be_v at_o hand_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n labour_v to_o rectify_v and_o for_o the_o future_a to_o prevent_v this_o mistake_n so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o the_o 8_o and_o 9th_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o yet_o this_o opinion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v extirpate_v but_o continue_v for_o some_o age_n in_o the_o church_n indeed_o there_o be_v so_o many_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n as_o very_o near_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v live_v in_o their_o time_n and_o understand_v they_o all_o as_o they_o do_v of_o his_o come_v to_o judge_n the_o world_n we_o can_v hardly_o have_v avoid_v be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n but_o if_o we_o apply_v they_o as_o dr._n hammond_n do_v to_o his_o come_v to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o his_o enemy_n than_o they_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i_o mean_v the_o general_n judgement_n may_v be_v far_o enough_o off_o so_o i_o leave_v this_o question_n unresolved_a conclude_v that_o when_o that_o day_n will_v come_v god_n only_o know_v chap._n x._o how_o far_o this_o conflagration_n shall_v extend_v 6._o a_o six_o question_n be_v how_o far_o shall_v this_o conflagration_n extend_v whether_o to_o the_o ethereal_a heaven_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n or_o to_o the_o aereal_a only_a i_o answer_v if_o we_o follow_v ancient_a tradition_n not_o only_o the_o earth_n but_o also_o the_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a body_n will_v be_v involve_v in_o one_o common_a fate_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o verse_n quote_v out_o of_o lucretius_n ovid_n lucan_n etc._n etc._n of_o christian_n some_o exempt_a the_o ethereal_a region_n from_o this_o destruction_n for_o the_o two_o follow_a reason_n which_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o in_o reuterus_n be_v word_n 1._o because_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o conflagration_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o deluge_n in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n but_o the_o deluge_n extend_v not_o to_o the_o upper_a region_n of_o the_o air_n much_o less_o to_o the_o heaven_n the_o water_n arise_v only_o fifteen_o cubit_n above_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n if_o so_o much_o therefore_o neither_o shall_v the_o conflagration_n transcend_v that_o term_n so_o beza_n upon_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 6._o tantum_n ascendet_fw-la ille_fw-la ignis_fw-la quantum_fw-la aqua_fw-la altior_fw-la supra_fw-la omnes_fw-la montes_fw-la that_o fire_n shall_v ascend_v as_o high_a as_o the_o water_n stand_v above_o the_o mountain_n this_o passage_n i_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o last_o edition_n of_o his_o note_n the_o ordinary_a gloss_n also_o upon_o these_o word_n 2_o thess._n 1._o 2._o in_o flame_a fire_n render_v vengeance_n say_v christum_fw-la venturum_fw-la praecedet_fw-la ignis_fw-la in_o mundo_fw-la qui_fw-la tantum_fw-la ascendet_fw-la quantum_fw-la aqua_fw-la in_o diluvio_fw-la there_o shall_v a_o fire_n go_v before_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v which_o shall_v reach_v as_o high_a as_o do_v the_o water_n in_o the_o deluge_n and_o s._n augustine_n de_fw-fr civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n 20._o cap._n 18._o petrus_n etiam_fw-la commemorans_fw-la factum_fw-la ante_fw-la diluvium_fw-la videtur_fw-la admonuisse_fw-la quodammodo_fw-la quatenus_fw-la in_o sine_fw-la huius_fw-la seculi_fw-la istum_fw-la mundum_fw-la periturum_fw-la esse_fw-la credamus_fw-la peter_n also_o mention_v the_o ancient_a deluge_n seem_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o have_v advise_v we_o how_o far_o at_o the_o consummation_n of_o time_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v this_o world_n shall_v perish_v but_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o no_o force_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n design_n in_o that_o place_n to_o describe_v the_o limit_n of_o the_o conflagration_n but_o only_o against_o scoffer_n to_o show_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o fire_n as_o it_o have_v of_o old_a be_v destroy_v by_o water_n 2._o the_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o heavenly_a body_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o passion_n alteration_n or_o corruption_n they_o can_v contract_v no_o filth_n and_o so_o need_v no_o expurgation_n by_o fire_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o reuter_n but_o our_o own_o that_o it_o be_v a_o idle_a and_o ill_a ground_a conceit_n of_o the_o peripatetic_n that_o the_o heavenly_a body_n be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n incorruptible_a and_o unalterable_a for_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o earth_n we_o live_v upon_o and_o the_o most_o pure_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o probable_o too_o the_o fix_a star_n suffer_v alteration_n maculoe_o or_o opaque_v concretion_n be_v common_o generate_v and_o dissolve_v in_o they_o and_o comet_n frequent_o and_o sometime_o new_a star_n appear_v in_o the_o etherial_a region_n so_o that_o these_o argument_n be_v insufficient_a to_o exempt_v the_o heaven_n from_o dissolution_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n many_o place_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o subject_v they_o thereto_o as_o psal._n 102._o 25_o 26._o recite_v hebr._n 1._o 10._o which_o have_v already_o often_o be_v quote_v the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n they_o shall_v perish_v matth._n 24._o 35._o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o isa._n 65._o 17._o &_o 51._o 6._o the_o heaven_n shall_v vanish_v away_o like_a smoke_n yet_o be_o i_o not_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o last_o fire_n shall_v reach_v the_o heaven_n they_o be_v too_o far_o distant_a from_o we_o to_o suffer_v by_o it_o nor_o indeed_o do_v the_o scripture_n affirm_v it_o but_o where_o it_o mention_n the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o heaven_n it_o express_v it_o by_o such_o phrase_n as_o seem_v rather_o to_o intimate_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o consenescency_n and_o decay_n than_o be_v effect_v by_o any_o sudden_a and_o violent_a mean_n psal._n 102._o 25_o 26._o they_o all_o shall_v wax_v old_a as_o do_v a_o garment_n etc._n etc._n though_o i_o confess_v nothing_o of_o certainty_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o such_o expression_n for_o we_o find_v the_o same_o use_v concern_v the_o earth_n isa._n 51._o 6._o the_o heaven_n shall_v vanish_v away_o like_a smoke_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v wax_v old_a as_o do_v a_o garment_n the_o heavenly_a body_n be_v none_o of_o they_o uncorruptible_a and_o eternal_a but_o may_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o the_o