where_o no_o such_o alteration_n need_v be_v make_v in_o which_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v hard_a to_o allow_v of_o a_o single_a instance_n against_o the_o use_n in_o the_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a context_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n yet_o the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o day_n be_v peculiar_a the_o like_a mixture_n of_o the_o persectum_fw-la and_o plusquam_fw-la perfectum_fw-la be_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o a_o distinct_a work_n be_v still_o hereby_o preserve_v to_o that_o day_n the_o place_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n in_o our_o firmament_n which_o otherwise_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n double_a do_v all_o in_o good_a measure_n take_v away_o the_o force_n of_o such_o reason_v and_o conspire_v to_o allow_v we_o that_o interpretation_n before_o give_v and_o thereby_o to_o secure_v the_o proposition_n before_o we_o from_o that_o grand_a objection_n which_o seem_v capable_a of_o cause_v so_o great_a 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sole_a use_n of_o a_o few_o fall_v and_o rebellious_a creature_n which_o be_v to_o live_v for_o a_o little_a while_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a of_o they_o to_o create_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o sun_n and_o planet_n and_o place_v they_o at_o prodigious_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o from_o one_o another_o the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v never_o see_v till_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o telescope_n and_o of_o such_o as_o be_v visible_a the_o sun_n except_v the_o single_a moon_n as_o despicable_a a_o body_n as_o it_o be_v in_o comparison_n to_o the_o most_o of_o the_o other_o be_v much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o we_o than_o they_o all_o put_v together_o for_o the_o mere_a convenience_n of_o one_o little_a earth_n if_o it_o be_v wise_a and_o rational_a to_o make_v the_o sun_n more_o than_o sixty_o thousand_o time_n as_o big_a as_o that_o globe_n it_o be_v to_o serve_v only_o that_o it_o may_v be_v place_v above_o fifty_o million_o of_o miles_n 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near_o so_o big_a as_o one_o of_o its_o least_o body_n real_o be_v and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o far_a prospect_n or_o noble_a design_n than_o the_o single_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n if_o i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o ineffable_a wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v of_o the_o alwise_a god_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o suppose_v in_o the_o material_a world_n at_o least_o what_o will_v not_o be_v equal_o so_o and_o such_o strange_a and_o astonish_a incongruity_n which_o among_o poor_a mortal_n will_v unquestionable_o argue_v the_o most_o extravagant_a degree_n of_o folly_n in_o the_o deity_n bless_v for_o evermore_o must_v be_v argument_n of_o unbounded_a perfection_n and_o efflux_n of_o infinite_a reason_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n certain_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o well_o ascertain_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n before_o from_o thence_o one_o venture_n to_o assert_v such_o unreasonable_a opinion_n nay_o even_o though_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n seem_v exceed_v favourable_a to_o any_o scheme_n of_o this_o nature_n yet_o in_o that_o case_n a_o consider_a person_n will_v choose_v rather_o honest_o to_o own_o his_o ignorance_n and_o confess_v he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o matter_n than_o be_v positive_a in_o that_o which_o be_v so_o plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o this_o to_o digress_v a_o little_a be_v methinks_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o rational_a way_n of_o procedure_v in_o those_o case_n where_o we_o can_v reconcile_v the_o divine_a attribute_n the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n to_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n viz._n in_o the_o first_o place_n careful_o to_o consider_v the_o text_n concern_v and_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o misapply_v if_o on_o such_o a_o consideration_n we_o can_v find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o without_o a_o force_a unnatural_a and_o violent_a sense_n be_v put_v upon_o plain_a word_n the_o difficulty_n still_o appear_v insuperable_a it_o be_v then_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o wisdom_n to_o imitate_v the_o jew_n in_o that_o admirable_a and_o pious_a proverb_n in_o these_o case_n cum_fw-la elias_n venerit_fw-la soluet_fw-la nodos_fw-la to_o sit_v down_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o this_o expectation_n that_o when_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v it_o a_o fit_a time_n all_o will_v be_v assoil_v and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o knot_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o providence_n untie_v to_o stay_v with_o patience_n for_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d peculiar_a season_n which_o with_o regard_n both_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o unvail_v of_o mystery_n no_o less_o than_o the_o fulfil_a decree_n the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o as_o the_o old_a jew_n shall_v in_o vain_a have_v attempt_v the_o entire_a understanding_n of_o their_o own_o ceremonial_a law_n till_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o come_n of_o christ_n so_o i_o believe_v we_o must_v not_o expect_v the_o clear_n of_o every_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o every_o secret_a of_o providence_n till_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o father_n till_o than_o we_o ought_v not_o where_o insuperable_a difficulty_n occur_v by_o a_o bold_a determination_n to_o run_v counter_a to_o god_n either_o in_o his_o word_n whether_o engrave_v on_o our_o mind_n or_o write_v in_o the_o bible_n or_o his_o work_n visible_a in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v whether_o those_o dishonour_n god_n most_o who_o embrace_v doctrine_n suppose_v deducible_a from_o scripture_n though_o plain_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o or_o those_o who_o venture_v to_o deny_v or_o at_o least_o wrest_v and_o prevaricate_v with_o the_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o such_o text_n whence_o those_o doctrine_n use_v to_o be_v infer_v both_o these_o method_n of_o procedure_n be_v bold_a and_o dangerous_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o pride_n and_o too_o high_a a_o opinion_n of_o our_o proper_a apprehension_n and_o ability_n and_o of_o sad_a consequence_n to_o ourselves_o to_o other_o and_o to_o divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v a_o three_o or_o middle_a way_n which_o though_o a_o instance_n of_o real_a self-denial_n we_o both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n our_o understanding_n 4._o be_v finite_a our_o capacity_n small_a our_o sphere_n of_o knowledge_n not_o great_a we_o depend_v on_o god_n almighty_a as_o to_o what_o we_o know_v as_o well_o as_o what_o we_o have_v or_o what_o we_o be_v it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v not_o yet_o be_v the_o proper_a season_n for_o unravel_v the_o mystery_n and_o so_o the_o requisite_a help_v not_o yet_o afford_v our_o own_o unskilfulness_n or_o prejudices_fw-la some_o false_a notion_n or_o precarious_a hypothesis_n we_o have_v embrace_v our_o misunderstanding_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o scripture_n stile_n a_o mistake_n of_o a_o copy_n the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o various_a stage_n and_o period_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o the_o particular_n belong_v with_o many_o other_o such_o circumstance_n may_v just_o be_v suppose_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o difficulty_n without_o call_v in_o question_n either_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o humane_a faculty_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n or_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o true_o be_v i_o ask_v in_o such_o a_o case_n how_o i_o can_v satisfy_v myself_o or_o resolve_v the_o point_n i_o can_v not_o more_o proper_o answer_v than_o by_o allude_v to_o the_o jewish_a proverb_n beforementioned_a and_o allege_v that_o cum_fw-la messiah_n venerit_fw-la soluet_fw-la nodum_fw-la till_o which_o time_n i_o may_v desire_v leave_n to_o defer_v my_o far_a answer_n and_o here_o from_o a_o general_a view_n
