we_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o some_o collateral_a argument_n take_v either_o from_o sacred_a history_n or_o from_o observation_n that_o this_o have_v real_o be_v exemplify_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o noah_n flood_n come_v to_o pass_v this_o way_n and_o see_v we_o have_v design_v this_o first_o book_n chief_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o noah_n deluge_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o add_v here_o a_o chapter_n or_o two_o extraordinary_a upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o show_v that_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v be_v more_o than_o a_o idea_n and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o this_o very_a way_n that_o noah_n deluge_n come_v to_o pass_v but_o they_o who_o have_v not_o this_o doubt_n and_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o see_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o theory_n may_v skip_v these_o two_o chapter_n if_o they_o please_v and_o proceed_v to_o the_o follow_v where_o the_o order_n be_v continue_v to_o satisfy_v then_o the_o doubtful_a in_o this_o particular_a let_v we_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o conclusion_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o admit_v viz._n that_o this_o be_v a_o possible_a and_o consistent_a explication_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o this_o will_v go_v if_o well_o consider_v towards_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o they_o desire_v or_o towards_o the_o demonstration_n of_o noah_n deluge_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v grant_v on_o both_o hand_n that_o here_o have_v be_v a_o universal_a deluge_n upon_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v noah_n deluge_n and_o it_o be_v also_o grant_v that_o we_o have_v give_v a_o possible_a and_o consistent_a idea_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n now_o we_o have_v prove_v chap._n ii_o and_o iii_o that_o all_o other_o way_n hitherto_o assign_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o noah_n flood_n be_v incongrous_a or_o impossible_a therefore_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o that_o possible_a and_o competent_a way_n which_o we_o have_v propose_v and_o if_o we_o have_v true_o prove_v in_o the_o 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ancient_n to_o fancy_n the_o deluge_n like_o a_o great_a stand_a pool_n of_o water_n reach_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o valley_n to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n every_o where_o alike_o with_o a_o level_n and_o uniform_a surface_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o mistake_a notion_n of_o the_o deluge_n they_o make_v more_o water_n necessary_a to_o it_o than_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v or_o be_v have_v than_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o get_v quit_v of_o again_o for_o there_o be_v no_o channel_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o can_v hold_v so_o much_o water_n loc_n either_o to_o give_v it_o or_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o deluge_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o note_v this_o violent_a commotion_n of_o the_o abyss_n 104._o the_o water_n go_v up_o by_o the_o mountain_n come_v down_o by_o the_o valley_n unto_o the_o place_n which_o thou_o have_v found_v for_o they_o 9_o i_o know_v some_o interpret_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o water_n in_o the_o beginning_n when_o they_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n gen._n 1._o 2._o but_o that_o can_v be_v because_o of_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n thou_o have_v set_v a_o bind_v that_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v over_o that_o they_o turn_v not_o again_o to_o cover_v the_o earth_n which_o be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o precede_a word_n be_v understand_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o water_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o they_o do_v pass_v those_o bound_n and_o do_v return_v since_o that_o time_n to_o cover_v the_o earth_n namely_o at_o the_o deluge_n but_o if_o these_o word_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o water_n then_o it_o be_v both_o a_o just_a description_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o abyss_n and_o certain_o true_a that_o the_o water_n since_o that_o time_n be_v so_o settle_v in_o their_o channel_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o overflow_v the_o earth_n again_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o noah_n and_o that_o illustrious_a pledge_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o the_o rainbow_n that_o the_o heaven_n also_o shall_v never_o pour_v out_o so_o much_o water_n again_o their_o state_n be_v change_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o earth_n or_o sea_n from_o what_o they_o be_v before_o the_o deluge_n but_o before_o we_o leave_v moses_n narration_n of_o the_o deluge_n we_o must_v examine_v further_a what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o his_o tehomrabba_fw-mi 11._o or_o great_a abyss_n which_o he_o say_v be_v break_v up_o at_o the_o deluge_n for_o this_o will_v help_v we_o to_o discover_v whether_o our_o explication_n be_v the_o same_o with_o he_o and_o of_o the_o same_o flood_n and_o first_o we_o must_v consider_v whether_o by_o the_o tehom-rabba_n or_o moysaicall_a abyss_n can_v be_v understand_v the_o sea_n or_o ocean_n under_o that_o form_n we_o see_v it_o in_o at_o present_a and_o it_o be_v plain_a methinks_v that_o the_o sea_n can_v be_v understand_v by_o this_o great_a abyss_n both_o because_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o capable_a upon_o any_o disruption_n to_o make_v such_o a_o universal_a deluge_n and_o because_o the_o narration_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o expression_n concern_v this_o abyss_n do_v not_o agree_v to_o the_o sea_n some_o of_o the_o ancient_n indeed_o do_v imagine_v that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v much_o high_a than_o the_o land_n and_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v on_o a_o heap_n so_o as_o when_o these_o water_n be_v let_v loose_a they_o overflow_v the_o earth_n and_o make_v a_o deluge_n but_o this_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o land_n make_v one_o globe_n and_o the_o water_n couch_v themselves_o as_o close_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o centre_n of_o this_o
and_o of_o these_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v great_a variety_n and_o great_a difference_n not_o only_o of_o primary_n and_o secondary_a or_o of_o the_o principal_a planet_n and_o its_o moon_n or_o attendant_n but_o also_o among_o planet_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n for_o they_o may_v differ_v both_o in_o their_o original_a constitution_n and_o according_a to_o the_o from_o and_o state_n they_o be_v under_o at_o present_a of_o which_o sort_n of_o difference_n we_o have_v note_v etc._n some_o among_o our_o planet_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v all_o of_o muchwhat_a the_o same_o original_a constitution_n beside_o according_a to_o external_a circumstance_n their_o distance_n manner_n of_o motion_n and_o posture_n to_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o whole_a system_n they_o become_v different_a in_o many_o thing_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o lead_a difference_n though_o they_o seem_v little_a draw_v after_o they_o innumerable_a other_o and_o so_o make_v a_o 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the_o consummation_n of_o all_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n more_o proper_a or_o of_o more_o importance_n to_o we_o that_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o earth_n than_o to_o understand_v this_o its_o natural_a and_o sacred_a history_n as_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o both_z as_o to_o what_o be_v past_a and_o what_o be_v to_o come_v and_o as_o those_o great_a volume_n and_o composition_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v proportion_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o angel_n and_o superior_a being_n so_o these_o little_a system_n be_v compendium_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n more_o fit_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o comprehension_n the_o providence_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o of_o all_o other_o system_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n natural_a and_o sacred_a or_o theological_a i_o call_v that_o sacred_a or_o theological_a that_o respect_v religion_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o the_o government_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n or_o of_o mankind_n whether_o under_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n only_o or_o of_o a_o revelation_n the_o method_n and_o term_n of_o their_o happiness_n and_o unhappiness_n in_o a_o future_a life_n the_o state_n oeconomy_n and_o conduct_v of_o this_o with_o all_o the_o mystery_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o call_v theological_a providence_n in_o the_o head_n whereof_o stand_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o bless_a messiah_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o both_o world_n intellectual_a and_o material_a when_o we_o call_v the_o other_o part_n of_o providence_n natural_a we_o use_v that_o word_n in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n as_o respect_v only_o the_o material_a world_n and_o according_o this_o part_n of_o providence_n other_o and_o superintend_v the_o state_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o great_a vicissitude_n and_o mutation_n of_o it_o for_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v but_o that_o these_o be_v under_o the_o eye_n of_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o humane_a affair_n or_o any_o revolution_n of_o state_n and_o empire_n now_o see_v both_o in_o the_o 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the_o chaos_n as_o zoroaster_n and_o orpheus_n seem_v to_o have_v do_v but_o take_v that_o for_o our_o foundation_n which_o antiquity_n sacred_a and_o profane_a do_v suppose_v and_o natural_a reason_n approve_v and_o confirm_v we_o have_v form_v the_o earth_n from_o it_o but_o when_o we_o say_v the_o earth_n rise_v from_o a_o fluid_a mass_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o crude_o understand_v as_o if_o a_o rock_n of_o marble_n suppose_v be_v fluid_a immediate_o before_o it_o become_v marble_n no_o thing_n have_v a_o gradual_a progression_n from_o one_o form_n to_o another_o and_o come_v at_o length_n to_o those_o more_o permanent_a form_n they_o be_v now_o settle_v in_o stone_n be_v once_o earth_n and_o earth_n be_v once_o mud_n and_o mud_n be_v once_o sluid_a and_o so_o other_o thing_n may_v have_v another_o kind_n of_o progression_n from_o fluidity_n but_o all_o be_v once_o fluid_a at_o least_o all_o the_o exterior_a region_n of_o this_o earth_n and_o even_o those_o stone_n and_o rock_n of_o marble_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o seem_v to_o confess_v they_o be_v once_o soft_a or_o liquid_a by_o those_o mixture_n we_o find_v in_o they_o of_o heterogeneous_a body_n and_o those_o spot_n and_o vein_n disperse_v through_o their_o substance_n for_o these_o thing_n can_v not_o happen_v to_o they_o after_o they_o be_v hard_a and_o impenetrable_a in_o the_o form_n of_o stone_n or_o marble_n and_o if_o we_o can_v soften_v rock_n and_o stone_n and_o run_v they_o down_o into_o their_o first_o liquor_n as_o these_o observation_n seem_v to_o do_v we_o may_v easy_o believe_v that_o other_o body_n also_o that_o compose_v the_o earth_n be_v once_o in_o a_o fluid_a mass_n which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o chaos_n we_o therefore_o watch_v the_o motion_n of_o that_o chaos_n and_o the_o several_a transformation_n of_o it_o while_o it_o continue_v fluid_a and_o we_o find_v at_o length_n what_o its_o first_o concretion_n will_v be_v and_o how_o it_o settle_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o habitable_a earth_n but_o that_o form_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o present_a form_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v not_o immediate_o deducible_a from_o a_o chaos_n by_o any_o know_a law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o any_o wit_n of_o man_n as_o every_o one_o that_o will_v have_v patience_n to_o examine_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v that_o first_o earth_n be_v of_o a_o smooth_a regular_a surface_n as_o the_o concretion_n of_o liquor_n be_v before_o they_o be_v disturb_v or_o break_v under_o that_o surface_n lie_v the_o great_a abyss_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v up_o the_o world_n that_o hang_v over_o it_o and_o about_o it_o whensoever_o god_n shall_v give_v the_o command_n and_o the_o vault_n shall_v break_v and_o this_o constitution_n of_o the_o primaeval_n earth_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o first_o catastrophe_n of_o this_o world_n when_o it_o perish_v in_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n for_o
world_n will_v have_v no_o dissolution_n for_o be_v a_o work_n so_o beautiful_a and_o noble_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n he_o say_v will_v always_o preserve_v it_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o great_a universe_n for_o in_o our_o earth_n plato_n himself_o admit_v such_o dissolution_n as_o be_v make_v by_o general_a delugâ—s_n and_o conflagration_n and_o we_o contend_v for_o no_o other_o so_o likewise_o in_o other_o author_n if_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o world_n you_o must_v observe_v what_o world_n they_o apply_v it_o to_o and_o whether_o to_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o form_n of_o it_o and_o if_o you_o remember_v that_o our_o discourse_n proceed_v only_o upon_o the_o sublunary_a world_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o its_o form_n you_o will_v find_v little_a in_o antiquity_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n i_o always_o except_o aristotle_n who_o allow_v of_o no_o providence_n in_o this_o inferior_a world_n and_o some_o pythagorean_n false_o so_o call_v be_v either_o fictitious_a author_n or_o apostate_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o master_n these_o be_v except_v upon_o a_o view_n of_o the_o rest_n you_o will_v find_v very_o few_o dissenter_n from_o this_o general_a doctrine_n plato_n argument_n against_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a though_o apply_v to_o this_o earth_n if_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v dissolve_v as_o never_o to_o be_v restore_v again_o but_o we_o expect_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o these_o better_a in_o all_o respect_n more_o commodious_a and_o more_o beautiful_a and_o the_o several_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n justice_n sanctity_n can_v be_v so_o well_o display_v and_o exemplify_v in_o any_o one_o single_a state_n of_o nature_n as_o in_o a_o succession_n of_o state_n fit_a to_o receive_v one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o moral_a world_n and_o the_o order_n of_o divine_a providence_n wherefore_o plato_n argument_n from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n all_o thing_n consider_v do_v rather_o prove_v a_o succession_n of_o world_n than_o that_o one_o single_a world_n shall_v remain_v the_o same_o throughout_o all_o age_n without_o change_n or_o variation_n next_o to_o the_o platonist_n the_o stoic_n be_v most_o considerable_a in_o matter_n relate_v to_o morality_n and_o providence_n