time_n of_o constantine_n empire_n but_o however_o the_o father_n of_o that_o council_n be_v themselves_o our_o witness_n in_o this_o point_n for_o in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a form_n or_o constitution_n in_o the_o chapter_n about_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o about_o the_o world_n they_o speak_v thus_o the_o world_n be_v make_v mean_a or_o less_o perfect_a providential_o for_o god_n foresee_v that_o man_n will_v sin_v wherefore_o we_o expect_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o the_o appearance_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n and_o then_o as_o daniel_n say_v ch_z 7._o 18._o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a shall_v take_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v pure_a holy_a the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n not_o of_o the_o dead_a which_o david_n foresee_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n cry_v out_o ps._n 27._o 13._o i_o believe_v to_o see_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n our_o saviour_n say_v happy_a be_v the_o meek_a for_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n matt._n 5._o 5._o and_o the_o prophet_n isaiuh_o say_v chap._n 26._o 6._o the_o foot_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a shall_v tread_v upon_o it_o so_o you_o see_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o father_n there_o will_v be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o moreover_o that_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n and_o in_o both_o these_o point_n they_o cite_v the_o prophet_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o thus_o we_o have_v discharge_v our_o promise_n and_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o millennium_n or_o future_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o three_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n before_o any_o considerable_a corruption_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o those_o authority_n of_o single_a and_o successive_a father_n we_o have_v seal_v up_o all_o together_o with_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n in_o a_o body_n those_o that_o think_v tradition_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o considerable_a motive_n to_o it_o will_v find_v it_o hard_o to_o turn_v off_o the_o force_n of_o these_o testimony_n and_o those_o that_o do_v not_o go_v so_o far_o but_o yet_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o antiquity_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v not_o easy_o produce_v better_a authority_n more_o early_o more_o numerous_a or_o more_o uncontradict_v for_o any_o article_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a yet_o these_o be_v but_o second_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v true_o the_o principal_n in_o this_o cause_n i_o will_v leave_v they_o altogether_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o weigh_v by_o the_o impartial_a reader_n and_o because_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o make_v a_o full_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n i_o will_v now_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o account_n set_v down_o our_o second_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o millennial_a state_n 2._o or_o a_o future_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n prophesy_v of_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o a_o christian_a and_o catholic_n doctrine_n have_v dispatch_v this_o main_a point_n to_o conclude_v the_o chapter_n and_o this_o head_n of_o our_o discourse_n it_o will_v be_v some_o satisfaction_n possible_o to_o see_v how_o a_o doctrine_n so_o general_o receive_v and_o approve_v come_v to_o decay_v and_o almost_o wear_v out_o of_o the_o church_n in_o follow_v age_n the_o christian_a millenary_a doctrine_n be_v not_o call_v into_o question_n so_o far_o as_o appear_v from_o history_n before_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o century_n when_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n write_v against_o nepos_n a_o egyptian_a bishop_n who_o have_v declare_v himself_o upon_o that_o subject_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o book_n have_v any_o great_a effect_n for_o the_o declaration_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n be_v after_o and_o in_o s._n ierome_n time_n who_o write_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n this_o doctrine_n have_v so_o much_o credit_n that_o he_o who_o be_v its_o great_a adversary_n yet_o dare_v not_o condemn_v it_o as_o he_o say_v himself_o quae_fw-la licet_fw-la non_fw-la sequamur_fw-la tamen_fw-la damnare_fw-la non_fw-la possumus_fw-la quià _fw-la multi_fw-la ecclesiasticorum_fw-la virorum_fw-la &_o martyr_n ista_fw-la dixerunt_fw-la which_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n speak_v of_o the_o millennium_n though_o we_o do_v not_o follow_v yet_o we_o can_v condemn_v because_o many_o of_o our_o churchman_n and_o martyr_n have_v affirm_v these_o thing_n and_o when_o apollinarius_n reply_v to_o that_o book_n of_o dionysius_n s._n jerome_n say_v that_o not_o only_o those_o of_o his_o own_o sect_n but_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o other_o christian_n do_v agree_v with_o apollinarius_n in_o that_o particular_a ut_fw-la praesagâ_fw-la ment_fw-la jam_fw-la cernam_fw-la quantorum_fw-la in_o i_o rabbis_n concitanda_fw-la sit_fw-la that_o i_o now_o foresee_v how_o many_o will_v be_v enrage_v against_o i_o for_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v against_o the_o millenary_a doctrine_n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o in_o s._n ierome_n time_n the_o millenaries_n make_v the_o great_a party_n in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o little_a matter_n will_v not_o have_v fright_v he_o from_o censure_v their_o opinion_n s._n jerome_n be_v a_o rough_a and_o rugged_a saint_n and_o a_o unfair_a adversary_n that_o usual_o run_v down_o with_o heat_n and_o violence_n what_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n as_o to_o his_o unfairness_n he_o show_v it_o sufficient_o in_o this_o very_a cause_n for_o he_o general_o represent_v the_o millenary_a doctrine_n after_o a_o judaical_a rather_o than_o a_o christian_a manner_n and_o in_o reckon_v up_o the_o chief_a patron_n of_o it_o he_o always_o skip_v justin_n martyr_n who_o be_v not_o a_o man_n so_o obscure_a as_o to_o be_v overâ—looked_v and_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o have_v declare_v himself_o sufficient_o upon_o this_o point_n for_o he_o say_v both_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o orthodox_n of_o his_o time_n be_v of_o that_o judgement_n and_o apply_v both_o the_o apocalypse_n of_o s._n john_n and_o the_o 65th_o chap._n of_o isaiah_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o as_o we_o note_v before_o as_o s._n jerome_n be_v a_o open_a enemy_n to_o this_o doctrine_n so_o eusebius_n be_v a_o back_n friend_n to_o it_o and_o represent_v every_o thing_n to_o its_o disadvantage_n so_o far_o as_o be_v tolerable_o consistent_a with_o the_o fairness_n of_o a_o historian_n he_o give_v a_o slight_a character_n of_o papias_n without_o any_o authority_n for_o it_o 〈◊〉_d and_o bring_v in_o one_o gaius_n that_o make_v cerinthus_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o of_o the_o millennium_n and_o call_v the_o vision_n there_o monstrous_a story_n he_o himself_o be_v willing_a to_o shuffle_v off_o that_o book_n from_o john_n the_o evangelist_n to_o another_o john_n a_o presbyter_n and_o to_o show_v his_o skill_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o constan._n he_o make_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n in_o the_o 21th_o chap._n to_o be_v constantine_n jerusalem_n when_o he_o turn_v the_o heathen_a temple_n there_o into_o christian._n a_o wonderful_a invention_n as_o s._n jerome_n by_o his_o flout_n so_o eusebius_n by_o sinister_a insinuation_n endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o reputation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o be_v they_o both_o use_v be_v to_o misrepresentâ—â—â—_n as_o judaical_a but_o we_o must_v not_o cast_v off_o every_o doctrine_n which_o the_o jew_n believe_v only_o for_o that_o reason_n for_o we_o have_v the_o same_o oracle_n which_o they_o have_v and_o the_o same_o prophet_n and_o they_o have_v collect_v from_o they_o same_o general_a doctrine_n that_o we_o have_v namely_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o happy_a and_o pacific_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o future_a time_n but_o as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o state_n we_o differ_v very_o much_o they_o suppose_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n will_v be_v restore_v with_o all_o its_o pomp_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n whereas_o we_o suppose_v the_o christian_a worship_n or_o something_o more_o perfect_a will_v then_o take_v place_n yet_o s._n jerome_n have_v the_o confidence_n even_o there_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o many_o christian_a clergy_n and_o martyr_n that_o hold_v this_o doctrine_n have_v the_o confidence_n i_o say_v to_o represent_v it_o as_o if_o they_o hold_v that_o circumcision_n sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o judaical_a rite_n shall_v then_o be_v restore_v which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o great_a slander_n and_o a_o great_a instance_n how_o far_a man_n passion_n will_v carry_v they_o in_o misrepresent_v a_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o
of_o our_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o of_o they_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o a_o certain_a man_n among_o we_o christian_n by_o name_n john_n one_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o he_o do_v prophesy_v that_o the_o faithful_a believer_n in_o christ_n shall_v live_v a_o thousand_o year_n in_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o after_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o general_a resurrection_n and_o day_n of_o judgement_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o thought_n and_o sentiment_n of_o justin_n martyr_n as_o to_o himself_o as_o to_o all_o the_o repute_a orthodox_n of_o his_o time_n as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n john_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n all_o conspire_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o millenary_a doctrine_n to_o these_o three_o witness_n papias_n irenaeus_n and_o justin_n martyr_n we_o may_v add_v two_o more_o within_o the_o second_o age_n of_o the_o church_n melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n and_o st._n barnabas_n or_o whosoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n under_o his_o name_n this_o melito_n by_o some_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n to_o who_o st._n john_n direct_v the_o epistle_n to_o that_o church_n apoc._n 3._o 1._o but_o i_o do_v not_o take_v he_o to_o be_v so_o ancient_a however_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o place_n at_o least_o in_o the_o second_o century_n and_o a_o person_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o learning_n he_o write_v many_o book_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o st._n jerome_n and_o as_o he_o note_n out_o of_o tertullian_n eccles_n be_v by_o christian_n repute_v a_o prophet_n he_o be_v also_o a_o declare_a millenary_a and_o be_v record_v as_o such_o both_o by_o jerome_n and_o gennadius_n 55._o as_o to_o the_o epistle_n of_o barnabas_n which_o we_o mention_v it_o must_v be_v very_o ancient_a whosoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o before_o the_o three_o century_n see_v it_o be_v often_o cite_v by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n who_o be_v himself_o within_o the_o second_o century_n the_o genius_n of_o it_o be_v very_o much_o millenarian_a in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o promise_a land_n a_o day_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o concern_v the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o which_o he_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o orthodox_n of_o those_o time_n that_o be_v of_o the_o millenarian_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o and_o second_o century_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o short_a account_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o millenary_a doctrine_n be_v orthodox_n and_o catholic_n in_o those_o early_a day_n for_o these_o author_n do_v not_o set_v it_o down_o as_o a_o private_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o but_o as_o a_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n it_o be_v remarkable_a what_o papias_n say_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n of_o learning_n in_o his_o book_n call_v the_o explanation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n eccles_n as_o st._n jerome_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o it_o he_o say_v in_o his_o preface_n he_o do_v not_o follow_v various_a opinion_n but_o have_v the_o apostle_n for_o his_o author_n and_o that_o he_o consider_v what_o andrew_n what_o peter_n say_v what_o philip_n what_o thomas_n and_o other_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o also_o what_o aristion_n and_o john_n the_o senior_n disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o they_o speak_v and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o profit_v so_o much_o by_o read_v book_n as_o by_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o