of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v on_o these_o three_o last_o argument_n we_o can_v but_o observe_v into_o what_o erroneous_a extreme_n good_a man_n have_v be_v betray_v with_o relation_n to_o several_a main_a difficulty_n occur_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n while_o from_o a_o profound_a respect_n to_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n the_o most_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o other_o from_o a_o no_o less_o veneration_n for_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o regard_n to_o those_o common_a notion_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o their_o soul_n be_v willing_a to_o indulge_v too_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n the_o former_a be_v general_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n but_o little_o verse_v in_o contemplation_n or_o the_o improvement_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v dispose_v to_o receive_v all_o that_o a_o vulgar_a and_o religious_a though_o less_o wary_a and_o prudent_a exposition_n shall_v recommend_v to_o their_o assent_n the_o latter_a have_v add_v to_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n a_o careful_a enquiry_n into_o nature_n and_o a_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o humane_a faculty_n and_o observe_v how_o heavy_a imputation_n some_o common_a interpretation_n lay_v on_o the_o divine_a majesty_n how_o disagreeable_a they_o be_v to_o external_n nature_n as_o well_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v carry_v too_o far_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o when_o the_o latter_a be_v secure_v be_v not_o proportionable_o solicitous_a about_o the_o former_a i_o mean_v so_o that_o nothing_o but_o what_o reason_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o system_v of_o the_o world_n allow_v be_v admit_v these_o do_v not_o take_v a_o proportionable_a care_n that_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v equal_o provide_v for_o what_o i_o will_v here_o further_o observe_v be_v the_o equal_a condition_n and_o desert_n but_o the_o unequal_a reputation_n and_o fate_n these_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v general_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n their_o character_n to_o i_o seem_v so_o correspondent_a and_o their_o contrary_n mistake_v so_o equal_o wide_a from_o truth_n equal_o derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o equal_o proceed_v from_o a_o religious_a principle_n a_o desire_n to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o to_o i_o they_o seem_v to_o deserve_v the_o same_o respect_n and_o commendation_n for_o their_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o pious_a intention_n the_o same_o pity_n and_o pardon_v for_o their_o error_n and_o mistake_v but_o it_o have_v happen_v much_o otherwise_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o little_a leisure_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o teacher_n to_o cultivate_v their_o own_o reason_n or_o make_v any_o successful_a inquiry_n into_o the_o natural_a world_n the_o former_a sort_n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o numerous_a and_o as_o must_v needs_o happen_v have_v the_o most_o part_n of_o christian_a people_n on_o their_o side_n do_v with_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n decry_v the_o latter_a and_o though_o themselves_o on_o one_o side_n do_v as_o high_o dishonour_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n as_o the_o other_o on_o the_o opposite_a yet_o they_o vehement_o lay_v that_o imputation_n on_o the_o latter_a and_o decry_v they_o as_o secret_a underminer_n of_o that_o word_n of_o god_n they_o pretend_v more_o rational_o to_o explain_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v example_n in_o this_o case_n but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o one_o concern_v those_o very_a history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o deluge_n which_o i_o be_o to_o explain_v in_o the_o follow_a theory_n it_o be_v well_o know_v what_o great_a and_o hitherto_o insuperable_a difficulty_n these_o history_n have_v involve_v in_o they_o to_o the_o general_a view_n of_o mankind_n and_o how_o much_o still_o great_a and_o still_o more_o insuperable_a those_o difficulty_n appear_v to_o philosophic_a enquirer_n who_o come_v more_o nice_o to_o consider_v they_o and_o compare_v what_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o the_o true_a frame_n and_o system_v of_o external_n nature_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o affect_v a_o great_a and_o good_a man_n that_o he_o resolve_v on_o a_o noble_a attempt_n and_o undertake_v to_o clear_v those_o point_n and_o show_v that_o the_o temporary_a origin_n of_o the_o world_n from_o a_o chaos_n and_o a_o universal_a deluge_n be_v rational_a and_o accountable_a theorem_n and_o thereby_o take_v away_o that_o blot_v and_o obstacle_n which_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n of_o these_o thing_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o ill-disposed_a person_n in_o which_o matter_n he_o employ_v his_o utmost_a skill_n in_o the_o best_a system_v of_o philosophy_n then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n his_o most_o diligent_a researche_n into_o the_o sacred_a and_o profane_a account_n relate_v to_o those_o ancient_o more_o know_v phaenomena_n of_o nature_n together_o with_o such_o other_o help_v as_o his_o own_o excellent_a ability_n can_v afford_v he_o and_o that_o as_o to_o several_a main_n and_o principal_a stroke_n to_o very_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o to_o the_o very_a remarkable_a illustration_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o scheme_n be_v so_o vast_a so_o noble_a so_o uniform_a so_o coherent_a and_o withal_o so_o new_a and_o surprise_v it_o at_o last_o appear_v that_o such_o his_o theory_n will_v not_o in_o several_a particular_n accord_n with_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n this_o unhappy_a dissonancy_n the_o theorist_n be_v soon_o sensible_a of_o and_o no_o doubt_v not_o a_o little_a concern_v about_o in_o which_o straight_o see_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o secure_v the_o main_a point_n without_o so_o unpleasing_a a_o concession_n instead_o of_o resolve_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o divine_a revelation_n till_o far_a mean_n of_o clear_v the_o whole_a shall_v offer_v themselves_o which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o good_a man_n duty_n in_o such_o case_n he_o venture_v to_o suppose_v that_o the_o sacred_a book_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v so_o literal_o and_o natural_o understand_v as_o be_v general_o believe_v hitherto_o he_o allege_v that_o consider_v the_o mean_a capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o point_n of_o philosophic_a truth_n consider_v the_o most_o ancient_a way_n of_o convey_v or_o rather_o of_o conceal_v sublime_a theorem_n by_o parable_n fable_n and_o hieroglyphic_n consider_v the_o scripture_n style_v in_o some_o other_o case_n very_o much_o different_a from_o the_o present_a plain_a and_o explicit_a way_n of_o discourse_n and_o near_o akin_a to_o that_o most_o ancient_a method_n consider_v the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n the_o benefit_n of_o the_o moral_a world_n seem_v not_o to_o require_v a_o strict_a adherence_n to_o truth_n in_o every_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o natural_a nay_o rather_o enforce_v a_o recee_n from_o it_o in_o some_o case_n consider_v last_o that_o all_o age_n