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 hebrew_n have_v no_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o natural_a world_n but_o use_v that_o periphrasis_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 present_a 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 to_o 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 appellation_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 st._n peter_n and_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o bear_v off_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 rainbow_n 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 and_o under_o who_o 5._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 notion_n the_o sea_n and_o establish_v it_o upon_o the_o flood_n a_o earth_n found_v upon_o the_o sea_n and_o establish_v upon_o the_o water_n be_v not_o this_o the_o earth_n we_o have_v describe_v the_o first_o earth_n as_o it_o come_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o its_o maker_n where_o can_v we_o now_o find_v in_o nature_n such_o a_o earth_n as_o have_v the_o sea_n and_o the_o water_n for_o its_o foundation_n neither_o be_v this_o text_n without_o a_o second_o as_o a_o fellow-witness_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n for_o in_o the_o 136._o psalm_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6._o we_o read_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o these_o word_n to_o he_o who_o alone_o do_v great_a wonder_n to_o he_o that_o by_o wisdom_n make_v the_o heaven_n to_o he_o that_o stretch_v out_o the_o earth_n above_o the_o water_n we_o can_v hardly_o express_v that_o form_n of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n in_o word_n more_o determinate_a than_o these_o be_v let_v we_o then_o in_o the_o same_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n follow_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n see_v this_o literal_a sense_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a agreeable_a to_o it_o upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n and_o we_o can_v without_o some_o violence_n turn_v the_o word_n to_o any_o other_o sense_n what_o tolerable_a interpretation_n can_v these_o admit_v of_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v the_o earth_n once_o to_o have_v encompass_v and_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o water_n to_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o water_n to_o be_v extend_v upon_o the_o water_n what_o rational_a or_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o phrase_n and_o expression_n from_o any_o thing_n we_o find_v in_o the_o present_a situation_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o how_o can_v they_o be_v verify_v concern_v it_o consult_v interpreter_n ancient_a or_o modern_a upon_o these_o two_o place_n see_v if_o they_o answer_v your_o expectation_n or_o answer_v the_o natural_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o they_o acknowledge_v another_o form_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o the_o present_a because_o a_o rock_n hang_v its_o nose_n over_o the_o sea_n must_v the_o body_n of_o the_o
scripture-testimony_n with_o design_n chief_o to_o obviate_v and_o disappoint_v the_o evasion_n of_o such_o as_o will_v beat_v down_o solid_a text_n into_o thin_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v either_o express_a or_o implicit_a those_o i_o call_v express_v that_o mention_v the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n and_o those_o implicit_a that_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o not_o in_o express_a term_n so_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o a_o palingenesia_n or_o regeneration_n matt._n 19_o 28_o 29._o or_o st._n peter_n of_o a_o apocatastasis_fw-la or_o restitution_n act._n 3._o 21._o these_o be_v word_n use_v by_o all_o author_n profane_a or_o ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v interpret_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o his_o future_a earth_n 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o habitable_a world_n to_o come_v hebr._fw-la 2._o 5._o or_o of_o a_o redemption_n or_o melioration_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o nature_n rom._n 8._o 21_o 22._o these_o lead_v we_o again_o in_o other_o term_n to_o the_o same_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v also_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o set_v the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n in_o such_o a_o full_a and_o open_a view_n that_o we_o must_v shut_v our_o eye_n not_o to_o see_v they_o st._n john_n say_v he_o see_v they_o and_o observe_v the_o form_n of_o the_o new_a earth_n apoc._n 21._o 1._o the_o seer_n isaish_n speak_v of_o they_o in_o express_a word_n 17._o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o st._n peter_n mark_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v introduce_v namely_o after_o the_o conflagration_n or_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 12_o 13._o these_o late_a text_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o express_v there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n leave_v to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o turn_v the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n into_o a_o allegory_n and_o make_v the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n to_o