earth_n be_v consume_v and_o destroy_v at_o what_o time_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n whether_o fire_n or_o some_o other_o element_n the_o almighty_a have_v decree_v and_o order_v chap._n xi_o whether_o shall_v the_o whole_a world_n be_v consume_v and_o annihilate_v or_o only_o refine_v and_o purify_v there_o remain_v now_o only_a the_o seven_o question_n to_o be_v resolve_v whether_o shall_v the_o world_n be_v whole_o consume_v burn_v up_o and_o destroy_v or_o annihilate_v or_o only_o refine_v purify_a or_o renew_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o latter_a part_n seem_v to_o i_o more_o probable_a viz._n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v and_o annihilate_v but_o only_o refine_v and_o purify_v i_o know_v what_o potent_a adversary_n i_o have_v in_o this_o case_n i_o need_v name_n no_o more_o than_o gerard_n in_o his_o common_a place_n and_o dr._n hakewilâ—n_v â—n_z his_o apology_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o who_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o abolition_n or_o annihilation_n but_o yet_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n the_o renovation_n or_o restitution_n seem_v to_o i_o most_o probable_a as_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n reason_n and_o antiquity_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o restitution_n act_v 3._o 21._o who_o the_o heaven_n must_v contain_v until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n speak_v of_o our_o saviour_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o regeneration_n of_o the_o world_n the_o very_a word_n the_o stoic_n and_o pythagorean_n use_v in_o this_o case_n mat._n 19_o 28_o 29._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o which_o have_v follow_v i_o in_o the_o regeneration_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n you_o also_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n etc._n etc._n psal._n 102._o 26._o as_o a_o vesture_n shall_v thou_o change_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v which_o word_n be_v again_o take_v up_o and_o repeat_v heb._n 1._o 12._o now_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v change_v another_o to_o be_v annihilate_v and_o destroy_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 31._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o shall_v be_v transfigure_v or_o its_o outward_a form_n change_v not_o its_o matter_n or_o substance_n destroy_v isa._n 65._o 17._o behold_v i_o create_v new_a heaven_n and_o
else_o only_o of_o the_o sublunary_a low_a world_n we_o may_v here_o resolve_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heaven_n and_o host_n or_o element_n thereof_o be_v literal_o the_o sublunary_a aereal_a heaven_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o cloud_n and_o meteor_n etc._n etc._n fowl_n and_o fly_a creature_n and_o so_o fit_a to_o join_v with_o the_o earth_n and_o work_n that_o be_v therein_o in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n and_o likewise_o the_o clear_n and_o illustration_n of_o it_o shall_v 1._o give_v you_o what_o i_o find_v concern_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o in_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n 3._o in_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o sage_n 2._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o answer_n to_o these_o seven_o question_n which_o be_v obvious_a and_o usual_o make_v concern_v it_o 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o may_v prove_v and_o demonstrate_v or_o argue_v and_o infer_v a_o future_a dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o whether_o shall_v this_o dissolution_n be_v bring_v about_o and_o effect_v by_o natural_a or_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n and_o instrument_n and_o what_o those_o mean_n and_o instrument_n shall_v be_v 3._o whether_o shall_v the_o dissolution_n be_v gradual_a or_o sudden_a 4._o whether_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o sign_n and_o forerunner_n of_o it_o 5._o at_o what_o period_n of_o time_n shall_v the_o world_n be_v dissolve_v 6._o how_o far_o shall_v this_o conflagration_n extend_v whether_o to_o the_o ethereal_a heaven_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n or_o to_o the_o aereal_a only_o 7._o whether_o shall_v the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v whole_o dissipate_v and_o destroy_v or_o only_o refine_v and_o purify_v chap._n ii_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o we_o find_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o first_o of_o all_o this_o place_n which_o i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o for_o my_o text_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n the_o most_o clear_a and_o full_a as_o to_o this_o particular_a in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o will_v give_v light_n for_o the_o solution_n of_o most_o of_o the_o propose_a question_n vers._n 10._o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n etc._n etc._n this_o answer_v the_o three_o question_n whether_o the_o dissolution_n shall_v be_v gradual_a or_o sudden_a wherein_o the_o heaven_n shall_v pass_v away_o with_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n the_o earth_n also_o and_o all_o the_o work_n that_o be_v therein_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o and_o again_o vers._n 12._o 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 this_o answer_v the_o second_o question_n what_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o this_o dissolution_n shall_v be_v vers._n 13._o nevertheless_o we_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n look_v for_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n this_o give_v some_o light_n towards_o the_o anwer_a of_o the_o last_o question_n whether_o shall_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v whole_o burn_v up_o and_o destroy_v or_o only_o renew_v and_o purify_v these_o word_n as_o clear_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o dr._n hammond_n doubt_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o remarkable_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o jewish_a state_n he_o thus_o paraphrase_v they_o verse_n 10._o but_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n in_o which_o the_o heaven_n shall_v pass_v away_o with_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n and_o the_o earth_n also_o and_o the_o work_n that_o be_v therein_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o but_o this_o judgement_n of_o christ_n so_o remarkable_a on_o the_o jew_n shall_v now_o short_o come_v and_o that_o very_o discernable_o and_o the_o temple_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o burn_v and_o the_o city_n and_o people_n utter_o consume_v verse_n 11._o see_v then_o all_o these_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 all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n see_v then_o this_o destruction_n shall_v thus_o involve_v all_o and_o now_o approach_v so_o