have_v in_o vain_a endeavour_v to_o clear_v these_o point_n according_a to_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o most_o obvious_a sense_n and_o that_o the_o great_a improvement_n in_o philosophy_n seem_v but_o to_o render_v they_o still_o more_o unaccountable_a consider_v i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n he_o suppose_v that_o the_o holy_a writer_n only_o secure_v the_o fundamental_a and_o general_a verity_n involve_v the_o rest_n under_o and_o explain_v the_o whole_a by_o a_o way_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v mystical_a and_o mythological_a rather_o popular_a than_o true_a and_o fit_v more_o to_o the_o need_v of_o man_n than_o to_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n this_o be_v i_o think_v a_o fair_a and_o full_a account_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o a_o genuine_a explication_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o unhappy_a slip_n of_o our_o late_a excellent_a theorist_n and_o such_o a_o one_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v as_o in_o itself_o have_v no_o solid_a or_o necessary_a foundation_n be_v of_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dishonourable_a both_o to_o their_o penman_n and_o chief_o to_o their_o principal_a inditer_n the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o which_o censure_n if_o the_o learned_a author_n think_v i_o too_o free_a or_o too_o severe_a he_o will_v i_o hope_v see_v reason_n to_o excuse_v and_o not_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o i_o when_o i_o have_v own_a as_o i_o must_v ingenuous_o do_v that_o in_o accuse_v he_o i_o condemn_v myself_o for_o i_o myself_o in_o great_a measure_n have_v think_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o i_o can_v but_o with_o the_o theorist_n confess_v that_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o vulgar_a exposition_n be_v so_o great_a such_o absurd_a incongruity_n ascribe_v to_o god_n by_o they_o the_o true_a system_n of_o the_o world_n do_v so_o disagree_v and_o increase_v
be_v involve_v in_o darkness_n or_o exclude_v all_o advantage_n from_o he_o and_o thereby_o endure_v a_o continual_a night_n so_o far_o as_o natural_a cause_n be_v here_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o that_o this_o retardation_n of_o the_o earth_n diurnal_a rotation_n even_o without_o a_o recur_v to_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o its_o first_o author_n be_v accountable_a from_o that_o pass_n by_o of_o a_o comet_n which_o we_o assign_v for_o the_o occasision_n of_o the_o conflagration_n be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a for_o in_o case_n its_o ascent_n and_o passage_n by_o be_v on_o the_o east_n side_n or_o before_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o case_n it_o approach_v so_o near_o as_o to_o rub_v against_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a such_o a_o impulse_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o diurnal_a rotation_n and_o be_v therefore_o capable_a the_o proportion_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v adjust_v by-divine_a providence_n of_o put_v such_o a_o stop_n to_o the_o same_o as_o be_v 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probable_o will_v be_v without_o the_o light_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n xcix_o see_v the_o earth_n will_v be_v on_o the_o forego_n supposition_n distinguish_v into_o two_o quite_o different_a hemisphere_n the_o one_o of_o which_o will_v be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o st._n john_n supply_v by_o a_o supernatural_a light_n fix_v and_o permanent_a above_o its_o horizon_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v accountable_a thereby_o as_o far_o as_o this_o physical_a theory_n be_v concern_v therein_o and_o as_o to_o the_o moon_n see_v it_o be_v only_a a_o signal_n and_o peculiar_a providence_n that_o cause_v her_o equal_a acceleration_n and_o consequent_a accompany_v the_o earth_n at_o the_o former_a pass_v by_o of_o the_o comet_n and_o that_o no_o such_o providence_n be_v again_o to_o be_v expect_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o rub_v or_o stoppage_n of_o the_o earth_n annual_a motion_n which_o retard_v the_o same_o and_o do_v not_o retard_v the_o moon_n be_v also_o will_v separate_v these_o planet_n and_o procure_v their_o orbit_n course_n and_o period_n to_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o one_o another_o ever_n after_o according_a to_o the_o great_a rigour_n of_o the_o present_a proposition_n c._n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o millennium_n the_o final_a judgement_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o earth_n will_v desert_v its_o present_a seat_n and_o station_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v no_o long_o find_v among_o the_o planetary_a chorus_n c._n if_o any_o comet_n instead_o of_o pass_v by_o or_o gentle_o rub_v the_o earth_n hit_v direct_o against_o it_o in_o its_o course_n either_o towards_o or_o from_o the_o sun_n it_o must_v desert_n its_o ancient_a station_n and_o move_v in_o a_o quite_o different_a elliptic_a orbit_n and_o so_o of_o a_o planet_n become_v again_o a_o comet_n for_o the_o future_a age_n of_o the_o world_n corollary_n from_o the_o whole_a i._o sing_v the_o new_a and_o solid_a improvement_n of_o philosophy_n do_v all_o along_o give_v so_o rational_a account_n of_o those_o ancient_a theorem_n which_o have_v be_v propagate_v down_o from_o the_o elder_a age_n without_o be_v then_o either_o understand_v or_o intelligible_a to_o their_o propagator_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o trust_v and_o rely_v on_o such_o ancient_a tradition_n not_o only_o sacred_a but_o profane_a also_o in_o these_o or_o any_o other_o parallele_v case_n they_o be_v in_o all_o probability_n the_o most_o valuable_a remain_n and_o most_o venerable_a truth_n which_o the_o primitive_a parent_n of_o the_o world_n deliver_v down_o to_o their_o posterity_n in_o succeed_a generation_n ii_o see_v most_o of_o these_o ancient_a theorem_n be_v very_o much_o beyond_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o deliver_v they_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n judge_v usual_o by_o sensible_a appearance_n and_o in_o themselves_o consider_v the_o low_a state_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v high_o improbable_a if_o not_o utter_o incredible_a to_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o indeed_o several_a of_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o chaos_n the_o creation_n the_o primary_n constitution_n and_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deluge_n itself_o impossible_a to_o be_v discover_v without_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o yet_o see_v after_o all_o they_o do_v now_o appear_v as_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o most_o solid_a mechanical_a philosophy_n as_o any_o new_a discovery_n build_v on_o the_o exact_a observation_n of_o present_a nature_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o these_o ancient_a account_n especial_o those_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o original_o derive_v from_o the_o natural_a skill_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o first_o author_n or_o any_o other_o mere_o humane_a mean_n but_o from_o the_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o god_n almighty_n who_o be_v therefore_o much_o more_o conversant_a with_o mankind_n in_o the_o first_o than_o he_o have_v be_v in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o old_a testament-history_n assure_v we_o iii_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o present_a knowledge_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o test_n of_o truth_n or_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o account_n receive_v from_o profane_a antiquity_n much_o less_o to_o the_o inspire_v write_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o several_a particular_n relate_v to_o the_o elder_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o its_o great_a catastrophe_n examine_v and_o compare_v with_o so_o much_o