be_v allegorical_a heaven_n and_o earth_n not_o real_a and_o material_a as_o we_o be_v this_o be_v a_o bold_a attempt_n of_o some_o modern_a author_n who_o choose_v rather_o to_o strain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o their_o own_o notion_n there_o be_v allegory_n no_o doubt_n in_o scripture_n but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o allegorise_v scripture_n without_o some_o warrant_n either_o from_o a_o apostolical_a interpretation_n or_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o either_o of_o these_o in_o this_o case_n however_o that_o they_o may_v have_v all_o fair_a play_n we_o will_v lay_v aside_o at_o present_a all_o the_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o confine_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o st._n peter_n word_n to_o see_v and_o examine_v whether_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o allegory_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n st._n peter_n word_n be_v these_o see_v then_o all_o these_o 13._o thing_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v you_o to_o be_v in_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n look_v for_o and_o haste_v the_o come_n of_o the_o day_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o heaven_n be_v on_o fire_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n nevertheless_o we_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n look_v for_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o righteousness_n shall_v dwell_v the_o question_n be_v concern_v this_o last_o verse_n whether_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n here_o promise_v be_v to_o be_v real_a and_o material_a heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o only_o figurative_a and_o allegorical_a the_o word_n you_o see_v be_v clear_a and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o recede_v from_o the_o letter_n or_o the_o literal_a sense_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n from_o the_o subject_a matter_n such_o a_o necessity_n as_o make_v a_o literal_a interpretation_n absurd_a but_o where_o be_v that_o necessity_n in_o this_o case_n can_v god_n make_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n as_o easy_o as_o he_o make_v the_o old_a one_o be_v his_o strength_n decay_v since_o that_o time_n or_o be_v matter_n grow_v more_o disobedient_a nay_o do_v not_o nature_n offer_v herself_o voluntary_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a world_n from_o the_o second_o chaos_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o first_o and_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o providence_n to_o make_v it_o as_o convenient_a a_o habitation_n as_o the_o primaeval_n earth_n therefore_o no_o necessity_n can_v be_v pretend_v of_o leave_v the_o literal_a sense_n upon_o a_o incapacity_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n the_o second_o rule_n to_o determine_v a_o interpretation_n to_o be_v literal_a or_o allegorical_a be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o word_n or_o phrase_n in_o the_o context_n and_o the_o signification_n of_o they_o there_o let_v we_o then_o examine_v our_o cafe_z according_a to_o this_o rule_n st._n peter_n have_v use_v the_o same_o phrase_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n twice_o before_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n the_o old_a heaven_n and_o earth_n ver_fw-la 5._o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n ver_fw-la 7._o and_o now_o he_o use_v it_o again_o ver_fw-la 13._o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v we_o not_o then_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o he_o take_v it_o here_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o he_o have_v do_v twice_o before_o for_o real_a and_o material_a heaven_n and_o earth_n there_o be_v no_o mark_n set_v of_o a_o new_a signification_n nor_o why_o we_o shall_v alter_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o use_v they_o always_o before_o for_o the_o material_a heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o think_v none_o will_v question_v and_o therefore_o unless_o they_o can_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v change_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o this_o second_o rule_n also_o to_o understand_v they_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n last_o the_o very_a form_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o the_o context_n lead_v we_o to_o a_o literal_a sense_n and_o to_o material_a heaven_n and_o earth_n nevertheless_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o expect_v new_a heaven_n etc._n etc._n why_o nevertheless_o that_o be_v notwithstanding_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o apostle_n foresee_v what_o he_o have_v say_v may_v raise_v a_o doubt_n in_o their_o mind_n whether_o all_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v at_o a_o end_n nothing_o more_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o of_o any_o habitable_a world_n after_o the_o conflagration_n and_o to_o obviate_v this_o he_o tell_v they_o notwithstanding_o that_o wonderful_a desolation_n that_o i_o have_v describe_v we_o do_v according_a to_o god_n promise_n expect_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n for_o the_o righteous_a you_o see_v then_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v