these_o person_n which_o resound_v from_o they_o to_o that_o day_n this_o have_v very_o much_o the_o air_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o of_o a_o man_n that_o in_o good_a earnest_n seek_v after_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n from_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o authentic_a teacher_n of_o it_o i_o know_v eusebius_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n give_v a_o double_a character_n of_o this_o papias_n in_o one_o place_n lucinium_n he_o call_v he_o a_o very_a eloquent_a man_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o skilful_a in_o scripture_n and_o in_o another_o he_o make_v he_o a_o man_n of_o a_o small_a understanding_n but_o what_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o suspect_v eusebius_n of_o partiality_n in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o millennium_n we_o shall_v make_v appear_v hereafter_o however_o we_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o learning_n of_o papias_n or_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o understanding_n allow_v he_o but_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o fair_a witness_n and_o it_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v and_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o question_v his_o testimony_n in_o this_o point_n see_v it_o be_v back_v by_o other_o of_o good_a credit_n and_o also_o because_o there_o be_v no_o counter-evidence_n nor_o any_o witness_n that_o appear_v against_o he_o for_o there_o be_v not_o extant_a either_o the_o write_n name_n or_o memory_n of_o any_o person_n that_o contest_v this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o first_o or_o second_o century_n i_o say_v that_o call_v in_o question_n this_o millenary_a doctrine_n propose_v after_o a_o christian_a manner_n unless_o such_o heretic_n as_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n whole_o or_o such_o christian_n as_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n we_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o century_n where_o you_o find_v tertullian_n origen_n victorinus_n bishop_n and_o martyr_n nepos_n aegyptius_n cyprian_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o lactantius_n all_o open_o prosess_v or_o implicit_o favour_v the_o millenary_a doctrine_n we_o do_v not_o mention_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n contemporary_a with_o tertullian_n because_o he_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o know_v of_o express_o either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o millennium_n but_o he_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o seven_o day_n have_v be_v account_v sacred_a both_o by_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_n because_o of_o the_o revolution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o renovation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o keep_v that_o day_n holy_a see_v there_o be_v not_o a_o revolution_n of_o the_o world_n every_o seven_o day_n it_o can_v be_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o the_o seven_o day_n represent_v the_o seven_o millenary_a in_o which_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v as_o to_o tertullian_n s._n jerome_n reckon_v he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n among_o the_o latin_a millenaries_n and_o though_o his_o book_n about_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o also_o that_o about_o paradise_n which_o shall_v have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a light_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v both_o lose_v or_o suppress_v yet_o there_o be_v sufficient_a indication_n of_o his_o millenary_a opinion_n in_o his_o tract_n against_o martion_n and_o against_o hermogenes_n s._n cyprian_n be_v tertullian_n admirer_n and_o incline_v to_o the_o same_o opinion_n so_o far_o as_o one_o can_v judge_v in_o this_o particular_a for_o his_o period_n of_o six_o thousand_o year_n and_o make_v the_o seven_o millenary_a the_o consummation_n of_o all_o be_v whole_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o millenary_a doctrine_n as_o to_o the_o two_o bishop_n victorinus_n and_o nepos_n s._n jerome_n vouch_v for_o they_o the_o write_n of_o the_o one_o be_v lose_v and_o of_o the_o other_o so_o change_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o author_n do_v not_o appear_v there_o now_o but_o lactantius_n who_o we_o name_v in_o the_o last_o place_n do_v open_o and_o profuse_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n in_o his_o divine_a institution_n 7._o and_o with_o the_o same_o assurance_n that_o he_o do_v other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o he_o conclude_v thus_o speak_v of_o the_o millennium_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n which_o we_o christian_n follow_v this_o be_v our_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o acknowledge_v there_o that_o it_o be_v keep_v as_o a_o mystery_n or_o secret_a among_o the_o christian_n lest_o the_o heathen_n shall_v make_v any_o perverse_a or_o odious_a interpretation_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o same_o or_o like_a reason_n i_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o vulgar_a for_o some_o time_n and_o not_o read_v public_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v speak_v too_o open_o of_o the_o fate_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o of_o this_o millennial_n state_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o second_o and_o third_z century_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o our_o conclusion_n we_o engage_v to_o make_v out_o this_o proof_n as_o far_o as_o the_o nicene_n council_n inclusive_o the_o nicene_n council_n be_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 325._o and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v lactantius_n be_v then_o live_v at_o least_o he_o come_v within_o the_o
worthy_a our_o study_n and_o meditation_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o discover_v the_o way_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o to_o show_v we_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a knowledge_n concern_v nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o theory_n i_o be_v wil_v to_o lay_v aside_o a_o great_a many_o other_o speculation_n and_o all_o those_o dry_a subtlety_n with_o which_o the_o school_n and_o the_o book_n of_o philosopher_n be_v usual_o fill_v but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o rise_a world_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o of_o the_o great_a universe_n for_o who_o can_v describe_v the_o original_a of_o that_o vast_a frame_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sublundry_a world_n this_o earth_n and_o its_o dependency_n which_o rise_v out_o of_o a_o chaos_n about_o six_o thousand_o year_n ago_o and_o see_v it_o have_v fall_v to_o our_o lot_n to_o act_v upon_o this_o stage_n to_o have_v our_o 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importance_n to_o be_v know_v both_o for_o their_o own_o excellency_n and_o also_o to_o rectify_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o other_o thing_n consequential_a to_o they_o such_o point_n may_v be_v our_o great_a epocha_n or_o the_o age_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n the_o first_o and_o paradisiacal_a state_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o universal_a deluge_n the_o longevity_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o preservation_n and_o of_o their_o people_n the_o second_o earth_n and_o last_o the_o fate_n and_o change_v it_o be_v to_o undergo_v these_o i_o always_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o great_a knowledge_n or_o head_n of_o theory_n fix_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o aim_v and_o direction_n how_o to_o pursue_v the_o rest_n that_o depend_v upon_o they_o but_o these_o head_n you_o see_v be_v of_o a_o mix_a order_n and_o we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o work_n only_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o natural_a world_n upon_o which_o i_o believe_v the_o train_n of_o providence_n be_v general_o lay_v and_o we_o must_v first_o consider_v how_o god_n have_v order_v nature_n and_o then_o how_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o intellectual_a world_n be_v adapt_v to_o it_o for_o of_o these_o two_o part_n consist_v the_o full_a system_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o subject_n can_v be_v more_o worthy_a the_o thought_n of_o any_o serious_a person_n than_o to_o view_v and_o consider_v the_o rise_n and_o fall_v and_o all_o the_o revolution_n not_o of_o a_o monarchy_n or_o a_o empire_n of_o the_o grecian_a or_o roman_a state_n but_o of_o a_o entire_a world_n the_o obscurity_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o their_o remoteness_n from_o common_a knowledge_n will_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n by_o some_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o undertake_v
world_n that_o this_o abyss_n be_v open_v or_o that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o earth_n break_v and_o fall_v down_o into_o the_o great_a abyss_n at_o this_o one_o stroke_n all_o nature_n will_v be_v change_v and_o this_o single_a action_n will_v have_v two_o great_a and_o visible_a effect_n the_o one_o transient_a and_o the_o other_o permanent_a first_o a_o universal_a deluge_n will_v overflow_v all_o the_o part_n and_o region_n of_o the_o break_a earth_n during_o the_o great_a commotion_n and_o agitation_n of_o the_o abyss_n by_o the_o violent_a fall_n of_o the_o earth_n into_o it_o this_o will_v be_v the_o first_o and_o unquestionable_a effect_n of_o this_o dissolution_n and_o all_o that_o world_n will_v be_v destroy_v then_o when_o the_o agitation_n of_o the_o abyss_n be_v assuage_v and_o the_o water_n by_o degree_n be_v retire_v into_o their_o channel_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n appear_v you_o will_v see_v the_o true_a image_n of_o the_o present_a earth_n in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o first_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o globe_n will_v be_v divide_v into_o land_n and_o sea_n the_o land_n will_v consist_v of_o plain_n and_o valley_n and_o mountain_n according_a as_o the_o piece_n of_o this_o ruin_n be_v place_v and_o dispose_v upon_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o sea_n will_v stand_v the_o rock_n and_o near_o the_o shore_n will_v be_v island_n or_o less_o fragment_n of_o earth_n compass_v round_o by_o water_n then_o as_o to_o subterraneous_a water_n and_o all_o subterraneous_a cavern_n and_o hollowness_n upon_o this_o supposition_n those_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o for_o the_o part_n will_v fall_v hollow_a in_o many_o place_n in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o ruin_n and_o see_v the_o earth_n fall_v into_o this_o abyss_n the_o water_n at_o a_o certain_a height_n will_v flow_v into_o all_o those_o hollow_a place_n and_o cavity_n and_o will_v also_o sink_v and_o insinuate_v into_o many_o part_n of_o the_o solid_a earth_n and_o though_o these_o subterraneous_a 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hereafter_o examine_v they_o piece_n by_o piece_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o general_n deluge_n how_o easy_o and_o true_o this_o supposition_n represent_v and_o explain_v it_o and_o answer_v all_o the_o property_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v easy_o allow_v that_o such_o a_o dissolution_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o we_o have_v propose_v and_o fall_v of_o it_o into_o the_o abyss_n will_v certain_o make_v a_o universal_a deluge_n and_o effectual_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n which_o perish_v in_o it_o but_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o particular_o prove_v this_o dissolution_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o deluge_n follow_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o assert_v thing_n in_o gross_a never_o make_v that_o firm_a impression_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o upon_o our_o belief_n as_o to_o see_v they_o deduce_v with_o their_o cause_n and_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o preparation_n there_o 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to_o we_o to_o excite_v our_o curiosity_n and_o inquisitiveness_n after_o the_o method_n by_o which_o such_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o great_a trial_n or_o instance_n of_o natural_a wisdom_n than_o to_o find_v out_o the_o channel_n in_o which_o these_o great_a revolution_n of_o nature_n which_o we_o treat_v on_o flow_v and_o succeed_v one_o another_o let_v we_o therefore_o resume_v that_o system_n of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n which_o we_o have_v deduce_v from_o the_o chaos_n and_o which_o we_o find_v to_o answer_v s._n peter_n description_n and_o moses_n his_o account_n of_o the_o deluge_n this_o earth_n can_v not_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o a_o deluge_n as_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v but_o by_o a_o dissolution_n for_o the_o abyss_n be_v enclose_v within_o its_o bowel_n and_o moses_n do_v in_o effect_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o dissolution_n when_o he_o say_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o great_a abyss_n be_v borken_v open_a for_o fountain_n be_v break_v open_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o break_v up_o the_o ground_n that_o cover_v they_o we_o must_v therefore_o