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and_o increase_v
the_o scruple_n the_o main_a history_n themselves_o appear_v so_o impossible_a to_o be_v any_o other_o way_n secure_v several_a of_o the_o account_n give_v by_o the_o theorist_n be_v in_o the_o main_a so_o ingenious_a so_o probable_a and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o ancient_a tradition_n upon_o a_o cursory_a consideration_n and_o the_o argument_n beforementioned_a seem_v to_o i_o so_o considerable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o i_o to_o deny_v all_o assent_n to_o that_o very_a conclusion_n which_o yet_o on_o far_a inquiry_n and_o discovery_n i_o think_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o forego_n censure_n and_o i_o shall_v esteem_v it_o a_o very_a signal_n happiness_n if_o as_o that_o theory_n be_v so_o instrumental_a in_o draw_v i_o into_o the_o forementioned_a mistake_n so_o this_o may_v be_v fortunate_a enough_o to_o persuade_v the_o author_n of_o that_o of_o the_o opposite_a verity_n in_o which_o the_o discovery_n it_o contain_v have_v full_o settle_v my_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v i_o 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upon_o the_o latter_a aught_o to_o escape_v any_o great_a severity_n for_o my_o own_o part_n as_o in_o such_o difficult_a case_n i_o easy_o pass_v over_o the_o mistake_v and_o value_v the_o truth_n discover_v by_o any_o well-disposed_a person_n which_o be_v but_o a_o due_a debt_n owe_v from_o one_o fallible_a creature_n to_o another_o so_o i_o humble_o bless_v god_n the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n for_o that_o light_n he_o have_v afford_v i_o and_o which_o by_o the_o divine_a blessing_n i_o hope_v the_o follow_a page_n will_v afford_v the_o reader_n in_o these_o matter_n by_o which_o i_o be_o convince_v of_o the_o no-necessity_n of_o oppose_v the_o literal_a to_o the_o true_a the_o obvious_a and_o natural_a to_o the_o rational_a and_o philosophic_a interpretation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o shall_v cheerful_o wait_v for_o that_o happy_a time_n when_o all_o doubt_n be_v remove_v and_o all_o objection_n prevent_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o 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nature_n than_o be_v assign_v here_o because_o neither_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o author_n require_v nor_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o people_n can_v bear_v either_o a_o strict_o philosophical_a or_o a_o true_o universal_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o thing_n the_o design_n of_o moses_n the_o inspire_a penman_n or_o rather_o of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v he_o in_o this_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v not_o the_o gratify_a the_o curiosity_n or_o satisfy_v the_o philosophic_a inquiry_n of_o a_o few_o elevate_a mind_n but_o of_o a_o more_o general_a and_o useful_a nature_n namely_o to_o inform_v the_o jew_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o visible_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v neither_o existent_n from_o all_o eternity_n nor_o the_o result_n of_o blind_a chance_n fatal_a necessity_n nor_o unaccountable_a accident_n but_o the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n almighty_n to_o make_v they_o sensible_a that_o every_o be_v they_o 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must_v have_v be_v the_o consequent_a of_o man_n fall_n and_o not_o of_o god_n primary_n introduction_n and_o thereby_o to_o teach_v man_n humility_n and_o raise_v their_o abhorrence_n of_o sin_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o misery_n to_o show_v they_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o idolatry_n or_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o visible_a being_n though_o never_o so_o useful_a or_o glorious_a by_o assure_v they_o they_o be_v all_o in_o common_a the_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o all_o their_o influence_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o entire_o derive_v from_o he_o and_o under_o his_o disposal_n in_o short_a the_o main_a design_n be_v to_o secure_a obedience_n to_o those_o law_n he_o be_v about_o to_o deliver_v from_o god_n to_o they_o by_o give_v they_o the_o great_a and_o just_a idea_n of_o their_o legislator_n the_o almighty_a maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n these_o be_v i_o suppose_v the_o principal_a reason_n of_o thus_o record_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o reason_n make_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o visible_a part_n of_o this_o earth_n with_o all_o its_o furniture_n that_o be_v observable_a and_o expose_v to_o their_o daily_a view_n necessary_a and_o expedient_a nay_o they_o enforce_v some_o kind_n of_o mention_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v with_o we_o below_o and_o so_o far_o as_o to_o show_v that_o god_n original_o create_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o more_o ordinary_a body_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n all_o this_o be_v but_o proper_a and_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o forementioned_a purpose_n but_o why_o a_o natural_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o primary_n formation_n of_o such_o remote_a and_o different_a system_n of_o body_n who_o real_a bigness_n distance_n nature_n and_o uses_n abstract_o consider_v never_o come_v into_o man_n thought_n nor_o be_v once_o imagine_v by_o
sister_n earth_n ought_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o a_o distinct_a chaos_n of_o its_o own_o as_o well_o as_o that_o particular_a one_o which_o providence_n have_v allot_v for_o the_o seat_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v be_v we_o as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n constitution_n and_o use_v of_o the_o other_o planet_n with_o their_o various_a inhabitant_n and_o the_o several_a method_n of_o divine_a providence_n relate_v to_o they_o all_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v backward_o to_o allow_v they_o every_o one_o a_o proportionable_a share_n in_o the_o care_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o like_a conduct_n in_o their_o origin_n and_o period_n as_o the_o earth_n on_o which_o we_o dwell_v can_v boast_v of_o we_o shall_v it_o be_v probable_a soon_o understand_v that_o bate_v the_o stupendous_a and_o miraculous_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o messiah_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o well_o the_o moral_a as_o the_o natural_a history_n of_o these_o 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determine_v what_o be_v rational_a wise_a and_o prudent_a what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n what_o be_v suitable_a to_o forecast_v and_o contrivance_n what_o be_v in_o most_o case_n proper_a decent_a and_o become_a even_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a operation_n in_o the_o world_n we_o natural_o in_o the_o reflect_v on_o the_o system_fw-la of_o external_n nature_n observe_v many_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o art_n the_o skill_n and_o artifice_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n which_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o such_o matter_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o change_v the_o scene_n and_o consider_v what_o we_o natural_o pronounce_v to_o be_v rational_a and_o orderly_a fit_a and_o proportionable_a among_o man_n what_o will_v become_v a_o wise_a general_n or_o statesman_n a_o skilful_a builder_n and_o architect_n nay_o a_o ordinary_a workman_n or_o artificer_n in_o usual_a and_o obvious_a case_n what_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v the_o token_n of_o foresight_n and_o prudence_n and_o on_o the_o other_o of_o heedlessness_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o life_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o whole_o be_v to_o seek_v what_o to_o think_v of_o several_a analogous_n action_n relate_v to_o god_n himself_o due_a allowance_n be_v every_o where_o make_v for_o that_o infinite_a distance_n and_o different_a state_n and_o management_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n from_o those_o of_o all_o finite_a being_n depend_v on_o and_o subject_n to_o he_o thus_o we_o collect_v our_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n by_o consider_v what_o be_v good_a great_a value_v and_o esteem_v lovely_a and_o venerable_a among_o man_n and_o ascribe_v every_o such_o thing_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n who_o be_v the_o origin_n of_o they_o all_o must_v contain_v they_o within_o himself_o in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o eminent_a manner_n by_o accumulate_v all_o thing_n that_o appear_v perfection_n in_o man_n or_o other_o creature_n and_o remove_v all_o imperfection_n necessary_o adhere_v to_o they_o we_o arrive_v at_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v which_o be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o god_n and_o who_o on_o that_o account_n we_o just_o think_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o adoration_n when_o therefore_o our_o very_a idea_n of_o the_o divine_a property_n be_v owe_v to_o and_o depend_v on_o our_o consideration_n of_o those_o lesser_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o which_o we_o observe_v in_o man_n and_o when_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o contrary_a property_n be_v not_o by_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o be_v because_o we_o find_v that_o in_o man_n they_o argue_v imperfection_n what_o be_v a_o sign_n or_o effect_v of_o some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o man_n must_v also_o be_v acknowledge_v sign_n or_o effect_v of_o a_o like_a perfection_n in_o god_n and_o what_o be_v a_o sign_n or_o effect_v of_o imperfection_n in_o man_n must_v
be_v involve_v in_o darkness_n or_o exclude_v all_o advantage_n from_o he_o and_o thereby_o endure_v a_o continual_a night_n so_o far_o as_o natural_a cause_n be_v here_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o that_o this_o retardation_n of_o the_o earth_n diurnal_a rotation_n even_o without_o a_o recur_v to_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o its_o first_o author_n be_v accountable_a from_o that_o pass_n by_o of_o a_o comet_n which_o we_o assign_v for_o the_o occasision_n of_o the_o conflagration_n be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a for_o in_o case_n its_o ascent_n and_o passage_n by_o be_v on_o the_o east_n side_n or_o before_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o case_n it_o approach_v so_o near_o as_o to_o rub_v against_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a such_o a_o impulse_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o diurnal_a rotation_n and_o be_v therefore_o capable_a the_o proportion_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v adjust_v by-divine_a providence_n of_o put_v such_o a_o stop_n to_o the_o same_o as_o be_v 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probable_o will_v be_v without_o the_o light_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n xcix_o see_v the_o earth_n will_v be_v on_o the_o forego_n supposition_n distinguish_v into_o two_o quite_o different_a hemisphere_n the_o one_o of_o which_o will_v be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o st._n john_n supply_v by_o a_o supernatural_a light_n fix_v and_o permanent_a above_o its_o horizon_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v accountable_a thereby_o as_o far_o as_o this_o physical_a theory_n be_v concern_v therein_o and_o as_o to_o the_o moon_n see_v it_o be_v only_a a_o signal_n and_o peculiar_a providence_n that_o cause_v her_o equal_a acceleration_n and_o consequent_a accompany_v the_o earth_n at_o the_o former_a pass_v by_o of_o the_o comet_n and_o that_o no_o such_o providence_n be_v again_o to_o be_v expect_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o rub_v or_o stoppage_n of_o the_o earth_n annual_a motion_n which_o retard_v the_o