6. So then the Apostle has taught that man is a creature subject to vanity. For what is so truly the man as his soul? of its companions he says, _For we that are in this tabernacle do groan being burthened_. David also says, _Man is like a thing of nought_, and, _Every man living is altogether vanity_. Wherefore the life of man in this world is vanity, to which vanity the soul is subject. And when a holy man doeth the things of the body, he doeth them not willingly but _by reason of Him Who hath subjected the same in hope_, he does them for obedience sake. From this example of the soul then let us proceed to the other creatures. Sidenote: Ps. civ. 19. 7. Consider the sun the moon and the stars; these heavenly luminaries, although they shine with an excellent brightness, are yet but creatures, and rise and set in performance of their daily task, obeying the ordinance of the eternal Creator, dispensing the radiance wherewith they are clothed, and giving light by night and by day. As often as the sun is obscured by clouds, as often as is it hidden by the interposition of the earth, or when the rays of its light are intercepted, eclipses occur, and, as the Scripture saith, _The moon knoweth her going down[179]._ She knows when she shines with a full, and when with a diminished orb. The stars also are overclouded and disappear, while going through the service of this earthly ministry, not willingly indeed but in hope; for they hope for the reward of this their toil from Him Who subjected them. Wherefore they go through it for His sake, that is, to do His will. Sidenote: Rom. xi. 25, 26. Sidenote: S. John xix. 6. Sidenote: S. Matt. xxvii. 25. Sidenote: Rom. viii. 20.