here_o inquire_v in_o what_o order_n and_o from_o what_o cause_v the_o frame_n of_o this_o exterior_a earth_n be_v dissolve_v and_o then_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v how_o upon_o that_o dissolution_n the_o deluge_n immediate_o prevail_v and_o overflow_v all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o humane_a wit_n to_o determine_v how_o long_o this_o frame_n will_v stand_v how_o many_o year_n or_o how_o many_o age_n but_o one_o will_v soon_o imagine_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o structure_n will_v not_o be_v perpetual_a nor_o last_v indeed_o many_o thousand_o of_o year_n if_o one_o consider_v the_o effect_n that_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n will_v have_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o water_n under_o it_o dry_v and_o parch_v the_o one_o and_o raresy_v the_o other_o into_o vapour_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o that_o time_n or_o the_o posture_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o sun_n be_v such_o that_o there_o be_v no_o diversity_n or_o alternation_n of_o season_n in_o the_o year_n as_o there_o be_v now_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o alternation_n our_o earth_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o equality_n of_o temper_n the_o contrary_a season_n balance_v one_o another_o so_o as_o what_o moisture_n the_o heat_n of_o the_o summer_n suck_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v repay_v in_o the_o rain_n of_o the_o next_o winter_n and_o what_o chap_n be_v make_v in_o it_o be_v fill_v up_o again_o and_o the_o earth_n reduce_v to_o its_o former_a constitution_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v imagine_v a_o continual_a summer_n the_o earth_n will_v proceed_v in_o dryness_n still_o more_o and_o more_o and_o the_o crack_n will_v be_v wide_a and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o such_o a_o continual_a summer_n there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o equality_n of_o season_n in_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o follw_a book_n concern_v paradise_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o be_v suppose_v let_v we_o consider_v what_o effect_n it_o will_v have_v upon_o this_o arch_n of_o the_o exterior_a earth_n and_o the_o water_n under_o it_o we_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n within_o the_o space_n of_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n will_v have_v reduce_v this_o earth_n to_o a_o considerable_a degree_n of_o dryness_n in_o certain_a part_n and_o also_o have_v much_o raresy_v and_o exhale_v the_o water_n beneath_o it_o and_o consider_v the_o structure_n of_o that_o globe_n the_o exterior_a crust_n and_o the_o water_n lie_v round_o under_o it_o both_o expose_v to_o the_o sun_n we_o may_v fit_o compare_v it_o to_o a_o aeolipile_n or_o
we_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o some_o collateral_a argument_n take_v either_o from_o sacred_a history_n or_o from_o observation_n that_o this_o have_v real_o be_v exemplify_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o noah_n flood_n come_v to_o pass_v this_o way_n and_o see_v we_o have_v design_v this_o first_o book_n chief_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o noah_n deluge_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o add_v here_o a_o chapter_n or_o two_o extraordinary_a upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o show_v that_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v be_v more_o than_o a_o idea_n and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o this_o very_a way_n that_o noah_n deluge_n come_v to_o pass_v but_o they_o who_o have_v not_o this_o doubt_n and_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o see_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o theory_n may_v skip_v these_o two_o chapter_n if_o they_o please_v and_o proceed_v to_o the_o follow_v where_o the_o order_n be_v continue_v to_o satisfy_v then_o the_o doubtful_a in_o this_o particular_a let_v we_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o conclusion_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o admit_v viz._n that_o this_o be_v a_o possible_a and_o consistent_a explication_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o this_o will_v go_v if_o well_o consider_v towards_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o they_o desire_v or_o towards_o the_o demonstration_n of_o noah_n deluge_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v grant_v on_o both_o hand_n that_o here_o have_v be_v a_o universal_a deluge_n upon_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v noah_n deluge_n and_o it_o be_v also_o grant_v that_o we_o have_v give_v a_o possible_a and_o consistent_a idea_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n now_o we_o have_v prove_v chap._n ii_o and_o iii_o that_o all_o other_o way_n hitherto_o assign_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o noah_n flood_n be_v incongrous_a or_o impossible_a therefore_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o that_o possible_a and_o competent_a way_n which_o we_o have_v propose_v and_o if_o we_o have_v true_o prove_v in_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n the_o impossibility_n or_o unintelligibility_n of_o it_o in_o all_o other_o way_n this_o argumentation_n be_v undeniable_a beside_o we_o may_v argue_v thus_o as_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o universal_a deluge_n upon_o the_o earth_n so_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o now_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o earth_n whensoever_o it_o happen_v will_v make_v one_o universal_a deluge_n and_o therefore_o the_o only_a one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o noah_n that_o such_o a_o dissolution_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v will_v make_v a_o universal_a deluge_n i_o think_v can_v be_v question_v and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o dissolution_n beside_o what_o we_o have_v already_o allege_v shall_v be_v prove_v at_o large_a from_o natural_a observation_n upon_o the_o form_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o present_a earth_n in_o the_o three_o section_n and_o last_o chap._n of_o this_o book_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o will_v proceed_v to_o history_n both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a and_o by_o compare_v our_o explication_n with_o those_o give_v further_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o agree_v which_o be_v most_o considerable_a with_o moses_n narration_n of_o the_o deluge_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o deluge_n moses_n make_v to_o be_v the_o water_n from_o above_o and_o the_o water_n from_o below_o or_o he_o distinguish_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o deluge_n 11._o as_o we_o do_v into_o superior_a and_o inferior_a and_o the_o inferior_a cause_n he_o make_v to_o be_v the_o disruption_n of_o the_o abyss_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n and_o the_o great_a hinge_n of_o our_o explication_n then_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o deluge_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o increase_n and_o decrease_v he_o say_v it_o increase_v gradual_o 5._o and_o decrease_v gradual_o by_o go_v and_o come_v that_o be_v after_o many_o repeat_v fluctuation_n and_o reciprocation_n of_o the_o wave_n the_o water_n of_o the_o abyss_n begin_v to_o be_v more_o compose_v and_o to_o retire_v into_o their_o channel_n whence_o they_o shall_v never_o return_v to_o cover_v the_o earth_n again_o this_o agree_v whole_o with_o our_o theory_n we_o suppose_v the_o abyss_n to_o have_v be_v under_o a_o extreme_a commotion_n and_o agitation_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o earth_n into_o it_o and_o this_o at_o first_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o till_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fall_v then_o continue_v for_o some_o time_n at_o the_o height_n of_o its_o rage_n overwhelm_v the_o great_a mountain_n it_o afterward_o decrease_v by_o the_o like_a degree_n leave_v first_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n than_o the_o hill_n and_o the_o field_n till_o the_o water_n come_v to_o be_v whole_o draw_v off_o the_o earth_n into_o their_o channel_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o great_a oversight_n in_o the_o ancient_n to_o fancy_n the_o deluge_n like_o a_o great_a stand_a pool_n of_o water_n reach_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o valley_n to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n every_o where_o alike_o with_o a_o level_n and_o uniform_a surface_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o mistake_a notion_n of_o the_o deluge_n they_o make_v more_o water_n necessary_a to_o it_o than_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v or_o be_v have_v than_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o get_v quit_v of_o again_o for_o there_o be_v no_o channel_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o can_v hold_v so_o much_o water_n loc_n either_o to_o give_v it_o or_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o deluge_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o note_v this_o violent_a commotion_n of_o the_o abyss_n 104._o the_o water_n go_v up_o by_o the_o mountain_n come_v down_o by_o the_o valley_n unto_o the_o place_n which_o thou_o have_v found_v for_o they_o 9_o i_o know_v some_o interpret_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o water_n in_o the_o beginning_n when_o they_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n gen._n 1._o 2._o but_o that_o can_v be_v because_o of_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n thou_o have_v set_v a_o bind_v that_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v over_o that_o they_o turn_v not_o again_o to_o cover_v the_o earth_n which_o be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o precede_a word_n be_v understand_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o water_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o they_o do_v pass_v those_o bound_n and_o do_v return_v since_o that_o time_n to_o cover_v the_o earth_n namely_o at_o the_o deluge_n but_o if_o these_o word_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o water_n then_o it_o be_v both_o a_o just_a description_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o abyss_n and_o certain_o true_a that_o the_o water_n since_o that_o time_n be_v so_o settle_v in_o their_o channel_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o overflow_v the_o earth_n again_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o noah_n and_o that_o illustrious_a pledge_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o the_o rainbow_n that_o the_o heaven_n also_o shall_v never_o pour_v out_o so_o much_o water_n again_o their_o state_n be_v change_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o earth_n or_o sea_n from_o what_o they_o be_v before_o the_o deluge_n but_o before_o we_o leave_v moses_n narration_n of_o the_o deluge_n we_o must_v examine_v further_a what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o his_o tehomrabba_fw-mi 11._o or_o great_a abyss_n which_o he_o say_v be_v break_v up_o at_o the_o deluge_n for_o this_o will_v help_v we_o to_o discover_v whether_o our_o explication_n be_v the_o same_o with_o he_o and_o of_o the_o same_o flood_n and_o first_o we_o must_v consider_v whether_o by_o the_o tehom-rabba_n or_o moysaicall_a abyss_n can_v be_v understand_v the_o sea_n or_o ocean_n under_o that_o form_n we_o see_v it_o in_o at_o present_a and_o it_o be_v plain_a methinks_v that_o the_o sea_n can_v be_v understand_v by_o this_o great_a abyss_n both_o because_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o capable_a upon_o any_o disruption_n to_o make_v such_o a_o universal_a deluge_n and_o because_o the_o narration_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o expression_n concern_v this_o abyss_n do_v not_o agree_v to_o the_o sea_n some_o of_o the_o ancient_n indeed_o do_v imagine_v that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v much_o high_a than_o the_o land_n and_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v on_o a_o heap_n so_o as_o when_o these_o water_n be_v let_v loose_a they_o overflow_v the_o earth_n and_o make_v a_o deluge_n but_o this_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o land_n make_v one_o globe_n and_o the_o water_n couch_v themselves_o as_o close_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o centre_n of_o this_o