near_o what_o a_o engagement_n do_v this_o lay_n upon_o we_o to_o live_v the_o most_o pure_a strict_a life_n that_o ever_o man_n live_v verse_n 12._o look_v for_o and_o hasten_v unto_o 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 look_v for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o deliverance_n and_o by_o our_o christian_a live_v quicken_a and_o hasten_v god_n to_o delay_v it_o no_o long_o that_o come_v of_o his_o i_o say_v which_o as_o it_o signify_v great_a mercy_n to_o we_o so_o it_o signify_v very_o sharp_a destruction_n to_o the_o whole_a jewish_a state_n verse_n 13._o 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 dwell_v righteousness_n instead_o of_o which_o we_o look_v for_o a_o new_a christian_a state_n wherein_o all_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n to_o inhabit_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o purity_n that_o he_o shall_v plant_v in_o the_o evangelical_n state_n how_o he_o make_v out_o and_o confirm_v this_o paraphrase_n see_v in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o this_o place_n so_o confident_a be_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o his_o interpretation_n that_o he_o censure_v the_o usual_a one_o as_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o his_o annotation_n on_o verse_n 10._o where_o he_o thus_o write_v what_o be_v here_o thus_o express_v by_o s._n peter_n be_v ordinary_o conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o other_o apply_v to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o millennium_n or_o thousand_o year_n and_o so_o as_o s._n peter_n here_o say_v verse_n 16._o many_o other_o place_n in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n especial_o matthew_n 24._o be_v mistake_v and_o wrest_v that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o either_o of_o those_o but_o to_o this_o fatal_a day_n of_o the_o jew_n sufficient_o appear_v by_o the_o purport_n of_o this_o whole_a epistle_n which_o be_v to_o arm_v they_o with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n till_o that_o day_n come_v and_o particular_o in_o this_o chapter_n to_o confute_v they_o who_o object_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n prediction_n and_o resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o come_v at_o all_o against_o who_o he_o here_o oppose_v the_o certainty_n the_o speediness_n and_o the_o terribleness_n of_o its_o come_n that_o which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o those_o other_o common_a mistake_v be_v especial_o the_o hideousness_n of_o those_o judgement_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n beyond_o all_o that_o ever_o before_o be_v relate_v to_o have_v fall_v upon_o they_o or_o indeed_o any_o other_o people_n which_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v to_o describe_v it_o and_o who_o use_v trope_n and_o figure_n and_o not_o plain_a expression_n to_o set_v down_o their_o prediction_n to_o express_v it_o by_o these_o high_a phrase_n of_o the_o pass_v away_o and_o dissolve_v of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o element_n etc._n etc._n which_o sound_v very_o tragical_o be_v mistake_v for_o the_o great_a and_o final_a dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o the_o doctor_n two_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o this_o chapter_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v this_o interpretation_n first_o that_o the_o destruction_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v compare_v with_o noah_n flood_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o be_v dissolve_v by_o this_o make_v parallel_n and_o of_o equal_a extent_n to_o the_o world_n destroy_v by_o that_o of_o this_o the_o doctor_n be_v well_o aware_a and_o therefore_o grant_v that_o the_o seven_o verse_n but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o perdition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o general_a and_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o fire_n but_o the_o follow_a verse_n to_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o atheist_n objection_n viz._n
church_n to_o st._n ives_n and_o above_o two_o mile_n distant_a from_o the_o sea_n almost_o cover_v with_o the_o sand_n little_a be_v extant_a above_o it_o but_o the_o steeple_n and_o ridge_n of_o the_o roof_n nay_o a_o great_a part_n of_o st._n ives_n itself_o lie_v buâ—ied_v in_o the_o sand_n and_o i_o be_v tell_v there_o that_o in_o one_o night_n there_o have_v be_v a_o whole_a street_n of_o house_n so_o cover_v with_o sand_n that_o in_o the_o morning_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o dig_v their_o way_n out_o of_o their_o house_n through_o it_o all_o along_o the_o western_a shoar_n of_o wales_n there_o be_v great_a hill_n of_o sand_n thus_o blow_v up_o by_o the_o wind._n we_o observe_v also_o upon_o the_o coast_n of_o flanders_n and_o holland_n the_o like_a sandy_a hill_n or_o down_n from_o which_o westerly_a wind_n drive_v the_o sand_n a_o great_a way_n into_o the_o country_n but_o there_o be_v not_o many_o place_n liable_a to_o this_o accident_n viz._n where_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v sandy_a and_o where_o the_o wind_n most_o frequent_o blow_v from_o off_o the_o sea_n where_o the_o wind_n set_v from_o the_o land_n towards_o the_o sea_n this_o happen_v not_o where_o it_o be_v indifferent_a it_o must_v in_o reason_n carry_v off_o as_o much_o as_o it_o bring_v on_o unless_o other_o cause_n hinder_v sect_n ii_o the_o second_o possible_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n destruction_n in_o a_o natural_a way_n the_o extinction_n of_o the_o sun_n ii_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o sun_n extinction_n of_o which_o accident_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o dr._n more_o be_v word_n in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o say_v he_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o panic_n fear_v at_o first_o sight_n yet_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v thorough_o examine_v there_o will_v appear_v no_o contemptible_a reason_n that_o may_v induce_v man_n to_o suspect_v that_o it_o may_v at_o last_o fall_v out_o there_o have_v be_v at_o certain_a time_n such_o near_o offer_v in_o nature_n towards_o this_o sad_a accident_n already_o pliny_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n not_o unfrequent_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v prodigiosi_fw-la &_o longiores_fw-la solis_fw-la defectus_fw-la qualis_fw-la occiso_fw-la dictatore_fw-la caesar_fw-la &_o antoniano_n bello_fw-la totius_fw-la anni_fw-la pollore_fw-la continuo_fw-la hist._n nat._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 30._o prodigious_a and_o last_a defect_n of_o the_o sun_n such_o as_o happen_v when_o caesar_n the_o dictator_n be_v slay_v and_o in_o the_o war_n with_o anthony_n when_o it_o be_v continual_o pale_a and_o gloomy_a for_o a_o whole_a year_n the_o like_a happen_v in_o iustinian_n time_n as_o cedrenus_n write_v when_o for_o