and_o their_o opinion_n in_o this_o case_n be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o modern_n as_o the_o principal_a author_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conflagration_n nor_o be_v it_o less_o know_v that_o the_o school_n of_o democraâ—us_n and_o epicurus_n make_v all_o their_o world_n subject_n to_o dissolution_n and_o by_o a_o new_a concourse_n of_o atom_n restore_v they_o again_o last_o the_o jonick_a philosopher_n who_o have_v thales_n for_o their_o master_n and_o be_v the_o first_o naturalist_n among_o the_o greek_n teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n we_o have_v indeed_o but_o a_o imperfect_a account_n leave_v we_o of_o this_o sect_n and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n for_o as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a so_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a among_o the_o greek_n for_o natural_a philosophy_n in_o those_o remain_v which_o diogenes_n laertius_n have_v preserve_v of_o anaxagoras_n anaximenes_n archelaus_n etc._n etc._n all_o great_a man_n in_o their_o time_n we_o find_v that_o they_o treat_v much_o of_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v many_o extraordinary_a notion_n about_o it_o which_o come_v lame_a and_o defective_a to_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o founder_n thales_n which_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o consist_v of_o water_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a resemblance_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o s._n peter_n 5._o about_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o there_o be_v little_a in_o laertius_n what_o their_o opinion_n be_v about_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n 24._o other_o author_n inform_v we_o more_o of_o that_o stobaeus_n join_v they_o with_o leucippus_n and_o the_o epicurean_o simplicius_n with_o heraclitus_n and_o the_o stoic_n in_o this_o doctrine_n about_o the_o corruptibility_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o all_o the_o school_n of_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n as_o we_o note_v before_o be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o point_n except_v the_o peripatetic_n who_o master_n aristotle_n have_v neither_o modesty_n enough_o to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o predecessor_n nor_o wit_n enough_o to_o invent_v any_o thing_n better_o beside_o these_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n there_o be_v theologer_n among_o the_o greek_n more_o ancient_a than_o these_o sect_n and_o more_o mystical_a aristotle_n often_o distinguish_v the_o naturalist_n and_o the_o theologue_n 〈◊〉_d such_o be_v orpheus_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o have_v more_o of_o the_o ancient_a oriental_a learning_n than_o the_o succeed_a philosopher_n but_o they_o write_v their_o philosophy_n or_o theology_n rather_o mythological_o and_o poetitical_o in_o parable_n and_o allegory_n that_o need_v a_o interpretation_n all_o these_o theologer_n suppose_v the_o earth_n to_o rise_v from_o a_o chaos_n and_o as_o they_o say_v that_o love_n be_v the_o principle_n at_o first_o that_o unite_v the_o loose_a and_o sever_a element_n and_o form_v they_o into_o a_o habitable_a world_n so_o they_o suppose_v that_o if_o strife_n or_o contention_n prevail_v that_o will_v again_o dissolve_v and_o disunite_v they_o and_o reduce_v thing_n into_o a_o chaos_n such_o as_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v in_o upon_o the_o conflagration_n and_o it_o further_o appear_v that_o both_o these_o order_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o greece_n suppose_v this_o present_a frame_n of_o nature_n may_v perish_v by_o their_o doctrine_n of_o periodical_a revolution_n or_o of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n after_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n common_a among_o the_o learned_a greek_n and_o receive_v by_o they_o from_o the_o ancient_a barbaric_a nation_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o follow_a book_n ch._n 3._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o origen_n in_o answer_v celsus_n 5._o about_o the_o point_n of_o the_o resurrection_n tell_v he_o that_o doctrine_n ought_v not_o to_o appear_v so_o strange_a or_o ridiculous_a to_o he_o see_v their_o own_o author_n do_v believe_v and_o teach_v the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n after_o certain_a age_n or_o period_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n right_o state_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o first_o resurrection_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o and_o general_a resurrection_n when_o the_o righteous_a shall_v have_v celestial_a body_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o platonist_n and_o pythagorean_n clothe_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o celestial_a body_n or_o in_o their_o language_n a_o ethereal_a vehicle_n as_o her_o last_o beatitude_n or_o glorification_n so_o that_o origen_n may_v very_o just_o tell_v his_o adversary_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o ridicule_n the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n see_v their_o own_o author_n have_v the_o main_a stroke_n of_o it_o in_o their_o traditionary_a learning_n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o remark_n more_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o subject_a to_o prevent_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o word_n immortal_a or_o immortality_n when_o apply_v to_o the_o world_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o the_o equivocation_n that_o be_v in_o that_o term_n world_n it_o be_v use_v sometime_o for_o the_o whole_a universe_n sometime_o for_o this_o inferior_a part_n of_o it_o where_o we_o live_v so_o likewise_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o when_o this_o inferior_a world_n be_v say_v to_o be_v immortal_a by_o the_o philosopher_n as_o sometime_o it_o be_v that_o common_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o any_o single_a state_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o single_a world_n but_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o world_n consequent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o a_o family_n may_v be_v say_v immortal_a not_o in_o any_o single_a person_n but_o in_o a_o succession_n of_o heir_n so_o as_o many_o time_n when_o the_o ancient_n mention_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o world_n they_o do_v not_o thereby_o exclude_v the_o dissolution_n or_o renovation_n of_o it_o but_o suppose_v a_o vicissitude_n or_o series_n of_o world_n succeed_v one_o another_o this_o observation_n be_v not_o i_o but_o be_v long_o since_o make_v by_o simplicius_n stobaeus_n and_o other_o who_o tell_v we_o in_o what_o sense_n some_o of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o allow_v the_o world_n to_o be_v perishable_a do_v yet_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v immortal_a namely_o by_o successive_a renovation_n thus_o much_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o antiquity_n as_o
nothing_o that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o antiquity_n sacred_a or_o profane_a that_o give_v a_o joint_a testimony_n with_o it_o and_o those_o that_o set_v up_o these_o pillar_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o deluge_n or_o conflagration_n if_o they_o think_v a_o pillar_n either_o of_o brick_n or_o stone_n will_v be_v secure_a in_o those_o great_a dissolution_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o we_o have_v pursue_v this_o doctrine_n high_a enough_o without_o the_o help_n of_o these_o ante-diluvian_a antiquity_n namely_o to_o the_o early_a people_n and_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o wisdom_n after_o the_o flood_n so_o that_o i_o think_v we_o may_v just_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o noah_n and_o of_o his_o immediate_a posterity_n and_o as_o that_o be_v the_o high_a source_n of_o learning_n to_o the_o present_a world_n so_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v our_o philosophical_a tradition_n to_o that_o original_a for_o i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o but_o that_o they_o have_v among_o they_o even_o in_o those_o early_a day_n the_o main_a stroke_n or_o conclusion_n of_o the_o best_a philosophy_n or_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n concern_v nature_n and_o providence_n of_o which_o matter_n if_o you_o will_v allow_v i_o a_o short_a digression_n i_o will_v speak_v my_o thought_n in_o a_o few_o word_n in_o those_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n when_o noah_n and_o his_o child_n people_v the_o earth_n again_o as_o he_o give_v they_o precept_n of_o morality_n and_o piety_n for_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o manner_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v praecepta_fw-la noachidarum_fw-la the_o precept_n of_o noah_n frequent_o mention_v both_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n so_o also_o he_o deliver_v to_o they_o at_o least_o if_o we_o judge_v aright_o certain_a maxim_n or_o conclusion_n about_o providence_n the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o fate_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o in_o proportion_n may_v be_v call_v dogmata_fw-la noachidarum_fw-la the_o doctrine_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o child_n which_o make_v a_o system_n of_o philosophy_n or_o secret_a knowledge_n among_o they_o deliver_v by_o tradition_n from_o father_n to_o son_n but_o especial_o preserve_v among_o their_o priest_n and_o sacred_a person_n or_o such_o other_o as_o be_v addict_v to_o contemplation_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o moses_n himself_o or_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o too_o far_o out_o of_o my_o way_n to_o set_v down_o in_o this_o place_n the_o reason_n of_o my_o judgement_n let_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v point_v only_o at_o this_o fountain_n head_n of_o knowledge_n and_o so_o return_v to_o our_o argument_n we_o have_v hear_v as_o it_o be_v a_o cry_n of_o fire_n throughout_o all_o antiquity_n and_o throughout_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o those_o alarm_n be_v sometime_o false_a or_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n than_o the_o thing_n deserve_v for_o my_o part_n i_o never_o trust_v antiquity_n bare_o upon_o its_o own_o account_n but_o always_o require_v a_o second_o witness_n either_o from_o nature_n or_o from_o scripture_n what_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n be_v we_o shall_v hear_v all_o along_o in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n let_v we_o then_o examine_v at_o present_a what_o testimony_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n give_v to_o this_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prophet_n see_v the_o world_n afire_a at_o a_o distance_n and_o more_o imperfect_o as_o a_o brightness_n in_o the_o heaven_n rather_o than_o a_o burn_a flame_n but_o s._n peter_n describe_v it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v stand_v by_o and_o see_v the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o a_o red_a fire_n hear_v the_o crack_a flame_n and_o the_o tumble_a mountain_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 10._o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n 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 then_o after_o a_o pious_a ejaculation_n he_o add_v ver._n 12._o look_v for_o and_o hasten_v the_o come_n of_o the_o day_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o heaven_n be_v on_o fire_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n this_o be_v as_o lively_a as_o a_o man_n can_v express_v it_o if_o he_o have_v the_o dreadful_a spectacle_n before_o his_o eye_n s._n peter_n have_v before_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o but_o in_o a_o more_o philosophic_a way_n describe_v the_o double_a fate_n of_o the_o world_n by_o water_n and_o fire_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o either_o world_n past_a or_o present_a the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v of_o old_a consist_v of_o water_n and_o by_o water_n whereby_o the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v be_v overflow_v with_o water_n perish_v but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o perdition_n of_o ungodly_a or_o atheistical_a man_n this_o testimony_n of_o s._n peter_n be_v full_a direct_a and_o explicit_a will_v give_v light_a and_o strength_n to_o several_a other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v express_v obscure_o or_o by_o allusion_n 13._o as_o when_o s._n paul_n say_v the_o fire_n shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n in_o that_o day_n 42._o and_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o tare_n shall_v be_v burn_v in_o the_o fire_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n according_o it_o be_v say_v both_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n that_o god_n will_v come_v to_o judgement_n in_o fire_n s._n paul_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n 8._o promise_v the_o persecute_a righteous_a rest_n and_o ease_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o to_o the_o hebrew_n s._n paul_n say_v 27._o that_o for_o wilful_a apostate_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n or_o enemy_n of_o god_n 29._o and_o in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n he_o allude_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n once_o more_o he_o exhort_v as_o s._n peter_n do_v upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n to_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n for_o our_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o prophet_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n represent_v it_o as_o a_o destruction_n by_o fire_n psalm_n the_o 11_o 6._o upon_o the_o wicked_a the_o lord_n shall_v rain_v coal_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o a_o burn_a tempest_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o their_o cup._n and_o psal._n 50._o 3._o our_o god_n shall_v come_v and_o will_v not_o be_v slow_a a_o fire_n shall_v devour_v before_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v very_o tempestuous_a round_n about_o he_o and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o two_o triumphal_a psalm_n the_o sixty-eighth_a and_o ninety-seventh_a we_o see_v plain_a allusion_n to_o this_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o fire_n the_o other_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o same_o style_n of_o a_o fiery_a indignation_n against_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o in_o isaiah_n 66._o 15._o for_o behold_v the_o lord_n will_v come_v with_o fire_n 10._o and_o with_o his_o chariot_n like_o a_o whirlwind_n to_o render_v his_o anger_n with_o fury_n and_o his_o rebuke_n with_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o in_o daniel_n c._n 7._o 9_o 10._o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n be_v place_v upon_o his_o seat_n of_o judgement_n cover_v in_o flame_n i_o behold_v till_o the_o throne_n be_v set_v and_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n do_v sit_v who_o garment_n be_v white_a as_o snow_n and_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n like_o the_o pure_a wool_n his_o throne_n be_v like_o the_o fiery_a flame_n his_o wheel_n as_o burn_a fire_n a_o fiery_a stream_n issue_v and_o come_v forth_o from_o before_o he_o thousand_o thousand_o minister_v unto_o he_o and_o ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o stand_v before_o he_o the_o judgement_n be_v set_v and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v the_o prophet_n malachy_n c._n 4._o 1._o describe_v the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n and_o in_o like_a colour_n behold_v the_o day_n come_v that_o shall_v burn_v as_o a_o oven_n and_o all_o