substitute_v in_o the_o place_n of_o those_o that_o be_v destroy_v at_o the_o conflagration_n and_o will_v you_o substitute_v allegorical_a heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o the_o place_n of_o material_a a_o shadow_n for_o a_o substance_n what_o a_o equivocation_n will_v it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o material_a heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o make_v a_o answer_n about_o allegorical_a last_o the_o time_a of_o the_o thing_n determine_v the_o sense_n when_o shall_v this_o new_a world_n appear_v after_o the_o conflagration_n the_o apostle_n say_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o any_o moral_a renovation_n to_o be_v make_v at_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o these_o allegorist_n pretend_v we_o must_v therefore_o upon_o all_o account_n conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v a_o literal_a sense_n real_a and_o material_a heaven_n to_o succeed_v these_o after_o the_o conflagration_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o bar_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v set_v to_o keep_v we_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o literal_a sense_n if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o st._n peter_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n which_o secure_v the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o theory_n for_o the_o theory_n stand_v upon_o two_o pillar_n or_o two_o pedestal_n the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n and_o the_o future_a earth_n or_o in_o s._n peter_n phrase_n the_o old_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o it_o can_v be_v
like_a manner_n and_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o have_v these_o word_n upon_o psal._n 101._o aerii_fw-la utique_fw-la coeli_fw-la perierunt_fw-la ut_fw-la propinqui_fw-la terris_fw-la secundum_fw-la quod_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la volucres_fw-la coeli_fw-la sunt_fw-la autem_fw-la &_o coeli_fw-la coelorum_fw-la superiores_fw-la in_o firmamento_fw-la sed_fw-la utrùm_fw-la &_o ipfi_n perituri_fw-la sint_fw-la igni_fw-la a_o high_a soli_fw-la qui_fw-la etiam_fw-la diluvio_fw-la perierunt_fw-la disceptatio_fw-la est_fw-la aliquanto_fw-la scrupulosior_fw-la inter_fw-la doctos_fw-la and_o in_o his_o book_n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la he_o have_v several_a passage_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n quemadmodum_fw-la in_o apostolicâ_fw-la illâ_fw-la epistolâ_fw-la à _fw-la toto_fw-la pars_fw-la accipitur_fw-la quod_fw-la diluvio_fw-la periisse_fw-la dictus_fw-la est_fw-la mandus_fw-la quamvis_fw-la sola_fw-la ejus_fw-la cum_fw-la suis_fw-la coelis_fw-la pars_fw-la ima_fw-la perierit_fw-la these_o be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n with_o the_o first_o citation_n i_o need_v not_o make_v they_o english_a and_o this_o last_o place_n refer_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o well_o as_o the_o heaven_n as_o several_a other_o place_n in_o s._n austin_n do_v whereof_o we_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o account_n when_o we_o come_v to_o show_v his_o judgement_n concern_v the_o second_o point_n the_o diversity_n of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a and_o post-diluvian_a world_n this_o be_v but_o a_o foretaste_n of_o his_o good_a will_n and_o inclination_n towards_o this_o doctrine_n these_o consideration_n allege_v so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v judge_v be_v full_a and_o unanswerable_a proof_n that_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n comprehend_v and_o refer_v to_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o consequent_o they_o warrant_v our_o interpretation_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o destroy_v the_o contrary_n we_o have_v but_o one_o step_n more_o to_o make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v a_o change_n make_v in_o this_o natural_a world_n at_o the_o deluge_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o this_o be_v to_o confute_v the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o interpretation_n which_o suppose_v that_o s._n peter_n make_v no_o distinction_n or_o opposition_n betwixt_o the_o antediluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o that_o respect_n this_o second_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o methinks_v be_v still_o harsh_a than_o the_o first_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a form_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n for_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a antithesis_fw-la or_o opposition_n make_v betwixt_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n of_o old_a ver_fw-la the_o 5_o and_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v now_o verse_n the_o seven_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o adversative_a particle_n but_o you_o see_v mark_n the_o 〈◊〉_d opposition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v full_a and_o plain_o according_a to_o grammar_n and_o logic_n and_o that_o the_o part_n or_o member_n of_o this_o opposition_n differ_v in_o nature_n from_o one_o another_o be_v certain_a from_o this_o because_o otherwise_o the_o apostle_n argument_n or_o discourse_n be_v of_o no_o effect_n