a_o intention_n to_o express_v the_o very_a truth_n so_o for_o instance_n if_o there_o be_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o say_v the_o earth_n be_v move_v and_o several_a that_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v move_v we_o shall_v have_v more_o regard_n to_o that_o one_o place_n for_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o to_o all_o the_o other_o that_o make_v against_o it_o because_o those_o other_o may_v be_v speak_v and_o understand_v according_a to_o common_a opinion_n and_o common_a belief_n but_o that_o which_o affirm_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v not_o be_v speak_v upon_o any_o other_o ground_n but_o only_o for_o truth_n and_o instruction_n sake_n i_o leave_v this_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a subject_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o sacred_a write_n as_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n we_o can_v expect_v a_o account_n or_o narration_n of_o noah_n flood_n under_o that_o name_n and_o notion_n but_o it_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o observe_v two_o thing_n out_o of_o that_o history_n first_o that_o the_o inundation_n record_v there_o come_v general_o to_o pass_v in_o the_o manner_n we_o have_v describe_v the_o universal_a deluge_n namely_o by_o earthquake_n and_o a_o eruption_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n the_o earth_n be_v break_v and_o fall_v in_o and_o of_o this_o we_o shall_v elsewhere_o give_v a_o full_a account_n out_o of_o their_o author_n second_o that_o deucalion_n deluge_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v suppose_v by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n to_o represent_v noah_n flood_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o gape_a or_o disruption_n of_o the_o earth_n 1._o apollodorus_n say_v that_o the_o mountain_n of_o thessaly_n be_v divide_v asunder_o or_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o at_o that_o time_n and_o lucian_n de_fw-la deâ_fw-la syriâ_fw-la tell_v a_o very_a remarkable_a story_n to_o this_o purpose_n concern_v deucalion_n deluge_n and_o a_o ceremony_n observe_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o hieropolis_n in_o commemoration_n of_o it_o which_o ceremony_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o open_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o that_o the_o water_n subside_v into_o that_o again_o when_o the_o deluge_n cease_v he_o say_v that_o this_o temple_n at_o hieropolis_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o kind_n of_o abyss_n or_o have_v a_o bottomless_a pit_n or_o gape_v of_o the_o earth_n in_o one_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n of_o arabia_n and_o syria_n and_o the_o country_n the_o eabouts_o twice_o a_o year_n repair_v to_o this_o temple_n and_o bring_v with_o they_o every_o one_o a_o vessel_n of_o water_n which_o they_o pour_v out_o upon_o the_o floor_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o make_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o inundation_n there_o in_o memory_n of_o deucalion_n deluge_n and_o this_o water_n sink_v by_o degree_n into_o a_o chasm_n or_o open_n of_o a_o rock_n which_o the_o temple_n stand_v upon_o and_o so_o leave_v the_o floor_n dry_v again_o and_o this_o be_v a_o rite_n solemn_o and_o religious_o perform_v both_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o by_o the_o people_n if_o moses_n have_v leave_v such_o a_o religious_a rite_n among_o the_o jew_n i_o shall_v not_o have_v doubt_v to_o have_v interpret_v it_o concern_v his_o abyss_n and_o the_o retire_n of_o the_o water_n into_o it_o but_o the_o actual_a disruption_n of_o the_o abyss_n can_v not_o well_o be_v represent_v by_o any_o ceremony_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o present_a question_n and_o the_o true_a application_n of_o our_o theory_n to_o noah_n flood_n chap._n viii_o the_o particular_a history_n of_o noah_n flood_n be_v explain_v in_o all_o the_o material_a part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o precede_a theory_n any_o seem_a difficulty_n remove_v and_o the_o whole_a section_n conclude_v with_o a_o discourse_n how_o far_o the_o deluge_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o ordinary_a providence_n and_o how_o far_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a we_o have_v now_o prove_v our_o explication_n of_o the_o deluge_n to_o be_v more_o than_o a_o idea_n or_o to_o be_v a_o true_a piece_n of_o natural_a history_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o remarkable_a that_o have_v yet_o be_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n we_o have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o real_a account_n of_o noah_n flood_n according_a to_o authority_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o i_o will_v willing_o proceed_v one_o step_n further_o and_o declare_v my_o thought_n concern_v the_o manner_n and_o order_n wherein_o noah_n flood_n come_v to_o pass_v in_o what_o method_n all_o those_o thing_n happen_v and_o succeed_v one_o another_o that_o make_v up_o the_o history_n of_o it_o as_o cause_n or_o effect_n or_o other_o part_n or_o circumstance_n as_o how_o the_o ark_n be_v bear_v upon_o the_o water_n what_o effect_n the_o rain_n have_v at_o what_o time_n the_o earth_n break_v and_o the_o abyss_n be_v open_v and_o what_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v upon_o the_o end_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o such_o like_a but_o i_o desire_v to_o propose_v my_o thought_n concern_v these_o thing_n only_o as_o conjecture_n which_o i_o will_v ground_n as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v upon_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o be_o very_o willing_a they_o shall_v be_v rectify_v where_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v amiss_o i_o know_v how_o subject_a we_o be_v to_o mistake_n in_o these_o great_a and_o remote_a thing_n when_o we_o descend_v to_o particular_n but_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o expose_v the_o theory_n to_o a_o full_a trial_n and_o to_o show_v the_o way_n for_o any_o to_o examine_v it_o provide_v they_o do_v it_o with_o equity_n and_o sincerity_n i_o have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o contribute_v my_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o subject_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o wherein_o the_o world_n have_v hitherto_o have_v so_o little_a satisfaction_n and_o he_o that_o in_o a_o obscure_a argument_n propose_v a_o hypothesis_n that_o reach_v from_o end_n to_o end_n though_o it_o be_v not_o exact_a in_o every_o particular_a it_o be_v not_o without_o a_o good_a effect_n for_o it_o give_v aim_n to_o other_o to_o take_v their_o measure_n better_o and_o open_v their_o invention_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v will_v have_v be_v impenetrable_a to_o they_o as_o he_o that_o make_v the_o first_o way_n through_o a_o thick_a forest_n though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o straight_a and_o short_a deserve_v better_a and_o have_v do_v more_o than_o he_o that_o make_v it_o straight_a and_o smooth_a afterward_o providence_n that_o rule_v all_o thing_n and_o all_o age_n after_o the_o earth_n have_v stand_v above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o that_o world_n and_o according_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o noah_n that_o for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n god_n will_v destroy_v mankind_n with_o the_o earth_n gen._n 6._o 13._o in_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n whereupon_o he_o be_v command_v in_o order_n to_o the_o preserve_n of_o himself_o and_o family_n as_o a_o stock_n for_o the_o new_a world_n to_o build_v a_o great_a vessel_n or_o ark_n to_o float_v upon_o the_o water_n and_o have_v instruction_n give_v he_o for_o the_o build_n of_o it_o both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o as_o to_o the_o form_n noah_n believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o against_o his_o sense_n and_o all_o external_a appearance_n and_o set_v himself_o to_o work_v to_o build_v a_o ark_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n give_v which_o after_o many_o year_n labour_n be_v finish_v whilst_o the_o incredulous_a world_n secure_a enough_o as_o they_o think_v against_o a_o deluge_n continue_v still_o in_o their_o excess_n and_o insolence_n and_o laugh_v at_o the_o admonition_n of_o noah_n and_o at_o the_o folly_n of_o his_o design_n of_o build_v a_o extravagant_a machine_n a_o 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which_o proceed_v from_o their_o open_n for_o as_o moses_n have_v ascribe_v the_o deluge_n to_o the_o open_n of_o these_o two_o so_o when_o it_o be_v to_o cease_v he_o say_v these_o two_o be_v shut_v up_o as_o they_o be_v real_o put_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n both_o of_o they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o continue_v the_o deluge_n any_o long_o nor_o over_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o second_o and_o therefore_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o as_o to_o that_o effect_n be_v for_o ever_o shut_v up_o some_o may_v possible_o make_v that_o also_o a_o objection_n against_o we_o that_o moses_n mention_n and_o suppose_n the_o mountain_n at_o the_o deluge_n for_o he_o say_v the_o water_n reach_v fifteen_o cubit_n above_o the_o top_n of_o they_o whereas_o we_o suppose_v the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n to_o have_v have_v a_o plain_a and_o uniform_a surface_n without_o any_o inequality_n of_o hill_n and_o valley_n but_o this_o be_v easy_o answer_v it_o be_v in_o the_o height_n of_o the_o deluge_n 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guilty_a in_o my_o judgement_n of_o a_o great_a error_n or_o indiscretion_n that_o oppose_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o providence_n st._n paul_n say_v act._n 14._o 17._o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o give_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n yet_o rains_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n and_o fall_v upon_o the_o sea_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o land_n in_o like_a manner_n 21._o our_o saviour_n make_v those_o thing_n instance_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o yet_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o a_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o that_o part_n of_o his_o excellent_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n that_o concern_v providence_n 24._o he_o bid_v they_o consider_v the_o lily_n how_o they_o grow_v they_o toil_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o spin_v and_o yet_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o array_v like_o one_o of_o these_o he_o bid_v they_o also_o consider_v the_o raven_n they_o neither_o sow_v nor_o reap_v neither_o have_v they_o 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nature_n be_v exact_a and_o regular_a and_o that_o even_o in_o its_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n it_o shall_v still_o conspire_v and_o be_v prepare_v to_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o moral_a world_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o â—e_v the_o great_a art_n of_o divine_a providence_n so_o to_o adjust_a the_o two_o world_n humane_a and_o natural_a material_a and_o intellectual_a as_o see_v through_o the_o possibility_n and_o futurition_n of_o each_o according_a to_o the_o first_o state_n and_o circumstance_n he_o put_v they_o under_o they_o shall_v all_o along_o correspond_v and_o fit_v one_o another_o and_o especial_o in_o their_o great_a crisis_n and_o period_n three_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v doubtless_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n that_o do_v attend_v the_o great_a scene_n and_o the_o great_a revolution_n of_o nature_n this_o methinks_v beside_o all_o other_o proof_n from_o the_o effect_n be_v very_o rational_a and_o necessary_a in_o itself_o for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o limitation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o will_n so_o to_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o second_o cause_n as_o never_o to_o use_v upon_o occasion_n a_o extraordinary_a influence_n or_o direction_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a take_v any_o systeme_n of_o natural_a cause_n if_o the_o best_a possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o and_o great_a thing_n do_v if_o to_o this_o upon_o certain_a occasion_n you_o join_v a_o extraordinary_a conduct_n and_o as_o we_o have_v take_v notice_n before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a providence_n in_o the_o formation_n or_o composition_n of_o the_o first_o earth_n so_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v also_o in_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v