state_n 4._o and_o see_v in_o those_o place_n they_o plain_o signify_v the_o millennial_a state_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o saint_n they_o must_v here_o signify_v the_o same_o in_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o suffer_a follower_n and_o as_o to_o the_o word_n palingenesia_n which_o be_v here_o translate_a regeneration_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o both_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n and_o greek_a father_n use_v that_o very_a word_n for_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o be_v as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o make_v appear_v at_o or_o before_o the_o millennial_a state_n our_o saviour_n also_o in_o his_o divine_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n make_v this_o one_o of_o his_o beatitude_n bless_a be_v the_o meek_a for_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n but_o how_o i_o pray_v or_o where_o or_o when_o do_v the_o meek_a inherit_v the_o earth_n neither_o at_o present_a i_o be_o sure_a nor_o in_o any_o past_a age_n it_o be_v the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n ambitious_a prince_n and_o tyrant_n that_o slice_v the_o barth_n among_o they_o and_o those_o that_o can_v flatter_v they_o best_o or_o serve_v they_o in_o their_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n have_v the_o next_o best_a share_n but_o a_o meek_a modest_a and_o humble_a spirit_n be_v the_o most_o unqualified_a person_n that_o can_v be_v for_o a_o court_n or_o a_o camp_n to_o scramble_v for_o preferment_n or_o plunder_n both_o he_o and_o his_o self-denying_a notion_n be_v ridicule_v as_o thing_n of_o no_o use_n and_o proceed_v from_o meanness_n and_o poorness_n of_o spirit_n david_n who_o be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o admirable_a devotion_n but_o of_o a_o unequal_a spirit_n subject_n to_o great_a dejection_n as_o well_o as_o elevation_n of_o mind_n be_v so_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o world_n that_o he_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v charge_v providence_n with_o injustice_n you_o may_v see_v several_a touch_n of_o a_o repine_a spirit_n in_o his_o psalm_n and_o in_o the_o seventy-third_a psalm_n compose_v upon_o that_o subject_a you_o have_v both_o the_o wound_n and_o the_o cure_n now_o this_o beatitude_n pronounce_v here_o by_o our_o saviour_n be_v speak_v before_o by_o david_n psal_n 37._o 11._o the_o same_o david_n that_o be_v always_o so_o sensible_a of_o the_o hard_a usage_n of_o the_o just_a in_o this_o life_n our_o saviour_n also_o and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_a every_o where_o and_o foretell_v the_o suffering_n that_o shall_v attend_v the_o righteous_a in_o this_o world_n therefore_o neither_o david_n nor_o our_o saviour_n can_v understand_v this_o inheritance_n of_o the_o earth_n otherwise_o than_o of_o some_o future_a state_n or_o of_o a_o state_n yet_o to_o come_v but_o as_o it_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n so_o it_o must_v be_v a_o terrestrial_a state_n for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o peace_n as_o well_o as_o plenty_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n but_o the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n and_o shall_v delight_v themselves_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o peace_n it_o follow_v therefore_o from_o these_o premise_n that_o both_o our_o saviour_n and_o david_n must_v understand_v some_o future_a state_n of_o the_o earth_n wherein_o the_o meek_n will_v enjoy_v both_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o future_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n when_o upon_o a_o full_a description_n we_o shall_v have_v give_v you_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o suppose_v this_o earth_n which_o the_o meek_a be_v to_o inherit_v to_o be_v that_o habitable_a earth_n to_o come_v which_o st._n paul_n mention_n hebr._n 2._o 6._o and_o represent_v as_o subject_a to_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o pecuilar_a manner_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o under_o his_o government_n as_o his_o kingdom_n why_o shall_v not_o that_o earth_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o beatitude_n the_o promise_a land_n the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o both_o this_o text_n and_o the_o former_a deserve_v our_o serious_a thought_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o express_o and_o in_o term_n prove_v the_o future_a kingdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n yet_o upon_o the_o fair_a interpretation_n they_o imply_v such_o a_o state_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n either_o of_o the_o regeneration_n or_o renovation_n when_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n shall_v sit_v upon_o throne_n or_o of_o that_o earth_n which_o the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v or_o last_o of_o that_o habitable_a world_n which_o be_v peculiarly_a subject_n to_o the_o dominion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o suppose_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n some_o other_o reign_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n than_o what_o we_o see_v or_o what_o they_o enjoy_v at_o present_a but_o to_o proceed_v in_o this_o argument_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a as_o i_o tell_v you_o to_o set_v down_o some_o note_n and_o character_n of_o this_o reign_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o saint_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o present_a state_n and_o present_a kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o character_n be_v chief_o three_o justice_n peace_n and_o divine_a presence_n or_o conduct_n which_o use_v to_o be_v call_v theocrasie_n by_o these_o character_n it_o be_v sufficient_o distinguish_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v general_o unjust_a in_o their_o title_n or_o exercise_n stain_v with_o blood_n and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v under_o a_o particular_a divine_a conduct_n that_o humane_a passion_n and_o humane_a vice_n be_v the_o spring_n that_o common_o give_v motion_n to_o their_o great_a design_n but_o more_o particular_o and_o restrain_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o antichrist_n who_o character_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o these_o be_v injustice_n cruelty_n and_o humane_a or_o diabolical_a artifices_fw-la upon_o this_o short_a view_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o make_v enquiry_n after_o it_o among_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v upon_o examination_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o of_o they_o great_a or_o lesser_a but_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o mystical_a kingdom_n either_o express_o or_o under_o the_o type_n of_o israel_n zion_n jerusalem_n and_o such_o like_a and_o therefore_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o when_o s._n peter_n in_o his_o sermon_n to_o the_o jew_n act._n 3._o say_v all_o the_o holy_a prophet_n speak_v of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n separately_z from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o complex_o as_o it_o may_v imply_v both_o for_o there_o be_v not_o many_o of_o the_o old_a prophet_n that_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n but_o a_o great_a many_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o moral_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n these_o be_v s._n peter_n word_n act._n 3._o 19_o 20_o 21._o repent_v you_o therefore_o and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_a shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v send_v jesus_n christ_n which_o before_o be_v preach_v unto_o you_o who_o the_o heaven_n must_v receive_v until_o the_o time_n of_o restitution_n of_o all_z thing_n the_o apostle_n here_o mention_n three_o thing_n the_o time_n of_o refresh_v the_o second_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o time_n of_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o the_o last_o of_o these_o he_o immediate_o subjoin_v which_o god_n have_v speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a prophet_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v this_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n i_o say_v must_v not_o be_v understand_v abstract_o from_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o in_o conjunction_n with_o it_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v the_o general_a subject_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o enter_v therefore_o into_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o inquire_v their_o sense_n concern_v this_o mystery_n let_v we_o first_o address_v ourselves_o to_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n and_o the_o royal_a prophet_n david_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v many_o noble_a thought_n or_o inspiration_n upon_o this_o subject_n isaiah_n in_o the_o 65th_o chap._n from_o the_o 17_o ver_fw-la to_o the_o end_n treat_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o join_v together_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o natural_a and_o moral_a world_n as_o s._n peter_n in_o the_o
a_o state_n as_o any_o terrestrial_a state_n can_v be_v for_o beside_o health_n and_o plenty_n peace_n truth_n and_o righteousness_n will_v flourish_v there_o and_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n stand_v exclude_v there_o will_v be_v no_o ambitious_a prince_n study_v mischief_n one_o against_o another_o or_o contrive_v method_n to_o bring_v their_o own_o subject_n into_o slavery_n no_o mercenary_a statesman_n to_o assist_v and_o intrigue_v with_o they_o no_o oppression_n from_o the_o powerful_a no_o snare_n or_o trap_n lay_v for_o the_o innocent_a no_o treacherous_a friend_n no_o malicious_a enemy_n no_o knave_n cheat_n hypocrite_n the_o vermin_n of_o this_o earth_n that_o swarm_v every_o where_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n candour_n sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n as_o in_o a_o society_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o saint_n and_o philosopher_n in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v be_v paradise_n restore_v both_o as_o to_o innocency_n of_o temper_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o nature_n i_o believe_v you_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a it_o be_v pity_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a desirable_a state_n where_o all_o good_a people_n will_v find_v themselves_o mighty_o at_o ease_n what_o be_v it_o that_o hinder_v it_o then_o it_o must_v be_v some_o ill_a genius_n for_o nature_n tend_v to_o such_o a_o renovation_n as_o we_o suppose_v and_o scripture_n speak_v loud_o of_o a_o happy_a state_n to_o be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o what_o be_v there_o pray_v in_o this_o present_a world_n natural_a or_o moral_a if_o i_o may_v ask_v with_o reverence_n that_o can_v make_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o god_n to_o create_v it_o if_o it_o never_o be_v better_a nor_o ever_o will_v be_v better_o be_v there_o not_o more_o misery_n than_o happiness_n be_v there_o not_o more_o vice_n than_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o manichean_a god_n the_o earth_n barren_a the_o heaven_n inconstant_a man_n wicked_a and_o god_n offend_v this_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o our_o affair_n such_o have_v our_o world_n be_v hitherto_o with_o wâ—rs_n and_o bloodshed_n sickness_n and_o disease_n poverty_n servitude_n and_o perpetual_a drudgery_n for_o the_o necessary_n of_o a_o mortal_a life_n we_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o hope_v from_o a_o god_n infinite_o good_a and_o powerful_a for_o better_a time_n and_o a_o better_a state_n before_o the_o last_o period_n and_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v it_o may_v be_v that_o according_a to_o scripture_n the_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n will_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o such_o a_o happy_a state_n as_o we_o hope_v for_o 8._o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n they_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o play_v as_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n or_o of_o sodom_n luk._n 17._o 26_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o man_n you_o know_v continue_v to_o the_o last_o this_o objection_n may_v pinch_v those_o that_o suppose_v the_o millennium_n to_o be_v in_o the_o present_a earth_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o his_o word_n seem_v to_o imply_v that_o the_o world_n will_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n even_o till_o his_o come_n accordingty_n antichrist_n or_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v destroy_v till_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 8._o and_o till_o he_o be_v destroy_v we_o can_v hope_v for_o a_o millennium_n last_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v always_o represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o sudden_a surprise_v and_o unexpected_a as_o lightning_n break_v sudden_o out_o of_o the_o cloud_n luk._n 17._o 24._o and_o ch_n 21._o 34_o 35_o or_o as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 2_o 3_o 4._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 10._o apoc._n 16._o 15._o but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o forerunner_n of_o it_o as_o the_o millennial_a state_n who_o bound_n we_o know_v according_a as_o that_o expire_v and_o draw_v to_o a_o end_n man_n will_v be_v certain_o advertise_v of_o the_o approach_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o this_o objection_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v not_o affect_v our_o hypothesis_n for_o we_o suppose_v the_o millennium_n will_v not_o be_v till_o after_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o conflagration_n and_o also_o that_o his_o come_n will_v be_v sudden_a and_o surprise_a and_o that_o antichrist_n will_v continue_v in_o be_v though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o power_n till_o that_o time_n so_o that_o they_o that_o place_v the_o millennium_n in_o the_o present_a earth_n be_v chief_o concern_v to_o answer_v this_o first_o objection_n but_o you_o will_v object_v it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o this_o millennium_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v will_v degenerate_v at_o length_n into_o sensuality_n and_o a_o mahometan_a paradise_n for_o where_o there_o be_v earthly_a pleasure_n and_o earthly_a appetite_n they_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v always_o in_o order_n without_o any_o excess_n or_o luxuriancy_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o touch_n and_o taste_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v this_o be_v true_a if_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o the_o body_n than_o she_o have_v at_o present_a and_o our_o sense_n passion_n and_o appetite_n be_v as_o strong_a as_o they_o be_v now_o but_o according_a to_o our_o explication_n of_o the_o millennium_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o the_o soul_n will_v have_v a_o great_a dominion_n over_o the_o resurrection-body_n than_o she_o have_v over_o this_o and_o you_o know_v we_o suppose_v that_o none_o will_v true_o inherit_v the_o millennium_n but_o those_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a nor_o do_v we_o admit_v any_o