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
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
they_o get_v the_o mastery_n and_o overwhelm_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o whole_a earth_n in_o a_o deluge_n or_o conflagration_n but_o as_o they_o make_v these_o two_o the_o destroy_a element_n so_o they_o also_o make_v they_o the_o purify_n element_n and_o according_o in_o their_o lustration_n or_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o purge_a sin_n fire_n and_o water_n be_v chief_o make_v use_n of_o both_o among_o the_o roman_n greek_n and_o barbarian_n and_o when_o these_o element_n over_o run_v the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o they_o say_v for_o a_o final_a destruction_n of_o it_o but_o to_o purge_v mankind_n and_o nature_n from_o their_o impurity_n as_o for_o purgation_n by_o fire_n and_o water_n the_o stile_n of_o our_o sacred_a write_n do_v very_o much_o accommodate_v itself_o to_o that_o sense_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o great_a purifier_n of_o soul_n be_v compare_v in_o his_o operation_n upon_o we_o and_o in_o our_o regeneration_n 21._o to_o fire_n or_o 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so_o little_a that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v different_a sect_n and_o school_n among_o they_o as_o among_o the_o greek_n i_o remember_v no_o philosopher_n they_o have_v but_o such_o as_o tully_n seneca_n and_o some_o of_o their_o poet_n and_o of_o these_o lucretius_n lucan_n and_o ovid_n have_v speak_v open_o of_o the_o conflagration_n ovid_n verse_n be_v well_o know_v esse_fw-la quoque_fw-la in_o fatis_fw-la reminiscitur_fw-la affore_o tempus_fw-la quo_fw-la mare_fw-la quo_fw-la tellus_fw-la correptaque_fw-la regius_fw-la coeli_fw-la ardeat_fw-la &_o mundi_fw-la mole_n operosa_fw-la laboret_fw-la a_o time_n decree_v by_o fate_n at_o length_n will_v come_v when_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n shall_v have_v their_o doâ—m_n a_o fiery_a doâ—m_n and_o nature_n be_v mighty_a frame_n shall_v break_v and_o be_v dissolve_v into_o a_o flame_n we_o see_v tully_n sense_n upon_o this_o matter_n in_o scipio_n dream_n when_o the_o old_a man_n speak_v to_o his_o nephew_n africanus_n and_o show_v 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the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n be_v one_o of_o their_o original_a prophecy_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o eastern_a nation_n as_o the_o roman_n receieve_v the_o small_a skill_n they_o have_v in_o the_o science_n from_o the_o greek_n so_o the_o greek_n receive_v their_o chief_a mystic_a learning_n from_o the_o barbarian_n that_o be_v from_o the_o egyptian_n persian_n phoenician_n and_o other_o eastern_a nation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o western_a or_o northern_a people_n that_o they_o call_v barbarian_n but_o indeed_o all_o nation_n beside_o themselves_o for_o that_o be_v common_o the_o vanity_n of_o great_a empire_n to_o uncivilize_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o account_v all_o those_o people_n barbarous_a that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o their_o dominion_n these_o however_o who_o they_o call_v so_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a people_n and_o have_v the_o first_o learning_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o after_o the_o 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revive_v in_o that_o manner_n but_o it_o be_v a_o apologue_n or_o a_o fable_n with_o a_o interpretation_n and_o be_v intend_v as_o a_o emblem_n of_o the_o world_n which_o after_o a_o long_a age_n will_v be_v consume_v in_o the_o last_o fire_n and_o from_o its_o ash_n or_o remains_o will_v arise_v another_o world_n or_o a_o new-formed_a heaven_n and_o earth_n this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o true_a mystery_n of_o the_o phoenix_n under_o which_o symbol_n the_o eastern_a nation_n preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conflagration_n and_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n they_o tell_v somewhat_o a_o like_a story_n of_o the_o eagle_n soar_v aloft_n so_o near_o the_o sun_n that_o by_o his_o warmth_n and_o enliven_a ray_n she_o renew_v her_o age_n and_o become_v young_a again_o to_o this_o the_o psalmist_n be_v think_v to_o allude_v psal._n 103._o 5._o thy_o youth_n shall_v be_v
least_o give_v plain_a mark_n of_o a_o terrestrial_a state_n wherefore_o the_o only_a question_n that_o remain_v be_v this_o whether_o these_o happy_a day_n be_v pass_v already_o or_o to_o come_v whether_o this_o bless_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v behind_o we_o or_o before_o we_o whether_o our_o predecessor_n have_v enjoy_v it_o or_o our_o posterity_n be_v to_o expect_v it_o for_o we_o be_v very_o sure_o that_o it_o be_v not_o present_a the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o war_n and_o rumour_n of_o war_n of_o vice_n and_o knavery_n of_o oppression_n and_o persecution_n and_o these_o be_v thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o character_n of_o the_o state_n which_o we_o look_v after_o and_o if_o we_o look_v for_o it_o in_o time_n past_a we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o back_o than_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o s._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n prophesy_v of_o these_o time_n as_o to_o come_v and_o place_v they_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o system_a 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at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o