a_o whole_a year_n together_o the_o sun_n be_v of_o a_o very_a dim_a and_o duskish_a hue_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a eclipse_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o irene_n the_o empress_n it_o be_v so_o dark_a for_o seventeen_o day_n together_o that_o the_o ship_n lose_v their_o way_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v one_o against_o another_o as_o theophanes_n report_v but_o the_o late_a accurate_a discovery_n of_o the_o spot_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o scheiner_n and_o the_o appear_v and_o disappear_v of_o fix_a star_n and_o comet_n and_o the_o excursion_n of_o these_o last_o do_v argue_v it_o more_o than_o possible_a that_o after_o some_o vast_a period_n of_o time_n the_o sun_n may_v be_v so_o inextricable_o envelop_v by_o the_o maculae_fw-la that_o he_o may_v quite_o lose_v his_o light_n and_o than_o you_o may_v easy_o guess_v what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o without_o his_o vivisick_n heat_n neither_o can_v the_o earth_n put_v forth_o any_o vegetable_n for_o their_o sustenance_n neither_o if_o it_o can_v will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o extremity_n of_o the_o cold_a which_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o rigorous_a and_o that_o perpetual_o than_o it_o be_v now_o under_o the_o pole_n in_o winter_n time_n but_o this_o accident_n though_o it_o will_v indeed_o extinguish_v all_o life_n yet_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o a_o dissolution_n by_o fire_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v i_o shall_v pass_v it_o over_o without_o further_a consideration_n and_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o sect_n iii_o the_o three_o possible_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n destruction_n the_o eruption_n of_o the_o central_n fire_n iii_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o eruption_n of_o the_o central_n fire_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v enclose_v in_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v the_o hypothesis_n of_o mounseur_fw-fr des_fw-fr cartes_n that_o the_o earth_n be_v original_o a_o star_n or_o great_a globe_n of_o fire_n like_o the_o sun_n or_o one_o of_o the_o fix_a star_n situate_v in_o the_o centre_n of_o a_o vortex_n continual_o whirl_v round_o with_o it_o that_o by_o degree_n it_o be_v cover_v over_o or_o incrustate_v with_o maculae_fw-la arise_v on_o its_o surface_n like_o the_o scum_n on_o a_o boil_a pot_n which_o still_o increase_v and_o grow_v thick_a and_o thick_a the_o star_n lose_v its_o light_n and_o activity_n and_o consequent_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o celestial_a vortex_n about_o it_o grow_a more_o weak_a languid_a and_o unable_a to_o resist_v the_o vigorous_a incroaehment_n of_o the_o neighbour_a vortex_n of_o the_o sun_n it_o be_v at_o last_o draw_v in_o and_o whole_o absorb_v by_o it_o and_o force_v to_o comply_v with_o its_o motion_n and_o make_v one_o in_o the_o choir_n of_o the_o sun_n satellite_n this_o whole_a hypothesis_n i_o do_v utter_o disallow_v and_o reject_v neither_o do_v the_o author_n himself_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o think_v it_o ture_n that_o the_o earth_n be_v thus_o generate_v for_o he_o say_v quinimo_fw-la ad_fw-la res_fw-la naturales_fw-la meliùs_fw-la explicandas_fw-la earum_fw-la causas_fw-la altiùs_fw-la hic_fw-la repetam_fw-la quam_fw-la ipsas_fw-la unquam_fw-la extitisse_fw-la existimem_fw-la non_fw-la enim_fw-la dubium_fw-la est_fw-la quin_fw-la mundus_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la fuerit_fw-la creatus_fw-la cum_fw-la omni_fw-la sua_fw-la perfectione_n ità _fw-la ut_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la &_o sol_fw-la &_o terra_fw-la &_o luna_n &_o stellae_fw-la extiterint_fw-la hoc_fw-la fides_fw-la christiana_n nos_fw-la docet_fw-la hócque_fw-la etiam_fw-la ratio_fw-la naturalis_fw-la planè_fw-la persuadet_fw-la attendendo_fw-la enim_fw-la ad_fw-la immensam_fw-la dei_fw-la potentiam_fw-la non_fw-la possumus_fw-la existimare_fw-la illum_fw-la unquam_fw-la quidquam_fw-la fecisse_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la omnibus_fw-la suis_fw-la numeris_fw-la fuerit_fw-la absolutum_fw-la that_o be_v moreover_o for_o the_o better_a explicate_v of_o natural_a thing_n i_o shall_v bring_v they_o from_o high_a or_o more_o remote_a cause_n than_o i_o think_v they_o ever_o have_v for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o world_n be_v original_o create_v in_o its_o full_a perfection_n so_o that_o in_o it_o be_v contain_v both_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o earth_n and_o star_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o the_o christian_a faith_n teach_v we_o and_o this_o also_o natural_a reason_n do_v plain_o persuade_v for_o attend_v to_o the_o immense_a power_n of_o god_n we_o can_v think_v that_o he_o ever_o make_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o complete_a in_o all_o point_n but_o tho'_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o earth_n be_v generate_v or_o form_v according_a to_o his_o hypothesis_n yet_o sure_o he_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v at_o present_a such_o a_o body_n as_o he_o represent_v it_o after_o its_o perfect_a formation_n viz._n with_o a_o fire_n in_o the_o middle_n and_o so_o many_o several_a crust_n or_o coat_n enclose_v it_o else_o will_v he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o mere_a figment_n or_o romance_n instead_o of_o a_o body_n of_o philosophy_n but_o though_o i_o do_v reject_v the_o hypothesis_n yet_o the_o be_v of_o a_o central_n fire_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v any_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n or_o scripture_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n represent_v hell_n as_o a_o lake_n of_o fire_n mark_v 9_o 43_o 44_o etc._n etc._n revel_v 20._o 10_o 14_o 15._o and_o likewise_o as_o a_o low_a place_n beneath_o the_o earth_n so_o pslam_n 86._o 13._o and_o deut._n 32._o 22._o it_o be_v call_v the_o nethermost_a hell_n prov._n 15._o 24._o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v above_o to_o the_o wise_a that_o he_o may_v depart_v from_o hell_n beneath_o 2._o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n understand_v that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n he_o descend_v into_o hell_n of_o our_o saviour_n descent_n into_o that_o local_a hell_n beneath_o the_o earth_n where_o he_o trimph_v over_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o particular_o irenaeus_n interpret_v that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v three_o day_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o his_o be_v three_o day_n in_o
