, promoted, preserv’d, and determin’d.
HOWEVER, in this Constitution, (whatever natural Causes may be advanc’d) the great God is indisputably and undeniably the prime and principal Efficient: for all other Causes, whether proximous or remote, without his Concurrence, would be but vain and insufficient, for the following Reasons.
I. HE is the only primary Agent, not physical, because not acting physically; not operating by Motion, because immoveable: but without Motion, and all other physical Helps, he powerfully and clearly displays Himself, most eminently officiating by his own All-sufficiency, and Appointment of Nature.