philosophy_n as_o be_v till_o late_o know_v be_v plain_o unaccountable_a and_o natural_o speak_v impossible_a yet_o we_o see_v now_o nature_n be_v more_o full_o more_o certain_o and_o more_o substantial_o understand_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o rational_a iu._n it_o be_v therefore_o folly_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o reject_v the_o truth_n or_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o we_o can_v give_v our_o mind_n particular_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n nay_o or_o even_o possibility_n of_o some_o thing_n therein_o assert_v since_o we_o have_v see_v so_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v the_o most_o incredible_a in_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o give_v the_o great_a scruple_n and_o scandal_n to_o philosophic_a mind_n so_o full_o and_o particular_o attest_v and_o next_o to_o demonstrate_v from_o certain_a principle_n of_o astronomy_n and_o natural_a knowledge_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v in_o due_a time_n a_o like_a solution_n of_o the_o other_o difficulty_n it_o be_v but_o just_a sure_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o those_o holy_a writer_n in_o other_o assertion_n who_o fidelity_n be_v so_o entire_o establish_v in_o these_o hitherto_o equal_o unaccountable_a one_o v._o the_o obvious_a plain_a or_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n ought_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v elude_v or_o lay_v aside_o several_a of_o those_o very_a place_n which_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o require_v the_o same_o hitherto_o appear_v now_o to_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n true_a and_o rational_a according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o they_o vi_o we_o may_v be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v such_o thing_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o be_v proper_o mystery_n that_o be_v though_o not_o real_o contradictory_n yet_o plain_o unaccountable_a to_o our_o present_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n thus_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o original_a constitution_n and_o great_a catastrophe_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v in_o the_o past_a age_n the_o object_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o the_o divine_a providence_n
be_v now_o well_o know_v those_o affection_n ought_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o earth_n because_o every_o thing_n as_o to_o sensible_a appearance_n be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n as_o from_o the_o annual_a and_o diurnal_a motion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v they_o real_a must_v and_o will_v obtain_v the_o sun_n be_v say_v to_o be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n and_o the_o moon_n into_o blood_n when_o without_o any_o alteration_n in_o themselves_o they_o appear_v of_o a_o dark_a or_o bloody_a countenance_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n nay_o which_o be_v most_o of_o all_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n god_n be_v then_o say_v to_o make_v all_o thing_n new_a 5._o and_o to_o create_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n 17._o when_o he_o so_o change_v the_o constitution_n and_o state_n of_o our_o earth_n as_o to_o render_v thereby_o this_o whole_a sublunary_a world_n very_o different_a from_o and_o much_o excel_v that_o which_o former_o appear_v in_o all_o which_o and_o 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origin_n of_o light_n and_o the_o make_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n must_v not_o be_v strict_o literal_a that_o therefore_o neither_o in_o the_o mosaic_a creation_n ought_v the_o other_o four_o to_o be_v any_o more_o esteem_v so_o he_o i_o say_v that_o shall_v thus_o argue_v or_o infer_v will_v be_v very_o unfair_a and_o unreasonable_a because_o he_o will_v assert_v that_o in_o one_o case_n without_o ground_n which_o on_o peculiar_a and_o weighty_a one_o alone_o be_v allow_v in_o another_o thus_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n which_o evident_o agree_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o idea_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v literal_o understand_v though_o the_o other_o which_o be_v repugnant_a thereto_o be_v not_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v but_o just_a to_o believe_v that_o so_o much_o of_o the_o mosaic_a creation_n as_o relate_v direct_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o appurtenance_n and_o so_o come_v at_o once_o within_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o history_n and_o of_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o reader_n ought_v literal_o to_o be_v interpret_v though_o some_o thing_n extraneous_a to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o beyond_o the_o notice_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o different_a acceptation_n though_o the_o common_a use_n of_o trope_n and_o figure_n make_v our_o speech_n very_o often_o not_o to_o be_v literal_a yet_o general_o we_o can_v understand_v one_o another_o very_o well_o without_o danger_n of_o deception_n or_o of_o turn_v plain_a sentence_n into_o allegorical_a discourse_n in_o our_o conversation_n one_o with_o another_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o holy_a book_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v torment_v or_o elude_v as_o to_o their_o obvious_a sense_n on_o every_o occasion_n under_o pretence_n that_o some_o particular_a text_n be_v to_o be_v construe_v another_o way_n that_o sacred_a rule_n ought_v for_o ever_o religious_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o we_o never_o forsake_v the_o plain_a obvious_a easy_a and_o natural_a sense_n unless_o where_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o parallel_a place_n or_o evident_a reason_n afford_v a_o solid_a and_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o so_o do_v now_o this_o be_v presuppose_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o judge_v after_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o substantial_a reason_n for_o the_o present_a exposition_n and_o whether_o therefore_o any_o one_o ought_v to_o blame_v my_o recede_a from_o the_o letter_n in_o this_o single_a case_n or_o imagine_v that_o i_o give_v a_o just_a handle_n thereby_o to_o other_o to_o allegorise_v this_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o i_o must_v here_o own_o and_o profess_v that_o though_o i_o think_v in_o case_n the_o common_a translation_n be_v receive_v there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o recede_v from_o the_o letter_n in_o the_o point_n before_o we_o and_o that_o this_o venerable_a and_o sacred_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o the_o free_a reason_n of_o mankind_n yet_o i_o be_o full_o of_o opinion_n that_o general_o the_o difficulty_n occur_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n be_v to_o be_v clear_v not_o by_o a_o great_a recede_v from_o but_o a_o close_o adhere_n to_o the_o obvious_a and_o most_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o the_o period_n therein_o contain_v and_o that_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o scripture_n style_v every_o where_o due_o observe_v and_o consider_v several_a great_a scruple_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o action_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o other_o thing_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n will_v be_v take_v away_o if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o recede_v a_o little_a from_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o man_n and_o placit_v of_o systematical_a author_n on_o no_o other_o condition_n than_o that_o for_o a_o recompense_n we_o keep_v so_o much_o the_o close_o to_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obvious_a and_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o they_o and_o explain_v the_o bible_n no_o otherwise_o than_o the_o plain_a word_n themselves_o will_v appear_v most_o natural_o to_o