some_o modern_a poet_n have_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o elysian_a field_n which_o homer_n and_o the_o ancient_n place_v remote_a on_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o these_o will_v make_v a_o little_a green_a meadow_n in_o campania_n fellix_fw-la to_o be_v the_o fame_a elysium_n thus_o much_o concern_v the_o father_n negative_o but_o to_o discover_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v what_o their_o positive_a assertion_n be_v in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o though_o their_o opinion_n be_v different_o express_v they_o general_o concentre_v in_o this_o that_o the_o southern_a hemisphere_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o paradise_n this_o i_o say_v seem_v manifest_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o christian_a antiquity_n and_o tradition_n so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n definitive_a in_o the_o remain_v we_o have_v upon_o that_o subject_n some_o of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o believe_v paradise_n to_o be_v corporeal_a and_o local_a and_o those_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o to_o this_o point_n other_o that_o think_v it_o local_a do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n as_o most_o of_o they_o indeed_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o particular_a place_n of_o it_o but_o the_o rest_n that_o do_v though_o they_o have_v express_v themselves_o in_o various_a way_n and_o under_o various_a form_n yet_o upon_o a_o due_a interpretation_n they_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o common_a and_o general_a conclusion_n that_o paradise_n be_v seat_v beyond_o the_o aequinoctial_a or_o in_o the_o other_o hemisphere_n and_o to_o understand_v this_o aright_o we_o must_v reflect_v in_o the_o first_o place_n upon_o the_o form_n of_o the_o primaeval_n earth_n and_o of_o the_o two_o hemisphere_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v altogether_o incommunicable_a one_o with_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o torrid_a zone_n betwixt_o they_o so_o as_o those_o two_o hemisphere_n be_v then_o as_o two_o distinct_a world_n or_o distinct_a earth_n that_o have_v no_o commerce_n with_o one_o another_o and_o this_o notion_n or_o tradition_n we_o find_v among_o heathen_a author_n as_o well_o as_o christian_a this_o opposite_a earth_n be_v call_v by_o they_o antichthon_n and_o its_o inhabitant_n antichthones_n for_o those_o word_n comprehend_v both_o the_o antipode_n and_o antoeci_n or_o all_o beyond_o the_o line_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o their_o best_a author_n as_o achilles_n tatius_n and_o caesar_n germanicus_n upon_o aratus_n probus_n grammaticus_n censorinus_n pomponius_n mela_n and_o pliny_n and_o these_o be_v call_v another_o world_n and_o look_v upon_o as_o another_o stock_n and_o race_n of_o mankind_n scip._n as_o appear_v from_o cicero_n and_o macrobius_n but_o as_o the_o latter_a part_n be_v their_o mistake_n so_o the_o former_a be_v acknowledge_v by_o christian_a author_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o particular_o s._n clement_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n mention_n a_o world_n or_o world_n beyond_o the_o ocean_n subject_n to_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o we_o this_o passage_n of_o s._n clement_n be_v also_o cite_v by_o s._n jerom_n in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o ephes._n 2._o 2._o and_o by_o origen_n periarchon_n where_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o other_o world_n be_v call_v antichthones_n 3._o i_o make_v this_o remark_n in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o importance_n of_o those_o phrase_n and_o expression_n among_o the_o ancient_n when_o they_o say_v paradise_n be_v in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o if_o they_o think_v paradise_n be_v in_o the_o moon_n or_o in_o jupiter_n or_o hang_v above_o like_o a_o cloud_n or_o a_o meteor_n they_o be_v not_o so_o extravagant_a but_o that_o paradise_n be_v in_o another_o hemisphere_n which_o be_v call_v antichthon_n another_o earth_n or_o another_o world_n from_o we_o and_o just_o repute_v so_o because_o of_o a_o impossibility_n of_o commerce_n or_o intercourse_n betwixt_o their_o respective_a inhabitant_n and_o this_o remark_n be_v premise_v we_o will_v now_o distribute_v the_o christian_a author_n and_o father_n that_o have_v deliver_v their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o place_n of_o paradise_n into_o three_o or_o four_o rank_n or_o order_n and_o though_o they_o express_v themselves_o different_o you_o will_v see_v when_o due_o examine_v and_o expound_v they_o all_o conspire_v and_o concur_v in_o the_o forementioned_a conclusion_n that_o the_o seat_n of_o paradise_n be_v in_o the_o other_o hemisphere_n in_o the_o first_o rank_n than_o we_o will_v place_v and_o reckon_v those_o that_o have_v set_v paradise_n in_o another_o world_n or_o in_o another_o earth_n see_v according_a to_o the_o forego_n explication_n that_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o affirm_v it_o seat_v beyond_o the_o torrid_a zone_n in_o the_o other_o hemisphere_n in_o this_o number_n be_v ephrem_n syrus_n moses_n bar_n cepha_n tatianus_n and_o of_o late_a date_n jacobus_n de_fw-fr valentia_n to_o these_o be_v to_o be_v add_v again_o such_o author_n as_o say_v that_o adam_n when_o he_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o paradise_n be_v bring_v into_o our_o earth_n or_o into_o our_o region_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o this_o be_v tantamount_n with_o the_o former_a and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o s._n jerom_n in_o several_a place_n against_o jovinian_a as_o also_o of_o constantine_n in_o his_o oration_n in_o eusebius_n and_o be_v positive_o assert_v by_o sulpitius_n severus_n and_o last_o those_o author_n that_o represent_v paradise_n as_o remote_a from_o our_o world_n and_o inaccessible_a so_o s._n austin_n procopius_n gazeus_n beda_n strabus_n fuldensis_n historia_fw-la scholiastica_fw-la and_o other_o these_o i_o say_v pursue_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o antiquity_n for_o what_o be_v remote_a from_o our_o world_n that_o be_v from_o our_o continent_n as_o we_o before_o explain_v it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v that_o antichthon_n 〈◊〉_d or_o antihemisphere_n which_o the_o ancient_n oppose_v to_o we_o another_o set_v of_o author_n that_o interpret_v the_o flame_v sword_n that_o guard_v paradise_n to_o be_v the_o torrid_a zone_n do_v plain_o intimate_v that_o paradise_n in_o their_o opinion_n lie_v beyond_o the_o torrid_a zone_n or_o in_o the_o antihemisphere_n and_o thus_o tertullian_n interpret_v the_o flame_v sword_n and_o in_o such_o word_n as_o full_o confirm_v our_o sense_n paradise_n he_o say_v by_o the_o torrid_a zone_n as_o by_o a_o wall_n of_o fire_n be_v sever_v from_o the_o communication_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o world_n it_o lay_v then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o this_o zone_n and_o s._n cyprian_n or_o the_o ancient_a author_n that_o pass_v under_o his_o name_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o genesis_n express_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n so_o also_o s._n austin_n and_o isidore_n hispalensis_n be_v think_v to_o interpret_v it_o and_o aquinas_n who_o make_v paradise_n inaccessible_a give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o propter_fw-la vehementiam_fw-la aestûs_fw-la in_o locis_fw-la intermediis_fw-la ex_fw-la propinquitate_fw-la solis_fw-la &_o hoc_fw-la significatur_fw-la per_fw-la flammeum_fw-la gladium_fw-la because_o of_o that_o vehement_a heat_n in_o the_o part_n betwixt_o we_o and_o that_o arise_v from_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o flame_v sword_n and_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o flame_v sword_n receive_v a_o remarkable_a force_n and_o emphasis_n from_o our_o theory_n and_o description_n of_o the_o primaeval_n earth_n for_o there_o the_o torrid_a zone_n be_v as_o a_o wall_n of_o fire_n indeed_o or_o a_o region_n of_o flame_n which_o none_o can_v pass_v or_o subsist_v in_o no_o more_o than_o in_o a_o furnace_n there_o be_v another_o form_n of_o expression_n among_o the_o ancient_n concern_v paradise_n which_o if_o decipher_v be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n and_o signification_n with_o this_o we_o have_v already_o instanced_a in_o they_o say_v sometime_o paradise_n be_v beyond_o the_o ocean_n or_o that_o the_o river_n of_o paradise_n come_v from_o beyond_o the_o ocean_n this_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o the_o former_a head_n and_o point_n still_o at_o the_o other_o hemisphere_n for_o as_o we_o note_v before_o some_o of_o they_o fix_v their_o antichthon_n and_o antichthâ—nes_n beyond_o the_o ocean_n that_o be_v since_o there_o be_v a_o ocean_n since_o the_o form_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v change_v and_o the_o torrid_a zone_n become_v habitable_a and_o cosequent_o can_v not_o be_v a_o boundary_a or_o separation_n betwixt_o the_o two_o world_n wherefore_o as_o some_o run_v still_o upon_o the_o old_a division_n by_o the_o torrid_a zone_n other_o take_v the_o new_a division_n by_o the_o ocean_n which_o ocean_n they_o suppose_v to_o lie_v from_o east_n to_o west_n betwixt_o the_o tropic_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o ancient_a author_n geminus_n herodotus_n cicero_n de_fw-fr republicâ_fw-la and_o clemens_n