same_o and_o do_v not_o retard_v the_o moon_n be_v also_o will_v separate_v these_o planet_n and_o procure_v their_o orbit_n course_n and_o period_n to_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o one_o another_o ever_n after_o according_a to_o the_o great_a rigour_n of_o the_o present_a proposition_n c._n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o millennium_n the_o final_a judgement_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o earth_n will_v desert_v its_o present_a seat_n and_o station_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v no_o long_o find_v among_o the_o planetary_a chorus_n c._n if_o any_o comet_n instead_o of_o pass_v by_o or_o gentle_o rub_v the_o earth_n hit_v direct_o against_o it_o in_o its_o course_n either_o towards_o or_o from_o the_o sun_n it_o must_v desert_n its_o ancient_a station_n and_o move_v in_o a_o quite_o different_a elliptic_a orbit_n and_o so_o of_o a_o planet_n become_v again_o a_o comet_n for_o the_o future_a age_n of_o the_o world_n corollary_n from_o the_o whole_a i._o sing_v the_o new_a and_o solid_a improvement_n of_o philosophy_n do_v all_o along_o give_v so_o rational_a account_n of_o those_o ancient_a theorem_n which_o have_v be_v propagate_v down_o from_o the_o elder_a age_n without_o be_v then_o either_o understand_v or_o intelligible_a to_o their_o propagator_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o trust_v and_o rely_v on_o such_o ancient_a tradition_n not_o only_o sacred_a but_o profane_a also_o in_o these_o or_o any_o other_o parallele_v case_n they_o be_v in_o all_o probability_n the_o most_o valuable_a remain_n and_o most_o venerable_a truth_n which_o the_o primitive_a parent_n of_o the_o world_n deliver_v down_o to_o their_o posterity_n in_o succeed_a generation_n ii_o see_v most_o of_o these_o ancient_a theorem_n be_v very_o much_o beyond_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o deliver_v they_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n judge_v usual_o 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the_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o god_n almighty_n who_o be_v therefore_o much_o more_o conversant_a with_o mankind_n in_o the_o first_o than_o he_o have_v be_v in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o old_a testament-history_n assure_v we_o iii_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o present_a knowledge_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o test_n of_o truth_n or_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o account_n receive_v from_o profane_a antiquity_n much_o less_o to_o the_o inspire_v write_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o several_a particular_n relate_v to_o the_o elder_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o its_o great_a catastrophe_n examine_v and_o compare_v with_o so_o much_o philosophy_n as_o be_v till_o late_o know_v be_v plain_o unaccountable_a and_o natural_o speak_v impossible_a yet_o we_o see_v now_o nature_n be_v more_o full_o more_o certain_o and_o more_o substantial_o understand_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o rational_a iu._n it_o be_v therefore_o folly_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o reject_v the_o truth_n or_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o we_o can_v give_v our_o mind_n particular_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n nay_o or_o even_o possibility_n of_o some_o thing_n therein_o assert_v since_o we_o have_v see_v so_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v the_o most_o incredible_a in_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o give_v the_o great_a scruple_n and_o scandal_n to_o philosophic_a mind_n so_o full_o and_o particular_o attest_v and_o next_o to_o demonstrate_v from_o certain_a principle_n of_o astronomy_n and_o natural_a knowledge_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v in_o due_a time_n a_o like_a solution_n of_o the_o other_o difficulty_n it_o be_v but_o just_a sure_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o those_o holy_a writer_n in_o other_o assertion_n who_o fidelity_n be_v so_o entire_o establish_v in_o these_o hitherto_o equal_o unaccountable_a one_o v._o the_o obvious_a plain_a or_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n ought_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v elude_v or_o lay_v aside_o several_a of_o those_o very_a place_n which_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o require_v the_o same_o hitherto_o appear_v now_o to_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n true_a and_o rational_a according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o they_o vi_o we_o may_v be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v such_o thing_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o be_v proper_o mystery_n that_o be_v though_o not_o real_o contradictory_n yet_o plain_o unaccountable_a to_o our_o present_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n thus_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o original_a constitution_n and_o great_a catastrophe_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v in_o the_o past_a age_n the_o object_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o the_o divine_a providence_n
have_v not_o afford_v so_o much_o light_n as_o that_o they_o can_v ootherwise_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o credibility_n of_o they_o till_o the_o new_a improvement_n in_o philosophy_n and_o this_o be_v but_o just_a and_o reasonable_a for_o sure_a the_o ignorance_n or_o incapacity_n of_o the_o creature_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n afford_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o incredulity_n or_o justify_v man_n in_o their_o reject_v divine_a revelation_n and_o impeach_v the_o veracity_n or_o providence_n of_o the_o creator_n vii_o see_v the_o natural_a and_o the_o moral_a world_n be_v alike_o subject_a to_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o the_o same_o author_n have_v indict_v those_o write_n which_o relate_v to_o both_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n relate_v to_o the_o one_o aught_o to_o make_v we_o entire_o secure_a of_o the_o like_a verity_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n relate_v to_o the_o other_o 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or_o equal_a standard_n for_o the_o double_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o present_a age_n when_o i_o have_v by_o mistake_n pitch_v upon_o 280_o from_o a_o book_n which_o it_o be_v suppose_v the_o same_o author_n be_v concern_v in_o before_o i_o hereupon_o priùs_fw-la procure_v this_o latter_a book_n itself_o and_o set_v myself_o to_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o and_o particular_o as_o to_o what_o more_o immediate_o concern_v myself_o and_o those_o calculation_n i_o have_v superstruct_v upon_o a_o somewhat_o different_a hypothesis_n by_o which_o mean_v i_o find_v that_o this_o last_o and_o therefore_o more_o authentic_a essay_n have_v not_o only_o on_o very_o good_a ground_n fix_v 360_o year_n for_o the_o ordinary_a middle_n late_o of_o the_o double_a mankind_n with_o we_o atpresent_v but_o have_v withal_o remark_v such_o very_a different_a extreme_n on_o either_o hand_n sometime_o observe_v and_o still_o more_o different_a one_o very_o possible_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o world_n as_o give_v great_a light_n to_o several_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o to_o some_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o forego_n theory_n and_o so_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a of_o a_o careful_a consideration_n thus_o it_o have_v seem_v very_o strange_a to_o some_o that_o in_o 215_o year_n the_o 70_o person_n descend_v of_o jacob_n shall_v amount_v to_o so_o many_o as_o by_o the_o calculation_n ibid._n above_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v they_o real_o do_v but_o now_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o sir_n william_n petty_n prove_v that_o the_o increase_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v actual_o from_o 120_o to_o 1200_o year_n in_o double_v and_o may_v fair_o be_v from_o 10_o to_o 1200_o according_a to_o the_o present_a observation_n and_o withal_o consider_v that_o the_o life_n of_o man_n then_o general_o priùs_fw-la speak_v be_v more_o than_o six_o time_n as_o long_o as_o the_o middle_a duration_n of_o we_o now_o and_o so_o on_o account_n of_o more_o numerous_a posterity_n and_o coexistence_n there_o be_v to_o be_v about_o eighteen_o time_n as_o many_o as_o the_o same_o number_n at_o the_o same_o rate_n of_o propagation_n will_v produce_v with_o we_o if_o i_o say_v we_o consider_v these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v soon_o satisfy_v with_o the_o sacred_a history_n in_o this_o otherwise_o surprise_v narration_n and_o not_o at_o all_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n double_v themselves_o in_o fourteen_o year_n till_o the_o exodus_fw-la out_o of_o egypt_n or_o the_o after-reduction_n of_o the_o period_n of_o human_a life_n to_o the_o present_a standard_n before_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o incredible_a as_o the_o double_n of_o any_o family_n or_o nation_n in_o twenty_o year_n now_o with_o we_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v which_o no_o one_o can_v say_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o very_o reasonable_a and_o what_o do_v not_o unfrequent_o happen_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o many_o generation_n together_o but_o what_o be_v more_o to_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o the_o main_a occasion_n of_o this_o postscript_n beside_o the_o rectify_v my_o own_o mistake_n and_o that_o small_a difference_n which_o it_o have_v occasion_v in_o my_o calculation_n which_o the_o candid_a reader_n will_v easy_o pardon_v and_o amend_v be_v a_o observation_n i_o have_v make_v on_o occasion_n of_o my_o light_n upon_o this_o last_o essay_n of_o sir_n william_n petty_n whereby_o at_o once_o this_o matter_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o past_a age_n may_v be_v in_o good_a measure_n determine_v and_o sir_n william_n mistake_n touch_v the_o different_a proportion_n thereof_o in_o the_o different_a period_n of_o the_o world_n since_o moses_n time_n may_v be_v correct_v to_o the_o great_a illustration_n of_o the_o sacred_a as_o well_o as_o profane_a account_n of_o the_o ancient_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o mankind_n as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v mean_n of_o enquiry_n have_v general_o speak_v increase_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o give_v proportion_n and_o double_v themselves_o in_o 360_o year_n in_o all_o the_o past_a age_n of_o the_o world_n since_o the_o fix_v of_o the_o present_a period_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o observation_n i_o thus_o prove_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o most_o ancient_a age_n priùs_fw-la of_o the_o world_n capable_a of_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o present_a be_v that_o of_o moses_n when_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v reduce_v to_o seventy_o or_o eighty_o year_n their_o present_a standard_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o succeed_v period_n of_o four_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o nine_o year_n from_o the_o exodus_fw-la out_o of_o egypt_n till_o the_o build_n of_o solomon_n temple_n be_v the_o first_o considerable_a enough_o for_o our_o present_a purpose_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o sacred_a history_n be_v the_o only_a one_o ancient_a enough_o and_o certain_a enough_o to_o be_v introduce_v and_o depend_v on_o in_o the_o present_a case_n nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o union_n together_o and_o their_o distinction_n from_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o accuracy_n of_o their_o genealogy_n and_o number_n frequent_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v alone_o capable_a of_o afford_v any_o full_a and_o uncontested_a instance_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v last_o evident_a in_o particular_a that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v exact_o take_v and_o be_v as_o exact_o record_v at_o the_o beginning_n and_o a_o little_a before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o forementioned_a period_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v present_o so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o the_o fair_a opportunity_n possible_a of_o clear_v this_o matter_n and_o of_o compare_v the_o most_o ancient_a with_o the_o late_a increase_n of_o mankind_n