conclude_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n he_o make_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n nor_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o scoffer_n unless_o you_o admit_v that_o diversity_n for_o they_o say_v all_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o same_o from_o the_o begin_n in_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o unless_o he_o say_v as_o he_o manifest_o do_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o change_n in_o nature_n and_o that_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o be_v now_o be_v different_a from_o the_o ancient_a heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o perish_v at_o the_o flood_n he_o say_v nothing_o to_o destroy_v their_o argument_n nor_o to_o confirm_v the_o prophetical_a doctrine_n of_o the_o future_a destruction_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n this_o i_o think_v will_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o clear_a and_o free_a mind_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o because_o i_o desire_v to_o give_v as_o full_a a_o light_n to_o this_o place_n as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o put_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o out_o of_o controversy_n if_o possible_a for_o the_o future_a i_o will_v make_v some_o further_a remark_n to_o confirm_v this_o exposition_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o several_a of_o those_o reason_n which_o we_o have_v give_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o natural_a world_n be_v understand_v by_o s._n peter_n be_v double_a reason_n and_o do_v also_o prove_v the_o other_o point_n in_o question_n a_o diversity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o natural_a world_n the_o anti-diluvian_a and_o the_o present_a as_o for_o instance_n unless_o you_o admit_v this_o diversity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o natural_a world_n you_o make_v the_o 5_o verse_n in_o this_o chapter_n superfluous_a and_o useless_a and_o you_o must_v suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o make_v a_o inference_n here_o without_o premise_n in_o the_o 6_o verse_n he_o make_v a_o inference_n ostendimus_fw-la whereby_o the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v perish_v in_o a_o deluge_n what_o do_v this_o whereby_o relate_v to_o by_o reason_n of_o what_o sure_o of_o the_o particular_a constitution_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n immediate_o before_o describe_v neither_o will_v it_o have_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o scoffer_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v tell_v they_o how_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v constitute_v if_o they_o be_v constitute_v just_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o present_a beside_o what_o be_v it_o as_o i_o ask_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v these_o scoffer_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o do_v he_o not_o say_v formal_o and_o express_o ver_fw-la 5._o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v constitute_v so_o and_o so_o before_o the_o flood_n but_o if_o they_o be_v constitute_v as_o these_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o their_o constitution_n nor_o do_v pretend_v to_o be_v ignorant_a for_o their_o own_o mistake_v argument_n suppose_v it_o but_o before_o we_o proceed_v any_o further_a give_v i_o leave_v to_o note_v the_o impropriety_n of_o our_o translation_n in_o the_o 5_o verse_n or_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o we_o translate_v stand_v in_o the_o water_n and_o out_o of_o the_o water_n which_o be_v do_v manifest_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o present_a form_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o translator_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a force_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o greek_a word_n if_o one_o meet_v with_o this_o sentence_n water_n in_o a_o greek_a author_n who_o will_v ever_o render_v it_o stand_v in_o the_o water_n and_o out_o of_o the_o water_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o latin_a translator_n that_o have_v venture_v to_o render_v they_o in_o that_o sense_n nor_o any_o latin_a father_n st._n austin_n and_o st._n jerome_n i_o be_o sure_o do_v not_o but_o consistens_fw-la ex_fw-la aquâ_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr aquâ_fw-la &_o per_fw-la aquam_fw-la for_o that_o late_a phrase_n also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o with_o so_o good_a propriety_n signify_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o water_n as_o to_o consist_v or_o subsist_v by_o water_n or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o water_n tanquam_fw-la per_fw-la causam_fw-la sustinentem_fw-la as_o st._n austin_n and_o jerome_n render_v it_o neither_o do_v that_o instance_n they_o give_v from_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 20._o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o ark_n be_v sustain_v by_o the_o water_n and_o the_o english_a do_v render_v it_o according_o the_o translation_n be_v thus_o rectify_v you_o see_v the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n consist_v of_o water_n and_o by_o water_n which_o make_v way_n for_o a_o second_o observation_n to_o prove_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n