prince_n or_o ruler_n it_o be_v true_a when_o the_o empire_n become_v christian_n under_o constantine_n in_o the_o four_o century_n there_o be_v for_o a_o time_n peace_n and_o prosperity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o purity_n and_o piety_n but_o that_o peace_n be_v soon_o disturb_v and_o that_o piety_n soon_o corrupt_v the_o grow_a pride_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_n and_o their_o easiness_n to_o admit_v or_o introduce_v superstitious_a practice_n destroy_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o their_o contest_v about_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n tear_v the_o christian_n themselves_o into_o piece_n and_o soon_o after_o a_o inundation_n of_o barbarous_a people_n fall_v into_o christendom_n and_o put_v it_o all_o into_o flame_n and_o confusion_n after_o this_o eruption_n of_o the_o northern_a nation_n mahometanism_n rise_v in_o the_o east_n and_o swarm_n of_o saracen_n like_o army_n of_o locust_n invade_v conquer_v and_o plant_v their_o religion_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o of_o the_o christianize_v world_n and_o can_v we_o call_v such_o time_n the_o reign_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n the_o turk_n overrun_v the_o eastern_a empire_n and_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o still_o hold_v that_o miserable_a people_n in_o slavery_n providence_n seem_v to_o have_v so_o order_v affair_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n shall_v never_o be_v without_o a_o woe_n upon_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v fancy_n itself_o already_o in_o those_o happy_a day_n of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o future_a time_n last_o whosoever_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o corruption_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o she_o come_v to_o her_o greatness_n whosoever_o allow_v she_o to_o be_v mystical_a babylon_n which_o must_v fall_v before_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n come_v on_o will_v think_v that_o kingdom_n due_o place_v by_o s._n john_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o there_o still_o remain_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n hebr._n 4._o 9_o a_o sabbatism_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n 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 you_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n declare_v the_o future_a kingdom_n of_o christ._n next_o to_o these_o the_o primitive_a father_n be_v account_v of_o good_a authority_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o inquire_v into_o their_o sense_n concern_v this_o doctrine_n that_o we_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o party_n and_o both_o those_o that_o be_v guide_v by_o scripture_n alone_o and_o those_o that_o have_v a_o veneration_n for_o antiquity_n may_v find_v proof_n suitable_a â—o_o their_o inclination_n and_o judgement_n and_o to_o make_v few_o word_n of_o it_o we_o will_v lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o millennial_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o nicene_n council_n inclusive_o s._n john_n outlive_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o life_n be_v banish_v into_o the_o isle_n of_o pathmos_n he_o write_v his_o apocalypse_n wherein_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o full_a and_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o millennial_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n than_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n before_o he_o papias_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n 33._o and_o martyr_n one_o of_o s._n iâ—hn's_n auditor_n as_o irenaeus_n testify_v teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n after_o s._n john_n he_o be_v the_o familiar_a friend_n of_o polycarp_n another_o of_o s._n john_n disciple_n and_o either_o from_o he_o or_o immediate_o from_o s._n john_n mouth_n he_o may_v receive_v this_o doctrine_n that_o he_o teach_v it_o in_o the_o church_n be_v agree_v on_o by_o all_o hand_n both_o by_o those_o that_o be_v his_o follower_n as_o irenaeus_n and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o wellwisher_n to_o this_o doctrine_n as_o eâ—sebius_n and_o jerome_n there_o be_v also_o another_o channel_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v traditional_o derive_v from_o s._n john_n namely_o by_o the_o clergy_n of_o asia_n as_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n for_o argue_v the_o point_n he_o show_v that_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o jacob_n from_o his_o father_n isaac_n be_v not_o make_v good_a to_o he_o in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v without_o doubt_n those_o word_n have_v a_o further_a aim_n and_o prospect_n upon_o the_o time_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o they_o use_v to_o call_v the_o millennial_a state_n when_o the_o just_a rise_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v reign_v and_o when_o nature_n renew_v and_o set_v at_o liberty_n shall_v yield_v plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v blessed_v with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o great_a fertility_n of_o the_o earth_n according_a as_o have_v be_v relate_v by_o those_o ecclesiastic_n or_o clergy_n who_o sce._n st._n john_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o hear_v of_o he_o what_o our_o lord_n have_v teach_v concern_v those_o time_n this_o you_o see_v go_v to_o the_o fountainhead_n