day_n work_n give_v a_o account_n of_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n in_o the_o beginning_n 1._o god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n say_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v as_o i_o take_v it_o a_o preface_n or_o introduction_n to_o the_o follow_a account_n and_o may_v be_v thus_o paraphrase_v although_o that_o history_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o shall_v now_o be_v give_v you_o do_v not_o extend_v any_o far_a as_o will_v appear_v present_o than_o that_o earth_n we_o live_v upon_o with_o those_o body_n which_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v not_o at_o all_o direct_o concern_v therein_o and_o although_o '_o the_o same_o history_n will_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o matter_n but_o only_a production_n of_o the_o form_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o earth_n itself_o yet_o to_o prevent_v any_o misunderstanding_n and_o obviate_v any_o ill_a effect_n of_o a_o perfect_a silence_n touch_v these_o thing_n i_o be_o oblige_v by_o the_o divine_a command_n to_o assure_v you_o that_o the_o original_a of_o all_o being_n whatsoever_o be_v primary_o owe_v to_o that_o same_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o work_n i_o be_o go_v to_o relate_v and_o that_o not_o only_o this_o earth_n and_o all_o its_o body_n but_o the_o vast_a frame_n of_o universal_a nature_n be_v by_o he_o at_o first_o create_v out_o of_o nothing_o and_o dispose_v into_o those_o several_a system_n which_o now_o be_v extant_a and_o make_v up_o what_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n be_v style_v heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o the_o whole_a word_n this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v allow_v by_o our_o late_a excellent_a commentatour_n the_o right_a reverend_n the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_n who_o sentiment_n can_v but_o be_v just_o value_v by_o all_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v i_o think_v clear_o confirm_v by_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v without_o 2._o form_n and_o void_a and_o darkness_n be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o holy_a writer_n descend_v to_o the_o description_n of_o the_o chaos_n and_o the_o commence_v of_o the_o six_o day_n creation_n he_o mention_n not_o a_o word_n of_o any_o production_n out_o of_o nothing_o before_o suppose_a and_o assert_v to_o have_v be_v past_a and_o do_v in_o the_o beginning_n he_o omit_v and_o thereby_o evident_o exclude_v that_o heaven_n or_o those_o superior_a system_n of_o the_o world_n already_o speak_v of_o from_o any_o place_n therein_o and_o by_o the_o whole_a coherence_n plain_o confine_v the_o narration_n follow_v to_o the_o earth_n alone_o with_o its_o dependency_n moses_n do_v not_o say_v as_o the_o common_a expositor_n do_v that_o just_a at_o the_o commence_v of_o the_o six_o day_n work_v the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v original_o produce_v but_o that_o when_o god_n have_v former_o create_v all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v usual_o distinguish_v into_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v alone_o pertinent_a to_o the_o present_a design_n at_o the_o time_n precede_v the_o six_o day_n work_v be_v in_o a_o wild_a irregular_a and_o dark_a condition_n or_o such_o a_o perfect_a chaos_n as_o nothing_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v move_v on_o and_o influence_v the_o same_o can_v ever_o have_v reduce_v into_o a_o habitable_a world_n this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a and_o natural_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o i_o think_v the_o most_o obvious_a and_o genuine_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o be_v not_o man_n mind_n too_o much_o prejudice_v with_o other_o apprehension_n this_o alone_a may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o limit_v their_o thought_n and_o prevent_v their_o inquiry_n after_o any_o creation_n of_o body_n out_o of_o nothing_o in_o the_o six_o day_n work_v and_o their_o stretch_v the_o same_o beyond_o the_o earth_n either_o to_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o thing_n as_o the_o most_o do_v or_o indeed_o to_o the_o solar_a system_n with_o which_o other_o be_v more_o modest_o content_v in_o the_o case_n which_o two_o thing_n once_o grant_v i_o the_o propoposition_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o will_v soon_o be_v establish_v and_o little_o far_a labour_n become_v necessary_a but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v all_o possible_a satisfaction_n and_o lay_v this_o foundation_n firm_a on_o which_o my_o account_n of_o the_o mosaic_a creation_n be_v entire_o superstruct_v i_o shall_v more_o at_o large_a prove_v the_o same_o truth_n crave_v the_o pardon_n of_o those_o reader_n who_o be_v already_o satisfy_v in_o these_o matter_n if_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o they_o to_o insist_v too_o long_o on_o a_o plain_a case_n as_o perhaps_o they_o may_v and_o that_o i_o think_v very_o just_o esteem_v this_o to_o be_v and_o indeed_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n be_v here_o so_o great_a their_o fear_n of_o a_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n so_o root_v the_o attempt_n hitherto_o make_v have_v be_v so_o unsuccessful_a and_o beside_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o the_o usual_a exposition_n of_o this_o history_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o poor_a so_o jejune_n so_o unbecoming_a the_o penman_n much_o more_o the_o primary_n author_n of_o the_o same_o that_o a_o large_a and_o full_a discourse_n be_v but_o necessary_a and_o though_o it_o shall_v prove_v somewhat_o prolix_a will_v be_v it_o be_v hope_v not_o improper_a but_o as_o well_o serviceable_a to_o religion_n as_o to_o philosophy_n by_o rescue_v this_o ancient_n venerable_n and_o sacred_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o thing_n from_o such_o false_a and_o unwary_a gloss_n as_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o as_o have_v render_v it_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o too_o many_o a_o uncouth_a and_o incredible_a system_n nay_o somewhat_o below_o some_o of_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o imperfect_a tradition_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n enable_v they_o to_o describe_v to_o proceed_v therefore_o in_o the_o argument_n before_o we_o i_o affirm_v ii_o that_o the_o word_n here_o use_v of_o create_v make_v or_o frame_v of_o thing_n on_o which_o the_o main_a stress_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o of_o no_o large_a importance_n than_o the_o proposition_n we_o be_v upon_o do_v allow_v and_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o order_n dispose_n change_a or_o new_o model_v those_o creature_n which_o exist_v already_o into_o a_o different_a and_o sometime_o perhaps_o a_o better_a and_o more_o useful_a state_n than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o i_o do_v not_o say_v this_o be_v the_o utmost_a or_o only_a importance_n of_o these_o word_n i_o have_v already_o allow_v that_o create_v in_o the_o first_o word_n of_o genesis_n include_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o and_o i_o add_v that_o in_o our_o common_a creed_n wherein_o we_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o word_n be_v agreeable_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o profession_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a sense_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o then_o i_o observe_v withal_o that_o the_o other_o more_o narrow_a and_o limit_a sense_n be_v very_o common_a and_o familiar_a in_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o coherence_n require_v it_o as_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v evident_a it_o do_v in_o the_o present_a case_n these_o word_n both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o acceptation_n this_o 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on_o this_o occasion_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o genuine_a content_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n themselves_o but_o such_o unwary_a interpretation_n of_o they_o as_o these_o which_o have_v main_o contribute_v to_o their_o contempt_n and_o be_v but_o too_o instrumental_a to_o make_v they_o appear_v absurd_a and_o irrational_a to_o the_o free_a reason_n of_o mankind_n for_o when_o man_n find_v that_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o expositor_n ascribe_v such_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o their_o plain_a reason_n can_v not_o think_v compatible_a to_o a_o wise_a man_n much_o less_o to_o the_o alwise_a god_n they_o be_v under_o a_o shrewd_a temptation_n of_o think_v very_o mean_o of_o the_o bible_n itself_o and_o by_o degree_n of_o reject_v it_o and_o therewith_o all_o divine_a revelation_n to_o the_o son_n of_o men._n how_o fatal_o this_o malady_n have_v spread_v of_o late_a especial_o i_o need_v not_o say_v and_o though_o i_o full_o believe_v the_o main_a stroke_n or_o step_n as_o to_o the_o generality_n be_v vicious_a disposition_n and_o a_o debauch_a temper_n yet_o how_o far_o such_o ill-contrived_a unskilful_a and_o unphilosophical_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o misrepresentation_n of_o scripture_n particular_o relate_v to_o the_o material_a world_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v may_v have_v contribute_v to_o so_o fatal_a and_o pernicious_a a_o effect_n deserve_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o sober_a consideration_n this_o mischief_n be_v not_o to_o be_v remedy_v nor_o the_o veneration_n due_a to_o the_o sacred_a volume_n retrieve_v by_o a_o obstinate_a maintain_v such_o strange_a opinion_n as_o those_o here_o refer_v to_o by_o patronise_a the_o same_o with_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o make_v vehement_a invective_n against_o such_o as_o many_o unskilful_a yet_o good_a man_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v who_o only_a fault_n be_v this_o that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v what_o 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the_o ancient_a knot_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n with_o relation_n to_o such_o point_n as_o we_o be_v upon_o or_o any_o other_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n and_o how_o very_o many_o of_o they_o as_o prelude_v and_o pledge_n of_o the_o rest_n be_v now_o entire_o clear_v or_o may_v easy_o be_v so_o it_o will_v more_o contribute_v to_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o ancient_a honour_n and_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n than_o all_o the_o most_o zealous_a and_o general_a harangue_n from_o some_o popular_a topic_n either_o for_o they_o or_o against_o their_o contemner_n the_o loose_a deist_n and_o pretend_a socinian_n of_o this_o age._n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v but_o profess_v that_o though_o i_o be_v very_o nice_a and_o tender_a in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o desirous_a to_o admit_v nothing_o but_o what_o agree_v to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n the_o common_a notion_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n yet_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o some_o of_o the_o most_o perplex_v difficulty_n occur_v there_o i_o have_v obtain_v so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o