post-diluvians_a too_o they_o will_v still_o be_v entangle_v in_o worse_a absurdity_n for_o they_o must_v make_v their_o life_n miserable_o short_a and_o their_o age_n of_o get_v child_n altogether_o incongruous_a and_o impossible_a nahor_n for_o example_n when_o he_o be_v but_o two_o year_n and_o three_o month_n old_a must_v have_v beget_v abraham_n father_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n betwixt_o he_o and_o shem_n must_v have_v have_v child_n before_o they_o be_v three_o year_n old_a a_o pretty_a race_n of_o pigmy_n then_o their_o life_n be_v proportionable_o short_a for_o this_o nahor_n live_v but_o eleven_o year_n and_o six_o month_n at_o this_o rate_n and_o his_o grandchild_n abraham_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v in_o a_o good_a old_a age_n and_o full_a of_o year_n gen._n 25._o 8._o be_v not_o fourteen_o year_n old_a what_o a_o ridiculous_a account_n this_o give_v of_o scripture-chronology_n and_o genealogy_n but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o may_v be_v these_o lunar_a year_n be_v 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dare_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o their_o method_n be_v not_o only_o arbitrary_a but_o absurd_a and_o incoherent_a to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n we_o can_v but_o repeat_v what_o we_o have_v partly_o observe_v before_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o understand_v nature_n if_o we_o will_v right_o understand_v those_o thing_n in_o holy_a writ_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o natural_a world_n for_o without_o this_o knowledge_n as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v some_o thing_n consistent_a and_o credible_a that_o be_v real_o impossible_a in_o nature_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o other_o thing_n as_o incredible_a and_o impossible_a that_o be_v real_o found_v in_o nature_n and_o see_v every_o one_o be_v willing_a so_o to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o it_o may_v be_v to_o they_o good_a sense_n and_o consistent_a with_o their_o notion_n in_o other_o thing_n they_o be_v force_v many_o time_n to_o go_v against_o the_o easy_a and_o natural_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o invent_v other_o interpretation_n more_o compliant_a with_o their_o principle_n and_o as_o they_o think_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n we_o have_v i_o say_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o this_o before_o we_o in_o the_o scripture-history_n of_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o antediluvians_a where_o without_o any_o ground_n or_o shadow_n of_o ground_n in_o the_o narration_n only_o to_o comply_v with_o a_o mistake_a philosophy_n and_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o primitive_a world_n many_o man_n will_v beat_v down_o the_o scripture_n account_n of_o year_n into_o month_n and_o sink_v the_o life_n of_o those_o first_o father_n below_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o age_n whereby_o that_o great_a monument_n which_o providence_n have_v leave_v we_o of_o the_o first_o world_n and_o of_o its_o difference_n from_o the_o second_o will_v not_o only_o be_v deface_v but_o whole_o demolish_v and_o all_o this_o spring_v only_o from_o the_o seem_a 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earth_n so_o particular_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o of_o other_o animal_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o water_n of_o the_o primitive_a earth_n what_o the_o state_n of_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n be_v then_o and_o how_o all_o water_n proceed_v from_o they_o how_o the_o river_n arise_v what_o be_v their_o course_n and_o how_o they_o end_v some_o thing_n in_o sacred_a writ_n that_o confirm_v this_o hydrography_n of_o the_o first_o earth_n especial_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o rainbow_n have_v thus_o far_o clear_v our_o way_n to_o paradise_n and_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o its_o general_a property_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o discourse_v of_o the_o place_n of_o it_o there_o be_v one_o affair_n of_o moment_n concern_v this_o primitive_a earth_n that_o must_v first_o be_v state_v and_o explain_v and_o that_o be_v how_o it_o be_v water_v from_o what_o cause_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n how_o can_v fountain_n rise_v or_o river_n flow_v in_o a_o earth_n of_o that_o form_n 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though_o the_o arabic_a learning_n be_v mostwhat_o western_a and_o therefore_o of_o less_o account_n yet_o they_o do_v deal_v in_o eastern_a learning_n too_o for_o avicenna_n write_v a_o book_n with_o that_o title_n philosophia_fw-la orientalis_n there_o may_v be_v also_o in_o the_o east_n thousand_o of_o manuscript_n unknown_a to_o we_o of_o great_a value_n than_o most_o book_n we_o have_v and_o as_o to_o those_o subject_n we_o be_v treat_v of_o i_o shall_v promise_v myself_o more_o light_a and_o confirmation_n from_o the_o syriack_n author_n than_o from_o any_o other_o these_o thing_n be_v consider_v we_o can_v make_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a estimate_n what_o evidence_n be_v leave_v we_o and_o what_o account_v of_o the_o primitive_a earth_n and_o if_o these_o deduction_n and_o defalcation_n be_v make_v both_o for_o what_o book_n be_v whole_o lose_v and_o for_o what_o lie_v asleep_a or_o dead_a in_o library_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o theory_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o â—nd_v so_o good_a attestation_n as_o we_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o which_o we_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o considerable_o at_o another_o time_n and_o occasion_n but_o to_o carry_v this_o objection_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v let_v we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v urge_v still_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o though_o these_o humane_a write_n have_v perish_v or_o be_v imperfect_a yet_o in_o the_o divine_a write_n at_o least_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o old_a world_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a earth_n shall_v have_v be_v preserve_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o short_a that_o we_o can_v not_o expect_v in_o the_o scripture_n any_o natural_a theory_n of_o that_o earth_n nor_o any_o account_n of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v general_a and_o this_o we_o have_v both_o by_o the_o tehom-rabba_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o description_n of_o the_o same_o abyss_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o the_o first_o book_n chap._n 7._o and_o also_o by_o the_o description_n which_o s._n peter_n have_v give_v of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o their_o different_a constitution_n from_o the_o present_a which_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o the_o rainbow_n not_o see_v in_o the_o first_o world_n you_o will_v say_v etc._n it_o may_v be_v that_o that_o place_n of_o s._n peter_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o interpretation_n so_o be_v most_o place_n of_o scripture_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o bare_a capacity_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o more_o than_o one_o interpretation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o natural_a proper_a and_o congruous_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o word_n suitable_a to_o the_o argument_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o context_n wherein_o be_v nothing_o superfluous_a or_o impertinent_a that_o we_o prefer_v and_o accept_v of_o as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a interpretation_n beside_o in_o such_o text_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o natural_a world_n if_o of_o two_o interpretation_n propose_v one_o agree_v better_a with_o the_o theory_n of_o nature_n than_o the_o other_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la that_o aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v and_o by_o these_o two_o rule_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v try_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o that_o remarkable_a discourse_n of_o s._n peter_n and_o to_o stand_v to_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o they_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a discourse_n with_o this_o general_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o affair_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o design_v that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n shall_v be_v plain_o and_o clear_o understand_v throughout_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o order_n establish_v for_o this_o as_o for_o other_o thing_n and_o certain_a period_n and_o season_n and_o what_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o ancient_n only_o by_o break_a conclusion_n and_o tradition_n will_v be_v know_v in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o more_o perfect_a way_n by_o principle_n and_o theory_n the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n be_v that_o which_o change_v so_o much_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o state_n of_o humane_a affair_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a care_n and_o superintendency_n for_o the_o conduct_n of_o it_o by_o what_o step_n and_o degree_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o light_n at_o what_o season_n and_o in_o what_o age_n what_o evidence_n shall_v be_v leave_v either_o in_o scripture_n reason_n or_o tradition_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o how_o clear_a or_o obscure_a how_o disperse_v or_o unite_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o such_o measure_n take_v as_o best_a suit_n the_o
ii_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n from_o the_o second_o chaos_n or_o the_o remain_v of_o the_o old_a world_n the_o form_n order_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o new_a earth_n according_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o new_a earth_n that_o natural_a reason_n can_v determine_v this_o point_n that_o according_a to_o scripture_n the_o son_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n or_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o millennium_n be_v to_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o new_a earth_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a father_n for_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o proposition_n lay_v down_o chap._n iu._n the_o proof_n of_o a_o millennium_n or_o of_o a_o bless_a age_n to_o come_v from_o scripture_n a_o view_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o saint_n chap._n v._o a_o view_n of_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o millennium_n or_o future_a kingdom_n of_o christ._n in_o what_o sense_n all_o the_o prophet_n have_v bear_v testimony_n concern_v it_o chap._n vi_o the_o sense_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n concern_v the_o millennium_n or_o future_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o nicene_n council_n the_o second_o proposition_n lay_v down_o when_o by_o what_o mean_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n that_o doctrine_n be_v afterward_o neglect_v or_o discountenance_v chap._n vii_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o millennium_n according_a to_o character_n take_v from_o scripture_n some_o mistake_n concern_v it_o rectify_v chap._n viii_o the_o three_o proposition_n lay_v down_o concern_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o millennium_n several_a argument_n use_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v till_o after_o the_o conflagration_n and_o that_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n be_v the_o true_a seat_n of_o the_o bless_a millennium_n chap._n ix_o the_o chief_a employment_n of_o the_o millennium_n devotion_n and_o contemplation_n chap._n x._o objection_n against_o the_o millennium_n answer_v with_o some_o conjecture_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o the_o millennium_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o final_a consummation_n of_o this_o world_n the_o review_n of_o the_o whole_a theory_n the_o theory_n of_o the_o earth_n book_n iii_o concern_v the_o conflagration_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n with_o the_o content_n and_o order_n of_o this_o work_n see_v providence_n have_v plant_v in_o all_o man_n a_o natural_a desire_n and_o curiosity_n of_o know_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o such_o thing_n especial_o as_o concern_v our_o particular_a happiness_n or_o the_o general_a fate_n of_o mankind_n this_o treatise_n may_v in_o both_o respect_n hope_v for_o a_o favourable_a reception_n among_o inquisitive_a person_n see_v the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a revolution_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v expect_v in_o future_a age_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o universal_a calamity_n when_o all_o nature_n suffer_v every_o man_n be_v particular_a concern_n must_v needs_o be_v involve_v we_o see_v with_o what_o eagerness_n man_n pry_v into_o the_o star_n to_o see_v if_o they_o can_v read_v there_o the_o death_n of_o a_o king_n or_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o empire_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fate_n of_o any_o single_a prince_n or_o potentate_n that_o we_o calculate_v but_o of_o all_o mankind_n nor_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a kingdom_n or_o empire_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a earth_n our_o inquiry_n must_v reach_v to_o that_o great_a period_n of_o nature_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v dissolve_v both_o humane_a affair_n and_o the_o stage_n whereon_o they_o be_v act_v when_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n will_v pass_v away_o and_o the_o element_n melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n we_o desire_v if_o possible_a to_o know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o face_n of_o that_o day_n that_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n when_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o mingle_a flame_n and_o smoke_n and_o the_o habitable_a earth_n turn_v into_o a_o sea_n of_o melt_a fire_n but_o we_o must_v not_o leave_v the_o world_n in_o this_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n without_o examine_v what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o whether_o this_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o nature_n by_o a_o sad_a fate_n lie_v eternal_o dissolve_v and_o desolate_a in_o this_o manner_n or_o whether_o we_o may_v hope_v for_o a_o restauration_n new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n which_o the_o holy_a write_n make_v mention_v of_o more_o pure_a and_o perfect_a than_o the_o former_a as_o if_o this_o be_v but_o as_o a_o refiner_n fire_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o dross_n and_o courser_n part_n and_o then_o cast_v the_o mass_n again_o into_o a_o new_a and_o better_a