for_o if_o you_o admit_v no_o diversity_n betwixt_o those_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o present_a show_v we_o pray_o how_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n consist_v of_o water_n and_o by_o water_n what_o watery_a constitution_n have_v they_o the_o apostle_n imply_v rather_o that_o the_o now_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v a_o fiery_a constitution_n we_o have_v now_o meteor_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o air_n wind_n hail_n snow_n lightning_n thunder_z and_o all_o thing_n engender_v of_o fiery_a exhalation_n as_o well_o as_o we_o have_v rain_n but_o according_a to_o our_o theory_n the_o ante-diluvian_a 233._o heaven_n of_o all_o these_o meteor_n have_v none_o but_o dew_n and_o rain_n or_o watery_a meteor_n only_o and_o therefore_o may_v very_o apt_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v constitute_v of_o water_n or_o to_o have_v a_o watery_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o the_o earth_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v by_o water_n because_o it_o be_v
build_v upon_o it_o and_o at_o first_o be_v sustain_v by_o it_o and_o when_o such_o a_o key_n as_o this_o be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o unlock_v this_o hard_a passage_n and_o make_v it_o intelligible_a according_a to_o the_o just_a force_n of_o the_o word_n why_o shall_v we_o pertinacious_o adhere_v to_o a_o interpretation_n that_o neither_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n nor_o make_v interpretation_n any_o sense_n that_o be_v considerable_a three_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o same_o with_o the_o present_a his_o apodosis_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i_o say_v it_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v by_o way_n of_o antithesis_fw-la but_o of_o identity_n or_o continuation_n and_o the_o same_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n etc._n etc._n according_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n speak_v thus_o as_o to_o the_o logos_fw-la or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n verse_n 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o he_o express_v it_o as_o the_o same_z and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o well_o as_o the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n why_o shall_v he_o use_v a_o mark_n of_o opposition_n for_o the_o one_o and_o of_o identity_n for_o the_o other_o to_o this_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o can_v be_v fair_o answer_v four_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v different_a from_o the_o present_a because_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v they_o be_v such_o and_o so_o constitute_v as_o make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o deluge_n whereas_o we_o be_v of_o such_o a_o form_n as_o make_v they_o incapable_a of_o a_o deluge_n 2._o and_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o conflagration_n the_o just_a contrary_a fate_n if_o you_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o natural_a tendency_n or_o disposition_n in_o either_o world_n to_o their_o respective_a fate_n but_o the_o first_o might_n as_o well_o have_v perish_v by_o fire_n as_o water_n and_o this_o by_o water_n as_o by_o fire_n you_o unhinge_v all_o nature_n and_o natural_a providence_n in_o that_o method_n and_o contradict_v one_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o discourse_n his_o first_o scope_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o mind_n they_o of_o that_o diversity_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o ancient_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o present_a and_o from_o that_o to_o prove_v against_o those_o scoffer_n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o change_n and_o revolution_n in_o nature_n and_o his_o second_o scope_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o to_o show_v that_o diversity_n to_o be_v such_o as_o under_o the_o divine_a conduct_n lead_v to_o a_o different_a fate_n and_o expose_v that_o world_n to_o a_o deluge_n for_o when_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o subjoin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quià _fw-la talis_fw-la erat_fw-la say_v grotius_n qualem_fw-la diximus_fw-la constitutio_fw-la &_o terrae_fw-la &_o coeli_fw-la w_n h_n e_o r_o e_o b_o y_fw-fr the_o then_o world_n perish_v in_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n this_o whereby_o note_v some_o kind_n of_o causal_a dependence_n and_o must_v relate_v to_o some_o mean_n or_o condition_n precedent_n it_o can_v relate_v to_o logos_fw-la or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grammar_n will_v not_o permit_v that_o therefore_o it_o must_v relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n immediate_o premise_v and_o to_o what_o purpose_n indeed_o shall_v he_o premise_v the_o description_n of_o those_o heaven_n and_o earth_n if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o lay_v a_o ground_n for_o this_o inference_n have_v give_v these_o reason_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o interpretation_n in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v st._n augustine_n judgement_n and_o his_o sense_n upon_o this_o place_n as_o to_o the_o point_n in_o question_n as_o also_o