satisfaction_n about_o they_o that_o my_o scruple_n now_o entire_o cease_v and_o i_o can_v doubt_v either_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v in_o particular_a vanish_v and_o perfect_o clear_v to_o i_o that_o be_v what_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o world_n but_o i_o have_v so_o frequent_o meet_v with_o few_o difficulty_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o book_n themselves_o than_o in_o the_o common_a interpretation_n and_o those_o very_a comment_n which_o ought_v to_o assoil_v they_o and_o in_o so_o many_o and_o those_o most_o remarkable_a point_n of_o all_o have_v meet_v with_o such_o clear_a and_o plenary_a though_o unexpected_a satisfaction_n that_o i_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o rest_n equal_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o and_o to_o remain_v constant_a in_o this_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v the_o ignorant_a or_o foolish_a exposition_n of_o man_n not_o the_o natural_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o that_o make_v we_o imagine_v scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n irreconcilable_a or_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o instance_n he_o will_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o follow_a theory_n will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o persuade_v the_o unbiased_a reader_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o great_a satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o from_o the_o view_n of_o god_n own_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n than_o those_o of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o whatever_o incompetent_a judge_n may_v say_v nothing_o will_v so_o much_o tend_v to_o the_o vindication_n and_o honour_n of_o reveal_v religion_n as_o free_a inquiry_n into_o and_o a_o solid_a acquaintance_n with_o not_o ingenious_a and_o precarious_a hypothesis_n but_o true_a and_o demonstrable_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n with_o the_o history_n of_o nature_n and_o with_o such_o ancient_a tradition_n as_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v derive_v from_o noab_n and_o by_o he_o from_o the_o more_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o world_n from_o which_o medium_n what_o surprise_v and_o unhoped_a for_o light_n may_v be_v give_v to_o some_o famous_a portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o follow_a page_n will_v it_o be_v hope_v afford_v some_o convince_a instance_n and_o prove_v sufficient_a to_o take_v away_o man_n ungrounded_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n in_o such_o matter_n and_o by_o the_o divine_a blessing_n appear_v a_o seasonable_a attestation_n to_o the_o certainty_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o lively_a oracle_n on_o which_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o world_n do_v so_o vast_o depend_v but_o i_o must_v leave_v this_o digression_n and_o proceed_v vi_o the_o vulgar_a scheme_n of_o the_o mosaic_a creation_n beside_o the_o disproportion_n as_o to_o time_n represent_v all_o thing_n from_o first_o to_o last_o so_o disorderly_a confuse_o and_o unphilosophical_o that_o it_o be_v entire_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o here_o i_o may_v just_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o careful_a reader_n even_o though_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a system_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o great_a whether_o the_o vulgar_a account_n have_v not_o ever_o seem_v strange_a and_o surprise_v to_o he_o but_o if_o he_o be_v one_o philosophical_o dispose_v and_o allow_v himself_o a_o free_a consideration_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o have_v not_o ever_o be_v the_o most_o perplex_v thing_n to_o his_o thought_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o far_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v carry_v by_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n even_o to_o the_o take_v away_o the_o literal_a and_o the_o resolve_v the_o whole_a into_o a_o popular_a moral_a or_o parabolic_a sense_n and_o under_o what_o notion_n this_o history_n on_o the_o same_o account_n have_v appear_v to_o other_o of_o no_o less_o free_a but_o less_o religious_a disposition_n and_o thought_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o be_v indeed_o matter_n of_o doubt_n and_o perplexity_n to_o pious_a man_n be_v unquestionable_o to_o the_o loose_a and_o profane_a the_o subject_a of_o mirth_n and_o drollery_n and_o the_o sure_a encouragement_n to_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o content_v myself_o with_o this_o general_a reflection_n but_o instead_o of_o prosecute_a such_o a_o discourse_n any_o father_n shall_v assign_v such_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o irregular_a and_o unbecoming_a procedure_n in_o the_o vulgar_a scheme_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o be_v plain_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n 1._o body_n alike_o in_o nature_n have_v here_o a_o unlike_a
sole_a use_n of_o a_o few_o fall_v and_o rebellious_a creature_n which_o be_v to_o live_v for_o a_o little_a while_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a of_o they_o to_o create_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o sun_n and_o planet_n and_o place_v they_o at_o prodigious_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o from_o one_o another_o the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v never_o see_v till_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o telescope_n and_o of_o such_o as_o be_v visible_a the_o sun_n except_v the_o single_a moon_n as_o despicable_a a_o body_n as_o it_o be_v in_o comparison_n to_o the_o most_o of_o the_o other_o be_v much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o we_o than_o they_o all_o put_v together_o for_o the_o mere_a convenience_n of_o one_o little_a earth_n if_o it_o be_v wise_a and_o rational_a to_o make_v the_o sun_n more_o than_o sixty_o thousand_o time_n as_o big_a as_o that_o globe_n it_o be_v to_o serve_v only_o that_o it_o may_v be_v place_v above_o fifty_o million_o of_o miles_n 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near_o so_o big_a as_o one_o of_o its_o least_o body_n real_o be_v and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o far_a prospect_n or_o noble_a design_n than_o the_o single_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n if_o i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o ineffable_a wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v of_o the_o alwise_a god_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o suppose_v in_o the_o material_a world_n at_o least_o what_o will_v not_o be_v equal_o so_o and_o such_o strange_a and_o astonish_a incongruity_n which_o among_o poor_a mortal_n will_v unquestionable_o argue_v the_o most_o extravagant_a degree_n of_o folly_n in_o the_o deity_n bless_v for_o evermore_o must_v be_v argument_n of_o unbounded_a perfection_n and_o efflux_n of_o infinite_a reason_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n certain_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o well_o ascertain_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n before_o from_o thence_o one_o venture_n to_o assert_v such_o unreasonable_a opinion_n nay_o even_o though_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n seem_v exceed_v favourable_a to_o any_o scheme_n of_o this_o nature_n yet_o in_o that_o case_n a_o consider_a person_n will_v choose_v rather_o honest_o to_o own_o his_o ignorance_n and_o confess_v he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o matter_n than_o be_v positive_a in_o that_o which_o be_v so_o plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o this_o to_o digress_v a_o little_a be_v methinks_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o rational_a way_n of_o procedure_v in_o those_o case_n where_o we_o can_v reconcile_v the_o divine_a attribute_n the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n to_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n viz._n in_o the_o first_o place_n careful_o to_o consider_v the_o text_n concern_v and_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o misapply_v if_o on_o such_o a_o consideration_n we_o can_v find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o without_o a_o force_a unnatural_a and_o violent_a sense_n be_v put_v upon_o plain_a word_n the_o difficulty_n still_o appear_v insuperable_a it_o be_v then_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o wisdom_n to_o imitate_v the_o jew_n in_o that_o admirable_a and_o pious_a proverb_n in_o these_o case_n cum_fw-la elias_n venerit_fw-la soluet_fw-la nodos_fw-la to_o sit_v down_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o this_o expectation_n that_o when_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v it_o a_o fit_a time_n all_o will_v be_v assoil_v and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o knot_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o providence_n untie_v to_o stay_v with_o patience_n for_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d peculiar_a season_n which_o with_o regard_n both_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o unvail_v of_o mystery_n no_o less_o than_o the_o fulfil_a decree_n the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o as_o the_o old_a jew_n shall_v in_o vain_a have_v attempt_v the_o entire_a understanding_n of_o their_o own_o ceremonial_a law_n till_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o come_n of_o christ_n so_o i_o believe_v we_o must_v not_o expect_v the_o clear_n of_o every_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o every_o secret_a of_o providence_n till_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o father_n till_o than_o we_o ought_v not_o where_o insuperable_a difficulty_n occur_v by_o a_o bold_a determination_n to_o run_v counter_a to_o god_n either_o in_o his_o word_n whether_o engrave_v on_o our_o mind_n or_o write_v in_o the_o bible_n or_o his_o work_n visible_a in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v whether_o those_o dishonour_n god_n most_o who_o embrace_v doctrine_n suppose_v deducible_a from_o scripture_n though_o plain_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o or_o those_o who_o venture_v to_o deny_v or_o at_o least_o wrest_v and_o prevaricate_v with_o the_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o such_o text_n whence_o those_o doctrine_n use_v to_o be_v infer_v both_o these_o method_n of_o procedure_n be_v bold_a and_o dangerous_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o pride_n and_o too_o high_a a_o opinion_n of_o our_o proper_a apprehension_n and_o ability_n and_o of_o sad_a consequence_n to_o ourselves_o to_o other_o and_o to_o divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v a_o three_o or_o middle_a way_n which_o though_o a_o instance_n of_o real_a self-denial_n we_o both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n our_o understanding_n 4._o be_v finite_a our_o capacity_n small_a our_o sphere_n of_o knowledge_n not_o great_a we_o depend_v on_o god_n almighty_a as_o to_o what_o we_o know_v as_o well_o as_o what_o we_o have_v or_o what_o we_o be_v it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v not_o yet_o be_v the_o proper_a season_n for_o unravel_v the_o mystery_n and_o so_o the_o requisite_a help_v not_o yet_o afford_v our_o own_o unskilfulness_n or_o prejudices_fw-la some_o false_a notion_n or_o precarious_a hypothesis_n we_o have_v embrace_v our_o misunderstanding_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o scripture_n stile_n a_o mistake_n of_o a_o copy_n the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o various_a stage_n and_o period_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o the_o particular_n belong_v with_o many_o other_o such_o circumstance_n may_v just_o be_v suppose_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o difficulty_n without_o call_v in_o question_n either_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o humane_a faculty_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n or_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o true_o be_v i_o ask_v in_o such_o a_o case_n how_o i_o can_v satisfy_v myself_o or_o resolve_v the_o point_n i_o can_v not_o more_o proper_o answer_v than_o by_o allude_v to_o the_o jewish_a proverb_n beforementioned_a and_o allege_v that_o cum_fw-la messiah_n venerit_fw-la soluet_fw-la nodum_fw-la till_o which_o time_n i_o may_v desire_v leave_n to_o defer_v my_o far_a answer_n and_o here_o from_o a_o general_a view_n