the_o middle_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mean_v say_v he_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n because_o that_o be_v hew_v out_o of_o a_o rock_n in_o its_o superficies_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n among_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o hell_n be_v about_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o earth_n insomuch_o as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v solicitous_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v room_n enough_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o damn_a by_o give_v we_o the_o dimension_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o repugnant_a to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n in_o genesis_n for_o though_o indeed_o moses_n do_v mention_v only_o water_n and_o earth_n as_o the_o component_a part_n of_o this_o body_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o assert_v that_o the_o earth_n be_v a_o simple_a uniform_a homogeneous_a body_n as_o neither_o do_v we_o when_o we_o say_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o the_o like_a for_o the_o earth_n we_o see_v be_v a_o mass_n make_v up_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o different_a species_n of_o body_n metal_n mineral_n stone_n and_o other_o fossils_n sand_n day_n marle_n chalk_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v all_o agree_v in_o that_o they_o be_v consistent_a and_o solid_a more_o or_o less_o and_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n contradistinguish_v to_o water_n and_o together_o compound_v one_o mass_n which_o we_o call_v earth_n whether_o the_o interior_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v make_v up_o of_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o different_a body_n be_v to_o we_o altogether_o unknown_a for_o though_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o collier_n that_o the_o bed_n of_o coal_n lie_v one_o way_n and_o do_v always_o dip_v towards_o the_o east_n let_v they_o go_v never_o so_o deep_a so_o that_o will_v it_o quit_v cost_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o water_n they_o say_v they_o may_v pursue_v the_o bed_n of_o coal_n to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o coal_n never_o fail_v or_o come_v to_o a_o end_n that_o way_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o a_o rash_a and_o ungrounded_a conjecture_n for_o what_o be_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o profound_a mine_n be_v they_o a_o mile_n deep_a to_o the_o semidiameter_n of_o the_o earth_n not_o as_o one_o to_o four_o thousand_o compare_v this_o observation_n of_o dip_v with_o my_o note_n about_o other_o mine_n i_o find_v that_o the_o vein_n or_o bed_n of_o all_o general_o run_v east_n and_o west_n and_o dip_v towards_o the_o east_n of_o which_o what_o account_v or_o reason_n can_v we_o give_v but_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o west_n to_o east_n i_o know_v some_o say_v that_o the_o vein_n for_o example_n of_o tin_n and_o silver_n dip_v to_o the_o north_n though_o they_o confess_v they_o run_v east_n and_o west_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n i_o can_v understand_v the_o vein_n of_o those_o metal_n be_v narrow_a thing_n sir_n tho._n willoughby_n in_o his_o forementioned_a letter_n write_v thus_o i_o have_v talk_v with_o some_o of_o my_o collier_n about_o the_o lie_v of_o the_o coal_n and_o find_v that_o general_o the_o basset_z end_n as_o they_o call_v it_o lie_v west_n and_o run_v deep_a towards_o the_o east_n allow_v about_o twenty_o yard_n in_o length_n to_o gain_v one_o in_o depth_n but_o sometime_o they_o decline_v a_o little_a from_o this_o posture_n for_o my_o lie_n almost_o south-west_n and_o north-east_n they_o always_o sink_v to_o the_o east_n more_o or_o less_o there_o may_v therefore_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v fire_n about_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o body_n if_o it_o can_v find_v a_o pabulum_fw-la or_o fuel_n there_o to_o maintain_v it_o and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o since_o the_o fire_n in_o those_o subterraneous_a cavern_n of_o aetna_n vesuvius_n stromboli_n hecla_n and_o other_o burn_a mountain_n or_o vulcano_n have_v find_v wherewith_o to_o feed_v they_o for_o thousand_o of_o year_n and_o as_o there_o be_v at_o some_o though_o uncertain_a period_n of_o time_n violent_a eruption_n of_o fire_n from_o the_o crater_n of_o those_o mountain_n and_o mighty_a stream_n of_o melt_a material_n pour_v forth_o from_o thence_o so_o why_o may_v not_o this_o central_n fire_n in_o the_o earth_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v receive_v accidental_o extraordinary_a supply_n of_o convenient_a fuel_n either_o from_o some_o inflammable_a matter_n within_o or_o from_o without_o rend_v the_o thick_a exterior_a cortex_fw-la which_o imprison_v it_o or_o find_v some_o vent_v and_o issue_n break_v forth_o and_o overflow_v the_o whole_a superficies_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o burn_v up_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v not_o impossible_a and_o we_o have_v see_v some_o phaenomena_n in_o nature_n which_o bid_v fair_a towards_o a_o probability_n of_o it_o for_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o new_a star_n appear_v and_o disappear_v again_o as_o that_o note_a one_o in_o cassiopeia_n which_o at_o first_o shine_v with_o as_o great_a a_o lustre_n as_o venus_n and_o then_o by_o degree_n diminish_v after_o some_o two_o year_n vanish_v quite_o away_o but_o that_o by_o great_a supply_n of_o combustible_a matter_n the_o internal_a fire_n sudden_o increase_v in_o quantity_n and_o force_n either_o find_v or_o make_v its_o way_n through_o the_o crack_n or_o vent_v of_o the_o maculae_fw-la which_o enclose_v it_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n as_o it_o be_v overflow_v the_o whole_a surface_n of_o the_o star_n whence_o proceed_v that_o illustrious_a light_n which_o afterward_o again_o gradual_o decay_v its_o supply_n fail_v whereas_o other_o new_o appear_v star_n which_o either_o have_v a_o constant_a supply_n of_o matter_n or_o where_o the_o fire_n have_v quite_o dissolve_v the_o maculae_fw-la and_o make_v they_o comply_v with_o its_o motion_n have_v endure_v for_o a_o long_a time_n as_o that_o which_o now_o shine_v in_o the_o neck_n of_o cygnus_n which_o appear_v and_o disappear_v at_o certain_a interval_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o demonstrable_a that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o central_n fire_n in_o the_o earth_n i_o propose_v the_o eruption_n thereof_o rather_o as_o a_o possible_a than_o probable_a mean_n of_o a_o conflagration_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v natural_o be_v effect_v and_o that_o be_v sect_n iv._o the_o four_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n dissolution_n the_o earth_n dryness_n and_o inflammability_n iv._o the_o dryness_n and_o inflammability_n of_o the_o earth_n under_o the_o torrid_a zone_n with_o the_o eruption_n of_o the_o vulcano_n to_o set_v it_o on_o fire_n those_o that_o hold_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o equator_fw-la to_o the_o ecliptic_a daily_o to_o diminish_v so_o