(4) Baneful Influence. The baneful influence of the moon still finds credence in the East. Moon light is held to be detrimental to the eyes. In Ps. cxxi :6 we read, 'The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night ;' so that the impres sion that the moon may do injury to man is neither partial nor vague. Rosenmiiller (11-lorgen land. iv, 108) refers this to the cold of night, which, he says, is very great and sensible in the East, owing, partly, to the great heat of the day. If this extreme (comparative cold is considered in connection with the Oriental custom of sleeping sub divo, out of doors, a la belle etoile, on the flat roofs of houses, or even on the ground, without in all cases sufficient precautionary measures for protecting the frame, we see no difficulty in un derstanding whence arose the evil influence ascribed to the moon.
On the influence of the moon on man, see Hayn, De Planetar, in Corp. hum. iniluxu; and Kretsch mar, De Astror. in Corp. hum. Imperio, Jona, 1820; also Carne, Leb. und Sitten im Morgenl.
73. J. R. B.
Figurative. In the figurative language of Scripture the moon is frequently noticed as pre saging events of the greatest importance through the temporary or permanent withdrawal of its light (Is. xiii :to; Joel ii:3t ; Matt. xxiv :29; Mark xiii :24. The church is likened to the moon; how cotnely, useful, and illuminating to the world in the dark night of time! how only illuminated by Jesus the Sun of righteousness shining on her! and how changing her militant state and condi tion ! (Cant. vi :to; Is. lx :2o). It is symbolical of coming judgments, becoming as blood (Rev. vi 12). In the passage, "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars" (Rev. xii:1), the meaning appears to be that she is clothed with light from head to feet. The whole then becomes the figure of the Church illuminated with the truth and glory of God.