of_o the_o prophetic_a number_n i_o mean_v the_o involve_v their_o prediction_n in_o so_o much_o and_o no_o more_o obscurity_n as_o may_v conceal_v their_o meaning_n till_o their_o completion_n or_o till_o such_o time_n at_o least_o as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v most_o proper_a for_o their_o manifestation_n in_o succeed_a age_n so_o that_o this_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o present_a exposition_n to_o afford_v a_o natural_a foundation_n of_o account_v for_o such_o way_n of_o speak_v in_o 〈◊〉_d holy_a scripture_n which_o otherwise_o be_v as_o t_o 〈…〉_z casion_n and_o original_a unaccountable_a and_o consequent_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v as_o true_o agreeable_a to_o the_o style_n as_o the_o former_a do_v to_o the_o letter_n thereof_o 3._o the_o six_o day_n of_o creation_n and_o the_o seven_o of_o rest_n be_v by_o divine_a command_n to_o be_v in_o after_o age_n commemorate_a by_o year_n as_o well_o as_o by_o day_n and_o so_o in_o reason_n answer_v alike_o to_o both_o those_o denomination_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v complete_v in_o six_o evening_n 3._o and_o morning_n or_o six_o revolution_n of_o the_o sun_n call_v day_n and_o that_o the_o seven_o be_v immediate_o set_v apart_o and_o sanctify_a as_o a_o day_n of_o rest_n and_o memorial_n of_o the_o creation_n just_a before_o complete_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o sanctification_n of_o the_o seven_o as_o well_o as_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o six_o forego_v belong_v to_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o fall_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o sort_n of_o day_n these_o be_v it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ensue_a time_n and_o observe_v after_o the_o distinction_n of_o day_n and_o year_n undoubted_o obtain_v what_o constant_a revolution_n of_o six_o for_o work_n and_o a_o seven_o for_o rest_n there_o appear_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o space_n these_o original_a one_o be_v commemorate_a which_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o clear_v the_o point_n we_o be_v upon_o and_o here_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o when_o god_n give_v law_n to_o the_o israelite_n he_o allow_v they_o six_o ordinary_a day_n of_o work_n and_o ordain_v the_o seven_o for_o a_o day_n of_o rest_n or_o sabbath_n in_o imitation_n and_o memory_n of_o his_o work_v the_o first_o six_o and_o rest_a or_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n on_o the_o seven_o day_n at_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n this_o the_o four_o commandment_n so_o express_o assert_n that_o it_o be_v past_a possibility_n of_o question_n it_o be_v moreover_o evident_a that_o god_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n ordain_v with_o reference_n as_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v to_o the_o same_o primitive_a state_n of_o the_o world_n the_o six_o day_n of_o creation_n 4._o and_o the_o sabbath_n that_o six_o year_n they_o shall_v sow_v their_o field_n and_o six_o year_n they_o shall_v prune_n their_o vineyard_n and_o gather_v in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o seven_o year_n shall_v be_v a_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n unto_o the_o land_n a_o sabbath_n for_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v neither_o to_o sow_v their_o field_n nor_o prune_n their_o vineyard_n then_o be_v the_o land_n to_o keep_v a_o 1._o sabbath_n unto_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v just_o xv_o presume_v that_o the_o primary_n space_n of_o the_o world_n here_o refer_v to_o be_v proper_a evening_n and_o morning_n or_o natural_a day_n because_o they_o be_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a by_o six_o proper_a and_o natural_a day_n of_o work_n and_o the_o seven_o of_o rest_n i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v they_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a year_n also_o consider_v they_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v among_o the_o same_o people_n by_o the_o same_o divine_a appointment_n represent_v and_o commemorate_a by_o these_o six_o proper_a and_o natural_a year_n of_o work_n and_o the_o seven_o of_o rest_n also_o nay_o if_o there_o be_v any_o advantage_n on_o the_o side_n of_o natural_a day_n from_o the_o expressness_n of_o the_o reference_n they_o have_v to_o the_o primitive_a one_o which_o the_o four_o commandment_n force_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v there_o will_v appear_v in_o what_o follow_v somewhat_o that_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v favourable_a on_o the_o side_n of_o year_n beside_o the_o six_o day_n for_o work_n and_o the_o seven_o for_o rest_n the_o jew_n be_v command_v 21._o on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o we_o may_v just_o suppose_v to_o number_v from_o the_o passover_n seven_o time_n seven_o day_n or_o seven_o week_n of_o day_n and_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o they_o to_o observe_v a_o solemn_a feast_n call_v the_o feast_n of_o week_n or_o of_o sabbath_n once_o every_o year_n in_o like_a manner_n beside_o the_o yearly_o sabbath_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o or_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o rest_n and_o release_v after_o the_o six_o year_n of_o work_n the_o jew_n be_v command_v on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o we_o may_v just_o suppose_v to_o number_v 16._o seven_o sabbath_n of_o year_n seven_o time_n seven_o year_n and_o at_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o to_o celebrate_v the_o great_a sabbatical_a year_n the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n they_o be_v neither_o to_o sow_n nor_o reap_v nor_o gather_v in_o the_o grape_n but_o esteem_v it_o holy_a and_o suffer_v every_o one_o to_o return_v to_o his_o possession_n again_o where_o that_o which_o be_v remarkable_a be_v this_o that_o when_o the_o sabbatical_a day_n and_o sabbatical_a year_n equal_o return_v by_o perpetual_a revolution_n immediate_o succeed_v one_o another_o yet_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o feast_n of_o week_n at_o the_o end_n of_o seven_o time_n seven_o day_n that_o follow_v the_o passover_n and_o not_o return_v till_o the_o next_o passover_n again_o and_o so_o be_v but_o once_o a_o year_n whereas_o its_o correspond_v solemnity_n the_o jubilee_n or_o great_a sabbatical_a year_n at_o the_o end_n of_o seven_o time_n seven_o year_n do_v as_o the_o former_a return_v by_o perpetual_a revolution_n immediate_o succeed_v one_o another_o for_o all_o future_a generation_n all_o which_o due_o consider_v i_o think_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o see_v the_o primitive_a space_n or_o period_n of_o work_n and_o rest_v appear_v by_o divine_a appointment_n to_o have_v be_v commemorate_a among_o the_o jew_n by_o year_n as_o well_o as_o by_o day_n the_o same_o primitive_a space_n or_o period_n be_v equal_o day_n and_o year_n also_o 4._o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n by_o the_o sacred_a history_n concur_v with_o ancient_a tradition_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v leisurely_o regular_a and_o gradual_a without_o any_o precipitancy_n or_o acceleration_n by_o a_o miraculous_a hand_n on_o every_o occasion_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v suppose_v in_o those_o day_n of_o twenty_o four_o short_a hour_n only_o but_o if_o they_o be_v as_o long_o as_o the_o present_a hypothesis_n suppose_v they_o be_v true_o agreeable_a and_o proportionable_a to_o the_o same_o production_n which_o consequence_n will_v be_v so_o easy_o allow_v i_o that_o i_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o as_o certain_a as_o be_v the_o regular_a and_o gentle_a the_o natural_a and_o leisurely_o procedure_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o which_o i_o know_v no_o good_a reason_n from_o any_o warrant_n sacred_a or_o profane_a to_o make_v any_o question_n so_o certain_a be_v the_o proposition_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o or_o so_o certain_o the_o primitive_a day_n and_o year_n be_v all_o one_o 5._o two_o such_o work_n be_v by_o moses_n ascribe_v to_o the_o three_o day_n which_o if_o that_o be_v not_o long_o than_o one_o of_o we_o now_o be_v inconceiveable_a and_o incompatible_a on_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o day_n 13._o the_o water_n of_o the_o globe_n be_v to_o be_v drain_v off_o all_o the_o dry_a land_n into_o the_o sea_n and_o on_o the_o same_o day_n afterward_o all_o the_o plant_n and_o vegetable_n be_v to_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n now_o the_o velocity_n of_o run_a water_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o in_o a_o part_n of_o one_o of_o our_o short_a day_n to_o descend_v from_o the_o middle_a region_n of_o the_o dry_a land_n into_o the_o sea_n adjoin_v to_o they_o nor_o if_o it_o be_v can_v the_o land_n be_v dry_a enough_o in_o a_o instant_n for_o the_o production_n of_o all_o those_o plant_n and_o vegetable_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v assure_v appear_v the_o same_o day_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o which_o difficulty_n vanish_v if_o we_o allow_v the_o primitive_a day_n to_o have_v be_v year_n also_o as_o will_n more_o full_o be_v make_v appear_v in_o due_a place_n 6._o whatever_o may_v possible_o be_v
this_o earth_n or_o the_o change_n of_o that_o chaos_n into_o a_o habitable_a world_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a result_n from_o any_o necessary_a law_n of_o mechanism_n independent_o on_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o influence_n and_o interposition_n and_o all_o along_o under_o the_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o testimony_n for_o this_o be_v so_o numerous_a and_o so_o express_v both_o in_o the_o mosaic_a history_n itself_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n relate_v thereto_o and_o in_o all_o antiquity_n that_o i_o may_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o almost_o every_o place_n where_o this_o matter_n be_v speak_v of_o without_o quote_v here_o any_o particular_n he_o who_o be_v at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o the_o primitive_a history_n of_o this_o rise_a world_n whether_o sacred_a or_o profane_a can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o day_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o that_o of_o rest_n have_v their_o beginning_n in_o the_o evening_n the_o evening_n and_o the_o morning_n be_v the_o first_o day_n 31._o and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n afterward_o iv._o at_o the_o time_n immediate_o precede_v the_o six_o day_n creation_n the_o face_n of_o the_o abyss_n or_o superior_a region_n of_o the_o chaos_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o thick_a darkness_n darkness_n be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a to_o which_o 2._o testimony_n the_o profane_a tradition_n do_v full_o agree_v as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o author_n before_o refer_v to_o v._o the_o visible_a part_n of_o the_o first_o day_n work_v be_v the_o production_n of_o light_n or_o its_o successive_a appearance_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o consequent_a distinction_n of_o darkness_n and_o light_n night_n and_o day_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v 5._o light_a and_o god_n see_v the_o light_n that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o god_n divide_v