mould_n these_o thing_n with_o god_n assistance_n shall_v be_v matter_n of_o our_o preâ—ent_a enquiry_n these_o make_v the_o general_a subject_n of_o thiâ—_n treatise_n and_o of_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o this_o theory_n of_o â—he_n earth_n which_o now_o you_o see_v begin_v to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o prophecy_n or_o prognostication_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o it_o have_v be_v hitherto_o a_o history_n of_o thing_n pass_v of_o such_o state_n and_o change_n as_o nature_n have_v already_o undergo_v and_o if_o that_o account_n which_o we_o have_v give_v of_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o earth_n its_o first_o and_o paradisiacal_a form_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o at_o the_o universal_a deluge_n appear_v fair_a and_o reasonable_a the_o second_o dissolution_n by_o fire_n and_o the_o renovation_n of_o it_o out_o of_o a_o second_o chaos_n i_o hope_v will_v be_v deduce_v from_o as_o clear_a ground_n and_o supposition_n and_o scripture_n itself_o will_v be_v a_o more_o visible_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o these_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o theory_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o former_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o take_v occasion_n to_o declare_v here_o again_o as_o i_o have_v do_v heretofore_o that_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o great_a revolution_n of_o nature_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o cause_n pure_o natural_a without_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n and_o it_o be_v the_o sacred_a book_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o record_n of_o this_o providence_n both_o as_o to_o time_n past_a and_o time_n to_o come_v as_o to_o all_o the_o signal_n change_v either_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n or_o of_o mankind_n and_o the_o different_a oeconomy_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o respect_n these_o book_n though_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v a_o moral_a law_n will_v notwithstanding_o be_v as_o the_o most_o mystical_a so_o also_o the_o most_o valuable_a book_n in_o the_o world_n this_o treatise_n you_o see_v will_v consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o former_a whereof_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o conflagration_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n follow_v upon_o it_o together_o with_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o new_a habitation_n as_o to_o the_o conflagration_n we_o first_o inquire_v what_o the_o ancient_n thought_o concern_v the_o present_a frame_n of_o this_o world_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o perish_v or_o no_o whether_o to_o be_v destroy_v or_o to_o stand_v eternal_o in_o this_o posture_n then_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v destroy_v by_o what_o force_n or_o violence_n whether_o by_o fire_n or_o other_o way_n and_o with_o these_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n we_o will_v compare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o discover_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o will_v examine_v what_o calculation_n or_o conjecture_n have_v be_v make_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o this_o great_a catastrophe_n or_o of_o the_o end_n of_o this_o world_n whether_o that_o period_n be_v defineable_a or_o no_o and_o whether_o by_o natural_a argument_n or_o by_o prophecy_n three_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o approach_a conflagration_n whether_o such_o as_o will_v be_v in_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o state_n of_o humane_a affair_n but_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o record_v in_o scripture_n four_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n and_o yet_o that_o wherein_o the_o ancient_n have_v be_v most_o silent_a what_o cause_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n what_o preparation_n for_o this_o conflagration_n where_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o this_o universal_a fire_n or_o fuel_n sufficient_a for_o the_o nourish_a of_o it_o last_o in_o what_o order_n and_o by_o what_o degree_n the_o conflagration_n will_v
world_n will_v have_v no_o dissolution_n for_o be_v a_o work_n so_o beautiful_a and_o noble_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n he_o say_v will_v always_o preserve_v it_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o great_a universe_n for_o in_o our_o earth_n plato_n himself_o admit_v such_o dissolution_n as_o be_v make_v by_o general_a delugâ—s_n and_o conflagration_n and_o we_o contend_v for_o no_o other_o so_o likewise_o in_o other_o author_n if_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o world_n you_o must_v observe_v what_o world_n they_o apply_v it_o to_o and_o whether_o to_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o form_n of_o it_o and_o if_o you_o remember_v that_o our_o discourse_n proceed_v only_o upon_o the_o sublunary_a world_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o its_o form_n you_o will_v find_v little_a in_o antiquity_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n i_o always_o except_o aristotle_n who_o allow_v of_o no_o providence_n in_o this_o inferior_a world_n and_o some_o pythagorean_n false_o so_o call_v be_v either_o fictitious_a author_n or_o apostate_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o master_n these_o be_v except_v upon_o a_o view_n of_o the_o rest_n you_o will_v find_v very_o few_o dissenter_n from_o this_o general_a doctrine_n plato_n argument_n against_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a though_o apply_v to_o this_o earth_n if_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v dissolve_v as_o never_o to_o be_v restore_v again_o but_o we_o expect_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o these_o better_a in_o all_o respect_n more_o commodious_a and_o more_o beautiful_a and_o the_o several_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n justice_n sanctity_n can_v be_v so_o well_o display_v and_o exemplify_v in_o any_o one_o single_a state_n of_o nature_n as_o in_o a_o succession_n of_o state_n fit_a to_o receive_v one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o moral_a world_n and_o the_o order_n of_o divine_a providence_n wherefore_o plato_n argument_n from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n all_o thing_n consider_v do_v rather_o prove_v a_o succession_n of_o world_n than_o that_o one_o single_a world_n shall_v remain_v the_o same_o throughout_o all_o age_n without_o change_n or_o variation_n next_o to_o the_o platonist_n the_o stoic_n be_v most_o considerable_a in_o matter_n relate_v to_o morality_n and_o providence_n and_o their_o opinion_n in_o this_o case_n be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o modern_n as_o the_o principal_a author_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conflagration_n nor_o be_v it_o less_o know_v that_o the_o school_n of_o democraâ—us_n and_o epicurus_n make_v all_o their_o world_n subject_n to_o dissolution_n and_o by_o a_o new_a concourse_n of_o atom_n restore_v they_o again_o last_o the_o jonick_a philosopher_n who_o have_v thales_n for_o their_o master_n and_o be_v the_o first_o naturalist_n among_o the_o greek_n teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n we_o have_v indeed_o but_o a_o imperfect_a account_n leave_v we_o of_o this_o sect_n and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n for_o as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a so_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a among_o the_o greek_n for_o natural_a philosophy_n in_o those_o remain_v which_o diogenes_n laertius_n have_v preserve_v of_o anaxagoras_n anaximenes_n archelaus_n etc._n etc._n all_o great_a man_n in_o their_o time_n we_o find_v that_o they_o treat_v much_o of_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v many_o extraordinary_a notion_n about_o it_o which_o come_v lame_a and_o defective_a to_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o founder_n thales_n which_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o consist_v of_o water_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a resemblance_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o s._n peter_n 5._o about_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o there_o be_v little_a in_o laertius_n what_o their_o opinion_n be_v about_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n 24._o other_o author_n inform_v we_o more_o of_o that_o stobaeus_n join_v they_o with_o leucippus_n and_o the_o epicurean_o simplicius_n with_o heraclitus_n and_o the_o stoic_n in_o this_o doctrine_n about_o the_o corruptibility_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o all_o the_o school_n of_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n as_o we_o note_v before_o be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o point_n except_v the_o peripatetic_n who_o master_n aristotle_n have_v neither_o modesty_n enough_o to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o predecessor_n nor_o wit_n enough_o to_o invent_v any_o thing_n better_o beside_o these_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n there_o be_v theologer_n among_o the_o greek_n more_o ancient_a than_o these_o sect_n and_o more_o mystical_a aristotle_n often_o distinguish_v the_o naturalist_n and_o the_o theologue_n 〈◊〉_d such_o be_v orpheus_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o have_v more_o of_o the_o ancient_a oriental_a learning_n than_o the_o succeed_a philosopher_n but_o they_o write_v their_o philosophy_n or_o theology_n rather_o mythological_o and_o poetitical_o in_o parable_n and_o allegory_n that_o need_v a_o interpretation_n all_o these_o theologer_n suppose_v the_o earth_n to_o rise_v from_o a_o chaos_n and_o as_o they_o say_v that_o love_n be_v the_o principle_n at_o first_o that_o unite_v the_o loose_a and_o sever_a element_n and_o form_v they_o into_o a_o habitable_a world_n so_o they_o suppose_v that_o if_o strife_n or_o contention_n prevail_v that_o will_v again_o dissolve_v and_o disunite_v they_o and_o reduce_v thing_n into_o a_o chaos_n such_o as_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v in_o upon_o the_o conflagration_n and_o it_o further_o appear_v that_o both_o these_o order_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o greece_n suppose_v this_o present_a frame_n of_o nature_n may_v perish_v by_o their_o doctrine_n of_o periodical_a revolution_n or_o of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n after_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n common_a among_o the_o learned_a greek_n and_o receive_v by_o they_o from_o the_o ancient_a barbaric_a nation_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o follow_a book_n ch._n 3._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o origen_n in_o answer_v celsus_n 5._o about_o the_o point_n of_o the_o resurrection_n tell_v he_o that_o doctrine_n ought_v not_o to_o appear_v so_o strange_a or_o ridiculous_a to_o he_o see_v their_o own_o author_n do_v believe_v and_o teach_v the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n after_o certain_a age_n or_o period_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n right_o state_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o first_o resurrection_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o and_o general_a resurrection_n when_o the_o righteous_a shall_v have_v celestial_a body_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o platonist_n and_o pythagorean_n clothe_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o celestial_a body_n or_o in_o their_o language_n a_o ethereal_a vehicle_n as_o her_o last_o beatitude_n or_o glorification_n so_o that_o origen_n may_v very_o just_o tell_v his_o adversary_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o ridicule_n the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n see_v their_o own_o author_n have_v the_o main_a stroke_n of_o it_o in_o their_o traditionary_a learning_n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o remark_n more_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o subject_a to_o prevent_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o word_n immortal_a or_o immortality_n when_o apply_v to_o the_o world_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o the_o equivocation_n that_o be_v in_o that_o term_n world_n it_o be_v use_v sometime_o for_o the_o whole_a universe_n sometime_o for_o this_o inferior_a part_n of_o it_o where_o we_o live_v so_o likewise_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o when_o this_o inferior_a world_n be_v say_v to_o be_v immortal_a by_o the_o philosopher_n as_o sometime_o it_o be_v that_o common_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o any_o single_a state_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o single_a world_n but_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o world_n consequent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o a_o family_n may_v be_v say_v immortal_a not_o in_o any_o single_a person_n but_o in_o a_o succession_n of_o heir_n so_o as_o many_o time_n when_o the_o ancient_n mention_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o world_n they_o do_v not_o thereby_o exclude_v the_o dissolution_n or_o renovation_n of_o it_o but_o suppose_v a_o vicissitude_n or_o series_n of_o world_n succeed_v one_o another_o this_o observation_n be_v not_o i_o but_o be_v long_o since_o make_v by_o simplicius_n stobaeus_n and_o other_o who_o tell_v we_o in_o what_o sense_n some_o of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o allow_v the_o world_n to_o be_v perishable_a do_v yet_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v immortal_a namely_o by_o successive_a renovation_n thus_o much_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o antiquity_n as_o