constitute_v after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o they_o be_v now_o and_o that_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v change_v at_o the_o deluge_n it_o they_o have_v know_v or_o attend_v to_o this_o they_o have_v make_v no_o such_o objection_n nor_o use_v any_o such_o argument_n as_o they_o do_v against_o the_o future_a conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n they_o pretend_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o change_n in_o nature_n since_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o answer_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o that_o change_n and_o dissolution_n that_o happen_v to_o they_o in_o the_o deluge_n and_o how_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v another_o constitution_n whereby_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o be_v expose_v in_o god_n due_a time_n to_o be_v consume_v or_o dissolve_v by_o fire_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a easy_a and_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n thus_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v coherent_a and_o the_o sense_n genuine_a and_o apposite_a and_o this_o be_v a_o full_a confirmation_n of_o our_o first_o and_o general_a assertion_n that_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n be_v of_o another_o form_n from_o the_o present_a earth_n this_o have_v be_v observe_v former_o by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n from_o this_o text_n but_o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v general_o observe_v be_v partly_o because_o they_o have_v no_o theory_n to_o back_o such_o a_o interpretation_n and_o make_v it_o intelligible_a and_o partly_o because_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n here_o be_v a_o argumentation_n and_o not_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n or_o simple_a contradiction_n to_o those_o that_o raise_v the_o scruple_n it_o be_v a_o answer_n upon_o a_o ground_n take_v he_o premise_v and_o then_o infer_v in_o the_o five_o and_o six_o verse_n concern_v the_o deluge_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o concern_v the_o conflagration_n and_o when_o i_o have_v discover_v in_o my_o thought_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o other_o natural_a reason_n that_o the_o earth_n be_v certain_o once_o in_o another_o form_n it_o be_v a_o great_a assurance_n and_o confirmation_n to_o i_o when_o i_o reflect_v on_o this_o place_n of_o s._n peter_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o much_o direct_v and_o intend_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n or_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o same_o conclusion_n that_o though_o i_o design_v chief_o a_o philosophical_a theory_n of_o these_o thing_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v think_v we_o have_v be_v just_a to_o providence_n if_o we_o have_v neglect_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o sacred_a evidence_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v leave_v we_o on_o purpose_n to_o excite_v our_o inquiry_n and_o strengthen_v our_o reason_n concern_v the_o first_o state_n of_o thing_n thus_o much_o from_o divine_a authority_n we_o proceed_v now_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o proposition_n from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o chaos_n from_o whence_o the_o first_o earth_n arise_v we_o need_v not_o upon_o this_o occasion_n make_v a_o particular_a description_n of_o the_o chaos_n but_o only_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o fluid_a mass_n or_o a_o mass_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o little_a part_n and_o particle_n of_o matter_n mix_v together_o and_o float_v in_o confusion_n one_o with_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o surface_n of_o this_o mass_n shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o form_n and_o figure_n as_o the_o surface_n of_o our_o present_a earth_n be_v or_o that_o any_o concretion_n or_o consistent_a state_n which_o this_o mass_n can_v flow_v into_o immediate_o or_o first_o settle_v in_o can_v be_v of_o such_o a_o form_n and_o figure_n as_o our_o present_a earth_n the_o first_o of_o these_o assertion_n be_v of_o easy_a proof_n for_o a_o fluid_a body_n we_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v water_n or_o any_o other_o liquor_n always_o cast_v itself_o into_o a_o smooth_a and_o spherical_a surface_n and_o if_o any_o part_n by_o chance_n or_o by_o some_o agitation_n become_v high_o than_o the_o rest_n they_o do_v not_o continue_v so_o but_o glide_v down_o again_o every_o way_n into_o the_o low_a place_n till_o they_o all_o come_v to_o make_v a_o surface_n of_o the_o same_o height_n and_o of_o the_o same_o distance_n every_o where_o from_o the_o centre_n of_o their_o gravity_n a_o mountain_n of_o water_n be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o mountain_n there_o be_v no_o valley_n so_o also_o a_o den_n or_o cave_n within_o the_o water_n that_o have_v no_o wall_n but_o the_o liquid_a element_n be_v a_o structure_n unknown_a to_o art_n or_o nature_n all_o thing_n there_o must_v be_v full_a within_o and_o even_o and_o level_a without_o unless_o some_o external_n force_n keep_v they_o by_o violence_n in_o another_o posture_n but_o be_v this_o the_o form_n of_o our_o earth_n which_o be_v neither_o regular_o make_v within_o nor_o without_o the_o surface_n and_o exterior_a part_n be_v break_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o inequality_n hill_n and_o dale_n mountain_n and_o valley_n and_o the_o plain_a tract_n of_o it_o lie_v general_o incline_v or_o bend_v one_o way_n or_o other_o sometime_o upon_o a_o easy_a descent_n and_o other_o time_n with_o a_o more_o sensible_a and_o uneasy_a steepiness_n and_o though_o the_o great_a mountain_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v take_v all_o away_o the_o remain_a part_n will_v be_v more_o unequal_a than_o the_o rough_a sea_n whereas_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v resemble_v the_o face_n of_o the_o calm_a sea_n if_o it_o be_v still_o in_o the_o form_n of_o its_o first_o mass_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o to_o the_o huge_a mountain_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o lie_v sometime_o in_o lump_n or_o cluster_n heap_v up_o by_o one_o another_o sometime_o extend_v in_o long_a ridge_n or_o chain_n for_o many_o hundred_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o in_o every_o continent_n and_o in_o every_o ancient_a and_o original_a island_n there_o be_v either_o such_o a_o cluster_n or_o such_o a_o chain_n of_o mountain_n and_o can_v there_o be_v any_o more_o palpable_a demonstration_n than_o these_o be_v that_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o form_n that_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o chaos_n be_v or_o that_o any_o fluid_a mass_n can_v stand_v or_o hold_v itself_o in_o then_o for_o the_o form_n of_o the_o earth_n within_o or_o under_o its_o surface_n it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a for_o