the_o christian_a clergy_n receive_v it_o from_o st._n john_n and_o st._n john_n relate_v it_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o much_o for_o the_o original_a authority_n of_o this_o doctrine_n as_o a_o tradition_n that_o it_o be_v from_o st._n john_n and_o by_o he_o from_o christ._n and_o as_o to_o the_o propagation_n and_o prevail_v of_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o can_v bring_v a_o witness_n beyond_o all_o exception_n jew._n justin_n martyr_n contemporary_a with_o irenaeus_n and_o his_o senior_n he_o say_v that_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n of_o his_o time_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n suppose_v the_o first_o resurrection_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n reign_n in_o jerusalem_n restore_v or_o in_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o isaiah_n and_o other_o attest_v with_o common_a consent_n as_o st._n peter_n have_v say_v before_o act._n 3._o 21._o that_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v of_o it_o then_o he_o quote_v the_o 65th_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n which_o be_v a_o bulwark_n for_o this_o doctrine_n that_o never_o can_v be_v break_v and_o to_o show_v the_o jew_n with_o who_o he_o have_v this_o discourse_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n
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
face_n of_o the_o earth_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o many_o other_o transcriber_n of_o antiquity_n have_v record_v this_o tradition_n concern_v a_o difference_n gradual_a or_o specifical_a both_o in_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n gloss._n ordin_n gen._n 9_o de_fw-la iride_fw-la lyran._n ibid._n hist._n scholast_n c._n 35._o rab._n maurus_n &_o gloss._n inter._n gen._n 2._o 5_o 6._o alcuin_n quaest._n in_o gen._n inter_fw-la 135._o and_o in_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n as_o the_o same_o author_n witness_n in_o other_o place_n as_o hist._n schol._n o._n 34._o gloss._n ord._n in_o gen._n 7._o alâ—uin_n inter._n 118_o etc._n etc._n not_o to_o instance_n in_o those_o that_o tell_v we_o the_o property_n of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a world_n under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o paradise_n thus_o much_o concern_v this_o remarkable_a place_n in_o s._n peter_n and_o the_o true_a exposition_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v the_o more_o large_o insist_v upon_o because_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o place_n as_o the_o chief_a repository_n of_o that_o great_a natural_a mystery_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o triple_a state_n or_o revolution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o those_o man_n that_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a to_o admit_v the_o theory_n we_o have_v propose_v i_o will_v willing_o know_v whether_o they_o believe_v the_o apostle_n in_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n to_o come_v ver_fw-la 13._o and_o if_o they_o do_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v he_o as_o much_o concern_v the_o old_a heaven_n and_o the_o old_a earth_n past_a ver_fw-la 5_o &_o 6._o which_o hâ—_n mention_n as_o formal_o and_o describe_v more_o distinct_o than_o the_o other_o but_o if_o they_o believe_v neither_o past_a nor_o to_o come_v in_o a_o natural_a sense_n but_o a_o unchangeable_a state_n of_o nature_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o its_o annihilation_n i_o leave_v they_o then_o to_o their_o fellow_n eternalist_n in_o the_o text_n and_o to_o the_o character_n or_o censure_v the_o apostle_n give_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d man_n that_o go_v by_o their_o own_o private_a humour_n and_o passion_n and_o prefer_v that_o to_o all_o other_o evidence_n they_o deserve_v this_o censure_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o they_o do_v not_o only_o disbelieve_v but_o also_o scoff_n at_o this_o prophetic_a and_o apostolic_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o vicissitude_n of_o nature_n and_o a_o triple_a world_n the_o apostle_n in_o this_o discourse_n do_v formal_o distinguish_v three_o world_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o hebrow_n have_v no_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o natural_a world_n but_o use_v that_o periphrass_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o upon_o each_o of_o they_o engrave_v a_o name_n and_o title_n that_o bear_v a_o note_n of_o distinction_n in_o it_o he_o call_v they_o the_o old_a heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o preseut_n heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a these_o three_o be_v one_o as_o â—o_z matter_n and_o substance_n but_o they_o must_v differ_v as_o to_o form_n and_o property_n otherwise_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o of_o these_o three_o different_a appeâ—lations_n suppose_v the_o jew_n have_v expect_v ezekiel_n temple_n for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n they_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o with_o this_o distinction_n or_o under_o these_o different_a name_n the_o old_a temple_n the_o present_a temple_n and_o the_o new_a temple_n we_o expect_v will_v any_o have_v understand_v those_o three_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o temple_n never_o demolish_v never_o change_v never_o rebuilt_a always_o the_o same_o both_o as_o to_o material_n and_o form_n no_o doubtless_o but_o of_o three_o several_a temple_n