motion_n of_o the_o celestial_a body_n but_o in_o the_o three_o place_n they_o speak_v of_o a_o annus_fw-la magnus_fw-la a_o great_a year_n a_o revolution_n so_o call_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o extent_n with_o the_o length_n of_o the_o world_n this_o notion_n i_o confess_v be_v more_o ancient_a and_o universal_a and_o therefore_o i_o be_o the_o more_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o groundless_a but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o this_o great_a year_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o it_o and_o then_o of_o what_o length_n it_o be_v they_o all_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o some_o grand_a instauration_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o a_o restitution_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n to_o their_o former_a state_n that_o be_v to_o the_o state_n and_o posture_n they_o have_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n such_o therefore_o as_o will_v reduce_v the_o golden_a age_n and_o that_o happy_a state_n of_o nature_n wherein_o thing_n be_v at_o first_o if_o so_o if_o these_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o property_n of_o this_o revolution_n which_o be_v call_v the_o great_a year_n we_o need_v not_o go_v so_o far_o to_o find_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o those_o that_o have_v read_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o theory_n 3._o may_v remember_v that_o in_o the_o second_o book_n we_o give_v a_o account_n what_o the_o posture_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o that_o posture_n a_o perpetual_a spring_n and_o equinox_n throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o the_o earth_n be_v restore_v again_o to_o that_o posture_n and_o situation_n all_o that_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o great_a year_n will_v immediate_o follow_v upon_o it_o without_o ever_o disturb_v or_o move_v the_o fix_a star_n firmament_n or_o planet_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n all_o these_o three_o will_v return_v or_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o same_o posture_n they_o have_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o the_o whole_a character_n of_o the_o great_a year_n will_v be_v true_o fulfil_v though_o not_o in_o that_o way_n which_o they_o imagine_v but_o in_o another_o more_o compendious_a and_o of_o easy_a conception_n my_o meaning_n be_v this_o if_o the_o axis_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v rectify_v and_o set_v parallel_n with_o the_o axis_n of_o the_o ecliptic_a upon_o which_o the_o planet_n firmament_n and_o fix_a star_n be_v suppose_v to_o move_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v as_o they_o be_v at_o first_o a_o general_a harmony_n and_o conformity_n of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o universe_n will_v present_o appear_v such_o as_o they_o say_v be_v in_o the_o golden_a age_n before_o any_o disorder_n come_v into_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a world_n as_o this_o be_v a_o easy_a so_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o that_o which_o be_v original_o call_v the_o great_a year_n or_o the_o great_a instauration_n which_o nature_n will_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o this_o simple_a method_n by_o rectify_v the_o axis_n of_o the_o earth_n without_o those_o operose_fw-la revolution_n which_o some_o astronomer_n have_v fancy_v but_o however_o this_o account_n be_v admit_v how_o will_v it_o help_v we_o to_o define_v what_o the_o age_n and_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v it_o be_v true_a many_o have_v undertake_v to_o tell_v we_o the_o length_n of_o this_o great_a year_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o that_o their_o account_n be_v very_o different_a and_o general_o of_o a_o extravagant_a length_n if_o we_o have_v the_o true_a account_n it_o will_v not_o assure_v we_o when_o the_o world_n will_v end_v because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v when_o it_o do_v begin_v or_o what_o progress_n we_o have_v already_o make_v in_o the_o line_n of_o time_n for_o i_o be_o satisfy_v the_o chronology_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o sacred_a or_o profane_a be_v lose_v till_o providence_n shall_v please_v to_o retrieve_v it_o by_o some_o new_a discovery_n as_o to_o profane_a chronology_n or_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n the_o greek_n and_o the_o roman_n know_v nothing_o above_o the_o olympiad_n which_o fall_v short_a many_o age_n of_o the_o deluge_n much_o more_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o eastern_a barbarous_a nation_n as_o they_o disagree_v among_o themselves_o so_o general_o they_o run_v the_o origin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o a_o prodigious_a height_n as_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o faith_n nor_o reason_n as_o to_o sacred_a chronology_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o difference_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o greek_a hebrew_n and_o samaritan_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n make_v the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n altogether_o undetermined_a and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n yet_o find_v out_o how_o we_o may_v certain_o discover_v which_o of_o the_o three_o copy_n be_v most_o authentic_a and_o consequent_o what_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v upon_o a_o true_a computation_n see_v therefore_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n how_o long_o the_o world_n have_v stand_v already_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v how_o long_o it_o have_v to_o stand_v though_o by_o this_o annus_fw-la magnus_fw-la or_o any_o other_o way_n the_o total_a sum_n or_o whole_a term_n of_o its_o duration_n be_v true_o know_v i_o be_o sorry_a to_o see_v the_o little_a success_n we_o have_v have_v in_o our_o first_o search_n after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n from_o astronomical_a calculation_n but_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a piece_n of_o knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o knowledge_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o spend_v our_o time_n and_o thought_n about_o thing_n that_o lie_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n i_o have_v little_a or_o no_o hope_n of_o resolve_v this_o point_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o only_o remain_v now_o to_o inquire_v whether_o providence_n have_v make_v it_o know_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o prophecy_n or_o revelation_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n v._o concern_v prophecy_n that_o determine_v the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o what_o order_n soever_o profane_a or_o sacred_a jewish_a or_o christian._n that_o no_o certain_a judgement_n can_v be_v make_v from_o any_o of_o they_o at_o what_o distance_n we_o be_v now_o from_o the_o conflagration_n the_o bound_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v so_o narrow_a and_o the_o desire_n of_o know_v so_o vast_a and_o illimited_a that_o it_o often_o put_v mankind_n upon_o irregular_a method_n of_o enlarge_n their_o knowledge_n this_o have_v make_v they_o find_v out_o art_n of_o commerce_n with_o evil_a spirit_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o they_o in_o such_o event_n as_o they_o can_v not_o of_o themselves_o discover_v we_o meddle_v not_o with_o those_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n but_o what_o have_v appear_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a prophecy_n relate_v to_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o world_n give_v either_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o it_o or_o certain_a mark_n of_o its_o expiration_n these_o we_o purpose_v to_o examine_v in_o this_o place_n how_o far_o any_o thing_n may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v conclude_v from_o they_o as_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o problem_n how_o long_o the_o world_n will_v last_v among_o the_o heathen_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o prophecy_n of_o this_o nature_n except_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n as_o they_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o ancient_a eastern_a philosopher_n have_v leave_v we_o no_o account_n that_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n about_o the_o time_n of_o this_o fatality_n they_o say_v when_o the_o phoenix_n return_v we_o must_v expect_v the_o conflagration_n to_o follow_v but_o the_o age_n of_o the_o phoenix_n they_o make_v as_o various_a and_o uncertain_a as_o they_o do_v the_o computation_n of_o their_o great_a year_n 57_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v indeed_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o effect_n some_o of_o they_o i_o confess_v mention_v six_o thousand_o year_n for_o the_o whole_a age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o famous_a prophecy_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o it_o large_o hereafter_o and_o reduce_v to_o that_o head_n what_o break_a tradition_n remain_v among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o sibyline_n oracle_n which_o be_v so_o much_o in_o reputation_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n they_o have_v be_v tamper_v with_o so_o much_o and_o change_v so_o often_o that_o they_o be_v become_v now_o of_o little_a authority_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v divide_v the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n into_o ten_o age_n and_o the_o last_o of_o these_o they_o make_v a_o golden_a age_n a_o state_n of_o peace_n righteousness_n and_o
common_o soon_o than_o we_o see_v and_o some_o other_o creature_n perceive_v much_o soon_o than_o we_o do_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o before_o this_o mighty_a storm_n the_o disposition_n of_o the_o air_n be_v quite_o alter_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v so_o often_o note_v before_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abundance_n of_o fume_n and_o exhalation_n through_o the_o whole_a atmosphere_n of_o the_o earth_n before_o the_o last_o fire_n break_v out_o whereby_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n may_v be_v tincture_v in_o several_a way_n and_o last_o it_o may_v be_v so_o order_v providential_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n may_v contract_v at_o that_o time_n some_o spot_n or_o maculae_fw-la far_o great_a than_o usual_a and_o by_o that_o mean_n be_v real_o darken_v not_o to_o we_o only_o but_o to_o all_o the_o neighbour_a planet_n and_o this_o will_v have_v a_o proportionable_a effect_n upon_o the_o moon_n too_o for_o the_o diminution_n of_o her_o light_n so_o that_o upon_o all_o supposition_n these_o phaenomena_n be_v very_o intelligible_a if_o not_o necessary_a forerunner_n of_o the_o conflagration_n the_o next_o sign_n give_v we_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n will_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o heaven_n in_o this_o place_n be_v either_o understand_v the_o planetary_a heaven_n or_o that_o of_o the_o fix_a star_n but_o this_o latter_a be_v vast_o distant_a from_o the_o earth_n can_v be_v real_o affect_v by_o the_o conflagration_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o it_o that_o be_v its_o motion_n or_o the_o body_n contain_v in_o it_o any_o way_n shake_v or_o disorder_v but_o in_o appearance_n these_o celestial_a body_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v shake_v and_o their_o motion_n disorder_v as_o in_o a_o tempest_n by_o night_n when_o the_o ship_n be_v toss_v with_o contrary_a and_o uncertain_a motion_n the_o heaven_n seem_v to_o fluctuate_v over_o our_o head_n and_o the_o star_n to_o reel_v to_o and_o fro_o when_o the_o motion_n be_v only_o in_o our_o own_o vessel_n so_o possible_o the_o uncertain_a motion_n of_o the_o atmosphere_n and_o sometime_o of_o the_o earth_n itself_o may_v so_o vary_v the_o sight_n and_o aspect_n of_o this_o starry_a canopy_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o shake_v and_o tremble_v but_o if_o we_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o planetary_a heaven_n they_o may_v real_o be_v shake_v providence_n either_o order_v some_o great_a change_n in_o the_o other_o planet_n previous_o to_o the_o conflagration_n of_o our_o planet_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a there_o be_v a_o great_a change_n in_o venus_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o deluge_n or_o the_o great_a shake_n and_o concussion_n of_o our_o globe_n at_o that_o time_n affect_v some_o of_o the_o neighbour_a orb_n at_o least_o that_o of_o the_o moon_n may_v cause_v anomaly_n and_o irregularity_n in_o their_o motion_n but_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o chief_o for_o explain_v this_o phrase_n of_o shake_v the_o power_n of_o heaven_n comprehend_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n both_o these_o heaven_n of_o the_o fix_a star_n and_o of_o the_o planet_n it_o be_v that_o change_n of_o situation_n in_o the_o axis_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o