the_o chaos_n to_o imitate_v that_o for_o it_o be_v full_a of_o cavity_n and_o empty_a place_n of_o den_n and_o break_a hole_n whereof_o some_o be_v open_a to_o the_o air_n and_o other_o cover_v and_o enclose_v whole_o within_o the_o ground_n these_o be_v both_o of_o they_o unimitable_a in_o any_o liquid_a substance_n who_o part_n will_v necessary_o flow_v together_o into_o one_o continue_a mass_n and_o can_v be_v divide_v into_o apartment_n and_o separate_a room_n nor_o have_v vault_n or_o cavern_n make_v within_o it_o the_o wall_n will_v sink_v and_o the_o roof_n fall_v in_o for_o liquid_a body_n have_v nothing_o to_o sustain_v their_o part_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o cement_v they_o they_o be_v all_o loose_a and_o incoherent_a and_o in_o a_o perpetual_a flux_n even_o a_o heap_n of_o sand_n or_o fine_a powder_n will_v suffer_v no_o hollowness_n within_o they_o though_o they_o be_v dry_a substance_n and_o though_o the_o part_n of_o they_o be_v rough_a will_v hang_v together_o a_o little_a and_o stand_v a_o little_a upon_o a_o heap_n but_o the_o part_n of_o liquor_n be_v glib_a and_o continual_o in_o motion_n they_o fall_v off_o from_o one_o another_o which_o way_n soever_o gravity_n incline_v they_o and_o can_v neither_o have_v any_o hill_n or_o eminency_n on_o their_o surface_n nor_o any_o hollowness_n within_o their_o substance_n you_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o be_v true_a and_o that_o a_o liquid_a mass_n or_o chaos_n while_o it_o be_v liquid_a be_v incapable_a of_o either_o the_o outward_a or_o inward_a form_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o a_o concretion_n to_o a_o state_n of_o consistency_n and_o firmness_n than_o it_o may_v go_v you_o will_v say_v into_o any_o form_n no_o not_o in_o its_o first_o concretion_n nor_o in_o its_o first_o state_n of_o consistence_n for_o that_o will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o form_n that_o the_o surface_n of_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v liquid_a as_o water_n when_o it_o congeal_v the_o surface_n of_o the_o ice_n be_v smooth_a and_o level_a as_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o water_n be_v before_o so_o metal_n or_o any_o other_o substance_n melt_v or_o liquor_n that_o of_o themselves_o grow_v stiff_a and_o harden_v always_o
proceed_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v dissolve_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o dreadful_a countenance_n of_o a_o burn_a world_n these_o head_n be_v set_v down_o more_o full_o in_o the_o argument_n of_o each_o chapter_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o whole_a matter_n take_v in_o some_o additional_a discourse_n which_o in_o pursue_v these_o head_n enter_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o make_v the_o work_n more_o even_a and_o entire_a in_o the_o second_o part_n we_o restore_v the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v destroy_v build_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o righteousness_n shall_v dwell_v establish_v that_o new_a order_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o often_o celebrate_v by_o the_o prophet_n a_o kingdom_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o justice_n where_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v bind_v and_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n shall_v rule_v a_o paradise_n without_o a_o serpent_n and_o a_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n not_o to_o wound_v but_o to_o heal_v the_o nation_n where_o will_v be_v neither_o curse_n nor_o pain_n nor_o death_n nor_o disease_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v new_a all_o thing_n be_v more_o perfect_a both_o the_o world_n itself_o and_o its_o inhabitant_n where_o the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a have_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o glory_n we_o dote_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o pain_n and_o fear_v and_o reluctancy_n that_o we_o be_v tear_v from_o they_o as_o if_o our_o hope_n lay_v all_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o by_o what_o good_a fate_n my_o thought_n have_v be_v always_o fix_v upon_o thing_n to_o come_v more_o than_o upon_o thing_n present_a these_o i_o know_v by_o certain_a experience_n to_o be_v but_o trifle_n and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o considerable_a to_o come_v the_o whole_a be_v of_o man_n be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o trifle_n but_o there_o be_v room_n enough_o before_o we_o in_o that_o we_o call_v eternity_n for_o great_a and_o noble_a scene_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n feel_v itself_o lessen_v and_o straighten_v in_o this_o low_a and_o narrow_a state_n wish_n and_o wait_v to_o see_v something_o great_a and_o if_o it_o can_v discern_v another_o world_n a_o come_n on_o this_o side_n eternal_a life_n a_o beginning_n glory_n the_o best_a that_o earth_n can_v bear_v it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o immortality_n to_o enâ—oy_v that_o prospect_n beforehand_o to_o see_v when_o this_o theatre_n be_v dissolve_v where_o we_o shall_v act_v next_o and_o what_o part_n what_o saint_n and_o hero_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v will_v appear_v upon_o that_o stage_n and_o with_o what_o lustre_n and_o excellency_n how_o easy_a will_v it_o be_v under_o a_o view_n of_o these_o futurity_n to_o despise_v the_o little_a pomp_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o momentany_a pleasure_n of_o a_o mortal_a life_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o our_o subâ—ect_n chap._n ii_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v propose_v it_o be_v the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o present_a world_n or_o the_o present_a frame_n of_o nature_n be_v mutable_a and_o perishable_a to_o which_o the_o sacred_a book_n agree_v and_o natural_a reason_n can_v allege_v nothing_o against_o it_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o end_n or_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o by_o fire_n or_o otherwise_o â—tis_fw-la not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o we_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o great_a universe_n sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o the_o high_a heaven_n as_o if_o these_o be_v to_o perish_v or_o be_v destroy_v some_o few_o year_n hence_o whether_o by_o fire_n or_o any_o other_o way_n this_o question_n be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o sublunary_a world_n of_o this_o earth_n and_o its_o furniture_n which_o have_v its_o original_n about_o six_o thousand_o year_n ago_o according_a to_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n and_o have_v once_o already_o be_v destroy_v when_o the_o exterior_a region_n of_o it_o break_v and_o the_o abyss_n issue_v forth_o 8._o as_o out_o of_o a_o womb_n overflow_v all_o the_o habitable_a earth_n the_o next_o deluge_n be_v that_o of_o fire_n which_o will_v have_v the_o same_o bound_n and_o overflow_v the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n muchwhat_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o the_o celestial_a region_n where_o the_o star_n and_o angel_n inhabit_v be_v not_o concern_v in_o this_o fate_n those_o be_v not_o make_v of_o combustible_a matter_n nor_o if_o they_o be_v can_v our_o flame_n reach_v they_o possible_o those_o body_n may_v have_v change_n and_o revolution_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o but_o in_o way_n unknown_a to_o we_o and_o after_o long_a and_o unknown_a period_n of_o time_n therefore_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o â—he_n conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n these_o have_v no_o concern_v in_o the_o question_n nor_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n than_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o dependence_n as_o will_v evident_o appear_v when_o we_o come_v to_o explain_v the_o manner_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o conflagration_n and_o as_o this_o conflagration_n can_v extend_v no_o further_o than_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o element_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o destroy_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o only_o the_o form_n and_o