succeed_v one_o another_o and_o have_v we_o not_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o understand_v this_o temple_n of_o the_o world_n whereof_o s._n peter_n speak_v to_o be_v threefold_a in_o succession_n see_v he_o do_v as_o plain_o distinguish_v it_o into_o the_o old_a heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o i_o do_v the_o more_o willing_o use_v this_o comparison_n of_o the_o temple_n because_o it_o have_v be_v think_v a_o emblem_n of_o the_o outward_a world_n i_o know_v we_o be_v natural_o averse_a to_o entertain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o general_a frame_n and_o texture_n of_o our_o own_o thought_n that_o be_v to_o begin_v the_o world_n again_o and_o we_o often_o reject_v such_o thing_n without_o examination_n neither_o do_v i_o wonder_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n beat_v down_o the_o apostle_n word_n and_o sense_n to_o their_o own_o notion_n they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n to_o go_v upon_o and_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a especial_o in_o natural_a and_o comprehensible_a thing_n to_o put_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o scripture_n as_o be_v unintelligible_a to_o themselves_o they_o rather_o venture_v to_o offer_v a_o little_a violence_n to_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v pitch_v the_o sense_n at_o such_o a_o convenient_a height_n as_o their_o principle_n will_v reach_v to_o and_o therefore_o though_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a interpreter_n who_o i_o mention_v before_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o s._n peter_n and_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o bear_v of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n so_o as_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o import_v a_o real_a diversity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o world_n speak_v of_o yet_o have_v no_o principle_n to_o guide_v or_o support_v they_o in_o follow_v that_o tract_n they_o be_v force_v to_o stop_v or_o divert_v another_o way_n it_o be_v like_a enter_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o cave_n we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o venture_v further_o than_o the_o light_n go_v nor_o be_v they_o much_o to_o blame_v for_o this_o the_o fault_n be_v only_o in_o those_o person_n that_o continue_v wilful_o in_o their_o darkness_n and_o when_o they_o can_v otherwise_o resist_v the_o light_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o or_o turn_v their_o head_n another_o way_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v stay_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n not_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n but_o to_o satisfy_v other_o you_o may_v please_v to_o remember_v that_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v hitherto_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o first_o head_n to_o prove_v a_o diversity_n in_o general_n betwixt_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o present_a not_o express_v what_o their_o particular_a form_n be_v and_o this_o general_a diversity_n may_v be_v argue_v also_o by_o observation_n take_v from_o moses_n his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n from_o the_o longevity_n of_o the_o antediluvian_o the_o rain-bowu_a appear_v after_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o break_v open_o a_o abyss_n capable_a to_o overflow_v the_o earth_n the_o heaven_n that_o have_v no_o rainbow_n 5._o and_o under_o who_o benign_a and_o steady_a influence_n man_n live_v seven_o eight_o nine_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o must_v have_v be_v of_o a_o different_a aspect_n and_o constitution_n from_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o that_o earth_n that_o have_v such_o a_o abyss_n that_o the_o disruption_n of_o it_o make_v a_o universal_a deluge_n must_v have_v be_v of_o another_o form_n than_o the_o present_a earth_n and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o diversity_n in_o the_o two_o world_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v we_o a_o intelligible_a account_n of_o these_o phaenomena_n how_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n like_o the_o present_a or_o if_o they_o be_v there_o once_o why_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v so_o still_o if_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o as_o to_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n but_o as_o to_o the_o earth_n we_o must_v now_o according_a to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o first_o head_n inquire_v if_o that_o particular_a form_n which_o we_o have_v assign_v it_o before_o the_o flood_n be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n you_o know_v how_o we_o have_v describe_v the_o form_n and_o situation_n of_o that_o earth_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v build_v over_o the_o abyss_n as_o a_o regular_a orb_n cover_v and_o encompass_v the_o water_n round_o about_o and_o found_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o they_o there_o be_v many_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o favour_n this_o description_n some_o more_o express_o other_o upon_o a_o due_a explication_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v two_o express_a text_n in_o the_o psalm_n as_o psal._n 24._o 1_o 2._o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o the_o habitable_a world_n and_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o for_o he_o have_v found_v it_o upon_o