that_o after_o the_o revolution_n of_o some_o age_n they_o will_v jump_v and_o consent_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o sunbeam_n lie_v perpendicular_o and_o constant_o on_o the_o part_n under_o the_o equator_fw-la the_o ground_n thereabouts_o must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o parch_v and_o render_v apt_a for_o inflammation_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o own_v no_o such_o decrement_n of_o inclination_n and_o the_o best_a mathematician_n of_o our_o age_n deny_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o since_o the_o elder_a observation_n that_o be_v come_v down_o to_o we_o for_o though_o indeed_o ptolemy_n and_o hipparchus_n do_v make_v it_o more_o than_o we_o find_v it_o by_o above_o twenty_o minute_n yet_o that_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a but_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o difference_n of_o instrument_n or_o observation_n in_o point_n of_o exactness_n so_o that_o not_o have_v decrease_v for_o eighteen_o hundred_o year_n past_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o conjecture_n that_o it_o will_v alter_v in_o eighteen_o hundred_o year_n to_o come_v shall_v the_o world_n last_o so_o long_o and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o diminution_n it_o will_v not_o conduce_v much_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v to_o the_o bring_v on_o of_o a_o conflagration_n for_o though_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v extreme_o dry_v and_o perchance_o thereby_o render_v more_o inflammable_a yet_o the_o air_n be_v by_o the_o same_o heat_n as_o much_o rarify_v will_v contain_v but_o few_o nitrous_a particle_n and_o so_o be_v inept_v to_o maintain_v the_o fire_n which_o we_o see_v can_v live_v without_o they_o it_o be_v much_o deaden_v by_o the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o it_o and_o burn_v very_o remissly_a in_o summer_n time_n and_o hot_a wether_n for_o this_o reason_n in_o southern_a country_n in_o extraordinary_a hot_a season_n the_o air_n scarce_o suffice_v for_o respiration_n to_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o this_o let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v what_o fire_n be_v it_o seem_v to_o consist_v of_o three_o different_a sort_n of_o part_n 1._o an_o extreme_o thin_a and_o subtle_a body_n who_o particle_n be_v in_o a_o very_a vehement_a and_o rapid_a motion_n 2._o
a_o suppose_a nitrous_a pabulum_fw-la or_o fuel_n which_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o air._n 3._o a_o sulphureous_a or_o unctuous_a pabulum_fw-la which_o it_o act_n and_o prey_v upon_o pass_v general_o by_o the_o name_n of_o fuel_n this_o '_o forementioned_a subtle_a body_n agitate_v the_o suppose_v nitrous_a particle_n it_o receive_v from_o the_o air_n do_v by_o their_o help_n as_o by_o wedge_n to_o use_v that_o rude_a similitude_n penetrate_v the_o unctuous_a body_n upon_o which_o it_o act_n and_o divide_v they_o into_o their_o immediate_a component_a particle_n and_o at_o length_n perchance_o into_o their_o first_o principle_n which_o operation_n be_v call_v the_o chemical_a anatomy_n of_o mix_v body_n so_o we_o see_v wood_n for_o example_n divide_v by_o fire_n into_o spirit_n oil_n water_n salt_n and_o earth_n that_o fire_n can_v live_v without_o those_o particle_n it_o receive_v from_o the_o air_n be_v manifest_a in_o that_o if_o you_o preclude_v the_o access_n of_o all_o air_n it_o be_v extinguish_v immediate_o and_o in_o that_o where_o and_o when_o the_o air_n be_v more_o charge_v with_o they_o as_o in_o cold_a country_n and_o cold_a wether_n the_o fire_n rage_v most_o that_o likewise_o it_o can_v be_v continue_v without_o a_o unctuous_a pabulum_fw-la or_o fuel_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o men._n now_o then_o in_o the_o rarefy_v air_n in_o the_o torrid_a zone_n the_o nitrous_a particle_n be_v proportionable_o scatter_v and_o thin_a set_v the_o fire_n that_o may_v be_v kindle_v there_o will_v burn_v but_o very_o languid_o and_o remissly_a as_o we_o say_v just_a now_o and_o so_o the_o eruption_n of_o vulcano_n if_o any_o such_o happen_v will_v not_o be_v like_a to_o do_v half_a the_o execution_n there_o that_o they_o will_v do_v in_o cold_a country_n and_o yet_o i_o never_o read_v of_o any_o spread_a conflagration_n cause_v by_o the_o eruption_n of_o any_o vulcano_n either_o in_o hot_a country_n or_o in_o cold_a they_o usual_o cast_v out_o abundance_n of_o thick_a smoke_n like_o cloud_n darken_n the_o air_n and_o likewise_o ash_n and_o stone_n sometime_o of_o a_o vast_a bigness_n and_o some_o of_o they_o as_o vesuvius_n flood_n of_o water_n other_o as_o aetna_n river_n of_o melt_a material_n run_v down_o many_o mile_n as_o for_o the_o flame_v that_o issue_n out_o of_o their_o mouth_n at_o such_o time_n they_o be_v but_o transient_a and_o mount_v upward_o seldom_o set_v any_o thing_n on_o fire_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v nor_o for_o the_o future_a can_v be_v any_o such_o dry_n or_o parch_v of_o the_o earth_n under_o the_o torrid_a zone_n as_o some_o may_v imagine_v that_o there_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n the_o country_n lie_v under_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v at_o this_o day_n as_o fertile_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o want_v no_o more_o moisture_n now_o than_o of_o old_a they_o do_v have_v as_o constant_a and_o plentiful_a rain_n in_o their_o season_n as_o they_o then_o have_v that_o they_o shall_v for_o the_o future_a suffer_v any_o more_o drought_n than_o they_o have_v heretofore_o do_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v or_o imagine_v the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o alter_v nor_o natural_o alterable_a as_o to_o the_o main_a more_o at_o present_a than_o it_o be_v heretofore_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o exsiccation_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o those_o part_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o be_v there_o nothing_o to_o hinder_v they_o the_o vapour_n exhale_v by_o the_o sunbeam_n in_o those_o hot_a region_n will_v be_v cast_v off_o to_o the_o north_n and_o to_o the_o south_n a_o great_a way_n and_o not_o fall_v down_o in_o rain_n there_o but_o towards_o the_o pole_n but_o the_o long_a and_o continue_a ridge_n or_o chain_n of_o exceed_v high_a mountain_n be_v so_o dispose_v by_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n as_o at_o least_o in_o our_o continent_n to_o run_v east_n and_o west_n as_o gassendus_fw-la in_o the_o life_n of_o peireskius_n well_o observe_v such_o be_v atlas_n taurus_n and_o the_o alps_o to_o name_n no_o more_o they_o be_v i_o say_v thus_o dispose_v as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o obviate_v and_o stop_v the_o evagation_n of_o the_o vapour_n northward_o and_o reflect_v they_o back_o again_o so_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v condense_v and_o fall_v upon_o the_o country_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v