fashion_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o habitable_a world_n neither_o fire_n nor_o any_o other_o natural_a agent_n can_v destroy_v matter_n that_o be_v reduce_v it_o to_o nothing_o it_o may_v alter_v the_o mode_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o but_o the_o substance_n will_v always_o remain_v and_o according_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o mutability_n of_o this_o world_n say_v only_o 31._o the_o figure_n or_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o this_o structure_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o element_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o earth_n 3._o as_o s._n peter_n say_v all_o its_o natural_a production_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o art_n or_o humane_a industry_n these_o will_v perish_v melt_v or_o tear_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o fire_n but_o without_o a_o annihilation_n of_o the_o matter_n any_o more_o than_o in_o the_o former_a deluge_n and_o this_o will_v be_v further_o prove_v and_o illustrate_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o follow_a book_n the_o question_n be_v thus_o state_v we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o sense_n of_o antiquity_n upon_o these_o two_o point_n first_o whether_o this_o sublunary_a world_n be_v mutable_a and_o perishable_a second_o by_o the_o force_n and_o action_n of_o what_o cause_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o will_v perish_v whether_o by_o fire_n or_o otherwise_o aristotle_n be_v very_o irregular_a in_o his_o sentiment_n about_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n he_o allow_v it_o neither_o beginning_n not_o end_v rise_v nor_o fall_v but_o will_v have_v it_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a and_o this_o he_o understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o great_a universe_n but_o of_o this_o sublunary_a world_n this_o earth_n which_o we_o inhabit_v wherein_o he_o will_v not_o admit_v there_o ever_o have_v be_v or_o over_o will_v be_v either_o general_a deluge_n or_o conflagration_n and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v ambitious_a to_o be_v think_v singular_a in_o his_o opinion_n about_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n he_o say_v all_z the_o ancient_n before_o he_o give_v some_o beginning_n or_o origin_n to_o the_o world_n but_o be_v not_o indeed_o so_o unanimous_a as_o â—o_o its_o 〈◊〉_d fate_n some_o believe_v it_o immutable_a or_o as_o the_o philosopher_n call_v it_o incorruptible_a other_o that_o it_o have_v its_o fatal_a time_n and_o period_n as_o lesser_a body_n have_v and_o a_o term_n of_o age_n prefix_v to_o it_o by_o providence_n but_o before_o we_o examine_v this_o point_n any_o further_a it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o reflect_v upon_o that_o which_o we_o note_v before_o a_o ambiguity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n world_n which_o give_v frequent_a occasion_n of_o mistake_n in_o read_v the_o ancient_n when_o that_o which_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a universe_n we_o apply_v to_o the_o sublunary_a world_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o they_o speak_v of_o this_o earth_n we_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o beside_o aristotle_n make_v the_o world_n incorruptible_a they_o may_v mean_v that_o of_o the_o great_a universe_n which_o they_o think_v will_v never_o be_v dissolve_v or_o perish_v as_o to_o its_o mass_n and_o bulk_n but_o single_a part_n and_o point_n of_o it_o and_o our_o earth_n be_v no_o more_o may_v be_v various_o transform_v and_o make_v habitable_a and_o unhabitable_a according_a to_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n without_o any_o prâ—â—udiâ—d_n to_o their_o philosophy_n so_o plato_n for_o instance_n think_v this_o
they_o get_v the_o mastery_n and_o overwhelm_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o whole_a earth_n in_o a_o deluge_n or_o conflagration_n but_o as_o they_o make_v these_o two_o the_o destroy_a element_n so_o they_o also_o make_v they_o the_o purify_n element_n and_o according_o in_o their_o lustration_n or_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o purge_a sin_n fire_n and_o water_n be_v chief_o make_v use_n of_o both_o among_o the_o roman_n greek_n and_o barbarian_n and_o when_o these_o element_n over_o run_v the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o they_o say_v for_o a_o final_a destruction_n of_o it_o but_o to_o purge_v mankind_n and_o nature_n from_o their_o impurity_n as_o for_o purgation_n by_o fire_n and_o water_n the_o stile_n of_o our_o sacred_a write_n do_v very_o much_o accommodate_v itself_o to_o that_o sense_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o great_a purifier_n of_o soul_n be_v compare_v in_o his_o operation_n upon_o we_o and_o in_o our_o regeneration_n 21._o to_o fire_n or_o water_n and_o as_o for_o the_o external_a world_n s._n peter_n make_v the_o flood_n to_o have_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o baptziing_n or_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n 13._o and_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n make_v the_o last_o fire_n 3._o to_o be_v a_o purge_n and_o reâ—ining_v â—ire_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o ancient_n the_o stoic_n especial_o of_o all_o other_o sect_n among_o the_o greek_n have_v preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conflagration_n and_o make_v it_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o almost_o a_o character_n of_o their_o order_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o use_v any_o citation_n to_o prove_v it_o but_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o neither_o for_o beside_o that_o among_o the_o greek_n themselves_o heraclitus_n and_o empedocles_n more_o ancient_a than_o zeno_n the_o master_n of_o the_o stoic_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v plain_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o barbaric_a philosophy_n and_o take_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o greek_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o mystic_a learning_n among_o the_o greek_n be_v not_o original_o their_o own_o but_o borrow_v of_o the_o more_o eastern_a nation_n by_o orpheus_n pythagoras_n plato_n and_o many_o more_o who_o travel_v thither_o and_o trade_v with_o the_o priest_n for_o knowledge_n and_o philosophy_n and_o when_o they_o get_v a_o competent_a stock_n return_v home_o and_o set_v up_o a_o school_n or_o a_o sect_n to_o instruct_v their_o countryman_n but_o before_o we_o pass_v to_o the_o eastern_a nation_n let_v we_o if_o you_o please_v compare_v the_o roman_a philosophy_n upon_o this_o subject_n with_o that_o of_o the_o greek_n the_o roman_n be_v a_o great_a people_n that_o make_v a_o show_n of_o learning_n but_o have_v little_a in_o reality_n more_o than_o word_n and_o rhetoric_n their_o curiosity_n or_o emulation_n in_o philosophical_a study_n be_v so_o little_a that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v different_a sect_n and_o school_n among_o they_o as_o among_o the_o greek_n i_o remember_v no_o philosopher_n they_o have_v but_o such_o as_o tully_n seneca_n and_o some_o of_o their_o poet_n and_o of_o these_o lucretius_n lucan_n and_o ovid_n have_v speak_v open_o of_o the_o conflagration_n ovid_n verse_n be_v well_o know_v esse_fw-la quoque_fw-la in_o fatis_fw-la reminiscitur_fw-la affore_o tempus_fw-la quo_fw-la mare_fw-la quo_fw-la tellus_fw-la correptaque_fw-la regius_fw-la coeli_fw-la ardeat_fw-la &_o mundi_fw-la mole_n operosa_fw-la laboret_fw-la a_o time_n decree_v by_o fate_n at_o length_n will_v come_v when_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n shall_v have_v their_o doâ—m_n a_o fiery_a doâ—m_n and_o nature_n be_v mighty_a frame_n shall_v break_v and_o be_v dissolve_v into_o a_o flame_n we_o see_v tully_n sense_n upon_o this_o matter_n in_o scipio_n dream_n when_o the_o old_a man_n speak_v to_o his_o nephew_n africanus_n and_o show_v he_o from_o the_o cloud_n this_o spot_n of_o earth_n where_o we_o live_v he_o tell_v he_o though_o our_o action_n shall_v be_v great_a and_o fortune_n favour_v they_o with_o success_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o last_a glory_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o