we_o have_v former_o mention_v whereby_o the_o star_n will_v seem_v to_o change_v their_o place_n and_o the_o whole_a universe_n to_o take_v another_o posture_n this_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o those_o that_o know_v the_o different_a consequence_n of_o a_o strait_a or_o oblique_a posture_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n once_o shake_v before_o namely_o at_o the_o deluge_n when_o they_o lose_v their_o first_o situation_n so_o now_o they_o will_v be_v shake_v again_o and_o thereby_o return_v to_o the_o posture_n they_o have_v before_o that_o first_o concussion_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a literal_a sense_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n 26._o repeat_v by_o s._n paul_n yet_o once_o more_o i_o shake_v not_o the_o earth_n only_o but_o also_o heaven_n the_o last_o sign_n we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o of_o fall_v star_n and_o the_o star_n shall_v fall_v from_o heaven_n say_v our_o saviour_n matt._n 24._o 29._o we_o be_v sure_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o this_o can_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o fix_a star_n or_o planet_n for_o if_o either_o of_o these_o shall_v tumble_v from_o the_o sky_n and_o reach_v the_o earth_n they_o will_v break_v it_o all_o in_o piece_n or_o swallow_v it_o up_o as_o the_o sea_n do_v a_o sink_a ship_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n will_v put_v all_o the_o inferior_a universe_n into_o confusion_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o by_o these_o star_n to_o understand_v either_o â—iery_a meteor_n fall_v from_o the_o middle_a region_n of_o the_o air_n or_o comet_n and_o blaze_a star_n no_o doubt_n there_o will_v be_v all_o sort_n of_o fiery_a meteor_n at_o that_o time_n and_o among_o other_o those_o that_o be_v call_v fall_v star_n 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so_o contrive_v the_o period_n of_o their_o motion_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o unusual_a concourse_n of_o they_o at_o that_o time_n within_o the_o view_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v a_o prelude_n to_o this_o last_o and_o most_o tragical_a scene_n of_o the_o sublunary_a world_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o more_o in_o scripture_n relate_v to_o the_o last_o fire_n that_o upon_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o in_o this_o discourse_n may_v not_o receive_v a_o satisfactory_a explication_n it_o reach_v beyond_o the_o sign_n before_o mention_v to_o the_o high_a expression_n of_o scripture_n as_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n a_o melt_a sea_n mingle_v with_o fire_n the_o liquefaction_n of_o mountain_n and_o of_o the_o earth_n itself_o we_o need_v not_o now_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n as_o hyperbolical_a and_o poetical_a strain_n but_o as_o barefaced_a prophecy_n and_o thing_n that_o will_v literal_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v predict_v one_o thing_n more_o will_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o just_a hypothesis_n or_o theory_n of_o the_o conflagration_n namely_o that_o it_o shall_v answer_v not_o only_o all_o the_o condition_n and_o character_n belong_v to_o the_o last_o fire_n but_o shall_v also_o make_v way_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o another_o world_n to_o succeed_v this_o or_o of_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n for_o s._n peter_n have_v teach_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o positive_o and_o express_o as_o that_o of_o its_o conflagration_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o so_o explain_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o present_a world_n as_o to_o leave_v it_o afterward_o in_o a_o eternal_a rubbish_n without_o any_o hope_n of_o restoration_n do_v not_o answer_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n concern_v it_o but_o as_o to_o our_o hypothesis_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v this_o far_a their_o trial_n and_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o conflagration_n as_o well_o as_o the_o antecedent_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o we_o have_v according_o in_o the_o follow_a book_n from_o the_o ash_n of_o this_o raise_v a_o new_a earth_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o reader_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o close_v our_o discourse_n we_o will_v bid_v farewell_n to_o the_o present_a world_n in_o a_o short_a review_n of_o its_o last_o flame_n chap._n xii_o a_o imperfect_a description_n of_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n and_o of_o the_o world_n on_o fire_n certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o humane_a affair_n so_o great_a and_o so_o extraordinary_a as_o the_o two_o last_o scene_n of_o they_o the_o coming_z of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o can_v draw_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o picture_n of_o these_o
ignorant_a heathen_n that_o scarce_o ever_o hear_v of_o god_n or_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v threaten_v with_o this_o fiery_a vengeance_n no_o it_o be_v the_o heathen_n that_o live_v among_o christian_n those_o that_o be_v infidel_n as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n though_o they_o have_v have_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o both_o these_o be_v proper_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n and_o christ._n and_o such_o adversary_n st._n paul_n say_v in_o another_o place_n 27._o a_o fearful_a judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n shall_v devour_v which_o still_o refer_v to_o the_o same_o time_n and_o the_o same_o person_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o then_o as_o to_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n antichrist_n and_o his_o follower_n beside_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n that_o mystical_a babylon_n be_v to_o be_v consume_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n to_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o lake_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v till_o the_o conflagration_n you_o see_v then_o for_o who_o tophet_n be_v prepare_v of_o old_a for_o atheist_n isfidel_n and_o antichristian_a persecutor_n and_o they_o will_v have_v for_o their_o companion_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o head_n of_o the_o apostasy_n these_o be_v all_o in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o at_o defiance_n as_o it_o be_v with_o heaven_n except_v antichrist_n who_o be_v rather_o in_o a_o secret_a conspiracy_n than_o a_o open_a rebellion_n for_o under_o a_o pretend_a commission_n from_o jesus_n christ_n he_o persecute_v his_o servant_n dishonour_v his_o person_n corrupt_v his_o law_n and_o his_o government_n and_o make_v war_n against_o his_o saint_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n and_o provocation_n if_o possible_a than_o a_o bare_a face_a opposition_n will_v be_v there_o be_v other_o man_n beside_o these_o that_o be_v unacceptable_a to_o god_n all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a person_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n as_o these_o we_o have_v mention_v a_o intemperate_a man_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o and_o a_o injust_a man_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o neighbour_n but_o those_o that_o deny_v god_n or_o christ_n or_o persecute_v their_o servant_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o lord_n come_v in_o flame_n of_o fire_n to_o triumph_v over_o his_o enemy_n to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v rebel_n or_o conspirator_n against_o he_o and_o his_o christ_n these_o monster_n of_o man_n will_v be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o exemplary_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n to_o under_o take_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o three_o order_n of_o man_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o will_v be_v too_o much_o for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o short_a treatise_n and_o as_o for_o the_o three_o sort_n the_o subject_n of_o antichrist_n none_o but_o the_o learned_a among_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v inqulsitive_a or_o to_o read_v such_o thing_n as_o condemn_v their_o church_n or_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o this_o english_a translation_n shall_v fall_v into_o many_o of_o their_o hand_n but_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v please_v to_o look_v into_o the_o latin_a will_v find_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o a_o full_a and_o fair_a warning_n to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n which_o be_v there_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n then_o as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v atheistical_o incline_v which_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o believe_v be_v not_o many_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o mean_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v hope_n only_o in_o this_o life_n and_o how_o uneasy_a a_o thing_n to_o have_v nothing_o but_o fear_n as_o to_o the_o future_a those_o sure_a must_v be_v little_a narrow_a soul_n that_o can_v make_v themselves_o a_o portion_n and_o a_o sufficiency_n out_o of_o what_o they_o enjoy_v here_o that_o think_v of_o no_o more_o that_o desire_v no_o more_o for_o what_o be_v this_o life_n but_o a_o circulation_n of_o little_a mean_a action_n we_o lie_v down_o and_o rise_v again_o dress_v and_o undress_v feed_v and_o wax_v hungry_a work_n or_o play_v and_o be_v weary_a and_o then_o we_o lie_v down_o again_o and_o the_o circle_n return_v we_o spend_v the_o day_n in_o trifle_n and_o when_o the_o night_n come_v we_o throw_v ourselves_o into_o the_o bed_n of_o folly_n among_o dream_n and_o break_a thought_n and_o wild_a imagination_n our_o reason_n lie_v asleep_a by_o we_o and_o we_o be_v for_o the_o time_n as_o arrant_a brute_n as_o those_o that_o sleep_n in_o the_o stall_n or_o in_o the_o field_n be_v not_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n high_o than_o these_o and_o ought_v not_o his_o ambition_n and_o expectation_n to_o be_v great_a let_v we_o be_v adventurer_n for_o another_o world_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o fair_a and_o noble_a chance_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o worth_a our_o thought_n or_o our_o passion_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v disappoint_v we_o be_v still_o no_o worse_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o fellow_n mortal_n and_o if_o we_o succeed_v in_o our_o expectation_n we_o be_v eternal_o happy_a for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o any_o man_n of_o atheistical_a inclination_n can_v have_v a_o great_a and_o generous_a soul_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o great_a in_o the_o world_n if_o you_o take_v god_n out_o of_o it_o therefore_o such_o a_o person_n can_v have_v no_o great_a thought_n can_v have_v no_o great_a aim_n or_o expectation_n or_o design_n for_o all_o must_v lie_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o this_o dull_a body_n neither_o can_v he_o have_v any_o great_a instinct_n or_o noble_a passion_n for_o if_o he_o have_v they_o will_v natural_o excite_v in_o he_o great_a idea_n inspire_v he_o with_o high_a notion_n and_o open_v the_o scene_n of_o the_o intellectual_a world_n last_o he_o can_v have_v any_o great_a sefice_n of_o order_n wisdom_n goodness_n providence_n or_o any_o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o that_o do_v most_o enlarge_v and_o ennoble_v his_o mind_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v again_o that_o he_o that_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o atheism_n be_v also_o natural_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o must_v have_v a_o little_a and_o narrow_a soul._n but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v to_o expostulate_v rather_o than_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o make_n and_o temper_n rather_o than_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o a_o error_n in_o speculation_n it_o be_v a_o error_n it_o may_v be_v in_o practice_n or_o in_o point_n of_o prudence_n but_o 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and_o power_n in_o the_o create_v world_n this_o have_v a_o vast_a extent_n and_o variety_n and_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o entertain_v their_o time_n in_o that_o happy_a state_n much_o long_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o you_o will_v easy_o grant_v if_o you_o allow_v i_o but_o to_o point_n at_o the_o several_a head_n of_o those_o speculation_n the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o create_a world_n divide_v itself_o into_o three_o part_n that_o of_o the_o intellectual_a world_n that_o of_o the_o corporal_n and_o the_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o both_o which_o be_v usual_o call_v providence_n these_o three_o draw_v into_o one_o thought_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o proportion_n that_o result_v from_o they_o compose_v that_o grand_a idea_n which_o be_v the_o treasury_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o knowledge_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v more_o large_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o this_o theory_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o 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