the_o light_n from_o the_o darkness_n and_o god_n call_v the_o light_n day_n and_o the_o darkness_n he_o call_v night_n and_o the_o evening_n and_o the_o morning_n be_v the_o first_o day_n vi_o the_o visible_a part_n of_o the_o second_o day_n work_n be_v the_o elevation_n of_o the_o air_n with_o all_o it_o be_v contain_v vapour_n the_o spread_a it_o for_o a_o expansum_fw-la above_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o distinction_n thence_o arise_v of_o superior_a and_o inferior_a water_n the_o former_a consist_v of_o those_o vapour_n raise_v and_o sustain_v by_o the_o air_n the_o latter_a of_o such_o as_o either_o be_v enclose_v in_o the_o pore_n interstice_n and_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o lay_v upon_o the_o surface_n thereof_o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v a_o firmament_n or_o expansum_fw-la 8._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n and_o let_v it_o divide_v the_o water_n from_o the_o water_n and_o god_n make_v the_o firmament_n and_o divide_v the_o water_n which_o be_v under_o the_o firmament_n from_o the_o water_n which_o be_v above_o the_o firmament_n and_o it_o be_v so_o and_o god_n call_v the_o firmament_n heaven_n and_o the_o evening_n and_o the_o morning_n be_v the_o second_o day_n vii_o the_o visible_a part_n of_o the_o three_o day_n be_v work_v be_v two_o the_o former_a the_o collection_n of_o the_o inferior_a water_n or_o such_o as_o be_v now_o under_o the_o heaven_n into_o the_o sea_n with_o the_o consequent_a appearance_n of_o the_o dry_a land_n the_o latter_a the_o production_n of_o vegetable_n out_o of_o that_o ground_n so_o late_o become_v dry_a god_n say_v let_v the_o water_n under_o the_o heaven_n be_v gather_v 13._o together_o unto_o one_o place_n and_o let_v the_o dry_a land_n appear_v and_o it_o be_v so_o and_o god_n call_v the_o dry_a land_n earth_n and_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o water_n call_v he_o sea_n and_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o god_n say_v let_v the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o grass_n the_o herb_n yield_v seed_n and_o the_o fruit-tree_n yield_v fruit_n after_o his_o kind_n who_o seed_n be_v in_o itself_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v so_o and_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o grass_n and_o herb_n yield_v seed_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o the_o tree_n yield_v fruit_n who_o seed_n be_v in_o itself_o after_o his_o kind_n and_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o the_o evening_n and_o the_o morning_n be_v the_o three_o day_n viii_o the_o four_o day_n be_v work_v be_v the_o place_v the_o heavenly_a body_n sun_n moon_n and_o star_n in_o the_o expansum_fw-la or_o firmament_n i._n e._n the_o render_v they_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n together_o with_o their_o several_a assignation_n to_o their_o respective_a office_n there_o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n in_o the_o expansum_fw-la 19_o or_o firmament_n of_o heaven_n to_o divide_v the_o day_n from_o the_o night_n and_o let_v they_o be_v for_o sign_n and_o for_o season_n and_o for_o day_n and_o year_n and_o let_v they_o be_v for_o light_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o heaven_n to_o give_v light_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v so_o and_o god_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o great_a light_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o lesser_a light_n to_o rule_v the_o night_n he_o make_v the_o star_n also_o and_o god_n set_v they_o in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o give_v light_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o rule_v over_o the_o day_n and_o over_o the_o night_n and_o to_o divide_v the_o light_n from_o the_o darkness_n and_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o the_o evening_n and_o the_o morning_n be_v the_o four_o day_n ix_o the_o five_o day_n be_v work_v be_v the_o production_n of_o the_o fish_n and_o fowl_n out_o of_o the_o water_n with_o the_o benediction_n bestow_v on_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o propagation_n god_n say_v let_v the_o water_n bring_v forth_o abundant_o 23._o the_o move_a creature_n that_o have_v life_n and_o fowl_n that_o may_v fly_v above_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o open_a firmament_n of_o heaven_n and_o god_n create_v great_a whale_n and_o every_o live_a creature_n that_o move_v which_o the_o water_n bring_v forth_o abundant_o after_o their_o kind_n and_o every_o wing_a fowl_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o god_n bless_v they_o say_v be_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v and_o fill_v the_o water_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o let_v fowl_n multiply_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o evening_n and_o the_o morning_n be_v the_o five_o day_n x._o the_o six_o day_n be_v work_v be_v the_o production_n of_o all_o the_o terrestrial_a or_o dry-land_n animal_n and_o that_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n for_o the_o bruit_n beast_n be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o fish_n and_o fowl_n have_v be_v before_o out_o of_o the_o water_n but_o after_o that_o the_o body_n of_o adam_n be_v form_v of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n who_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n breathe_v into_o he_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n become_v a_o live_v soul_n some_o time_n after_o which_o on_o the_o same_o day_n he_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n and_o eve_n be_v form_v of_o a_o rib_n take_v from_o his_o side_n together_o with_o several_a other_o thing_n of_o which_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n priùs_fw-la have_v be_v already_o give_v on_o another_o occasion_n god_n say_v let_v the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o the_o live_a 27._o creature_n after_o his_o kind_n cattle_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o it_o be_v so_o and_o god_n make_v the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o cattle_n after_o their_o kind_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o creep_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o god_n say_v let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o image_n after_o our_o likeness_n and_o let_v they_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o over_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o over_o the_o cattle_n and_o over_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o over_o every_o creep_a thing_n that_o creep_v upon_o the_o earth_n so_o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n create_v he_o he_o male_a and_o female_a create_v he_o they_o etc._n etc._n vid._n ver_fw-la 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o and_o cap._n 2._o 7_o 15_o etc._n etc._n xi_o god_n have_v thus_o finish_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n rest_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n from_o the_o same_o and_o sanctify_a or_o set_v that_o day_n apart_o for_o a_o sabbath_n or_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o be_v then_o and_o afterward_o observe_v as_o a_o memorial_n of_o his_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o
second_o cause_n the_o constant_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a affair_n to_o the_o first_o cause_n the_o ultimate_a spring_n and_o original_a of_o all_o and_o to_o call_v man_n thought_n which_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o terminate_v there_o from_o the_o apparent_a occasion_n to_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o creator_n governor_n and_o disposer_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o their_o regard_n and_o adoration_n this_o be_v i_o say_v a_o very_a proper_a and_o reasonable_a procedure_n this_o be_v usual_o observe_v by_o the_o sacred_a penman_n who_o be_v thereby_o peculiar_o distinguish_v from_o profane_a author_n and_o this_o be_v of_o the_o high_a advantage_n in_o morality_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v withal_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o create_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o make_v it_o very_o hard_a in_o a_o philosophic_a attempt_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o part_n of_o the_o mosaic_a creation_n which_o be_v mechanical_o to_o be_v account_v for_o and_o those_o in_o which_o the_o miraculous_a energy_n of_o god_n almighty_n interpose_v itself_o which_o yet_o if_o ever_o be_v certain_o to_o be_v allow_v in_o this_o case_n where_o a_o new_a world_n be_v to_o be_v form_v and_o a_o wild_a chaos_n reduce_v into_o a_o regular_a beautiful_a and_o permanent_a system_n this_o be_v say_v in_o general_a to_o bespeak_v the_o reader_n be_v candour_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o to_o forewarn_v he_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o most_o mechanical_a and_o philosophic_a account_n of_o this_o creation_n as_o if_o thereby_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v supersede_v or_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n exclude_v i_o come_v direct_o to_o the_o point_n before_o we_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o interposition_n of_o god_n in_o this_o whole_a affair_n that_o as_o we_o shall_v present_o see_v how_o orderly_o methodical_a and_o regular_a this_o formation_n be_v so_o we_o may_v beforehand_o be_v due_o sensible_a how_o supernatural_a providential_a and_o divine_v it_o be_v also_o and_o so_o as_o well_o like_a christian_n contemplate_v and_o adore_v the_o omnipotent_a creator_n in_o his_o miraculous_a as_o we_o like_o philosopher_n shall_v attempt_v to_o consider_v and_o remark_n his_o vicegerent_n nature_n in_o her_o mechanical_a operation_n therein_o for_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v above_o insist_v on_o touch_v the_o frequency_n and_o propriety_n of_o ascribe_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o divine_a power_n the_o former_a be_v indeed_o nothing_o but_o the_o latter_a act_n according_a to_o fix_a and_o certain_a law_n yet_o because_o more_o have_v be_v common_o and_o may_v just_o be_v suppose_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n hereto_o relate_v because_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n or_o his_o supernatural_a efficiency_n be_v if_o ever_o to_o be_v reasonable_o expect_v in_o the_o origin_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o remarkable_a manner_n because_o some_o thing_n do_v in_o this_o creation_n be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o philosophy_n and_o mechanism_n and_o no_o otherwise_o accountable_a but_o by_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n himself_o because_o the_o day_n of_o creation_n be_v signal_o distinguish_v from_o those_o follow_v in_o which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v rest_v when_o yet_o his_o ordinary_a concurrence_n and_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v continue_v without_o interruption_n and_o must_v therefore_o be_v reckon_v such_o on_o which_o he_o true_o exert_v a_o power_n different_a from_o the_o other_o on_o all_o these_o account_n i_o free_o and_o in_o earnest_n allow_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a power_n and_o extraordinary_a providence_n exercise_v by_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o all_o in_o this_o primitive_a origin_n of_o the_o sublunary_a world_n or_o formation_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o we_o be_v go_v to_o account_v for_o the_o particular_a instance_n i_o shall_v give_v of_o the_o same_o without_o presume_v to_o exclude_v all_o other_o be_v these_o follow_v 1._o the_o creation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o particular_o of_o that_o of_o the_o earth_n out_o of_o nothing_o be_v without_o doubt_n original_o the_o alone_a and_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n almighty_n nature_n let_v what_o will_v be_v mean_v by_o that_o name_n can_v have_v no_o hand_n in_o this_o