world_n itself_o be_v transient_a and_o fugitive_n and_o a_o deluge_n or_o a_o conflagration_n which_o necessary_o happen_v after_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n sweep_v away_o all_o record_n of_o humane_a action_n as_o for_o seneca_n he_o be_v a_o profess_a stoic_a we_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o his_o opinion_n in_o this_o point_n we_o may_v add_v here_o if_o you_o please_v the_o sibylline_a verse_n which_o be_v keep_v with_o great_a religion_n in_o the_o capitol_n at_o rome_n and_o consult_v with_o much_o ceremony_n upon_o solemn_a occasion_n these_o sibyl_n be_v the_o prophetess_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o though_o their_o write_n now_o have_v many_o spurious_a addition_n yet_o none_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n be_v one_o of_o their_o original_a prophecy_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o eastern_a nation_n as_o the_o roman_n receieve_v the_o small_a skill_n they_o have_v in_o the_o science_n from_o the_o greek_n so_o the_o greek_n receive_v their_o chief_a mystic_a learning_n from_o the_o barbarian_n that_o be_v from_o the_o egyptian_n persian_n phoenician_n and_o other_o eastern_a nation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o western_a or_o northern_a people_n that_o they_o call_v barbarian_n but_o indeed_o all_o nation_n beside_o themselves_o for_o that_o be_v common_o the_o vanity_n of_o great_a empire_n to_o uncivilize_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o account_v all_o those_o people_n barbarous_a that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o their_o dominion_n these_o however_o who_o they_o call_v so_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a people_n and_o have_v the_o first_o learning_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o after_o the_o flood_n and_o among_o these_o the_o egyptian_n be_v as_o famous_a as_o any_o who_o sentiment_n in_o this_o particular_a of_o the_o conflagration_n be_v well_o know_v for_o plato_n who_o live_v among_o they_o several_a year_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o timaeus_n that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o priest_n that_o the_o fatal_a catastrophe_n of_o the_o world_n be_v by_o fire_n and_o water_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o persian_n make_v their_o belove_a god_n fire_n at_o length_n to_o consume_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v consume_v for_o that_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o hydaspes_n 2._o one_o of_o their_o great_a magi_n or_o wise_a men._n as_o to_o the_o phoenician_n i_o suspect_v very_o much_o that_o the_o stoic_n have_v their_o philosophy_n from_o they_o and_o among_o other_o thing_n the_o conflagration_n we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o hereafter_o but_o to_o comprehend_v the_o arabian_n also_o and_o indian_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o story_n of_o the_o phoenix_n a_o story_n well_o know_v and_o relate_v by_o some_o ancient_a author_n and_o be_v in_o short_a this_o the_o phoenix_n they_o say_v be_v a_o bird_n in_o arabia_n india_n and_o those_o eastern_a part_n single_a in_o her_o kind_n never_o more_o than_o one_o at_o a_o time_n and_o very_o long-lived_a appear_v only_o at_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o great_a year_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o then_o she_o make_v herself_o a_o nest_n of_o spice_n which_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n by_o the_o sun_n or_o some_o other_o secret_a power_n she_o hover_v upon_o it_o and_o consume_v herself_o in_o the_o flame_n but_o which_o be_v most_o wonderful_a out_o of_o these_o ash_n rise_v a_o second_o phoenix_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o death_n as_o a_o renovation_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o the_o story_n be_v a_o fable_n as_o to_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o bird_n single_a in_o her_o species_n live_v and_o die_v and_o revive_v in_o that_o manner_n but_o it_o be_v a_o apologue_n or_o a_o fable_n with_o a_o interpretation_n and_o be_v intend_v as_o a_o emblem_n of_o the_o world_n which_o after_o a_o long_a age_n will_v be_v consume_v in_o the_o last_o fire_n and_o from_o its_o ash_n or_o remains_o will_v arise_v another_o world_n or_o a_o new-formed_a heaven_n and_o earth_n this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o true_a mystery_n of_o the_o phoenix_n under_o which_o symbol_n the_o eastern_a nation_n preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conflagration_n and_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n they_o tell_v somewhat_o a_o like_a story_n of_o the_o eagle_n soar_v aloft_n so_o near_o the_o sun_n that_o by_o his_o warmth_n and_o enliven_a ray_n she_o renew_v her_o age_n and_o become_v young_a again_o to_o this_o the_o psalmist_n be_v think_v to_o allude_v psal._n 103._o 5._o thy_o youth_n shall_v be_v
water_n have_v former_o this_o be_v according_a to_o st._n peter_n doctrine_n for_o he_o make_v the_o same_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o both_o namely_o the_o inferior_a heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v then_o perish_v in_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n 7._o but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v now_o be_v reserve_v to_o fire_n the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v substitute_v in_o the_o place_n of_o those_o that_o perish_v at_o the_o deluge_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v overrun_v and_o destroy_v by_o fire_n as_o those_o be_v by_o water_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n take_v the_o same_o region_n and_o the_o same_o space_n and_o compass_v for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o and_o make_v their_o fate_n different_a according_a to_o their_o different_a constitution_n and_o the_o different_a order_n of_o providence_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n st._n austin_n give_v we_o of_o the_o apostle_n word_n and_o these_o be_v the_o bound_n he_o set_v to_o the_o last_o fire_n whereof_o a_o modern_a commentator_n be_v so_o well_o assure_v that_o he_o say_v they_o neither_o understand_v divinity_n lâ—c_fw-la nor_o philosophy_n that_o will_v make_v the_o conflagration_n reach_v above_o the_o elementary_a heaven_n let_v these_o be_v then_o its_o limit_n upward_o the_o cloud_n air_n and_o atmosphere_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o question_n seem_v more_o doubtful_a how_o far_o it_o will_v extend_v downward_o into_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n i_o answer_v still_o to_o the_o same_o depth_n that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o deluge_n reach_v to_o the_o low_a abyss_n and_o the_o deep_a cavern_n within_o the_o ground_n and_o see_v no_o cavern_n be_v deep_a or_o low_o at_o least_o according_a to_o our_o theory_n than_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o great_a ocean_n to_o that_o depth_n i_o suppose_v the_o rage_n of_o this_o fire_n will_v penetrate_v and_o devour_v all_o before_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o only_o the_o outward_a turf_n and_o habitable_a surface_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v put_v into_o a_o flame_n and_o lay_v waist_n the_o whole_a exterior_a region_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o deep_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n will_v suffer_v in_o this_o fire_n and_o suffer_v to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o be_v melt_v down_o and_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o dissolve_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v only_o scorch_v or_o charkt_v in_o the_o last_o fire_n there_o will_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o liquefaction_n and_o dissolution_n 5._o it_o will_v become_v a_o melt_a sea_n mingle_v with_o fire_n according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o dissolution_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o reach_v as_o low_o as_o the_o earth_n have_v any_o hollowness_n or_o can_v give_v 〈◊〉_d to_o smoke_n and_o flame_n wherefore_o take_v these_o for_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o last_o great_a