elevate_v and_o on_o the_o southside_n be_v near_o the_o sea_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o the_o wind_n blow_v for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o thence_o hinder_v their_o excursion_n that_o way_n this_o i_o speak_v by_o presumption_n because_o in_o our_o country_n for_o at_o least_o three_o quarter_n of_o the_o year_n the_o wind_n blow_v from_o the_o great_a atlantic_a ocean_n which_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o julius_n caesar_n in_o the_o five_o of_o his_o commentary_n de_fw-fr bello_fw-la gallico_n corus_n ventus_fw-la qui_fw-la magnam_fw-la partem_fw-la omnis_fw-la temporis_fw-la in_o his_o locis_fw-la flare_v consuevit_fw-la as_o for_o any_o desiccation_n of_o the_o sea_n i_o hold_v that_o by_o mere_a natural_a cause_n to_o be_v impossible_a unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v a_o transmutation_n of_o principle_n or_o simple_a body_n which_o for_o reason_n allege_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n i_o can_v allow_v i_o be_v then_o and_o be_o still_o of_o opinion_n that_o god_n almighty_n do_v at_o first_o create_v a_o certain_a and_o determinate_a number_n of_o principle_n or_o various_o figure_v corpuscle_n intransmutable_a by_o the_o force_n of_o any_o natural_a agent_n even_o fire_v itself_o which_o can_v only_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o heterogeneous_a body_n yet_o not_o a_o equal_a number_n of_o each_o kind_n of_o these_o principle_n but_o of_o some_o abundant_o more_o as_o of_o water_n earth_n air_n aether_n and_o of_o other_o few_o as_o of_o oil_n salt_n metal_n mineral_n etc._n etc._n now_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o body_n indivisible_a by_o fire_n be_v i_o think_v demonstrable_a for_o how_o do_v or_o can_v fire_n be_v conceive_v to_o divide_v one_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o its_o small_a part_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o violent_a agitation_n insinuate_v themselves_o into_o compound_a body_n and_o separate_v their_o part_n which_o allow_v yet_o still_o there_o be_v a_o term_n of_o magnitude_n below_o which_o it_o can_v divide_v viz._n it_o can_v divide_v a_o body_n into_o small_a part_n than_o those_o whereof_o itself_o be_v compound_v for_o take_v suppose_v one_o lest_o part_n of_o fire_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o can_v insinuate_v itself_o into_o a_o body_n as_o little_a or_o less_o than_o itself_o and_o what_o be_v true_a of_o one_o be_v true_a of_o all_o i_o say_v we_o can_v imagine_v no_o other_o way_n than_o this_o unless_o perchance_o by_o a_o violent_a stroke_n or_o shock_n the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n to_o be_v divide_v may_v be_v put_v into_o so_o impetuous_a a_o motion_n as_o to_o fall_v in_o sunder_o of_o themselves_o into_o lesser_a particle_n than_o those_o of_o the_o impellent_fw-fr body_n be_v which_o i_o will_v not_o suppose_v at_o present_a now_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o principle_n of_o some_o other_o simple_a body_n may_v be_v as_o small_a as_o the_o particle_n of_o fire_n but_o however_o that_o be_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o simple_a body_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o perfect_a solidity_n natural_o indivisible_a such_o a_o simple_a body_n i_o suppose_v water_n separate_v from_o all_o heterogeneous_a mixture_n to_o be_v and_o consequent_o the_o same_o quantity_n thereof_o that_o be_v at_o first_o create_v do_v still_o remain_v and_o will_v continue_v always_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o natural_a agent_n unless_o it_o please_v the_o omnipotent_a creator_n to_o dissolve_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o desiccation_n of_o the_o sea_n unless_o by_o turn_v all_o its_o water_n into_o vapour_n and_o suspend_v it_o in_o the_o air_n which_o to_o do_v what_o a_o immense_a and_o long-continuing_a fire_n will_v be_v requisite_a to_o the_o maintenance_n whereof_o all_o the_o inflammable_a material_n near_o the_o superficies_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v not_o afford_v fuel_n enough_o the_o sun_n we_o see_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v it_o that_o it_o have_v not_o make_v one_o step_n towards_o it_o these_o four_o thousand_o year_n there_o be_v in_o all_o likelihood_n as_o great_a a_o quantity_n of_o water_n in_o the_o ocean_n now_o as_o be_v immediate_o after_o the_o flood_n and_o consequent_o there_o will_v probable_o remain_v as_o much_o in_o it_o shall_v the_o world_n last_v four_o thousand_o year_n long_o this_o
upon_o it_o as_o a_o oracle_n and_o decree_n of_o fate_n ovid_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o such_o in_o the_o first_o of_o his_o metamorphosis_n esse_fw-la quoque_fw-la in_o fati_fw-la reminiscitur_fw-la affore_o tempus_fw-la quo_fw-la mare_fw-la quo_fw-la tellus_fw-la correptáque_fw-la regius_fw-la coeli_fw-la ardeat_fw-la &_o mundi_fw-la mole_n operosa_fw-la laboret_fw-la beside_o by_o doom_n of_o certain_a fate_n he_o know_v the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o sea_n earth_n ravish_a heaven_n the_o curious_a frame_n of_o this_o world_n mass_n shall_v shrink_v in_o purge_v flame_n and_o lucan_n 7._o hos_n caesar_n populos_fw-la si_fw-la nunc_fw-la non_fw-la usserit_fw-la ignis_fw-la vret_fw-la cum_fw-la terris_fw-la uret_fw-la cum_fw-la gurgite_fw-la ponti_fw-la communis_fw-la mundo_fw-la superest_fw-la rogus_fw-la ossibus_fw-la astra_fw-la misturus_fw-la if_o now_o these_o body_n want_v their_o fire_n and_o urn_n at_o last_o with_o the_o whole_a globe_n they_o will_v sure_o burn_v the_o world_n expect_v one_o general_a fire_n and_o thou_o must_v go_v where_o these_o poor_a soul_n be_v wander_v now_o now_o though_o some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o by_o fata_fw-la here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o sibylline_a oracle_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n do_v allege_v some_o verse_n out_o of_o those_o extant_a under_o that_o title_n as_o lactantius_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr it_o a_o dei_fw-la cap._n 2._o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o shall_v sometime_o be_v that_o god_n not_o any_o more_o mitigate_a his_o anger_n but_o aggravate_v it_o shall_v destroy_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n consume_v it_o by_o a_o conflagration_n and_o in_o another_o place_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o river_n of_o fire_n that_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o burn_v up_o both_o earth_n and_o sea_n tunc_fw-la arden_n fluvius_fw-la coelo_fw-la manabit_fw-la ab_fw-la alto_fw-mi igneus_fw-la at_o que_fw-la locos_fw-la consumet_fw-la funditus_fw-la omnes_fw-la terrámque_fw-la oceanúmque_fw-la ingentem_fw-la &_o caerula_fw-la ponti_fw-la stagnáque_fw-la tum_fw-la fluvios_fw-la fontes_fw-la ditémque_fw-la severum_fw-la coelestâ—mque_fw-la polum_fw-la coeli_fw-la quoque_fw-la