the_o reflection_n that_o some_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v make_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n of_o st._n peter_n didymus_n alexandrinus_n who_o be_v for_o some_o time_n st._n jerome_n master_n make_v such_o a_o severe_a reflection_n upon_o it_o that_o he_o say_v this_o epistle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o canon_n because_o it_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o triple_a or_o triform_a world_n in_o this_o three_o chapter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o his_o enarr_n in_o epist._n canonicas_fw-la now_o this_o threefold_a world_n be_v first_o that_o in_o the_o 6_o verse_n the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v now_o and_o in_o the_o 13_o verse_n we_o expect_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fair_a account_n that_o st._n peter_n teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o triple_a world_n and_o i_o quote_v this_o testimony_n to_o show_v what_o st._n peter_n word_n do_v natural_o import_v even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o one_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o a_o man_n be_v not_o prone_a to_o make_v a_o exposition_n against_o his_o own_o opinion_n unless_o he_o think_v the_o word_n very_o pregnant_a and_o express_a but_o st._n austin_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o of_o this_o doctrine_n as_o derive_v from_o it_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o text_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o several_a part_n of_o his_o work_n we_o have_v note_v three_o or_o four_o place_n already_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o we_o may_v further_o take_v notice_n of_o several_a passage_n in_o his_o treatise_n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la which_o confirm_v our_o exposition_n in_o his_o 20_o book_n ch_n 24._o he_o dispute_v against_o porphyry_n who_o have_v the_o same_o principle_n with_o these_o aeternalist_n in_o the_o text_n or_o if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o incorruptarians_n and_o think_v the_o world_n never_o have_v nor_o ever_o will_v undergo_v any_o change_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o heaven_n st._n austin_n can_v not_o urge_v porphyry_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n peter_n for_o he_o have_v no_o veneration_n for_o the_o christian_a oracle_n but_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v some_o for_o the_o jewish_a and_o argue_v against_o he_o upon_o that_o text_n in_o the_o psalm_n coeli_fw-la peribunt_fw-la he_o show_v upon_o occasion_n how_o he_o understand_v st._n peter_n destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n legitur_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terra_fw-la transibunt_fw-la mundus_fw-la transit_fw-la sed_fw-la puto_fw-la quod_fw-la proeterit_n transit_fw-la transibunt_fw-la aliquantò_fw-la mitiùs_fw-la dicta_fw-la sunt_fw-la quam_fw-la peribunt_fw-la in_o epistolà _fw-fr quoque_fw-la petri_n apostoli_fw-la ubi_fw-la aquâ_fw-la inundatus_fw-la qui_fw-la tum_fw-la erat_fw-la periisse_fw-la dictus_fw-la est_fw-la mundus_fw-la satis_fw-la clarum_fw-la est_fw-la quae_fw-la pars_fw-la mundi_fw-la à _fw-la toto_fw-la significata_fw-la est_fw-la &_o quatenùs_fw-la periisse_fw-la dicta_fw-la sit_fw-la &_o qui_fw-la coeli_fw-la repositi_fw-la igni_fw-la reservandi_fw-la this_o he_o explain_v more_o full_o afterward_o by_o subjoyn_v a_o caution_n which_o we_o cite_v before_o that_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o passage_n of_o st._n peter_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o ante_fw-la diluvian_n world_n to_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o the_o high_a heaven_n but_o only_o the_o aerial_a heaven_n and_o the_o sublunary_a world_n in_o apostolicâ_fw-la illâ_fw-la epistolâ_fw-la à _fw-la toto_fw-la pars_fw-la accipitur_fw-la quod_fw-la diluvio_fw-la periisse_fw-la dictus_fw-la est_fw-la mundus_fw-la quamvis_fw-la sola_fw-la ejus_fw-la cum_fw-la suis_fw-la coelis_fw-la pars_fw-la ima_fw-la perierit_fw-la in_o that_o apostolical_a epistle_n a_o part_n be_v signify_v by_o the_o whole_a when_o the_o world_n be_v say_v to_o have_v perish_v in_o the_o deluge_n although_o the_o low_a part_n of_o it_o only_o with_o the_o heaven_n belong_v to_o it_o perish_v that_o be_v the_o earth_n with_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o consonant_n to_o this_o in_o his_o exposition_n of_o that_o hundred_o and_o first_o psalm_n upon_o those_o word_n the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n they_o shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o shall_v endure_v this_o perish_v of_o the_o heaven_n he_o say_v s._n peter_n tell_v we_o have_v be_v once_o do_v already_o namely_o at_o the_o deluge_n apertè_fw-la dixit_fw-la hoc_fw-la apostolus_fw-la petrus_n coeli_fw-la erant_fw-la olim_fw-la &_o terra_fw-la de_fw-la aquâ_fw-la &_o per_fw-la aquam_fw-la constituti_fw-la dei_fw-la verbo_fw-la per_fw-la quod_fw-la qui_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la mundus_fw-la aquâ_fw-la inundatus_fw-la deperiit_fw-la terra_fw-la autem_fw-la &_o coeli_fw-la qui_fw-la nunc_fw-la sunt_fw-la igni_fw-la reservantur_fw-la jam_fw-la ergo_fw-la dixit_fw-la periisse_fw-la coelos_fw-la per_fw-la diluvium_fw-la these_o place_n show_v we_o that_o