fire_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o it_o how_o this_o strange_a fate_n will_v seize_v upon_o the_o sublunary_a world_n and_o with_o a_o irresistible_a fury_n subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o itself_o but_o when_o i_o say_v natural_a cause_n i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o if_o i_o think_v the_o conflagration_n be_v a_o pure_a natural_a fatality_n as_o the_o stoic_n seem_v to_o do_v no_o it_o be_v a_o mix_a fatality_n the_o cause_n indeed_o be_v natural_a but_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v from_o a_o high_a hand_n fire_n be_v the_o instrument_n or_o the_o executive_a power_n and_o have_v no_o more_o force_n give_v it_o than_o what_o it_o have_v natural_o but_o the_o concurrence_n of_o these_o cause_n or_o of_o these_o fiery_a power_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o they_o to_o carry_v on_o and_o complete_a the_o whole_a work_n without_o cessation_n or_o interruption_n that_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o more_o than_o what_o material_a nature_n can_v effect_v of_o itself_o or_o than_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o such_o a_o government_n of_o matter_n as_o be_v the_o bare_a result_n of_o its_o own_o law_n and_o determination_n when_o a_o ship_n fail_v gentle_o before_o the_o wind_n the_o mariner_n may_v stand_v idle_a but_o to_o guide_v she_o in_o a_o storm_n all_o hand_n must_v be_v at_o work_n there_o be_v rule_n and_o measure_n to_o be_v observe_v even_o in_o these_o tumult_n and_o desolation_n of_o nature_n in_o destroy_v a_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o make_v one_o and_o therefore_o in_o both_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n to_o superintend_v the_o work_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o be_v too_o positive_a or_o presumptuous_a in_o our_o conjecture_n about_o these_o thing_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a hand_n divine_a or_o angelical_a that_o touch_v the_o spring_n and_o wheel_n it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v with_o certainty_n the_o order_n of_o their_o motion_n however_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v into_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v and_o we_o may_v without_o offence_n look_v into_o the_o magazine_n of_o nature_n see_v what_o provision_n be_v make_v and_o what_o preparation_n for_o this_o great_a day_n and_o in_o what_o method_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a the_o design_n will_v be_v execute_v but_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o mark_v out_o material_n for_o this_o fire_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o observe_v one_o condition_n or_o property_n in_o the_o form_n of_o this_o present_a earth_n that_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o inflammation_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o construction_n in_o a_o hollow_a eavernous_a form_n by_o reason_n whereof_o contain_v much_o air_n in_o its_o cavity_n and_o have_v many_o inlet_n and_o outlet_n it_o be_v in_o most_o place_n capable_a of_o ventilation_n pervious_a and_o passable_a to_o the_o wind_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o fire_n those_o that_o have_v read_v the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o theory_n â—_o know_v how_o the_o earth_n come_v into_o this_o hollow_a and_o break_a form_n from_o what_o cause_n and_o at_o what_o time_n namely_o at_o the_o universal_a deluge_n when_o there_o be_v a_o disruption_n of_o the_o exterior_a earth_n that_o fall_v into_o the_o abyss_n and_o so_o for_o a_o time_n be_v overflow_v with_o water_n these_o ruin_n recover_v from_o the_o water_n we_o inhabit_v and_o these_o ruin_n only_o will_v be_v burn_v up_o for_o be_v not_o only_o unequal_a in_o their_o surface_n but_o also_o hollow_a loose_a and_o incompact_v within_o as_o ruin_n use_v to_o be_v they_o be_v make_v â—_z by_o capable_a of_o a_o second_o fate_n by_o inflammation_n thereby_o i_o say_v they_o be_v make_v combustible_a for_o if_o the_o exterior_a region_n of_o this_o earth_n be_v as_o close_v and_o compact_a in_o all_o their_o part_n as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o interior_a region_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o fire_n can_v have_v little_a power_n over_o it_o nor_o ever_o reduce_v it_o to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o be_v require_v in_o a_o complete_a conflagration_n such_o as_o we_o be_v to_o be_v this_o be_v admit_v that_o the_o exterior_a region_n of_o the_o earth_n stand_v hollow_a as_o a_o well_o set_v fire_n to_o receive_v air_n free_o into_o its_o part_n and_o have_v issue_n for_o smoke_n and_o flame_n it_o remain_v to_o inquire_v what_o fuel_n or_o material_n nature_n have_v fit_v to_o kindle_v this_o pile_n and_o to_o continue_v it_o on_o fire_n till_o it_o be_v consume_v or_o in_o plain_a word_n what_o be_v the_o natural_a cause_n and_o preparative_n for_o a_o conflagration_n the_o first_o and_o most_o obvious_a preparation_n that_o we_o see_v in_o nature_n for_o this_o effect_n be_v the_o burn_a mountain_n or_o volcano_n of_o the_o earth_n these_o be_v lesser_a essay_n or_o prelude_v to_o the_o general_a fire_n set_v on_o purpose_n by_o providence_n to_o keep_v we_o awake_v and_o to_o mind_v we_o continual_o and_o forewarn_v we_o of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v at_o last_o the_o earth_n you_o see_v be_v already_o kindle_v blow_v but_o the_o coal_n and_o propagate_v the_o fire_n and_o the_o work_n will_v go_v on_o 33._o tophet_n be_v prepare_v of_o old_a and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n be_v come_v and_o the_o date_n of_o the_o world_n expire_v the_o breath_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v it_o burn_v but_o beside_o these_o burn_a mountain_n there_o be_v lake_n of_o pitch_n and_o brimstone_n and_o oily_a liquor_n disperse_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n these_o be_v in_o enrage_v the_o fire_n as_o it_o go_v and_o to_o fortify_v
and_o forerunner_n of_o the_o last_o day_n as_o they_o usual_o be_v of_o all_o great_a change_n and_o calamity_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o evangelist_n always_o mention_v earthquake_n among_o the_o ominous_a prodigy_n that_o be_v to_o attend_v it_o but_o these_o earthquake_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o at_o present_a be_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o sorrow_n and_o not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o that_o will_v follow_v afterward_o when_o nature_n be_v convul_v in_o her_o last_o agony_n just_a as_o the_o flame_n be_v seize_v on_o she_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v hereafter_o these_o change_n will_v happen_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o the_o earth_n before_o it_o be_v attack_v by_o the_o last_o fire_n there_o will_v be_v also_o another_o change_n as_o to_o the_o situation_n of_o it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v rectify_v and_o the_o earth_n restore_v to_o the_o posture_n it_o have_v at_o first_o namely_o of_o a_o right_a aspect_n and_o conversion_n to_o the_o sun_n but_o because_o i_o can_v determine_v at_o what_o time_n this_o restitution_n will_v be_v whether_o at_o the_o beginning_n middle_a or_o end_n of_o the_o conflagration_n i_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o lay_v any_o stress_n upon_o it_o plato_n seem_v to_o have_v impute_v the_o conflagration_n to_o this_o only_a which_o be_v so_o far_o true_a that_o the_o revolution_n call_v the_o great_a year_n be_v this_o very_a revolution_n or_o the_o return_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n to_o their_o first_o posture_n but_o though_o this_o may_v be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o last_o fire_n or_o some_o way_n concomitant_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o much_o less_o the_o only_a cause_n it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o make_v the_o fire_n reach_v more_o easy_o towards_o the_o pole_n when_o by_o this_o change_n of_o situation_n their_o long_a night_n and_o long_a winter_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o these_o new_a disposition_n in_o our_o earth_n which_o we_o expect_v before_o that_o great_a day_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o