propagation_n there_o nor_o the_o trouble_n or_o weakness_n of_o infant_n but_o that_o all_o rise_v in_o a_o perfect_a age_n and_o never_o die_v be_v translate_v at_o the_o final_a judgement_n to_o meet_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o to_o be_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o thus_o we_o easy_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n but_o those_o that_o place_n the_o millennium_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o these_o body_n must_v find_v out_o some_o new_a preservative_n against_o vice_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v continual_o subject_a to_o degeneracy_n another_o objection_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o personal_a reign_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n incongruous_a and_o yet_o assert_v by_o many_o modern_a millenaries_n that_o christ_n shall_v leave_v that_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o come_v and_o pass_v a_o thousand_o year_n here_o below_o live_v upon_o earth_n in_o a_o heavenly_a body_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o thing_n i_o never_o can_v digest_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v in_o this_o objection_n not_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v personal_o present_a and_o resident_a upon_o earth_n in_o the_o millennium_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o will_v be_v then_o a_o celestial_a presence_n or_o christ_n or_o a_o shekinah_n as_o we_o note_v before_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v present_a to_o the_o earth_n yet_o never_o leave_v its_o place_n in_o the_o firmament_n so_o christ_n may_v be_v visible_o conspicuous_a in_o his_o heavenly_a throne_n 5â—_n as_o he_o be_v to_o s._n stephen_n and_o yet_o never_o leave_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o more_o glorious_a and_o illustrious_a presence_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v descend_v and_o converse_v among_o man_n in_o a_o personal_a shape_n but_o these_o thing_n not_o be_v distinct_o reveal_v to_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v they_o but_o with_o modesty_n and_o submission_n we_o have_v thus_o far_o pretty_a well_o escape_v and_o keep_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o ordinary_a objection_n against_o the_o millennium_n but_o there_o remain_v one_o concern_v a_o double_a resurrection_n which_o must_v fall_v upon_o every_o hypothesis_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o scripture_n they_o say_v speak_v but_o of_o one_o resurrection_n whereas_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o millennium_n suppose_v two_o one_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o millennium_n for_o the_o martyr_n and_o those_o that_o enjoy_v that_o happy_a state_n and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v universal_a and_o final_a in_o the_o last_o day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v true_a scripture_n general_o speak_v of_o the_o resurrection_n in_o gross_a without_o distinguish_v first_o and_o second_o
sense_n of_o the_o greek_a word_n if_o one_o meet_v with_o this_o sentence_n water_n in_o a_o greek_a author_n who_o will_v ever_o render_v it_o stand_v in_o the_o water_n and_o out_o of_o the_o water_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o latin_a translator_n that_o have_v venture_v to_o render_v they_o in_o that_o sense_n nor_o any_o latin_a father_n st._n austin_n and_o st._n jerome_n i_o be_o sure_a do_v not_o but_o consistens_fw-la ex_fw-la aquâ_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr aquâ_fw-la &_o per_fw-la aquam_fw-la for_o that_o late_a phrase_n also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o with_o so_o good_a propriety_n signify_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o water_n as_o to_o consist_v or_o subsist_v by_o water_n or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o water_n tanquam_fw-la per_fw-la causam_fw-la sustinentem_fw-la as_o st._n austin_n and_o jerome_n render_v it_o neither_o do_v that_o instance_n they_o give_v from_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 20._o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o ark_n be_v sustain_v by_o the_o water_n and_o the_o english_a do_v render_v it_o according_o the_o translation_n be_v thus_o rectify_v you_o see_v the_o aunt_n diluvian_n heaven_n and_o earth_n consist_v of_o water_n and_o by_o water_n which_o make_v way_n for_o a_o second_o observation_n to_o prove_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n for_o if_o you_o admit_v no_o diversity_n betwixt_o those_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o present_a show_v we_o pray_v how_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n consist_v of_o water_n and_o by_o water_n what_o watery_a constitution_n have_v they_o the_o apostle_n imply_v rather_o that_o the_o now_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v a_o fiery_a constitution_n we_o have_v now_o meteor_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o air_n wind_n hail_n snow_n lightning_n thunder_z and_o all_o thing_n engender_v of_o fiery_a exhalation_n 233._o â—as_v well_o as_o we_o have_v rain_n but_o according_a to_o our_o theory_n the_o antediluvian_a heaven_n of_o all_o these_o meteor_n have_v none_o but_o dew_n and_o vapour_n or_o watery_a meteor_n only_o and_o therefore_o may_v very_o apt_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v constitute_v of_o water_n or_o to_o have_v a_o watery_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o the_o earth_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v by_o water_n because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o and_o at_o first_o be_v sustain_v by_o it_o and_o when_o such_o a_o key_n as_o this_o be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o unlock_v this_o hard_a passage_n and_o make_v it_o intelligible_a according_a to_o the_o just_a force_n of_o the_o word_n why_o shall_v we_o pertinacious_o adhere_v to_o a_o interpretation_n that_o neither_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n interpretation_n nor_o make_v any_o sense_n that_o be_v considerable_a three_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o same_o with_o the_o present_a his_o apodosis_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i_o say_v it_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v by_o way_n of_o antithesis_fw-la but_o of_o identity_n or_o continuation_n and_o the_o same_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n etc._n etc._n according_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n speak_v thus_o as_o to_o the_o logos_fw-la or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n verse_n 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o he_o express_v it_o as_o the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o well_o as_o the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n why_o shall_v he_o use_v a_o mark_n of_o opposition_n for_o the_o one_o and_o of_o identity_n for_o the_o other_o to_o this_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o can_v be_v fair_o answer_v four_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v different_a from_o the_o present_a because_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v they_o be_v such_o and_o so_o constitute_v as_o make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o deluge_n whereas_o we_o be_v of_o such_o a_o form_n 2._o as_o make_v they_o incapable_a of_o a_o deluge_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o conflagration_n the_o just_a contrary_a fate_n if_o you_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o natural_a tendency_n or_o disposition_n in_o either_o world_n to_o their_o respective_a fate_n but_o the_o first_o might_n as_o well_o have_v perish_v by_o fire_n as_o water_n and_o this_o by_o water_n as_o by_o fire_n you_o unhinge_v all_o nature_n and_o natural_a providence_n in_o that_o method_n and_o contradict_v one_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o discourse_n his_o first_o scope_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o mind_n they_o of_o that_o diversity_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o ancient_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o present_a and_o from_o that_o to_o prove_v against_o those_o scoffer_n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o change_n and_o revolution_n in_o nature_n and_o his_o second_o scope_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o to_o show_v that_o diversity_n to_o be_v such_o as_o under_o the_o divine_a conduct_n lead_v to_o a_o different_a fate_n and_o expose_v that_o world_n to_o a_o deluge_n for_o when_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o subjoin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quià _fw-la talis_fw-la erat_fw-la say_v grotius_n qualem_fw-la diximus_fw-la constitutio_fw-la &_o terrae_fw-la &_o coeli_fw-la where_o by_o the_o then_o world_n perish_v in_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n this_o whereby_o note_v some_o kind_n of_o causal_a dependence_n and_o must_v relate_v to_o some_o mean_n or_o condition_n precedent_n it_o can_v relate_v to_o logos_fw-la or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grammar_n will_v not_o permit_v that_o therefore_o it_o must_v relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n immediate_o premise_v and_o to_o what_o purpose_n indeed_o shall_v he_o premise_v the_o description_n of_o those_o heaven_n and_o earth_n if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o lay_v a_o ground_n for_o this_o inference_n have_v give_v these_o reason_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o interpretation_n in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v s._n augustine_n judgement_n and_o his_o sense_n upon_o this_o place_n as_o to_o the_o point_n in_o question_n as_o also_o the_o reflection_n that_o some_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v make_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n of_o s._n peter_n didymus_n alexandrinus_n who_o be_v for_o some_o time_n s._n ierome_n master_n make_v such_o a_o severe_a reflection_n upon_o it_o that_o he_o say_v this_o epistle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o canon_n because_o it_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o triple_a or_o triform_a world_n in_o this_o three_o chapter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o his_o enarr_n in_o epist._n canonicas_fw-la now_o this_o threefold_a world_n be_v first_o that_o in_o the_o 6_o ver_fw-la the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o ver_fw-la the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v now_o and_o in_o the_o 13_o ver_fw-la we_o expect_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fair_a account_n that_o s._n peter_n teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o triple_a world_n and_o i_o quote_v this_o testimony_n to_o show_v what_o s._n peter_n word_n do_v natural_o import_v even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o one_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o a_o man_n be_v not_o prone_a to_o make_v a_o exposition_n against_o his_o own_o opinion_n unless_o he_o think_v the_o word_n very_o pregnant_a and_o express_a but_o s._n austin_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o of_o this_o doctrine_n as_o derive_v from_o it_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o text_n of_o s._n peter_n in_o several_a part_n of_o his_o work_n we_o have_v note_v three_o or_o four_o place_n already_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o we_o may_v further_o take_v notice_n of_o several_a passage_n in_o his_o treatise_n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la which_o confirm_v our_o exposition_n in_o his_o 20_o book_n ch_n 24._o he_o dispute_v against_o porphyry_n who_o have_v the_o same_o principle_n with_o these_o eternalist_n in_o the_o text_n or_o if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o incorruptarians_n and_o think_v the_o world_n never_o have_v nor_o ever_o will_v undergo_v any_o change_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o heaven_n s._n austin_n can_v not_o urge_v porphyry_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o s._n peter_n for_o he_o have_v no_o veneration_n for_o the_o christian_a oracle_n but_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v some_o for_o the_o jewish_a and_o argue_v against_o he_o upon_o that_o text_n in_o the_o psalm_n coeli_fw-la peribunt_fw-la he_o show_v upon_o occasion_n how_o he_o understand_v s._n peter_n destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n legitur_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terra_fw-la
there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o like_o a_o vulgar_a style_n than_o to_o set_v god_n to_o work_v by_o the_o day_n and_o in_o six-day_n to_o finish_v his_o task_n as_o he_o be_v there_o represent_v we_o may_v therefore_o probable_o hope_v that_o all_o these_o disguise_n of_o truth_n will_v at_o length_n fall_v off_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o his_o work_n in_o a_o pure_a and_o naked_a light_n thus_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o theory_n from_o scripture_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o which_o depend_v chief_o upon_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n when_o you_o have_v collate_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n on_o either_o side_n and_o lay_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n to_o be_v weigh_v one_o against_o another_o if_o you_o do_v but_o find_v they_o equal_a or_o near_o to_o a_o equal_a poise_n you_o know_v in_o whether_o scale_v the_o natural_a reason_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v and_o of_o what_o weight_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o a_o argument_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o scripture_n with_o philosophy_n on_o its_o side_n and_o scripture_n with_o philosophy_n against_o it_o when_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o natural_a world_n and_o this_o be_v our_o case_n which_o i_o leave_v now_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o theory_n the_o late_a part_n consist_v of_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o dispute_n concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o our_o task_n will_v now_o lie_v in_o a_o little_a compass_n be_v only_o this_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o will_v be_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n after_o the_o conflagration_n this_o to_o my_o mind_n be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o in_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o four_o book_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n whether_o sacred_a or_o profane_a and_o therefore_o at_o present_a we_o will_v only_o make_v a_o short_a and_o easy_a review_n of_o scripture-testimony_n with_o design_n chief_o to_o obviate_v and_o disappoint_v the_o evasion_n of_o such_o as_o will_v beat_v down_o solid_a text_n into_o thin_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n the_o testimony_n scripture_n concern_v the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v either_o express_a â—implicit_a those_o i_o call_v express_v that_o mention_v the_o new_a heaven_n and_o â—ew_a earth_n and_o those_o implicit_a that_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o râ—â—_n express_v term_n so_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o a_o palingenesia_n 〈◊〉_d regeneration_n matt._n 19_o 28_o 29._o or_o s._n peter_n of_o a_o apocatastasâ—_n or_o restitution_n act._n 3._o 21._o these_o be_v word_n use_v by_o all_o author_n profane_a or_o ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n