intend_v to_o any_o disintere_v and_o unconcern_v person_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n may_v easy_o be_v give_v be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n for_o it_o but_o i_o must_v leave_v this_o digression_n and_o return_v to_o what_o i_o before_o propose_v in_o the_o 4._o last_o place_n viz._n to_o assign_v some_o reason_n why_o in_o a_o history_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o our_o earth_n these_o remote_a and_o distant_a body_n come_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o though_o their_o own_o proper_a formation_n do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o it_o now_o though_o many_o may_v easy_o be_v allege_v for_o this_o procedure_n yet_o i_o shall_v include_v the_o main_a i_o intend_v here_o to_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o two_o follow_v 1._o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n can_v not_o otherwise_o have_v be_v provide_v for_o now_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o such_o idolatry_n be_v take_v away_o by_o their_o be_v include_v in_o this_o history_n which_o imply_v they_o to_o be_v such_o dependent_a and_o create_a being_n as_o can_v have_v no_o influence_n of_o their_o own_o but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v subject_n to_o his_o disposal_n and_o government_n which_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v by_o he_o place_v in_o the_o firmament_n and_o there_o subject_v to_o such_o motion_n rule_n and_o law_n by_o which_o they_o become_v advantageous_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o world_n so_o have_v they_o be_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o will_v have_v seem_v exempt_v body_n and_o when_o all_o worship_n of_o terrestrial_a thing_n
on_o this_o occasion_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o genuine_a content_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n themselves_o but_o such_o unwary_a interpretation_n of_o they_o as_o these_o which_o have_v main_o contribute_v to_o their_o contempt_n and_o be_v but_o too_o instrumental_a to_o make_v they_o appear_v absurd_a and_o irrational_a to_o the_o free_a reason_n of_o mankind_n for_o when_o man_n find_v that_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o expositor_n ascribe_v such_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o their_o plain_a reason_n can_v not_o think_v compatible_a to_o a_o wise_a man_n much_o less_o to_o the_o alwise_a god_n they_o be_v under_o a_o shrewd_a temptation_n of_o think_v very_o mean_o of_o the_o bible_n itself_o and_o by_o degree_n of_o reject_v it_o and_o therewith_o all_o divine_a revelation_n to_o the_o son_n of_o men._n how_o fatal_o this_o malady_n have_v spread_v of_o late_a especial_o i_o need_v not_o say_v and_o though_o i_o full_o believe_v the_o main_a stroke_n or_o step_n as_o to_o the_o generality_n be_v vicious_a disposition_n and_o a_o debauch_a temper_n yet_o how_o far_o such_o ill-contrived_a unskilful_a and_o unphilosophical_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o misrepresentation_n of_o scripture_n particular_o relate_v to_o the_o material_a world_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v may_v have_v contribute_v to_o so_o fatal_a and_o pernicious_a a_o effect_n deserve_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o sober_a consideration_n this_o mischief_n be_v not_o to_o be_v remedy_v nor_o the_o veneration_n due_a to_o the_o sacred_a volume_n retrieve_v by_o a_o obstinate_a maintain_v such_o strange_a opinion_n as_o those_o here_o refer_v to_o by_o patronise_a the_o same_o with_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o make_v vehement_a invective_n against_o such_o as_o many_o unskilful_a yet_o good_a man_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v who_o only_a fault_n be_v this_o that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v plain_o unworthy_a of_o and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n than_o what_o be_v evident_o contradictory_n to_o divine_a revelation_n wise_a man_n will_v rather_o set_v themselves_o careful_o to_o compare_v nature_n with_o scripture_n and_o make_v a_o free_a enquiry_n into_o the_o certain_a phaenomena_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o other_o which_o if_o expositor_n will_v do_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o demonstrate_v in_o several_a such_o case_n that_o the_o latter_a be_v so_o far_o from_o oppose_v the_o truth_n deducible_a from_o the_o former_a or_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o great_a harmony_n therewith_o and_o in_o those_o case_n where_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o human_a knowledge_n no_o less_o accountable_a to_o the_o reason_n than_o enforce_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o if_o there_o be_v a_o careful_a collection_n make_v of_o the_o ancient_a knot_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n with_o relation_n to_o such_o point_n as_o we_o be_v upon_o or_o any_o other_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n and_o how_o very_o many_o of_o they_o as_o prelude_v and_o pledge_n of_o the_o rest_n be_v now_o entire_o clear_v or_o may_v easy_o be_v so_o it_o will_v more_o contribute_v to_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o ancient_a honour_n and_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n than_o all_o the_o most_o zealous_a and_o general_a harangue_n from_o some_o popular_a topic_n either_o for_o they_o or_o against_o their_o contemner_n the_o loose_a deist_n and_o pretend_a socinian_n of_o this_o age._n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v but_o profess_v that_o though_o i_o be_v very_o nice_a and_o tender_a in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o desirous_a to_o admit_v nothing_o but_o what_o agree_v to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n the_o common_a notion_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n yet_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o some_o of_o the_o most_o perplex_v difficulty_n occur_v there_o i_o have_v obtain_v so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o satisfaction_n about_o they_o that_o my_o scruple_n now_o entire_o cease_v and_o i_o can_v doubt_v either_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v in_o particular_a vanish_v and_o perfect_o clear_v to_o i_o that_o be_v what_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o world_n but_o i_o have_v so_o frequent_o meet_v with_o few_o difficulty_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o book_n themselves_o than_o in_o the_o common_a interpretation_n and_o those_o very_a comment_n which_o ought_v to_o assoil_v they_o and_o in_o so_o many_o and_o those_o most_o remarkable_a point_n of_o all_o have_v meet_v with_o such_o clear_a and_o plenary_a though_o unexpected_a satisfaction_n that_o i_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o rest_n equal_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o and_o to_o remain_v constant_a in_o this_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v the_o ignorant_a or_o foolish_a exposition_n of_o man_n not_o the_o natural_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o that_o make_v we_o imagine_v scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n irreconcilable_a or_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o instance_n he_o will_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o follow_a theory_n will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o persuade_v the_o unbiased_a reader_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o great_a satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o from_o the_o view_n of_o god_n own_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n than_o those_o of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o whatever_o incompetent_a judge_n may_v say_v nothing_o will_v so_o much_o tend_v to_o the_o vindication_n and_o honour_n of_o reveal_v religion_n as_o free_a inquiry_n into_o and_o a_o solid_a acquaintance_n with_o not_o ingenious_a and_o precarious_a hypothesis_n but_o true_a and_o