lumina_fw-la in_o unum_fw-la haxa_fw-la ruent_fw-la â—ormâ_fw-la deletâ_fw-la prorsus_fw-la eorum_fw-la aâ—tra_fw-la cadent_a etenim_fw-la de_fw-la coelo_fw-la cunâ—a_fw-la revulsa_fw-la then_o shall_v a_o burn_a flood_n flow_v from_o the_o heaven_n on_o high_a and_o with_o its_o fiery_a stream_n all_o place_n utter_o destroy_v earth_n ocean_n lakes_n rivers_n fountain_n hell_n and_o heavenly_a pole_n the_o light_n in_o firmament_n that_o dwell_v lose_v their_o beauteous_a form_n shall_v be_v obscure_v and_o all_o reach_v from_o their_o place_n down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n shall_v fall_v now_o because_o the_o verse_n now_o extant_a under_o the_o name_n of_o sibylline_a oracle_n be_v all_o suspect_a to_o be_v false_a and_o pseudepigrapha_n and_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a antiquity_n than_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n his_o reign_n and_o because_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o ancient_a genuine_a sibylline_a oracle_n i_o rather_o think_v as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o ancient_a tradition_n hand_v down_o from_o the_o first_o father_n and_o patriarch_n of_o the_o world_n josephus_n in_o his_o antiquity_n run_v it_o up_o as_o high_a as_o adam_n from_o who_o seth_n his_o son_n receive_v it_o his_o father_n say_v he_o soretel_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o shall_v be_v a_o destruction_n of_o the_o universe_n once_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o fire_n and_o again_o by_o the_o force_n and_o abundance_n of_o water_n in_o consequence_n whereof_o he_o erect_v two_o pillar_n one_o of_o brick_n which_o may_v endure_v the_o fire_n and_o another_o of_o stone_n which_o will_v resist_v the_o water_n and_o upon_o they_o engrave_v his_o astronomical_a observation_n that_o so_o they_o may_v remain_v to_o posterity_n and_o one_o of_o these_o pillar_n he_o say_v continue_v in_o syria_n until_o his_o day_n whether_o this_o relation_n be_v true_a or_o not_o it_o may_v be_v thence_o collect_v that_o this_o be_v a_o universal_a opinion_n receive_v by_o tradition_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v consume_v by_o fire_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o good_a authority_n that_o the_o ancient_a gaul_n chaldaean_n and_o indian_n have_v this_o tradition_n among_o they_o which_o they_o can_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n or_o poet_n with_o who_o they_o have_v no_o intercourse_n but_o it_o must_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o both_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n and_o original_a that_o be_v from_o the_o first_o restorer_n of_o mankind_n noah_n and_o his_o son_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a propose_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v to_o give_v answer_n to_o the_o several_a question_n concern_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n v._n the_o first_o question_n concern_v the_o world_n dissolution_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n that_o may_v probable_o cause_v or_o argue_v a_o future_a dissolution_n three_o probable_a mean_n propound_v and_o discuss_v sect_n i._o the_o water_n again_o natural_o overflow_n and_o cover_v the_o earth_n the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o may_v prove_v and_o demonstrate_v or_o probable_o argue_v and_o infer_v a_o future_a dissolution_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n which_o do_v necessary_o demonstrate_v a_o future_a dissolution_n but_o that_o position_n of_o the_o peripatetic_a school_n may_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v true_a philosophy_n posito_fw-la ordinario_fw-la dei_fw-la concursu_fw-la mundus_fw-la posset_n durare_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la suppose_v the_o ordinary_a concourse_n of_o god_n with_o second_v cause_n the_o world_n may_v endure_v for_o ever_o but_o though_o a_o future_a dissolution_n by_o natural_a cause_n be_v not_o demonstrable_a yet_o some_o possible_a if_o not_o probable_a accident_n there_o be_v which_o if_o they_o shall_v happen_v may_v infer_v such_o a_o dissolution_n those_o be_v four_o the_o possibility_n of_o 1._o the_o water_n again_o overflow_n and_o cover_v the_o earth_n 2._o the_o extinction_n of_o the_o sun_n 3._o the_o eruption_n of_o the_o central_n fire_v enclose_v in_o the_o earth_n 4._o the_o dryness_n and_o inflammability_n of_o the_o earth_n under_o the_o torrid_a zone_n and_o the_o eruption_n of_o all_o the_o vulcano_n at_n once_o but_o before_o i_o treat_v of_o these_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v the_o old_a argument_n for_o the_o world_n dissolution_n and_o that_o be_v its_o daily_a consenescence_n and_o decay_n which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v will_v in_o process_n of_o time_n necessary_o infer_v a_o dissolution_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n that_o which_o decay_v and_o wax_v old_a be_v ready_a to_o vanish_v away_o hebr._n 8._o 13._o that_o which_o continual_o waste_v will_v at_o last_o be_v quite_o consume_v that_o which_o daily_o grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a will_v in_o time_n lose_v all_o its_o force_n so_o the_o age_n and_o stature_n and_o strength_n of_o man_n and_o all_o other_o animal_n every_o generation_n decrease_v they_o will_v in_o the_o end_n come_v to_o nothing_o and_o that_o all_o these_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v successive_o diminish_v and_o decay_v in_o all_o natural_a perfection_n and_o quality_n as_o well_o as_o moral_a have_v be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n not_o only_o of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o even_o of_o philosopher_n themselves_o from_o antiquity_n down_o to_o our_o time_n plin._n nat._n hist._n l._n 7._o c._n 16._o in_o plenum_fw-la autem_fw-la cuncto_fw-la mortalium_fw-la generi_fw-la minorem_fw-la indy_n mensuram_fw-la staturae_fw-la propemodum_fw-la observatur_fw-la rarosque_fw-la patribus_fw-la proceriores_fw-la consument_fw-la ubertatem_fw-la seminum_fw-la exustione_fw-la in_fw-la cujus_fw-la vice_n nunc_fw-la vergat_fw-la aevum_fw-la in_o sum_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o all_o mankind_n decrease_v and_o grow_v less_o daily_a and_o that_o there_o be_v few_o tall_a than_o their_o parent_n the_o burn_a to_o which_o the_o age_n incline_v consume_v the_o luxury_n of_o the_o seed_n terra_fw-la malos_fw-la homines_fw-la nunc_fw-la educ_fw-la aâ—_n que_fw-la pusillos_fw-la juvenal_n sat._n the_o earth_n now_o breed_v man_n bad_a and_o small_a and_o gellius_n noct._n att._n lib._n 3._o c._n 10._o et_fw-la nunc_fw-la quasi_fw-la jam_fw-la mundo_fw-la senescente_fw-la rerum_fw-la atque_fw-la hominum_fw-la decrementa_fw-la sunt_fw-la and_o now_o as_o if_o the_o world_n wax_v old_a there_o be_v a_o decrement_n or_o decay_n both_o of_o thing_n and_o man_n i_o may_v accumulate_v place_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n to_o this_o