â—â—ght_n in_o reason_n to_o be_v interpret_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o the_o holy_a writing_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o his_o future_a eaâ—â—h_n 〈…〉_z or_o a_o habitable_a world_n to_o come_v hebr._fw-la 2._o 5._o or_o of_o a_o redemption_n or_o melioration_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o nature_n rom._n 8._o 21_o 22._o these_o lead_n 〈◊〉_d again_o in_o other_o term_n to_o the_o same_o renovation_n of_o the_o world_n â—â—t_v there_o be_v also_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o set_v the_o heavensâ—â—d_n â—â—d_z new_a earth_n in_o such_o a_o full_a and_o open_a view_n that_o we_o must_v shut_v ourâ—â—yes_v not_o to_o see_v they_o s._n john_n say_v he_o see_v they_o and_o observe_v the_o fâ—â—m_n of_o the_o new_a earth_n 17._o apoc._n 21._o 1._o the_o seer_n isaiah_n speak_v of_o thenâ—_n in_o express_a word_n many_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o s._n peter_n marâ—â—_n the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v introduce_v namely_o after_o the_o conflagration_n or_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o eaâ—â—h_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 12_o 13._o these_o latâ—â—r_a text_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o express_v there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n leave_v to_o â—â—lude_v the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o turn_v the_o renovation_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n into_o a_o allegory_n and_o make_v the_o new_a heaven_n and_o â—ew_a earth_n to_o be_v allegorical_a heaven_n and_o earth_n not_o real_a and_o mateâ—â—al_a as_o we_o be_v this_o be_v a_o bold_a attempt_n of_o some_o modern_a author_n â—ho_fw-mi choose_v rather_o to_o strain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o their_o own_o noâ—â—ons_n there_o be_v allegory_n no_o doubt_n in_o scripture_n but_o we_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d allegorise_v scripture_n without_o some_o warrant_n either_o from_o a_o apoâ—olical_a interpretation_n or_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o i_o dâ—_n not_o know_v how_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o either_o of_o these_o in_o this_o case_n however_o that_o they_o may_v have_v all_o fair_a play_n we_o will_v lay_v aside_o at_o present_a all_o the_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o confine_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o s._n peter_n word_n to_o see_v and_o examine_v whether_o they_o be_v or_o can_v â—e_v turn_v into_o a_o allegory_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n s._n peter_n word_n be_v these_o 13._o see_v then_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v you_o to_o be_v in_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n look_v for_o and_o haste_v the_o come_n of_o the_o day_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o heaven_n be_v on_o fire_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o servant_n heat_n nevertheless_o we_o according_a 〈◊〉_d his_o promise_n look_v for_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o righteousness_n shall_v dwell_v the_o question_n be_v concern_v this_o last_o verse_n whether_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n here_o promise_v be_v to_o be_v real_a and_o maâ—â—rial_a heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o only_o figurative_a and_o allegorical_a the_o woâ—ds_n you_o see_v be_v clear_a and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n be_v thiâ—_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o recede_v from_o the_o letter_n or_o the_o literal_a sense_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n from_o the_o subject_a matter_n such_o a_o necessity_n as_o make_v a_o literal_a interpretation_n absurd_a but_o where_o be_v that_o necessity_n in_o this_o case_n can_v god_n make_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n as_o â—easily_o as_o he_o make_v the_o old_a one_o be_v his_o strength_n decay_v since_o that_o time_n or_o be_v matter_n grow_v more_o disobedient_a 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o nature_n offer_v herself_o voluntary_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a worâ—â—_n from_o the_o second_o chaos_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o first_o and_o under_o thâ—_n conduct_v of_o providence_n to_o make_v it_o as_o convenient_a a_o habitation_n as_o 〈◊〉_d primaeval_n earth_n therefore_o no_o necessity_n can_v be_v pretend_v of_o leavinâ—_n the_o literal_a sense_n upon_o a_o incapacity_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n the_o second_o rule_n to_o determine_v a_o interpretation_n to_o be_v literal_a or_o allegorical_a be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o word_n or_o phrase_n in_o the_o context_n and_o the_o signification_n of_o they_o there_o let_v we_o then_o examine_v our_o case_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n s._n peter_n have_v use_v the_o same_o pâ—ase_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n twice_o before_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n the_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n and_o earth_n ver_fw-la 5._o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n ver_fw-la 7._o and_o now_o he_o use_v it_o again_o ver_fw-la 13._o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v we_o not_o then_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o he_o take_v it_o here_o in_o the_o sâ—me_a sense_n that_o he_o have_v do_v twice_o before_o for_o real_a and_o material_a heaven_n and_o earth_n there_o be_v no_o mark_n set_v of_o a_o new_a signification_n nor_o whâ—_n we_o shall_v alter_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o use_v they_o always_o before_o for_o the_o material_a heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o think_v none_o will_v question_v and_o therefore_o unless_o they_o can_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n wâ—y_v we_o shall_v change_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v bind_v 〈◊〉_d this_o second_o rule_n also_o to_o understand_v they_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n last_o the_o very_a form_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o manneâ—_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o the_o context_n lead_v we_o to_o a_o literal_a sense_n â—nd_v to_o material_a heaven_n and_o earth_n nevertheless_o say_v â—he_n apostle_n we_o expect_v new_a heaven_n etc._n etc._n why_o nevertheless_o that_o be_v notwithstanding_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n tâ—e_v apostle_n foresee_v what_o he_o have_v
of_o it_o the_o method_n of_o the_o first_o book_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o earth_n and_o mankind_n have_v a_o original_a and_o be_v not_o from_o eternity_n prove_v against_o aristotle_n the_o first_o proposition_n of_o our_o theory_n lay_v down_o viz._n that_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n be_v of_o a_o different_a form_n and_o construction_n from_o the_o present_a this_o be_v prove_v from_o divine_a authority_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o form_n of_o the_o chaos_n out_o of_o which_o the_o earth_n be_v make_v chap._n v._o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v lay_v down_o viz._n that_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n before_o the_o deluge_n be_v smooth_a regular_a and_o uniform_a without_o mountain_n and_o without_o a_o sea_n the_o chaos_n out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n rise_v be_v full_o examine_v and_o all_o its_o motion_n observe_v and_o by_o what_o step_v it_o wrought_v itself_o into_o a_o habitable_a world_n some_o thing_n in_o antiquity_n relate_v to_o the_o first_o state_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v interpret_v and_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n the_o divine_a art_n and_o geometry_n in_o the_o construction_n of_o the_o first_o earth_n be_v observe_v and_o celebrate_v chap._n vi_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o first_o earth_n the_o deluge_n ensue_v thereupon_o and_o the_o form_n of_o the_o present_a earth_n rise_v from_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o first_o chap._n vii_o that_o the_o explication_n we_o have_v give_v of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n be_v not_o a_o idea_n only_o but_o a_o account_n of_o what_o real_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o true_a explication_n of_o noah_n flood_n a_o examination_n of_o tehom-rabba_n or_o the_o great_a abyss_n and_o that_o by_o it_o the_o sea_n can_v be_v understand_v nor_o the_o subterraneous_a water_n as_o they_o be_v at_o present_a what_o the_o true_a notion_n and_o form_n of_o it_o be_v collect_v from_o moses_n and_o other_o sacred_a writer_n observation_n on_o deucalion_n deluge_n chap._n viii_o the_o particular_a history_n of_o noah_n flood_n be_v explain_v in_o all_o the_o material_a part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o precede_a theory_n any_o seem_a difficulty_n remove_v and_o the_o whole_a section_n conclude_v with_o a_o discourse_n how_o far_o the_o deluge_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o ordinary_a providence_n and_o how_o far_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a chap._n ix_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n prove_v the_o same_o theory_n from_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o present_a form_n of_o the_o earth_n first_o by_o a_o general_a scheme_n of_o what_o be_v most_o remarkable_a in_o this_o globe_n and_o then_o by_o a_o more_o particular_a induction_n beginning_n with_o a_o account_n of_o subterraneous_a cavity_n and_o subterraneous_a water_n chap._n x._o concern_v the_o channel_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o original_a of_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o irregular_a from_o and_o unequal_a depth_n as_o also_o of_o the_o original_a of_o island_n their_o situation_n and_o other_o property_n chap._n xi_o concern_v the_o mountain_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o greatness_n and_o irregular_a form_n their_o situation_n cause_n and_o origin_n chap._n xii_o a_o short_a review_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o treat_v of_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n all_o method_n whether_o philosophical_a or_o theological_a that_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o other_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o form_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v examine_v and_o refute_v a_o conjecture_n concern_v the_o other_o planet_n their_o natural_a form_n and_o state_n compare_v with_o we_o especial_o concern_v jupiter_n and_o saturn_n the_o second_o book_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n and_o content_n of_o the_o second_o book_n the_o general_a state_n of_o the_o primaeval_n earth_n and_o of_o paradise_n chap._n ii_o the_o great_a change_n of_o the_o world_n since_o the_o flood_n from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o earth_n under_o its_o present_a form_n can_v not_o be_v paradisiacal_a nor_o any_o part_n of_o it_o chap._n iii_o the_o original_a difference_n of_o the_o primitive_a earth_n from_o the_o present_a or_o post-diluvian_a the_o three_o character_n of_o paradise_n and_o the_o golden_a age_n find_v in_o the_o primitive_a earth_n a_o particular_a explication_n of_o each_o character_n chap._n iu._n a_o digression_n concern_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o longaevity_n that_o the_o machine_n of_o a_o animal_n consist_v of_o spring_n and_o which_o be_v the_o two_o principal_a the_o age_n of_o the_o antediluvians_a to_o be_v compute_v by_o solar_a not_o lunar_a year_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o water_n of_o the_o primitive_a earth_n what_o the_o state_n of_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n be_v then_o and_o how_o all_o water_n proceed_v from_o they_o how_o the_o river_n arise_v what_o be_v their_o course_n and_o how_o they_o end_v several_a thing_n in_o sacred_a writ_n that_o confirm_v this_o hydrography_n of_o the_o first_o earth_n especial_o the_o post-diluvian_a origin_n of_o the_o rainbow_n chap._n vi_o a_o recollection_n and_o review_v of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o primitive_a earth_n with_o a_o more_o full_a survey_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o world_n natural_a and_o civil_a and_o the_o comparison_n of_o it_o with_o the_o present_a world_n chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o place_n of_o paradise_n it_o can_v be_v determine_v from_o the_o theory_n only_o nor_o from_o scripture_n only_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o antiquity_n be_v concern_v it_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a father_n that_o they_o general_o place_v it_o out_o of_o this_o continent_n in_o the_o southern_a hemisphere_n chap._n viii_o the_o use_n of_o this_o theory_n for_o the_o illustration_n of_o antiquity_n the_o chaos_n of_o the_o ancient_n explain_v the_o inhabitability_n of_o the_o torrid_a zone_n the_o change_n of_o the_o pole_n of_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mundane_a egg_n how_o america_n be_v first_o people_v how_o paradise_n within_o the_o circle_n of_o the_o moon_n chap._n ix_o a_o general_a objection_n against_o this_o theory_n viz._n that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o primitive_a earth_n as_o we_o pretend_v the_o fame_n of_o it_o will_v have_v sound_v throughout_o all_o antiquity_n the_o eastern_a and_o western_a learning_n consider_v the_o most_o considerable_a record_n of_o both_o be_v lose_v what_o footstep_n remain_v relate_v to_o this_o subject_n the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a learning_n consider_v how_o far_o lose_v as_o to_o this_o argument_n and_o what_o note_n or_o tradition_n remain_v last_o how_o far_o the_o sacred_a write_n bear_v witness_v to_o it_o the_o prâ—vidential_n conduct_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n a_o recapitulation_n and_o state_n of_o the_o theory_n chap._n x._o concern_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n chap._n xi_o concern_v natural_a providence_n several_a misrepresentation_n of_o it_o and_o false_a method_n of_o contemplation_n preparative_n to_o the_o true_a method_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o mundane_a idea_n and_o the_o universal_a system_n of_o providence_n several_a subordinate_a system_n that_o of_o our_o earth_n and_o sublunary_a world_n the_o course_n and_o period_n of_o it_o how_o much_o of_o this_o be_v already_o treat_v of_o and_o what_o remain_v conclusion_n the_o theory_n of_o the_o earth_n book_n i._o concern_v the_o deluge_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o earth_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n a_o account_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o general_a order_n of_o it_o since_o i_o be_v first_o incline_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o take_v pleasure_n to_o trace_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o effect_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o one_o thing_n upon_o another_o in_o the_o visible_a creation_n i_o have_v always_o methinks_v a_o particular_a curiosity_n to_o look_v back_o into_o the_o source_n and_o original_a of_o thing_n and_o to_o view_v in_o my_o mind_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_v able_a the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o rise_a world_n and_o after_o some_o essay_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o as_o i_o think_v not_o unsuccessful_a i_o carry_v on_o my_o inquiry_n further_o to_o try_v whether_o this_o rise_a world_n when_o form_v and_o finish_v will_v continue_v always_o the_o same_o in_o the_o same_o form_n structure_n and_o consistency_n or_o what_o change_v it_o will_v successive_o undergo_v by_o the_o continue_a action_n of_o the_o same_o cause_n that_o first_o produce_v it_o and_o last_o what_o will_v be_v its_o final_a period_n and_o consummation_n this_o whole_a series_n and_o compass_n of_o thing_n take_v together_o i_o call_v a_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o a_o system_n of_o natural_a providence_n and_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o belong_v to_o the_o external_n world_n more_o fit_a or_o more_o