demonstrable_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n with_o the_o history_n of_o nature_n and_o with_o such_o ancient_a tradition_n as_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v derive_v from_o noab_n and_o by_o he_o from_o the_o more_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o world_n from_o which_o medium_n what_o surprise_v and_o unhoped_a for_o light_n may_v be_v give_v to_o some_o famous_a portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o follow_a page_n will_v it_o be_v hope_v afford_v some_o convince_a instance_n and_o prove_v sufficient_a to_o take_v away_o man_n ungrounded_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n in_o such_o matter_n and_o by_o the_o divine_a blessing_n appear_v a_o seasonable_a attestation_n to_o the_o certainty_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o lively_a oracle_n on_o which_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o world_n do_v so_o vast_o depend_v but_o i_o must_v leave_v this_o digression_n and_o proceed_v vi_o the_o vulgar_a scheme_n of_o the_o mosaic_a creation_n beside_o the_o disproportion_n as_o to_o time_n represent_v all_o thing_n from_o first_o to_o last_o so_o disorderly_a confuse_o and_o unphilosophical_o that_o it_o be_v entire_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o here_o i_o may_v just_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o careful_a reader_n even_o though_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a system_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o great_a whether_o the_o vulgar_a account_n have_v not_o ever_o seem_v strange_a and_o surprise_v to_o he_o but_o if_o he_o be_v one_o philosophical_o dispose_v and_o allow_v himself_o a_o free_a consideration_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o have_v not_o ever_o be_v the_o most_o perplex_v thing_n to_o his_o thought_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o far_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v carry_v by_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n even_o to_o the_o take_v away_o the_o literal_a and_o the_o resolve_v the_o whole_a into_o a_o popular_a moral_a or_o parabolic_a sense_n and_o under_o what_o notion_n this_o history_n on_o the_o same_o account_n have_v appear_v to_o other_o of_o no_o less_o free_a but_o less_o religious_a disposition_n and_o thought_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o be_v indeed_o matter_n of_o doubt_n and_o perplexity_n to_o pious_a man_n be_v unquestionable_o to_o the_o loose_a and_o profane_a the_o subject_a of_o mirth_n and_o drollery_n and_o the_o sure_a encouragement_n to_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o content_v myself_o with_o this_o general_a reflection_n but_o instead_o of_o prosecute_a such_o a_o discourse_n any_o father_n shall_v assign_v such_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o irregular_a and_o unbecoming_a procedure_n in_o the_o vulgar_a scheme_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o be_v plain_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n 1._o body_n alike_o in_o nature_n have_v here_o a_o unlike_a
they_o i_o can_v so_o easy_o tell_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o moses_n peculiar_o write_v be_v very_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o their_o improvement_n very_o small_a or_o rather_o none_o at_o all_o in_o philosophic_a matter_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o entire_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n the_o noble_a and_o most_o sublime_a theory_n the_o high_a philosopher_n can_v exercise_v his_o thought_n upon_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o jewish_a apprehension_n we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o our_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a age_n such_o a_o ready_a comprehension_n and_o reception_n of_o truth_n in_o philosophy_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v so_o late_o that_o a_o easy_a proposition_n of_o the_o earth_n motion_n diurnal_a and_o annual_a raise_v a_o mighty_a dust_n and_o be_v very_o difficult_o embrace_v by_o even_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o philosopher_n that_o from_o such_o a_o instance_n we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v how_o any_o natural_a notion_n relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n and_o original_a of_o all_o the_o body_n in_o the_o universe_n must_v have_v be_v entertain_v among_o the_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a jew_n new_o come_v from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o very_a first_o element_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n every_o one_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v with_o ease_n observe_v that_o the_o ability_n and_o study_n of_o the_o israelite_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a of_o most_o of_o they_o to_o this_o day_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o size_n than_o must_v here_o be_v suppose_v if_o we_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o world_n into_o the_o mosaic_a creation_n if_o a_o indifferent_a slander_n by_o who_o have_v never_o read_v the_o first_o of_o genesis_n be_v to_o judge_v what_o a_o sort_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o 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clear_a he_o esteem_v it_o improper_a to_o say_v a_o word_n about_o the_o internal_a constitution_n and_o part_n of_o our_o own_o earth_n content_v himself_o with_o what_o the_o surface_n afford_v and_o what_o unavoidable_o come_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o their_o sense_n as_o be_v too_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v in_o the_o history_n before_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o after_o all_o this_o believe_v or_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a nay_o or_o bare_o possible_a for_o moses_n to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o impress_v a_o just_a true_a and_o adequate_a idea_n thereof_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n i_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o still_o after_o all_o the_o accommodation_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n which_o he_o and_o the_o other_o holy_a writer_n use_v on_o such_o occasion_n yet_o the_o mere_a observation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n force_v they_o sometime_o to_o speak_v what_o the_o other_o be_v not_o able_a right_o to_o comprehend_v and_o they_o seem_v rather_o in_o natural_a truth_n to_o have_v go_v too_o high_a than_o descend_v too_o low_a consider_v the_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o their_o reader_n in_o those_o matter_n those_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o roundness_n of_o the_o world_n the_o earth_n be_v found_v on_o the_o sea_n and_o establish_v on_o the_o flood_n a_o compass_n or_o orb_n be_v set_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o stretch_v out_o the_o earth_n above_o the_o water_n and_o its_o consist_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o infrà _fw-la in_o the_o water_n of_o most_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n hereafter_o those_o expression_n i_o say_v be_v exact_o accommodate_v to_o the_o real_a constitution_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o due_a place_n but_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a very_o much_o mistake_v afterward_o man_n general_o take_v the_o earth_n to_o be_v round_o not_o as_o a_o 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origin_n of_o the_o universe_n in_o all_o its_o part_n we_o may_v soon_o guess_v at_o the_o reception_n they_o will_v have_v meet_v with_o and_o at_o the_o success_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o procedure_n can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o their_o design_n neither_o can_v the_o people_n be_v make_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v such_o strange_a notion_n and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n every_o one_o will_v allow_v the_o absurdity_n of_o such_o a_o method_n and_o never_o