called them "the windows of heaven" and taught that they were opened
when it rained, and closed when it ceased to rain. Hence it is evident
that the ancient Astronomers did not refer to these pillars and windows
in a figurative sense, but as real appurtenances to a solid firmament,
as will be seen by reference to Gen. vii. 11, and viii. 2, Job xxvi.
11, and Malachi iii. 10.


The Planets.

Believing that the stars were but mere flambeaux, suspended beneath the
firmament, and revolving round the earth, for the sole purpose of
giving it light and heat; and observing that seven of these, answering
to the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, had
perceptible movements, in relation to the other luminaries, the ancient
astronomers designated them as planets or wandering stars.


The Constellations.

Perceiving that the other celestial luminaries maintained the same
relation to each other, and designating them as fixed stars, the
ancient astronomers grouped those visible to them into forty-eight
Constellations; and giving names to these, they also attached names to
the stars of larger magnitude, which was done for the purpose of
locating and distinguishing them with greater ease.


The Zodiac.