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wave_n and_o the_o crack_n of_o a_o fall_a world_n will_v make_v flash_n and_o noise_n far_o great_a and_o more_o terrible_a than_o any_o that_o can_v come_v from_o vapour_n and_o cloud_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a tempest_n a_o conflict_n and_o clash_n of_o all_o the_o element_n and_o david_n seem_v to_o have_v represent_v it_o so_o with_o god_n almighty_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o rule_v they_o all_o but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v some_o will_v say_v all_o this_o be_v poetical_a in_o the_o prophet_n and_o these_o be_v hyperbolical_a and_o figurate_a expression_n from_o which_o we_o can_v make_v any_o inference_n as_o to_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o natural_a world_n it_o be_v true_a those_o that_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o the_o deluge_n that_o will_v answer_v to_o such_o a_o scene_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v here_o represent_v must_v give_v such_o a_o slight_a account_n of_o this_o psalm_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o have_v already_o a_o idea_n of_o the_o deluge_n 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random_n hyperbole_n or_o whether_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o ark_n there_o represent_v the_o church_n this_o make_v the_o sense_n double_o rich_a historical_o and_o moral_o and_o ground_n it_o upon_o scripture_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o fancy_n that_o violent_a eruption_n of_o the_o sea_n out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o job_n speak_v of_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n another_o description_n of_o the_o deluge_n it_o be_v chap._n 38._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o who_o shut_v up_o the_o sea_n with_o door_n when_o it_o break_v forth_o as_o if_o it_o have_v issue_v out_o of_o a_o womb_n when_o i_o make_v the_o eloud_v the_o garment_n thereof_o and_o thick_a darkness_n a_o swaddle_a band_n for_o it_o and_o break_v up_o for_o it_o my_o free_a place_n hitherto_o shall_v thou_o come_v etc._n etc._n here_o you_o see_v the_o birth_n and_o nativity_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o of_o oceanus_n describe_v puerpera_fw-la how_o he_o break_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n and_o what_o his_o first_o garment_n and_o swaddle_a clothes_n be_v namely_o cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n this_o can_v refer_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o to_o the_o face_n of_o nature_n at_o the_o deluge_n when_o the_o sea_n be_v bear_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o cloud_n and_o break_a wave_n and_o a_o dark_a impenetrable_a mist_n round_o the_o body_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o david_n have_v express_v in_o his_o description_n of_o the_o deluge_n psal._n 18._o 11._o he_o make_v darkness_n his_o secret_a place_n his_o pavilion_n round_o about_o he_o be_v dâ—rk_a water_n and_o thick_a cloud_n of_o the_o sky_n for_o this_o be_v true_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o flood_n though_o we_o little_o reflect_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o dark_a confusion_n every_o where_o above_o and_o below_o arise_v from_o the_o violent_a and_o confuse_a motion_n of_o the_o abyss_n 99_o which_o be_v dash_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o fall_a earth_n and_o fly_v into_o the_o air_n in_o misty_a drop_n as_o dust_n fly_v up_o in_o a_o great_a ruin_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a we_o have_v stay_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o particular_a the_o form_n of_o the_o deluge_n see_v be_v but_o a_o corollary_n from_o the_o precedent_a article_n about_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o earth_n however_o time_n be_v not_o ill_o spend_v about_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o natural_a providence_n whereof_o the_o two_o most_o signal_n instance_n in_o our_o sacred_a write_n be_v the_o deluge_n and_o the_o conflagration_n and_o see_v job_n and_o david_n do_v often_o reflect_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o external_a creation_n and_o upon_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o reflect_v upon_o the_o deluge_n the_o most_o remarkable_a change_n of_o nature_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o the_o most_o 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of_o that_o earth_n and_o a_o eruption_n of_o the_o abyss_n how_o far_o i_o have_v succeed_v in_o this_o attempt_n as_o to_o other_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v convince_v myself_o and_o be_o satisfy_v that_o my_o thought_n in_o that_o theory_n have_v run_v in_o the_o same_o tract_n with_o the_o holy_a write_n with_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o spirit_n of_o they_o there_o be_v some_o person_n that_o be_v wilful_o ignorant_a in_o certain_a thing_n and_o other_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v ignorant_a as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o speak_v of_o those_o eternalist_n that_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o be_v many_o still_o of_o the_o same_o humour_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v call_v willing_o ignorant_a that_o be_v they_o will_v not_o use_v that_o pain_n and_o attention_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o a_o 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