imagine_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o ought_v we_o by_o only_o change_v the_o scene_n to_o conclude_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la that_o it_o be_v high_o unlikely_a that_o moses_n will_v take_v such_o a_o course_n and_o that_o unless_o the_o word_n of_o the_o history_n be_v too_o express_v and_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v it_o be_v extreme_o improbable_a so_o great_a a_o lawgiver_n to_o go_v no_o far_o will_v extend_v his_o cosmogony_n beyond_o the_o end_n of_o his_o write_n it_o and_o the_o ability_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v read_v it_o or_o in_o other_o word_n it_o be_v extreme_o improbable_a that_o the_o mosaic_a creation_n be_v of_o any_o other_o nature_n or_o extent_n than_o the_o proposition_n we_o be_v upon_o do_v assert_v ix_o last_o i_o prove_v the_o mosaic_a creation_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o this_o earth_n and_o its_o appendage_n because_o the_o deluge_n and_o conflagration_n who_o boundary_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o mosaic_a creation_n extend_v no_o far_o i_o shall_v here_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o limit_n here_o assign_v to_o the_o deluge_n and_o conflagration_n be_v just_a it_o be_v certain_a as_o to_o the_o former_a and_o i_o think_v more_o than_o probable_a as_o to_o the_o latter_a and_o only_o quote_v a_o place_n or_o two_o to_o prove_v the_o
positive_a evidence_n for_o the_o proposition_n before_o we_o yet_o set_v aside_o prepossession_n i_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n and_o pretence_n to_o truth_n with_o the_o common_a expositor_n i_o keep_v equal_o close_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n 2._o this_o hypothesis_n give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o scripture_n stile_n wherein_o a_o day_n even_o in_o after_o age_n very_o frequent_o denote_v a_o year_n as_o be_v common_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o expositor_n thus_o by_o moses_n himself_o the_o word_n day_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o very_a recapitulation_n of_o the_o creation_n use_v for_o the_o entire_a six_o these_o be_v the_o 5._o generation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o earth_n when_o they_o be_v create_v in_o the_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n make_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o every_o plant_n of_o the_o field_n before_o it_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n before_o it_o grow_v but_o in_o other_o place_n as_o it_o seem_v for_o the_o just_a space_n of_o a_o year_n and_o at_o the_o 3._o end_n of_o day_n or_o after_o some_o year_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o cain_n bring_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n a_o offering_n unto_o the_o lord_n the_o day_n of_o adam_n after_o he_o have_v 5._o beget_v seth_n be_v eight_o hundred_o year_n and_o all_o the_o day_n that_o adam_n live_v be_v nine_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n and_o he_o die_v and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o genealogy_n in_o that_o chapter_n thus_o in_o other_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o ten_o shekel_n of_o silver_n by_o the_o 10._o day_n i._n e._n per_fw-la annâ—s_fw-la by_o the_o year_n or_o every_o year_n thus_o what_o in_o one_o place_n be_v joshuah_n wax_v old_a 1._o and_o come_v into_o day_n be_v in_o another_o joshuah_n be_v 1._o old_a and_o strike_v in_o year_n the_o like_a phrase_n we_o have_v of_o david_n the_o number_n of_o day_n that_o david_n 11._o be_v king_n in_o hebron_n over_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n be_v 11._o seven_o year_n and_o six_o month_n the_o day_n that_o david_n reign_v over_o israel_n be_v forty_o year_n so_o what_o be_v 28._o in_o the_o law_n bring_v your_o tyth_n after_o three_o year_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n bring_v your_o tyth_n after_o three_o day_n 4._o which_o way_n of_o speak_v with_o other_o that_o follow_v may_v seem_v allude_v to_o and_o explain_v by_o these_o two_o though_o themselves_o somewhat_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n your_o child_n say_v god_n to_o the_o israelite_n shall_v wander_v 34._o in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n after_o the_o number_n of_o the_o day_n in_o which_o you_o search_v the_o land_n even_o forty_o day_n each_o day_n for_o a_o year_n shall_v you_o bear_v your_o iniquity_n even_o forty_o year_n lie_v thou_o ses_fw-fr god_n to_o 6._o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n on_o thy_o left_a side_n and_o lay_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n upon_o it_o according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o shall_v lie_v upon_o it_o thou_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n for_o i_o have_v lay_v upon_o thou_o the_o year_n of_o their_o iniquity_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o day_n three_o hundred_o and_o ninety_o day_n so_o shall_v thou_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v accomplish_v they_o lie_v again_o on_o thy_o right_a side_n and_o thou_o shall_v bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n forty_o day_n i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o a_o day_n for_o a_o year_n but_o what_o i_o main_o and_o principal_o intend_v here_o be_v that_o know_v frequent_a and_o solemn_a way_n in_o the_o prophetic_a write_n of_o determine_a year_n by_o day_n the_o instance_n of_o which_o be_v very_o obvious_a some_o whereof_o i_o shall_v here_o bare_o quote_v for_o the_o reader_n be_v satisfaction_n and_o more_o in_o a_o case_n so_o notorious_a and_o remarkable_a need_v not_o be_v do_v how_o long_o shall_v be_v the_o vision_n concern_v the_o 14._o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o transgression_n of_o desolation_n to_o give_v both_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o host_n to_o be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o unto_o two_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o day_n then_o shall_v the_o sanctuary_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n shall_v be_v 13._o take_v away_o and_o the_o abomination_n that_o make_v desolate_a be_v set_v up_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o ninety_o day_n bless_a be_v he_o that_o wait_v and_o come_v to_o the_o one_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o five_o and_o thirty_o day_n but_o go_v thou_o thy_o way_n till_o the_o end_n be_v for_o thou_o shall_v rest_v and_o stand_v in_o thy_o lot_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n i_o will_v give_v power_n unto_o my_o two_o witness_n and_o 3._o they_o shall_v prophesy_v one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n clothe_v in_o sackcloth_n the_o woman_n flee_v into_o 6._o the_o wilderness_n where_o she_o have_v a_o place_n prepare_v she_o of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v she_o there_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n agreeable_o whereto_o a_o week_n consist_v of_o seven_o day_n denote_v seven_o year_n and_o a_o month_n consist_v of_o thirty_o day_n denote_v thirty_o year_n in_o the_o same_o prophetic_a write_n thus_o in_o that_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n seventy_o week_n 26._o be_v determine_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o upon_o thy_o holy_a city_n to_o finish_v the_o transgression_n and_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o everlasting_a rightcousness_n and_o to_o seal_v up_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n and_o to_o anoint_v the_o most_o holy_a know_v therefore_o and_o understand_v that_o from_o the_o go_v forth_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o restore_v and_o to_o 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instance_n find_v a_o day_n to_o represent_v a_o year_n in_o the_o same_o book_n we_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o inquire_v why_o a_o day_n rather_o than_o a_o hour_n a_o week_n or_o month_n the_o two_o latter_a of_o which_o term_n be_v yet_o use_v by_o these_o author_n