from_o whence_o at_o the_o utmost_a she_o can_v but_o date_n she_o own_o birth_n the_o production_n of_o a_o real_a be_v out_o of_o nothing_o or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o the_o primary_n bring_v any_o real_a thing_n into_o be_v be_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o man_n the_o effect_n of_o no_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a and_o omnipotent_a deity_n i_o have_v already_o own_v this_o to_o be_v 7._o the_o import_n of_o the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o creation_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v 1._o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v here_o no_o improper_a place_n to_o declare_v my_o opinion_n that_o consider_v the_o idea_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n include_v active_a power_n infinite_a perfection_n with_o necessity_n and_o so_o eternity_n of_o existence_n when_o the_o idea_n and_o nature_n of_o matter_n suppose_v entire_a inactivity_n no_o positive_a perfection_n and_o a_o bare_a possibility_n or_o capacity_n of_o existence_n it_o be_v as_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o attribute_v eternity_n and_o necessity_n of_o existence_n to_o the_o latter_a as_o it_o be_v rational_a and_o natural_a to_o ascribe_v those_o perfection_n with_o a_o power_n of_o creation_n to_o the_o former_a the_o very_a be_v and_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o the_o property_n and_o power_n of_o matter_n be_v most_o just_o and_o most_o philosophical_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o almighty_a creator_n and_o although_o our_o imagination_n a_o poor_a finite_a limit_v and_o imperfect_a faculty_n be_v unable_a to_o have_v a_o positive_a idea_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o production_n of_o a_o real_a be_v at_o first_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v sufficient_o strange_a if_o so_o confine_v a_o power_n of_o so_o imperfect_a a_o creature_n shall_v adequate_o reach_v the_o high_a point_n of_o omnipotence_n itself_o yet_o see_v 6._o the_o absurdity_n follow_v the_o eternity_n and_o self-subsistence_n of_o matter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v so_o enormous_a and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o proper_a creation_n of_o spiritual_a being_n noble_a than_o matter_n such_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v as_o great_a as_o it_o be_v utter_o incredible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la too_o for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o soul_n be_v immaterial_a i_o think_v it_o be_v far_o more_o reasonable_a to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o our_o former_a assertion_n that_o god_n do_v true_o bring_v matter_n into_o be_v at_o first_o than_o its_o eternity_n suppose_v to_o make_v only_o the_o modification_n and_o management_n thereof_o the_o province_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o consequent_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o a_o divine_a efficiency_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o subject_a we_o be_v now_o upon_o and_o the_o high_a of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o original_a production_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o consist_v or_o the_o proper_a creation_n of_o those_o inferior_a heaven_n and_o of_o that_o earth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a operation_n in_o the_o six_o day_n work_n this_o particular_a i_o confess_v do_v not_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o our_o present_a business_n the_o formation_n of_o the_o chaos_n into_o a_o habitable_a world_n but_o can_v not_o well_o be_v omit_v either_o consider_v in_o itself_o as_o it_o bear_v so_o peculiar_a a_o relation_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n or_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o misconstruction_n i_o may_v with_o some_o reader_n have_v otherwise_o be_v liable_a to_o but_o i_o proceed_v 2._o the_o change_n of_o the_o course_n and_o orbit_n of_o the_o chaos_n into_o that_o of_o a_o planet_n to_o omit_v the_o former_a annual_a and_o subsequent_a diurnal_a revolution_n which_o though_o equal_o from_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o so_o full_o belong_v to_o this_o place_n or_o the_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o its_o primitive_a circular_a orbit_n at_o its_o proper_a distance_n therein_o to_o revolve_v about_o the_o sun_n be_v either_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o immediate_a power_n or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o peculiar_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o do_v that_o god_n do_v not_o by_o a_o miraculous_a operation_n remove_v the_o chaos_n or_o comet_n from_o its_o very_a eccentrick_a ellipsis_n to_o that_o circle_n in_o which_o it_o now_o
replenish_v with_o those_o first_o pair_n which_o by_o the_o benediction_n they_o straightway_o receive_v be_v enable_v to_o become_v the_o original_n of_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o region_n afterward_o which_o time_n and_o procedure_n be_v no_o less_o agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o our_o hypothesis_n than_o it_o be_v to_o the_o express_a affirmation_n of_o moses_n who_o make_v fish_n and_o fowl_n the_o sole_a product_n of_o the_o five_o day_n or_o year_n of_o the_o creation_n x._o the_o six_o day_n be_v work_v be_v the_o production_n of_o all_o the_o terrestrial_a or_o dry-land_n animal_n and_o that_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n for_o the_o brute_n beast_n be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o fish_n and_o fowl_n have_v be_v before_o out_o of_o the_o water_n but_o after_o that_o the_o body_n of_o adam_n be_v form_v of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n who_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n breathe_v into_o he_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n become_v a_o live_v soul_n some_o time_n after_o which_o on_o the_o same_o day_n he_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n and_o eve_n be_v form_v out_o of_o a_o rib_n take_v from_o his_o side_n together_o with_o several_a other_o thing_n of_o which_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n have_v be_v already_o give_v on_o another_o occasion_n x._o the_o earth_n be_v now_o grow_v more_o solid_a compact_a and_o dry_v its_o surface_n distinguish_v into_o sea_n and_o dry-land_n each_o of_o which_o be_v store_v in_o some_o sort_n with_o inhabitant_n and_o vegetable_n the_o air_n be_v full_o clear_a and_o fit_a for_o respiration_n and_o the_o other_o disposition_n of_o external_n nature_n be_v equal_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o as_o well_o as_o it_o have_v be_v before_o to_o the_o last_o day_n production_n it_o be_v a_o proper_a season_n for_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o dry-land_n animal_n and_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o noble_a of_o they_o man_n which_o according_o be_v the_o first_o work_n on_o this_o six_o day_n or_o year_n of_o the_o creation_n any_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o which_o or_o of_o the_o follow_a work_n be_v not_o so_o direct_o the_o design_n of_o this_o theory_n and_o so_o shall_v not_o be_v here_o far_o insist_v on_o we_o may_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n the_o one_o be_v the_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o other_o the_o peculiar_a time_n for_o the_o creation_n of_o man._n as_o to_o the_o former_a though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o the_o other_o day_n be_v work_v mention_v by_o moses_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n by_o proper_a and_o suitable_a instrument_n and_o a_o mechanical_a process_n as_o we_o have_v see_v through_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o the_o forego_n creation_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v that_o a_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a power_n be_v exercise_v in_o prius_fw-la the_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o infusion_n of_o the_o 46._o soul_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o other_o particular_a case_n belong_v to_o this_o origin_n of_o thing_n in_o plain_a term_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v evident_a that_o 12._o that_o same_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o bless_a mediator_n who_o be_v afterward_o very_o frequent_o conversant_a on_o earth_n appear_v in_o a_o humane_a form_n to_o 20._o the_o patriarch_n give_v the_o law_n in_o a_o visible_a glory_n 15._o and_o with_o a_o audible_a voice_n on_o mount_n sinai_n 13._o guide_v the_o israelite_n personal_o in_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n and_o of_o a_o cloud_n through_o the_o wilderness_n inhabit_v between_o the_o cherubin_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n and_o take_v the_o peculiar_a style_n title_n attribute_n adoration_n and_o incommunicable_a name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o at_o last_o be_v incarnate_a live_v a_o true_a man_n among_o we_o die_v for_o we_o and_o ascend_v 14._o into_o heaven_n make_v still_o intercession_n for_o we_o with_o the_o father_n and_o will_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n etc._n in_o righteousness_n at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o this_o very_a same_o divine_a person_n be_v actual_o and_o visible_o in_o a_o humane_a shape_n conversant_a on_o earth_n and_o be_v true_o and_o real_o employ_v in_o this_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o peculiar_a formation_n 5._o of_o man_n so_o frequent_o ascribe_v to_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v both_o unfit_a and_o 17._o impossible_a for_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o or_o at_o least_o that_o of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v so_o much_o and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n concern_v with_o the_o corporeal_a world_n and_o the_o sinful_a race_n of_o mankind_n as_o we_o find_v here_o and_o every_o where_o this_o divine_a person_n 12._o our_o bless_a mediator_n to_o have_v be_v as_o the_o text_n quote_v a_o little_a above_o compare_v together_o do_v i_o think_v full_o prove_v see_v therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n god-man_n be_v personal_o present_a and_o actual_o employ_v in_o this_o primitive_a creation_n of_o the_o world_n see_v man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o creature_n entire_o different_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n a_o be_v compound_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o immortal_a soul_n and_o of_o a_o material_a and_o corruptible_a body_n see_v in_o both_o these_o he_o be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n who_o create_v he_o and_o be_v constitute_v his_o deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n among_o the_o creature_n here_o below_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a there_o shall_v be_v as_o great_a a_o distinction_n in_o his_o original_a as_o be_v to_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o faculty_n his_o office_n and_o dignity_n his_o capacity_n and_o happiness_n from_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o peculiar_a interposition_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o infusion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n so_o particular_o observable_a in_o the_o mosaic_a history_n be_v both_o very_a agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n very_o suitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o very_o reconcilable_a to_o the_o most_o philosophic_a account_n of_o this_o origin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o withal_o a_o remarkable_a token_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o human_a nature_n of_o the_o distinction_n between_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o of_o the_o great_a condescension_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o and_o so_o the_o most_o high_o worthy_a