extraordinary_a but_o not_o as_o miraculous_a because_o they_o may_v proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n but_o now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v miraculous_a cause_n what_o influence_n they_o may_v have_v or_o what_o part_n they_o may_v bear_v in_o this_o great_a revolution_n of_o nature_n by_o miraculous_a cause_n we_o understand_v either_o god_n immediate_a omnipotency_n or_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o what_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o latter_a be_v very_o improper_o and_o undecent_o throw_v upon_o the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o great_a step_n to_o omnipotency_n and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o define_v what_o miracle_n on_o this_o side_n creation_n require_v a_o infinite_a power_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o angel_n be_v minister_a spirit_n and_o ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o stand_n about_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o almighty_a to_o receive_v his_o command_n and_o execute_v his_o judgement_n that_o perfect_a knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o conduct_v those_o power_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n by_o adjust_v cause_n in_o a_o fit_a subordination_n one_o to_o another_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o perform_v not_o only_o thing_n far_o above_o our_o force_n but_o even_o above_o our_o imagination_n beside_o they_o have_v a_o radical_a inherent_a power_n belong_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o nature_n of_o determine_v the_o motion_n of_o matter_n within_o a_o far_o great_a sphere_n than_o humane_a soul_n can_v pretend_v to_o we_o can_v only_o command_v our_o spirit_n and_o determine_v their_o motion_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o body_n but_o their_o activity_n and_o empire_n be_v of_o far_o great_a extent_n and_o the_o outward_a world_n be_v much_o more_o subject_a to_o their_o dominion_n than_o to_o we_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o miracle_n may_v be_v and_o be_v perform_v by_o angel_n it_o be_v less_o decorous_a to_o employ_v a_o sovereign_a power_n where_o a_o subaltern_n be_v sufficient_a and_o when_o we_o hasty_o cast_v thing_n upon_o god_n for_o quick_a dispatch_n we_o consult_v our_o own_o ease_n more_o than_o the_o honovor_n of_o our_o maker_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v here_o that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o a_o angelical_a hand_n be_v true_o providential_a and_o of_o divine_a administration_n and_o also_o just_o bear_v the_o character_n of_o a_o miracle_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v do_v by_o pure_a material_a cause_n or_o humane_a strength_n we_o account_v natural_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v above_o these_o we_o call_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a now_o what_o be_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a be_v either_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o angelical_a power_n or_o of_o a_o sovereign_n and_o infinite_a power_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o confound_v these_o two_o no_o more_o than_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o high_a angelical_a power_n and_o omnipotency_n than_o betwixt_o a_o humane_a power_n and_o angelical_a therefore_o as_o the_o first_o rule_n concern_v miracle_n be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o fly_v to_o miracle_n where_o man_n and_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a so_o the_o second_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o fly_v to_o a_o sovereign_n infinite_a power_n where_o a_o angelical_a be_v sufficient_a and_o the_o reason_n in_o both_o rule_n be_v the_o same_o namely_o because_o it_o argue_v a_o defect_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o oeconomile_n to_o employ_v more_o and_o great_a mean_n than_o be_v sufficient_a now_o to_o make_v application_n of_o this_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n i_o think_v it_o reasonable_a and_o also_o sufficient_a to_o admit_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o future_a conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n if_o nature_n will_v not_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o herself_o or_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o work_v she_o own_o destruction_n let_v we_o allow_v destroy_v angel_n to_o interest_n themselves_o in_o the_o work_n as_o the_o executioner_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o a_o degenerate_a world_n we_o have_v example_n of_o this_o so_o frequent_o in_o sacred_a history_n how_o the_o angel_n have_v execute_v god_n judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n or_o a_o people_n that_o it_o can_v seem_v new_a or_o strange_a that_o in_o this_o last_o judgement_n which_o by_o all_o the_o prophet_n be_v represent_v as_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o day_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o of_o his_o fury_n the_o same_o angel_n shall_v bear_v their_o part_n and_o conclude_v the_o last_o scene_n of_o that_o tragedy_n which_o they_o have_v act_v in_o all_o along_o we_o read_v of_o the_o destroy_a angel_n in_o egypt_n 23._o of_o angel_n that_o preside_v at_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n 13._o which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o future_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n 8._o jude_n 7._o and_o of_o angel_n that_o will_v accompany_v our_o saviour_n when_o he_o come_v in_o flame_n of_o fire_n not_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v spectator_n only_o but_o actor_n and_o superintendant_o in_o this_o great_a catastrophe_n this_o ministry_n of_o angel_n may_v be_v either_o in_o order_v and_o conduct_v such_o natural_a cause_n as_o we_o have_v already_o give_v a_o account_n of_o or_o in_o add_v new_a one_o if_o occasion_n be_v i_o mean_v increase_a the_o quantity_n of_o fire_n or_o of_o fiery_a material_n in_o and_o about_o the_o earth_n so_o as_o that_o element_n shall_v be_v more_o abundant_a and_o more_o predominant_a and_o overbear_v all_o opposition_n that_o either_o water_n or_o any_o other_o body_n can_v make_v against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o of_o these_o two_o supposition_n we_o follow_v provide_v we_o allow_v that_o the_o conflagration_n be_v a_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o not_o a_o pure_a natural_a fatality_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o augmentation_n make_v of_o fiery_a matter_n it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o that_o may_v be_v do_v either_o from_o the_o heaven_n or_o from_o the_o earth_n 26._o the_o prophet_n sometime_o speak_v of_o multiply_v or_o strengthen_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o it_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v conceive_v of_o his_o heat_n as_o of_o his_o light_n as_o if_o the_o vial_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pour_v upon_o it_o 8._o and_o give_v it_o a_o power_n to_o scorch_v man_n with_o fire_n have_v something_o of_o a_o natural_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o moral_a but_o there_o be_v another_o stream_n of_o ethereal_a matter_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o heaven_n and_o recruit_n the_o central_n fire_n with_o continual_a supply_n