settle_v into_o the_o same_o form_n which_o they_o have_v when_o they_o be_v last_o liquid_a and_o be_v always_o solid_a within_o and_o smooth_a without_o unless_o they_o be_v cast_v in_o a_o mould_n that_o hinder_v the_o motion_n and_o flux_n of_o the_o part_n so_o that_o the_o first_o concrete_a state_n or_o consistent_a surface_n of_o the_o chaos_n must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o form_n or_o figure_n with_o the_o last_o liquid_a state_n it_o be_v in_o for_o that_o be_v the_o mould_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o which_o it_o be_v cast_v as_o the_o shell_n of_o a_o egg_n be_v of_o a_o like_a form_n with_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o liquor_n it_o lie_v upon_o and_o therefore_o by_o analogy_n with_o all_o other_o liquor_n and_o concretion_n the_o form_n of_o the_o chaos_n whether_o liquid_a or_o concrete_a can_v not_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o present_a earth_n or_o like_v it_o and_o consequent_o that_o form_n of_o the_o first_o or_o primigenial_a earth_n which_o rise_v immediate_o out_o of_o the_o chaos_n be_v not_o the_o same_o nor_o like_v to_o that_o of_o the_o present_a earth_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o preparatory_a proposition_n we_o lay_v down_o to_o be_v prove_v and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o religion_n we_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v more_o particular_a chap._n v._o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v lay_v down_o viz._n that_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n before_o the_o deluge_n be_v smooth_a regular_a and_o uniform_a without_o mountain_n and_o without_o a_o sea_n the_o chaos_n out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n rise_v be_v full_o examine_v and_o all_o its_o motion_n observe_v and_o by_o what_o step_v it_o wrought_v itself_o into_o a_o habitable_a world_n some_o thing_n in_o antiquity_n relate_v to_o the_o first_o state_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v interpret_v and_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n the_o divine_a art_n and_o geometry_n in_o the_o construction_n of_o the_o first_o earth_n be_v observe_v and_o celebrate_v we_o have_v see_v it_o prove_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o first_o or_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n be_v not_o the_o same_o nor_o like_o the_o form_n of_o the_o present_a earth_n this_o be_v our_o first_o discovery_n at_o a_o distance_n but_o it_o be_v only_o general_a and_o negative_a tell_v we_o what_o the_o form_n of_o that_o earth_n be_v not_o but_o tell_v we_o not_o express_o what_o it_o be_v that_o must_v be_v our_o next_o enquiry_n and_o advance_v one_o step_n further_o in_o our_o theory_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n before_o the_o deluge_n be_v smooth_a regular_a and_o uniform_a without_o mountain_n and_o without_o a_o sea_n this_o be_v a_o bold_a step_n and_o carry_v we_o into_o another_o world_n which_o we_o have_v never_o see_v nor_o ever_o yet_o hear_v any_o relation_n of_o and_o a_o world_n it_o seem_v of_o very_o different_a scene_n and_o prospect_n from_o we_o or_o from_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o know_v a_o earth_n without_o a_o sea_n and_o plain_a as_o the_o elysian_a field_n if_o you_o travel_v it_o all_o over_o you_o will_v not_o meet_v with_o a_o mountain_n or_o a_o rock_n yet_o well_o provide_v of_o all_o reqnisite_a thing_n for_o a_o habitable_a world_n and_o the_o same_o indeed_o with_o the_o earth_n we_o still_o inhabit_v only_o under_o another_o form_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o now_o come_v into_o debate_n the_o great_a paradox_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o earth_n in_o its_o first_o rise_n and_o formation_n from_o a_o chaos_n be_v of_o the_o form_n here_o describe_v and_o so_o continue_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n to_o examine_v and_o prove_v this_o we_o must_v return_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o that_o chaos_n out_o of_o which_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o sublunary_a thing_n arise_v it_o be_v the_o motion_n and_o progress_n of_o this_o which_o we_o must_v now_o consider_v and_o what_o form_n it_o settle_v into_o when_o it_o first_o become_v a_o habitable_a world_n neither_o be_v it_o perhaps_o such_o a_o intricate_a thing_n as_o we_o imagine_v at_o first_o sight_n to_o trace_v a_o chaos_n into_o a_o habitable_a world_n at_o least_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a pleasure_n to_o see_v thing_n in_o their_o origin_n and_o by_o what_o degree_n and_o successive_a change_n they_o rise_v into_o that_o order_n and_o state_n we_o see_v they_o in_o afterward_o when_o complete_v i_o be_o sure_a if_o ever_o we_o will_v view_v the_o path_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o work_n and_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v not_o only_o consider_v how_o thing_n be_v but_o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o look_v upon_o a_o tree_n in_o the_o summer_n cover_v with_o its_o green_a leave_n deck_v with_o blossom_n or_o lade_v with_o 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represent_v to_o we_o the_o chaos_n in_o which_o the_o first_o change_n that_o we_o shall_v imagine_v to_o happen_v will_v be_v this_o that_o the_o heavy_a and_o gross_a part_n will_v sink_v down_o towards_o the_o middle_n of_o it_o for_o there_o we_o suppose_v the_o centre_n of_o its_o gravity_n and_o the_o rest_n will_v float_v above_o these_o grosser_n part_n thus_o sink_v down_o and_o compress_v more_o and_o more_o will_v harden_v by_o degree_n and_o constitute_v the_o interior_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o mass_n which_o swim_v above_o will_v be_v also_o divide_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o gravity_n into_o two_o order_n of_o body_n the_o one_o liquid_a like_o water_n the_o other_o volatile_a like_o air._n for_o the_o more_o fine_a and_o active_a part_n disentangle_v
which_o conjecture_n will_v hereafter_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v well-grounded_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o see_v the_o christian_a poetry_n upon_o this_o subject_n as_o we_o have_v see_v the_o roman_a upon_o the_o other_o alcimus_n avitus_n have_v thus_o describe_v paradise_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o genesis_n non_fw-la hîc_fw-la alterni_fw-la succedit_fw-la temporis_fw-la unquam_fw-la bruma_n nec_fw-la aestivi_fw-la redeunt_fw-la post_fw-la frigora_fw-la sole_n hîc_fw-la ver_fw-la assiduum_fw-la coeli_fw-la clementia_fw-la seruat_fw-la turbidus_fw-la auster_n abest_fw-la sempérque_fw-la sub_fw-la aere_fw-la sudo_fw-la nubila_fw-la diffugiunt_fw-la jugi_fw-la cessura_fw-la sereno_fw-la nec_fw-la poscit_fw-la natura_fw-la loci_fw-la quos_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imbres_fw-la sed_fw-la contenta_fw-la svo_fw-la dotantur_fw-la germina_fw-la roar_n perpetuò_fw-la viret_fw-la omne_fw-la solum_fw-la terraeque_fw-la benignae_fw-la blanda_n nitet_fw-la facies_fw-la stant_fw-la semper_fw-la collibus_fw-la herbae_fw-la arboribúsque_fw-la comae_fw-la etc._n etc._n no_o change_n of_o season_n or_o excess_n be_v there_o no_o winter_n chill_v nor_o summer_n scorch_a the_o air_n but_o with_o a_o constant_a spring_n nature_n be_v fresh_a and_o fair_a rough_a wind_n or_o rains_n that_o region_n never_o know_v water_v with_o river_n and_o the_o morning_n dew_n the_o heaven_n still_a clear_a the_o field_n still_o green_a and_o gay_a no_o cloud_n above_o nor_o on_o the_o earth_n decay_n tree_n keep_v their_o leaf_n and_o verdure_n all_o the_o year_n and_o fruit_n be_v never_o out_o of_o season_n there_o and_o as_o the_o christian_a author_n so_o likewise_o the_o jewish_a have_v speak_v of_o paradise_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o tell_v we_o also_o that_o the_o day_n there_o be_v always_o of_o the_o same_o length_n throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n and_o that_o make_v they_o fancy_n paradise_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o aequinoctial_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o 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this_o by_o many_o be_v think_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o moses_n his_o word_n gen._n 2._o 5_o 6._o which_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o and_o paradisiacal_a earth_n last_o see_v the_o earth_n then_o bring_v forth_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o all_o live_a creature_n man_n except_v according_a to_o moses_n gen._n 1._o 24._o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v such_o as_o favour_v these_o conception_n and_o birth_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v bring_v to_o perfection_n as_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n be_v at_o present_a the_o first_o time_n that_o we_o have_v mention_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o summer_n and_o winter_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o season_n be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o deluge_n gen._n 8._o 22._o hence_o forward_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o earth_n seedtime_n and_o harvest_n heat_n and_o cold_a summer_n and_o winter_n day_n and_o night_n shall_v not_o cease_v it_o be_v true_a these_o word_n be_v so_o lax_n 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now_o if_o a_o man_n live_v to_o one_o hundred_o our_o oak_n do_v not_o last_v so_o long_o as_o their_o body_n do_v stone_n and_o iron_n will_v scarce_a out-wear_a they_o and_o this_o property_n of_o the_o first_o age_n or_o their_o inhabitant_n how_o strange_a soever_o be_v well_o attest_v and_o beyond_o all_o exception_n have_v the_o joint_a consent_n of_o sacred_a and_o profane_a history_n the_o scripture_n set_v down_o the_o precise_a age_n of_o a_o series_n of_o ant_n diluvian_n patriarch_n and_o by_o that_o measure_v the_o time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o deluge_n so_o as_o all_o sacred_a chronology_n stand_v upon_o that_o bottom_n yet_o i_o know_v some_o have_v think_v this_o so_o improbable_a and_o incongruous_a a_o thing_n that_o to_o save_v the_o credit_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o sacred_a history_n they_o interpret_v these_o year_n of_o lunar_a year_n or_o month_n and_o so_o the_o age_n of_o these_o patriarch_n be_v reduce_v to_o much_o what_o the_o same_o measure_n with_o the_o common_a life_n of_o man_n at_o this_o time_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o theory_n to_o make_v thing_n credible_a and_o intelligibile_fw-la man_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n have_v often_o depress_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o not_o out_o of_o any_o ill_a will_n to_o scripture_n or_o religion_n but_o because_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o upon_o the_o stock_n of_o their_o notion_n give_v themselves_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o thing_n record_v there_o but_o i_o hope_v when_o we_o come_v to_o explain_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o longaevity_n we_o shall_v show_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o we_o strange_a a_o thing_n that_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o short_a life_n as_o they_o have_v now_o as_o that_o they_o have_v such_o long_a life_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o collateral_a reason_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o lunar_a year_n can_v be_v here_o understand_v by_o moses_n for_o all_o antiquity_n give_v the_o same_o account_n of_o those_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o first_o man_n that_o they_o be_v extreme_o long-lived_a we_o meet_v with_o it_o general_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o golden_a age_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o in_o their_o topical_a paradise_n also_o they_o always_o suppose_v a_o great_a vivacity_n or_o longaevity_n in_o those_o that_o enjoy_v they_o ant._n and_o josephus_n speak_v upon_o this_o subject_n say_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a nation_n greek_n or_o barbarian_n bear_v witness_n to_o moses_n doctrine_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o in_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n itself_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n and_o mark_n that_o discover_v plain_o that_o the_o year_n of_o the_o patriarch_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o lunar_a year_n 4._o as_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o show_v in_o another_o place_n we_o proceed_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n
future_a renovation_n and_o to_o this_o day_n the_o posterity_n of_o the_o brackmans_n in_o the_o east_n indies_n retain_v the_o same_o notion_n that_o the_o world_n will_v be_v renew_v after_o the_o last_o fire_n you_o may_v see_v the_o citation_n if_o you_o please_v for_o all_o these_o nation_n in_o the_o latin_a treatise_n ch._n 5._o which_o i_o think_v will_v be_v too_o dry_a and_o tedious_a to_o be_v render_v into_o english_a to_o these_o testimony_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o all_o age_n for_o the_o future_a renovation_n of_o the_o world_n we_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a father_n greek_n and_o latin_a ancient_a and_o modern_a i_o will_v only_o give_v you_o a_o bare_a list_n of_o they_o and_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o latin_a treatise_n for_o the_o word_n or_o the_o place_n 9_o among_o the_o greek_a father_n justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n origen_n the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a eusebius_n basil_n the_o two_o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o alexandria_n the_o two_o gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o nyssen_n s._n chrysostom_n zacharias_n mitylenensis_n and_o of_o late_a date_n damascen_n oecumenius_n euthymius_n and_o other_o these_o have_v all_o set_v their_o hand_n and_o seal_n to_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o latin_a father_n tertullian_n lactantius_n s._n hilary_n s._n ambrose_n s._n austin_n s._n jerome_n and_o many_o late_a ecclesiastical_a author_n these_o with_o the_o philosopher_n before_o mention_v i_o count_v good_a authority_n sacred_a and_o profane_a which_o i_o place_v here_o as_o a_o out-guard_n upon_o scripture_n where_o our_o principal_a force_n lie_v and_o these_o three_o unite_a and_o act_v in_o conjunction_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v this_o first_o post_n and_o to_o prove_v our_o first_o proposition_n â—_o which_o be_v this_o that_o after_o the_o conflagration_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n and_o that_o earth_n will_v be_v inhabit_v chap._n iu._n the_o proof_n of_o a_o millennium_n or_o of_o a_o bless_a age_n to_o come_v from_o scripture_n a_o view_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o saint_n we_o have_v give_v fair_a presumption_n if_o not_o proof_n in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o