of_o our_o consideration_n neither_o be_v the_o other_o circumstance_n the_o peculiar_a time_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n to_o be_v pass_v over_o without_o a_o proper_a reflection_n on_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o none_o of_o the_o precede_a day_n be_v in_o any_o degree_n so_o fit_a for_o nay_o most_o of_o they_o not_o capable_a of_o this_o creation_n and_o introduction_n of_o man._n but_o upon_o this_o six_o period_n when_o every_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o and_o advance_v his_o felicity_n be_v complete_v he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o all_o and_o for_o who_o sake_n the_o whole_a be_v frame_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n when_o the_o light_n have_v be_v penetrate_v into_o and_o clarify_n this_o dark_a and_o thick_a atmosphere_n for_o more_o than_o five_o complete_a year_n together_o when_o the_o air_n be_v free_v from_o its_o numberless_a vapour_n and_o become_v pure_a clear_a and_o fit_a for_o his_o respiration_n when_o the_o water_n as_o well_o superior_a as_o interior_a be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o minister_v to_o his_o necessity_n by_o mist_n and_o dew_n from_o the_o heaven_n and_o by_o spring_n and_o river_n from_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v become_v dry_a and_o solid_a for_o his_o support_n and_o be_v cover_v over_o with_o tree_n shrub_n plant_n herb_n grass_n and_o flower_n for_o his_o sustenance_n and_o delight_n when_o the_o glorious_a firmament_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o beautiful_a system_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n be_v visible_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o he_o the_o object_n of_o his_o contemplation_n the_o distinguisher_n of_o his_o season_n by_o who_o powerful_a influence_n the_o earth_n be_v invigorate_v and_o the_o world_n render_v a_o fruitful_a and_o useful_a a_o lightsome_a and_o pleasant_a habitation_n to_o he_o when_o last_o all_o sort_n of_o animal_n in_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o air_n or_o on_o the_o earth_n be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o attend_v benefit_n and_o please_v he_o one_o way_n or_o other_o when_o i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o care_n beneficence_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n prepare_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o principal_a guest_n then_o
the_o deluge_n preserve_v and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o divine_a providence_n do_v conduct_v the_o ark_n and_o on_o this_o be_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o present_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o all_o those_o terrestrial_a animal_n which_o be_v now_o on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o otherwise_o have_v perish_v at_o their_o exit_fw-la out_o of_o the_o ark_n notwithstanding_o their_o wonderful_a preservation_n therein_o during_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o deluge_n coral_n 3._o hence_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v whence_o the_o olive-branch_n be_v bring_v by_o the_o dove_n to_o 11._o noah_n for_o when_o the_o tree_n adjoin_v to_o the_o ark_n or_o on_o the_o neighbour_a top_n of_o the_o hill_n have_v suffer_v small_a damage_n by_o the_o flood_n and_o have_v since_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o water_n enjoy_v almost_o the_o whole_a spring_n and_o half_a the_o summer_n they_o must_v be_v as_o flourish_v and_o full_a of_o as_o many_o new_a and_o tender_a sprouts_n as_o ever_o one_o of_o which_o may_v therefore_o be_v easy_o break_v off_o by_o the_o dove_n and_o bring_v to_o noah_n in_o her_o mouth_n which_o new_a dry_a and_o frim_a sprout_n or_o branch_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o the_o water_n be_v not_o only_o go_v and_o the_o ground_n dry_v a_o great_a while_n before_o but_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v still_o as_o formerly_z fit_a for_o the_o production_n of_o its_o wont_a tree_n and_o fruit_n most_o exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o a_o entire_a deliverance_n and_o in_o the_o future_a renovation_n of_o the_o world_n lxxii_o this_o factitious_a crust_n be_v universal_a upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o mountain_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o plain_n and_o valley_n and_o that_o in_o all_o the_o know_a climate_n and_o region_n of_o the_o world_n lxxii_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a from_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o deluge_n already_o account_v for_o and_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o mountain_n will_v usul_o have_v a_o thin_a sediment_n or_o crust_n than_o the_o plain_n or_o valley_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o lesser_a height_n of_o the_o water_n over_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o yet_o they_o be_v at_o the_o deluge_n much_o inferior_a to_o the_o height_n of_o caucasus_n must_v be_v general_o cover_v with_o the_o same_o crust_n unless_o the_o storm_n and_o wave_n wash_v it_o down_o again_o after_o its_o first_o settle_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o as_o the_o observation_n show_v they_o real_o now_o be_v corollary_n 1._o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a even_o abstract_o from_o the_o sacred_a history_n that_o there_o have_v former_o be_v a_o universal_a deluge_n much_o high_a than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o mountain_n so_o that_o hereafter_o since_o the_o so_o useful_a observation_n of_o naturalist_n and_o principal_o of_o dr._n woodward_n hereto_o relate_v we_o need_v not_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v the_o credit_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n of_o the_o deluge_n by_o ancient_a record_n and_o the_o universal_a attestation_n of_o antiquity_n which_o testimony_n yet_o be_v too_o evident_a and_o numerous_a to_o be_v deny_v but_o may_v from_o our_o own_o eye_n at_o the_o neighbour_a mine_n and_o coal-pit_n satisfy_v ourselves_o of_o the_o exact_a truth_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a volume_n which_o have_v be_v so_o much_o except_v against_o by_o ill-disposed_a person_n so_o wonderful_a be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o its_o seasonable_a attestation_n afford_v to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o not_o only_o the_o very_a day_n as_o we_o have_v see_v when_o the_o flood_n begin_v assign_v by_o moses_n may_v still_o after_o more_o than_o four_o thousand_o year_n be_v prove_v from_o astronomy_n to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a one_o which_o the_o learned_a be_v chief_o capable_a of_o judge_v of_o and_o be_v primary_o influence_v by_o but_o the_o reality_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o deluge_n itself_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o such_o common_a and_o easy_a observation_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o neighbour_a mine_n or_o coal-pit_n that_o the_o vulgar_a and_o most_o illiterate_a may_v be_v eye-witness_n 35._o of_o the_o certain_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o so_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o sacred_a historian_n therein_o coral_n 2._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o none_o of_o the_o antediluvian_n city_n town_n building_n or_o other_o remain_n be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o since_o the_o deluge_n they_o be_v all_o general_o bury_v perhaps_o above_o two_o hundred_o foot_n deep_a in_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o sediment_n of_o the_o water_n lxxiii_o the_o part_n of_o the_o present_a upper_a strata_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o earth_n loose_a separate_z divide_v and_o float_v in_o the_o water_n among_o one_o another_o uncertain_o lxxiii_o this_o proposition_n need_v no_o far_a explication_n be_v already_o plain_a in_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v lxxiv_o all_o this_o heterogenous_a mass_n thus_o float_v in_o the_o water_n by_o degree_n descend_v downward_o and_o subside_v to_o the_o bottom_n pretty_a near_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o specific_a gravity_n and_o there_o compose_v those_o several_a strata_n or_o layer_n of_o which_o our_o present_a upper_a earth_n do_v consist_v lxxiv_o this_o proposition_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o the_o former_a and_o include_v in_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v lxxv_o vast_a multitude_n of_o fish_n belong_v both_o to_o the_o sea_n and_o river_n perish_v at_o the_o deluge_n and_o their_o shell_n be_v bury_v among_o the_o other_o body_n or_o mass_n which_o subside_v down_o and_o compose_v the_o layer_n of_o our_o upper_a earth_n lxxv_o where_o so_o heterogeneous_a a_o mass_n of_o corpuscle_n be_v disperse_v every_o where_o through_o the_o water_n and_o towards_o the_o bottom_n especial_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o their_o subsidence_n render_v the_o same_o very_a thick_a and_o muddy_a it_o be_v natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o multitude_n of_o fish_n partly_o stisle_v with_o the_o spissitude_n and_o grossness_n of_o the_o fluid_a scarce_o there_o deserve_v that_o name_n and_o partly_o poison_a with_o the_o kind_n of_o some_o of_o those_o corpuscle_n which_o they_o take_v in_o together_o with_o their_o nourishment_n therein_o will_v be_v destroy_v and_o perish_v in_o the_o water_n which_o be_v grant_v the_o rest_n so_o easy_o follow_v as_o not_o to_o need_v any_o far_a explication_n lxxvi_o the_o same_o law_n of_o specific_a gravity_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o mass_n be_v also_o observe_v in_o the_o subsidence_n of_o the_o shell_n of_o fish_n they_o then_o sink_v together_o with_o and_o according_o be_v now_o find_v enclose_v among_o those_o strata_n or_o body_n which_o be_v near_o of_o their_o own_o specific_a gravity_n the_o heavy_a shell_n be_v consequent_o still_o enclose_v among_o the_o heavy_a strata_n and_o the_o light_a shell_n among_o the_o light_a strata_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o our_o present_a earth_n lxxvi_o this_o phaevomenon_n be_v so_o natural_a and_o necessary_a consider_v the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o the_o thickness_n of_o the_o gross_a sediment_n downward_o and_o the_o equal_a subjection_n of_o shell_n to_o the_o law_n of_o specific_a gravity_n with_o all_o other_o body_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v any_o far_a upon_o it_o corollary_n this_o single_a phaenomenon_n of_o the_o shell_n of_o fish_n enclose_v in_o the_o most_o solid_a body_n as_o stone_n and_o marble_n and_o that_o all_o over_o the_o world_n according_a to_o their_o several_a specific_a gravity_n at_o great_a depth_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v so_o strange_a in_o it_o self_n so_o surprise_v to_o the_o spectator_n and_o so_o unaccountable_a without_o the_o most_o unusual_a and_o precarious_a miracle_n be_v introduce_v on_o any_o other_o principle_n and_o yet_o so_o easy_o and_o natural_o solve_v in_o the_o hypothesis_n before_o we_o be_v a_o strong_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v a_o invincible_a argument_n for_o the_o verity_n thereof_o and_o as_o undeniable_a as_o a_o physical_a assertion_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o be_v it_o be_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n pronounce_v without_o a_o miracle_n certain_o true_a lxxvii_o the_o strata_n of_o marble_n of_o stone_n and_o of_o all_o other_o solid_a body_n attain_v their_o solidity_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o sand_n or_o other_o matter_n whereof_o they_o consist_v be_v arrive_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o well_o settle_v there_o and_o all_o those_o strata_n which_o be_v solid_a at_o this_o day_n have_v be_v so_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n lxxvii_o see_v this_o upper_a crust_n or_o sediment_n be_v