with_o the_o hypothesis_n as_o to_o the_o present_a form_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o call_v all_o nature_n to_o witness_v for_o we_o the_o rock_n and_o the_o mountain_n the_o hill_n and_o the_o valley_n the_o deep_a and_o wide_a sea_n and_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o ground_n let_v these_o speak_v and_o tell_v their_o origine_fw-la how_o the_o body_n of_o the_o earth_n come_v to_o be_v thus_o tear_v and_o mangle_a if_o this_o strange_a and_o irregular_a structure_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o ruin_n and_o of_o such_o a_o ruin_n as_o be_v universal_a over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a globe_n but_o we_o have_v give_v such_o a_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o theory_n from_o chapt._n the_o 9th_o to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o treatise_n that_o we_o dare_v stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o that_o read_v those_o four_o chapter_n to_o determine_v if_o the_o hypothesis_n do_v not_o answer_v all_o those_o phaenomena_n easy_o and_o adequate_o the_o next_o phaenomenon_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o deluge_n with_o its_o adjunct_n this_o also_o be_v full_o explain_v by_o our_o hypothesis_n in_o the_o 2d_o 3d._n and_o 6_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o book_n where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o the_o moysaicall_a deluge_n that_o be_v a_o universal_a inundation_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n above_o the_o top_n of_o the_o high_a mountain_n make_v by_o a_o break_v open_a of_o the_o great_a abyss_n for_o thus_o far_o moses_n lead_v we_o be_v full_o explain_v by_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o can_v be_v conceive_v in_o any_o other_o method_n hitherto_o propose_v there_o be_v no_o source_n or_o store_n of_o water_n sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o effect_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o draw_v off_o again_o but_o by_o suppose_v such_o a_o abyss_n and_o such_o a_o disruption_n of_o it_o as_o the_o theory_n represent_v last_o as_o to_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o paradise_n and_o the_o ante-diluvian_a world_n we_o have_v set_v they_o down_o in_o order_n in_o the_o 2d_o book_n and_o apply_v to_o each_o of_o they_o its_o proper_a explication_n from_o the_o same_o hypothesis_n we_o have_v also_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o character_n which_o antiquity_n always_o assign_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o golden_a age_n as_o they_o call_v it_o namely_o equality_n of_o season_n throughout_o the_o year_n or_o a_o perpetual_a equinox_n we_o have_v also_o take_v in_o all_o the_o adjunct_n or_o concomitant_n of_o these_o state_n as_o they_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n the_o longevity_n of_o the_o antediluvians_a and_o the_o declension_n of_o their_o age_n by_o degree_n after_o the_o flood_n as_o also_o that_o wonderful_a phaenomenon_n the_o rainbow_n which_o appear_v to_o noah_n for_o a_o sign_n that_o the_o earth_n shall_v never_o undergo_v a_o second_o deluge_n 5._o and_o we_o have_v show_v wherein_o the_o force_n and_o propriety_n of_o that_o sign_n consist_v for_o confirm_v noah_n faith_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o the_o divine_a veracity_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v explain_v the_o past_a phaenomena_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n the_o rest_n be_v futurity_n which_o still_o lie_v hide_v in_o their_o cause_n and_o we_o can_v proper_o prove_v a_o theory_n from_o effect_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o be_v but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v foretell_v in_o scripture_n both_o as_o to_o substance_n and_o circumstance_n in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n we_o have_v aunt_n date_v their_o birth_n and_o show_v how_o they_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v we_o may_v therefore_o i_o think_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o this_o theory_n have_v perform_v its_o task_n and_o answer_v its_o title_n have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o general_a change_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n as_o far_o as_o either_o sacred_a history_n look_v backward_o or_o sacred_a prophecy_n look_v forward_o so_o far_o as_o the_o one_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v pass_v in_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o what_o be_v to_o come_v and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o appearance_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o fatality_n upon_o we_o to_o be_v deceive_v so_o much_o for_o natural_a evidence_n from_o the_o cause_n or_o effect_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o scripture_n which_o will_v make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o review_n the_o sacred_a basis_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a theory_n stand_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n peter_n deliver_v in_o his_o second_o epistle_n and_o three_o chapter_n concern_v the_o triple_a order_n and_o succession_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o our_o theory_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o a_o large_a commentary_n upon_o s._n peter_n text._n the_o apostle_n set_v out_o a_o threefold_a state_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o some_o general_a property_n of_o each_o take_v from_o their_o different_a constitution_n and_o different_a fate_n the_o theory_n take_v the_o same_o threefold_a state_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o explain_v more_o particular_o wherein_o their_o different_a constitution_n consist_v and_o how_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o providence_n their_o different_a fate_n depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o set_v down_o the_o apostle_n word_n with_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o and_o their_o plain_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o natural_a explication_n ver._n 3._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n 3._o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n 4._o and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n 5._o for_o this_o they_o willing_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o earth_n consist_v of_o water_n and_o by_o water_n 6._o whereby_o the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v be_v overflow_v with_o water_n perish_v 7._o but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v now_o by_o the_o sâ—me_a 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 10._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 the_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 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 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 this_o be_v the_o whole_a discourse_n so_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o our_o subject_n s_o peter_n you_o see_v have_v meet_v with_o some_o that_o scoff_v at_o the_o future_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o they_o be_v man_n it_o seem_v that_o pretend_v to_o philosophy_n and_o argument_n and_o they_o use_v this_o argument_n for_o their_o opinion_n see_v there_o have_v be_v no_o change_n in_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o this_o time_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v there_o will_v be_v any_o change_n for_o the_o future_a the_o apostle_n answer_v to_o this_o that_o they_o willing_o forget_v or_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v heaven_n of_o old_a and_o a_o earth_n so_o and_o so_o constitute_v consist_v of_o water_n and_o by_o water_n by_o reason_n whereof_o that_o world_n or_o those_o heaven_n and_o that_o earth_n perish_v in_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n but_o say_v he_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v now_o be_v of_o another_o constitution_n fit_v and_o reserve_v to_o another_o fate_n namely_o to_o perish_v by_o fire_n and_o after_o these_o be_v perish_v there_o will_v be_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n this_o be_v a_o easy_a paraphrase_n and_o the_o plain_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n and_o no_o body_n i_o think_v will_v ever_o look_v after_o any_o other_o sense_n if_o this_o do_v not_o carry_v they_o out_o of_o their_o usual_a road_n and_o point_n to_o conclusion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o fancy_n this_o sense_n you_o see_v hit_v the_o objection_n direct_o or_o the_o cavil_v which_o these_o scoffer_n make_v and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o vain_o pretend_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o change_n in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o beginning_n for_o there_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o another_o sort_n now_o the_o first_o have_v be_v destroy_v at_o the_o deluge_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n stand_v upon_o this_o foundation_n that_o there_o