the_o son_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n will_v be_v the_o person_n that_o shall_v inhabit_v the_o new_a earth_n or_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o to_o make_v that_o proof_n complete_a and_o unexceptionable_a i_o tell_v you_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o take_v a_o large_a compass_n in_o our_o discourse_n and_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o reign_n with_o christ_n a_o thousand_o year_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o son_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v usual_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o reign_n 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see_v be_v call_v the_o first_o resurrection_n by_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o the_o second_o and_o general_a resurrection_n which_o be_v to_o be_v place_v a_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o first_o and_o both_o this_o first_o resurrection_n and_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n seem_v to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o martyr_n in_o this_o place_n for_o the_o prophet_n say_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n etc._n etc._n they_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o christ_n a_o thousand_o year_n from_o which_o word_n if_o you_o please_v we_o will_v raise_v this_o doctrine_n that_o those_o that_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n shall_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a a_o thousand_o year_n before_o the_o general_a resurrection_n and_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o a_o happy_a state_n this_o proposition_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o include_v in_o the_o word_n of_o s._n john_n and_o to_o be_v the_o intend_a sense_n of_o this_o vision_n but_o you_o must_v have_v patience_n a_o little_a as_o to_o your_o enquiry_n into_o particular_n till_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o discourse_n we_o have_v bring_v all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n into_o a_o full_a light_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n that_o i_o know_v of_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n and_o of_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o suppose_v that_o the_o first_o resurrection_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n but_o be_v allegorical_a and_o mystical_a signify_v only_o a_o resurrection_n from_o sin_n to_o a_o spiritual_a life_n as_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n this_o be_v a_o manner_n of_o speech_n which_o s._n paul_n do_v sometime_o use_v as_o ephes._n 2._o 6._o and_o 5._o 14._o and_o col._n 3._o 1._o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a case_n be_v the_o martyr_n dead_a in_o sin_n it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v here_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o after_o they_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n natural_o dead_a and_o lay_v in_o their_o grave_n be_v they_o then_o regenerate_v by_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o congruitiy_n in_o allegory_n so_o apply_v beside_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v a_o thousand_o year_n before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n or_o to_o reign_v with_o christ_n after_o this_o spiritual_a resurrection_n such_o a_o limit_a time_n a_o thousand_o year_n why_o not_o to_o eternity_n for_o in_o this_o allegorical_a sense_n of_o rise_v and_o reign_v they_o will_v reign_v with_o he_o for_o everlasting_a then_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n must_v all_o the_o wicked_a be_v
least_o give_v plain_a mark_n of_o a_o terrestrial_a state_n wherefore_o the_o only_a question_n that_o remain_v be_v this_o whether_o these_o happy_a day_n be_v pass_v already_o or_o to_o come_v whether_o this_o bless_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v behind_o we_o or_o before_o we_o whether_o our_o predecessor_n have_v enjoy_v it_o or_o our_o posterity_n be_v to_o expect_v it_o for_o we_o be_v very_o sure_o that_o it_o be_v not_o present_a the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o war_n and_o rumour_n of_o war_n of_o vice_n and_o knavery_n of_o oppression_n and_o persecution_n and_o these_o be_v thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o character_n of_o the_o state_n which_o we_o look_v after_o and_o if_o we_o look_v for_o it_o in_o time_n past_a we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o back_o than_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o s._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n prophesy_v of_o these_o time_n as_o to_o come_v and_o place_v they_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o system_a of_o prophecy_n whereby_o one_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o christian_a age_n but_o far_o advance_v into_o they_o but_o however_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o that_o at_o present_a where_o will_v you_o find_v a_o thousand_o year_n from_o the_o birth_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o present_a age_n that_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o answer_n to_o the_o character_n of_o this_o pure_a and_o pacifick_n state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a so_o likewise_o be_v they_o the_o least_o peaceable_a continual_o more_o or_o less_o under_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o reign_n and_o empire_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n over_o the_o nation_n that_o christian_n be_v then_o every_o where_o in_o subjection_n or_o slavery_n a_o poor_a feeble_a helpless_a people_n thrust_v into_o prison_n or_o throw_v to_o the_o lion_n at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o prince_n or_o ruler_n it_o be_v true_a when_o the_o empire_n become_v christian_n under_o constantine_n in_o the_o four_o century_n there_o be_v for_o a_o time_n peace_n and_o prosperity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o purity_n and_o piety_n but_o that_o peace_n be_v soon_o disturb_v and_o that_o piety_n soon_o corrupt_v the_o grow_a pride_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_n and_o their_o easiness_n to_o admit_v or_o introduce_v superstitious_a practice_n destroy_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o their_o contest_v about_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n tear_v the_o christian_n themselves_o into_o piece_n and_o soon_o after_o a_o inundation_n of_o barbarous_a people_n fall_v into_o christendom_n and_o put_v it_o all_o into_o flame_n and_o confusion_n after_o this_o eruption_n of_o the_o northern_a nation_n mahometanism_n rise_v in_o the_o east_n and_o swarm_n of_o saracen_n like_o army_n of_o locust_n invade_v conquer_v and_o plant_v their_o religion_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o of_o the_o christianize_v world_n and_o can_v we_o call_v such_o time_n the_o reign_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n the_o turk_n overrun_v the_o eastern_a empire_n and_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o still_o hold_v that_o miserable_a people_n in_o slavery_n providence_n seem_v to_o have_v so_o order_v affair_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n shall_v never_o be_v without_o a_o woe_n upon_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v fancy_n itself_o already_o in_o those_o happy_a day_n of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o future_a time_n last_o whosoever_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o corruption_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o she_o come_v to_o her_o greatness_n whosoever_o allow_v she_o to_o be_v mystical_a babylon_n which_o must_v fall_v before_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n come_v on_o will_v think_v that_o kingdom_n due_o place_v by_o s._n john_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o there_o still_o remain_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n hebr._n 4._o 9_o a_o sabbatism_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n chap._n vi_o the_o sense_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n concern_v the_o millennium_n or_o future_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o nicene_n council_n the_o second_o proposition_n lay_v down_o when_o by_o what_o mean_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n that_o doctrine_n be_v afterward_o neglect_v or_o discountenance_v you_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n declare_v the_o future_a kingdom_n of_o christ._n next_o to_o these_o the_o primitive_a father_n be_v account_v of_o good_a authority_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o inquire_v into_o their_o sense_n concern_v this_o doctrine_n that_o we_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o party_n and_o both_o those_o that_o be_v guide_v by_o scripture_n alone_o and_o those_o that_o have_v a_o veneration_n for_o antiquity_n may_v find_v proof_n suitable_a â—o_o their_o inclination_n and_o judgement_n and_o to_o make_v few_o word_n of_o it_o we_o will_v lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o millennial_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o nicene_n council_n inclusive_o s._n john_n outlive_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o life_n be_v banish_v into_o the_o isle_n of_o pathmos_n he_o write_v his_o apocalypse_n wherein_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o full_a and_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o millennial_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n than_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n before_o he_o papias_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n 33._o and_o martyr_n one_o of_o s._n iâ—hn's_n auditor_n as_o irenaeus_n testify_v teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n after_o s._n john_n he_o be_v the_o familiar_a friend_n of_o polycarp_n another_o of_o s._n john_n disciple_n and_o either_o from_o he_o or_o immediate_o from_o s._n john_n mouth_n he_o may_v receive_v this_o doctrine_n that_o he_o teach_v it_o in_o the_o church_n be_v agree_v on_o by_o all_o hand_n both_o by_o those_o that_o be_v his_o follower_n as_o irenaeus_n and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o wellwisher_n to_o this_o doctrine_n as_o eâ—sebius_n and_o jerome_n there_o be_v also_o another_o channel_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v traditional_o derive_v from_o s._n john_n namely_o by_o the_o clergy_n of_o asia_n as_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n for_o argue_v the_o point_n he_o show_v that_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o jacob_n from_o his_o father_n isaac_n be_v not_o make_v good_a to_o he_o in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v without_o doubt_n those_o word_n have_v a_o further_a aim_n and_o prospect_n upon_o the_o time_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o they_o use_v to_o call_v the_o millennial_a state_n when_o the_o just_a rise_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v reign_v and_o when_o nature_n renew_v and_o set_v at_o liberty_n shall_v yield_v plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v blessed_v with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o great_a fertility_n of_o the_o earth_n according_a as_o have_v be_v relate_v by_o those_o ecclesiastic_n or_o clergy_n who_o sce._n st._n john_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o hear_v of_o he_o what_o our_o lord_n have_v teach_v concern_v those_o time_n this_o you_o see_v go_v to_o the_o fountainhead_n the_o christian_a clergy_n receive_v it_o from_o st._n john_n and_o st._n john_n relate_v it_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o much_o for_o the_o original_a authority_n of_o this_o doctrine_n as_o a_o tradition_n that_o it_o be_v from_o st._n john_n and_o by_o he_o from_o christ._n and_o as_o to_o the_o propagation_n and_o prevail_v of_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o can_v bring_v a_o witness_n beyond_o all_o exception_n jew._n justin_n martyr_n contemporary_a with_o irenaeus_n and_o his_o senior_n he_o say_v that_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n of_o his_o time_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n suppose_v the_o first_o resurrection_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n reign_n in_o jerusalem_n restore_v or_o in_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o isaiah_n and_o other_o attest_v with_o common_a consent_n as_o st._n peter_n have_v say_v before_o act._n 3._o 21._o that_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v of_o it_o then_o he_o quote_v the_o 65th_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n which_o be_v a_o bulwark_n for_o this_o doctrine_n that_o never_o can_v be_v break_v and_o to_o show_v the_o jew_n with_o who_o he_o have_v this_o discourse_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n
there_o be_v want_n and_o necessitousness_n there_o will_v be_v quarrel_v four_o it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o peace_n these_o also_o must_v go_v together_o for_o unrighteous_a person_n will_v not_o live_v long_o in_o peace_n no_o more_o than_o indigent_a person_n the_o psalmist_n therefore_o join_v they_o together_o and_o plenty_n also_o as_o their_o necessary_a preservative_n in_o his_o description_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n psal._n 85._o 10_o 11_o 12._o mercy_n and_o truth_n be_v meet_v together_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n have_v kiss_v each_o other_o truth_n shall_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v look_v down_o from_o heaven_n yea_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v good_a and_o our_o land_n shall_v yield_v she_o increase_v this_o will_v not_o be_v a_o medley-state_n as_o the_o present_a world_n be_v good_a and_o bad_a mingle_v together_o but_o a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n those_o that_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n the_o scripture_n pronounce_v they_o holy_a and_o bless_a and_o say_v the_o second_o death_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o satan_n also_o be_v bind_v and_o shut_v up_o in_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o have_v no_o liberty_n of_o tempt_a or_o seduce_v this_o people_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n but_o at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o time_n he_o will_v meet_v with_o a_o degenerate_a crew_n separate_a and_o alien_n to_o the_o holy_a city_n that_o will_v make_v war_n against_o it_o and_o perish_v in_o the_o attempt_n 9_o in_o a_o word_n those_o that_o be_v to_o enjoy_v this_o state_n be_v always_o distinguish_v from_o the_o multitude_n as_o people_n redeem_v from_o the_o earth_n 14._o that_o have_v wash_v their_o robe_n and_o make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n 4._o and_o be_v represent_v as_o victor_n over_o the_o world_n 27._o with_o such_o other_o character_n as_o be_v incompetible_a to_o any_o but_o the_o righteous_a five_o this_o will_v be_v a_o state_n under_o a_o peculiar_a divine_a presence_n and_o conduct_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a indeed_o to_o determine_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o presence_n but_o the_o scripture_n plain_o imply_v some_o extraordinary_a divine_a presence_n to_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v that_o state_n when_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n be_v come_v down_o 3._o st._n john_n say_v and_o i_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n out_o of_o heaven_n say_v behold_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n be_v with_o man_n and_o he_o will_v dwell_v with_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n and_o god_n himself_o shall_v be_v with_o they_o and_o be_v their_o god_n and_o the_o like_a be_v promise_v to_o the_o palm-bearing_a company_n chap._n 7._o 15._o where_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v incarnate_a and_o vouchsafe_v to_o dwell_v among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v by_o this_o same_o author_n 〈◊〉_d joh._n 1._o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o tabernacle_v among_o we_o and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n etc._n etc._n we_o read_v it_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o but_o render_v more_o close_o it_o be_v he_o set_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o 25._o and_o that_o which_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o shekinah_n oâ—_n divine_a presence_n come_v from_o a_o word_n of_o the_o like_a signification_n and_o sound_n with_o the_o greek_a word_n here_o use_v therefore_o there_o will_v be_v a_o shekinah_n in_o that_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o to_o the_o mode_n of_o it_o i_o be_o very_o willing_a to_o confess_v my_o ignorance_n the_o last_o character_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o state_n or_o rather_o to_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n this_o be_v a_o character_n often_o repeat_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v it_o occur_v thrice_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n in_o formal_a term_n ch._n 1._o 6._o ch._n 5._o 10._o ch._n 20._o 6._o and_o as_o to_o the_o regal_a dignity_n apart_o that_o be_v further_a express_v either_o by_o the_o donation_n of_o a_o kingdom_n as_o in_o daniel_n phrase_n chap._n 7._o 18_o 22_o 27._o or_o by_o place_v upon_o throne_n with_o a_o judicial_a power_n which_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n style_n mat._n 19_o 28._o luk._n 22._o 29_o 30._o revel_v 20._o 4._o these_o two_o title_n no_o doubt_n be_v intend_v to_o comprehend_v the_o high_a honour_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o these_o be_v the_o high_a dignity_n in_o every_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o be_v by_o the_o ancient_n both_o in_o the_o east_n and_o in_o the_o west_n common_o unite_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n their_o king_n be_v priest_n like_o melchisedeck_v or_o as_o the_o roman_a emperor_n be_v pontifex_n maximus_n but_o as_o to_o the_o sacerdotal_a character_n that_o seem_v chief_o to_o respect_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o signife_n a_o people_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n separate_a from_o the_o world_n and_o from_o secular_a affair_n spend_v their_o time_n in_o devotion_n and_o contemplation_n which_o will_v be_v the_o great_a employment_n of_o that_o happy_a state_n for_o where_o there_o be_v ease_n peace_n and_o plenty_n of_o all_o thing_n refine_a body_n and_o purify_v mind_n there_o will_v be_v more_o inclination_n to_o intellectual_a exercise_n and_o entertainment_n which_o they_o may_v attend_v upon_o without_o any_o distraction_n have_v neither_o want_n pain_n nor_o worldly_a business_n the_o title_n of_o king_n imply_v a_o confluence_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o constitute_v temporal_a happiness_n it_o be_v the_o high_a thing_n we_o can_v wish_v any_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o king_n so_o as_o the_o regal_a dignity_n seem_v to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n or_o external_a felicity_n and_o the_o sacerdotal_a the_o good_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o internal_a both_o which_o concur_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o true_a happiness_n there_o be_v also_o a_o further_a force_n and_o emphasis_n in_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v make_v king_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o comparative_o with_o respect_n to_o what_o they_o be_v before_o in_o this_o world_n where_o they_o be_v not_o only_o mean_v and_o despicable_a in_o subjection_n and_o servility_n but_o often_o under_o persecution_n abuse_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o the_o secular_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o now_o the_o scene_n be_v change_v and_o you_o see_v the_o reverse_n of_o providence_n according_a as_o abraham_n say_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v now_o they_o be_v set_v upon_o throne_n and_o tribunal_n who_o be_v before_o arraign_v as_o criminal_n and_o bring_v before_o tyrannical_a judicature_n they_o be_v now_o law_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o themselves_o in_o a_o true_a state_n of_o royal_a liberty_n neither_o under_o the_o domination_n of_o evil_a man_n nor_o of_o their_o own_o evil_a passion_n some_o possible_o may_v think_v that_o this_o high_a character_n of_o be_v make_v priest_n and_o king_n to_o god_n be_v not_o general_a to_o all_o that_o enjoy_v the_o mâ—llennium_n but_o a_o prerogative_n belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a martyr_n who_o be_v eminent_o reward_v for_o their_o eminent_a service_n but_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o i_o perceive_v apply_v it_o to_o all_o that_o inherit_v that_o kingdom_n the_o redeem_v out_o of_o every_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n and_o shall_v reign_v on_o the_o earth_n apoc._n 5._o 9_o 10._o and_o in_o the_o 20_o chap._n ver_fw-la 6._o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n be_v make_v priest_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o a_o thousand_o year_n here_o be_v no_o distinction_n or_o discrimination_n thus_o far_o not_o that_o we_o suppose_v a_o universal_a equality_n of_o condition_n in_o the_o millennial_a state_n but_o as_o to_o all_o these_o character_n which_o we_o have_v give_v of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v restrain_v or_o confine_v by_o scripture_n to_o single_a person_n but_o make_v the_o general_a happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n other_o possible_o may_v think_v that_o this_o privilege_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o that_o enjoy_v the_o millennial_n state_n for_o though_o s._n john_n who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o have_v make_v express_a mention_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n
when_o all_o nature_n be_v in_o confusion_n and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n here_o intermix_v to_o make_v up_o the_o scene_n that_o be_v not_o so_o close_o to_o the_o subject_n as_o the_o rest_n or_o that_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o future_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o unusual_a nor_o amiss_o in_o such_o description_n if_o the_o great_a stroke_n be_v fit_a and_o right_o place_v that_o there_o be_v smoke_n and_o fire_n and_o water_n and_o thunder_n and_o darkness_n and_o wind_n and_o earthquake_n at_o the_o deluge_n we_o can_v doubt_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o water_n dash_v and_o break_v make_v a_o smoke_n and_o darkness_n 279._o and_o no_o hurricane_n can_v be_v so_o violent_a as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o air_n at_o that_o time_n then_o the_o earth_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n and_o its_o foundation_n shake_v and_o as_o to_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n the_o encounter_n and_o collision_n of_o the_o mighty_a wave_n and_o the_o crack_n of_o a_o fall_a world_n will_v make_v flash_n and_o noise_n far_o great_a and_o more_o terrible_a than_o any_o that_o can_v come_v from_o vapour_n and_o cloud_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a tempest_n a_o conflict_n and_o clash_n of_o all_o the_o element_n and_o david_n seem_v to_o have_v represent_v it_o so_o with_o god_n almighty_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o rule_v they_o all_o but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v some_o will_v say_v all_o this_o be_v poetical_a in_o the_o prophet_n and_o these_o be_v hyperbolical_a and_o figurate_a expression_n from_o which_o we_o can_v make_v any_o inference_n as_o to_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o natural_a world_n it_o be_v true_a those_o that_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o the_o deluge_n that_o will_v answer_v to_o such_o a_o scene_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v here_o represent_v must_v give_v such_o a_o slight_a account_n of_o this_o psalm_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o have_v already_o a_o idea_n of_o the_o deluge_n that_o be_v rational_a and_o also_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n upon_o other_o proof_n and_o the_o description_n here_o make_v by_o the_o prophet_n answer_v to_o that_o idea_n whether_o then_o be_v it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o it_o stand_v upon_o that_o ground_n than_o to_o think_v it_o a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o poetical_a scene_n of_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n and_o that_o which_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o harsh_a to_o suppose_v all_o this_o a_o bare_a fiction_n ground_v upon_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o no_o sacred_a story_n upon_o no_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o nature_n if_o you_o say_v it_o have_v a_o moral_a signification_n so_o let_v it_o have_v we_o do_v not_o destroy_v that_o it_o have_v reference_n no_o doubt_n to_o the_o danger_n and_o deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o word_n and_o natural_a sense_n be_v a_o fancy_n only_o a_o bundle_n of_o random_n hyperbole_n or_o whether_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o ark_n there_o represent_v the_o church_n this_o make_v the_o sense_n double_o rich_a historical_o and_o moral_o and_o ground_n it_o upon_o scripture_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o fancy_n that_o violent_a eruption_n of_o the_o sea_n out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o job_n speak_v of_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n another_o description_n of_o the_o deluge_n it_o be_v chap._n 38._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o who_o shut_v up_o the_o sea_n with_o door_n when_o it_o break_v forth_o as_o if_o it_o have_v issue_v out_o of_o a_o womb_n when_o i_o make_v the_o eloud_v the_o garment_n thereof_o and_o thick_a darkness_n a_o swaddle_a band_n for_o it_o and_o break_v up_o for_o it_o my_o free_a place_n hitherto_o shall_v thou_o come_v etc._n etc._n here_o you_o see_v the_o birth_n and_o nativity_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o of_o oceanus_n describe_v puerpera_fw-la how_o he_o break_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n and_o what_o his_o first_o garment_n and_o swaddle_a clothes_n be_v namely_o cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n this_o can_v refer_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o to_o the_o face_n of_o nature_n at_o the_o deluge_n when_o the_o sea_n be_v bear_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o cloud_n and_o break_a wave_n and_o a_o dark_a impenetrable_a mist_n round_o the_o body_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o david_n have_v express_v in_o his_o description_n of_o the_o deluge_n psal._n 18._o 11._o he_o make_v darkness_n his_o secret_a place_n his_o pavilion_n round_o about_o he_o be_v dâ—rk_a water_n and_o thick_a cloud_n of_o the_o sky_n for_o this_o be_v true_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o flood_n though_o we_o little_o reflect_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o dark_a confusion_n every_o where_o above_o and_o below_o arise_v from_o the_o violent_a and_o confuse_a motion_n of_o the_o abyss_n 99_o which_o be_v dash_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o fall_a earth_n and_o fly_v into_o the_o air_n in_o misty_a drop_n as_o dust_n fly_v up_o in_o a_o great_a ruin_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a we_o have_v stay_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o particular_a the_o form_n of_o the_o deluge_n see_v be_v but_o a_o corollary_n from_o the_o precedent_a article_n about_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o earth_n however_o time_n be_v not_o ill_o spend_v about_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o natural_a providence_n whereof_o the_o two_o most_o signal_n instance_n in_o our_o sacred_a write_n be_v the_o deluge_n and_o the_o conflagration_n and_o see_v job_n and_o david_n do_v often_o reflect_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o external_a creation_n and_o upon_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o reflect_v upon_o the_o deluge_n the_o most_o remarkable_a change_n of_o nature_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o the_o most_o remarkable_a judgement_n upon_o mankind_n and_o if_o they_o have_v reflect_v upon_o it_o any_o where_o it_o be_v i_o think_v in_o those_o place_n and_o those_o instance_n which_o i_o have_v note_v and_o if_o those_o place_n do_v relate_v to_o the_o deluge_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a in_o my_o judgement_n of_o any_o fair_a or_o more_o natural_a interpretation_n than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v give_v they_o which_o you_o see_v how_o much_o it_o favour_n and_o confirm_v our_o theory_n i_o have_v now_o finish_v the_o head_n i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o i_o may_v show_v our_o theory_n to_o agree_v with_o scripture_n in_o these_o three_o principal_a point_n first_o in_o that_o it_o suppose_v a_o diversity_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n second_o in_o assign_v the_o particular_a form_n of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n and_o abyss_n three_o in_o explain_v the_o deluge_n by_o a_o dissolution_n of_o that_o earth_n and_o a_o eruption_n of_o the_o abyss_n how_o far_o i_o have_v succeed_v in_o this_o attempt_n as_o to_o other_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v convince_v myself_o and_o be_o satisfy_v that_o my_o thought_n in_o that_o theory_n have_v run_v in_o the_o same_o tract_n with_o the_o holy_a write_n with_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o spirit_n of_o they_o there_o be_v some_o person_n that_o be_v wilful_o ignorant_a in_o certain_a thing_n and_o other_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v ignorant_a as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o speak_v of_o those_o eternalist_n that_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o be_v many_o still_o of_o the_o same_o humour_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v call_v willing_o ignorant_a that_o be_v they_o will_v not_o use_v that_o pain_n and_o attention_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n nor_o impartiality_n in_o judge_v after_o examination_n they_o greedy_o lie_v hold_v on_o all_o evidence_n on_o one_o side_n and_o willing_o forget_v or_o slight_o pass_v over_o all_o evidence_n for_o the_o other_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o character_n of_o those_o that_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a for_o i_o do_v not_o take_v it_o to_o be_v so_o deep_a as_o a_o downright_a wilful_a ignorance_n where_o they_o be_v plain_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o that_o wilfulness_n but_o where_o a_o insensible_a mixture_n of_o humane_a passion_n incline_v they_o one_o way_n and_o make_v they_o averse_a to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o that_o method_n draw_v on_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o willing_a ignorance_n there_o remain_v still_o as_o i_o remember_v one_o proposition_n that_o i_o