be_v pitch_v upon_o to_o signify_v the_o before-mention_n d_o space_n to_o we_o or_o why_o if_o the_o word_n day_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o must_v mean_v a_o determinate_a just_a year_n rather_o than_o a_o week_n a_o month_n or_o a_o thousand_o year_n for_o which_o last_o it_o yet_o seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v take_v so_o frequent_o in_o the_o sacred_a especial_o the_o prophetic_a 4._o write_n but_o it_o be_v very_o supposable_a that_o it_o be_v our_o 8._o ignorance_n or_o unskilfulness_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n 17._o and_o those_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v not_o the_o inaccuracy_n of_o the_o writer_n themselves_o which_o occasion_n our_o so_o lax_n and_o general_a interpretation_n it_o will_v sure_o at_o least_o be_v allow_v i_o that_o wherever_o not_o only_o the_o mean_v of_o phrase_n but_o the_o original_a and_o foundation_n of_o such_o their_o mean_v be_v natural_o and_o easy_o assignable_a a_o account_n thereof_o be_v ready_o to_o be_v embrace_v and_o certain_o the_o primitive_a year_n of_o the_o world_n be_v once_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v day_n also_o and_o call_v by_o that_o name_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n this_o matter_n will_v be_v very_o easy_a the_o succeed_a style_n of_o scripture_n will_v appear_v only_o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o fit_v to_o hint_n to_o we_o a_o time_n wherein_o a_o day_n and_o a_o year_n be_v real_o the_o same_o and_o this_o without_o any_o diminution_n of_o the_o true_a design_n
the_o deluge_n preserve_v and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o divine_a providence_n do_v conduct_v the_o ark_n and_o on_o this_o be_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o present_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o all_o those_o terrestrial_a animal_n which_o be_v now_o on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o otherwise_o have_v perish_v at_o their_o exit_fw-la out_o of_o the_o ark_n notwithstanding_o their_o wonderful_a preservation_n therein_o during_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o deluge_n coral_n 3._o hence_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v whence_o the_o olive-branch_n be_v bring_v by_o the_o dove_n to_o 11._o noah_n for_o when_o the_o tree_n adjoin_v to_o the_o ark_n or_o on_o the_o neighbour_a top_n of_o the_o hill_n have_v suffer_v small_a damage_n by_o the_o flood_n and_o have_v since_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o water_n enjoy_v almost_o the_o whole_a spring_n and_o half_a the_o summer_n they_o must_v be_v as_o flourish_v and_o full_a of_o as_o many_o new_a and_o tender_a sprouts_n as_o ever_o one_o of_o which_o may_v therefore_o be_v easy_o break_v off_o by_o the_o dove_n and_o bring_v to_o noah_n in_o her_o mouth_n which_o new_a dry_a and_o frim_a sprout_n or_o branch_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o the_o water_n be_v not_o only_o go_v and_o the_o ground_n dry_v a_o great_a while_n before_o but_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v still_o as_o formerly_z fit_a for_o the_o production_n of_o its_o wont_a tree_n and_o fruit_n most_o exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o a_o entire_a deliverance_n and_o in_o the_o future_a renovation_n of_o the_o world_n lxxii_o this_o factitious_a crust_n be_v universal_a upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o mountain_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o plain_n and_o valley_n and_o that_o in_o all_o the_o know_a climate_n and_o region_n of_o the_o world_n lxxii_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a 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hereto_o relate_v we_o need_v not_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v the_o credit_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n of_o the_o deluge_n by_o ancient_a record_n and_o the_o universal_a attestation_n of_o antiquity_n which_o testimony_n yet_o be_v too_o evident_a and_o numerous_a to_o be_v deny_v but_o may_v from_o our_o own_o eye_n at_o the_o neighbour_a mine_n and_o coal-pit_n satisfy_v ourselves_o of_o the_o exact_a truth_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a volume_n which_o have_v be_v so_o much_o except_v against_o by_o ill-disposed_a person_n so_o wonderful_a be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o its_o seasonable_a attestation_n afford_v to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o not_o only_o the_o very_a day_n as_o we_o have_v see_v when_o the_o flood_n begin_v assign_v by_o moses_n may_v still_o after_o more_o than_o four_o thousand_o year_n be_v prove_v from_o astronomy_n to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a one_o which_o the_o learned_a be_v chief_o capable_a of_o judge_v of_o and_o be_v primary_o influence_v by_o but_o the_o reality_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o deluge_n itself_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o such_o common_a and_o easy_a observation_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o neighbour_a mine_n or_o coal-pit_n that_o the_o vulgar_a and_o most_o illiterate_a may_v be_v eye-witness_n 35._o of_o the_o certain_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o so_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o sacred_a historian_n therein_o coral_n 2._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o none_o of_o the_o antediluvian_n city_n town_n building_n or_o other_o remain_n be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o since_o the_o deluge_n they_o be_v all_o general_o bury_v perhaps_o above_o two_o hundred_o foot_n deep_a in_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o sediment_n of_o the_o water_n lxxiii_o the_o part_n of_o the_o present_a upper_a strata_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o earth_n loose_a separate_z divide_v and_o float_v in_o 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where_o through_o the_o water_n and_o towards_o the_o bottom_n especial_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o their_o subsidence_n render_v the_o same_o very_a thick_a and_o muddy_a it_o be_v natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o multitude_n of_o fish_n partly_o stisle_v with_o the_o spissitude_n and_o grossness_n of_o the_o fluid_a scarce_o there_o deserve_v that_o name_n and_o partly_o poison_a with_o the_o kind_n of_o some_o of_o those_o corpuscle_n which_o they_o take_v in_o together_o with_o their_o nourishment_n therein_o will_v be_v destroy_v and_o perish_v in_o the_o water_n which_o be_v grant_v the_o rest_n so_o easy_o follow_v as_o not_o to_o need_v any_o far_a explication_n lxxvi_o the_o same_o law_n of_o specific_a gravity_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o mass_n be_v also_o observe_v in_o the_o subsidence_n of_o the_o shell_n of_o fish_n they_o then_o sink_v together_o with_o and_o according_o be_v now_o find_v enclose_v among_o those_o strata_n or_o body_n which_o be_v near_o of_o their_o own_o specific_a gravity_n the_o heavy_a shell_n be_v consequent_o still_o enclose_v among_o the_o heavy_a strata_n and_o the_o light_a shell_n among_o the_o light_a strata_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o our_o present_a earth_n lxxvi_o this_o phaevomenon_n be_v so_o natural_a and_o necessary_a consider_v the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o the_o thickness_n of_o the_o gross_a sediment_n downward_o and_o the_o equal_a subjection_n of_o shell_n to_o the_o law_n of_o specific_a gravity_n with_o all_o other_o body_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v any_o far_a upon_o it_o corollary_n this_o single_a phaenomenon_n of_o the_o shell_n of_o fish_n enclose_v in_o the_o most_o solid_a body_n as_o stone_n and_o marble_n and_o that_o all_o over_o the_o world_n according_a to_o their_o several_a specific_a gravity_n at_o great_a depth_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v so_o strange_a in_o it_o self_n so_o surprise_v to_o the_o spectator_n and_o so_o unaccountable_a without_o the_o most_o unusual_a and_o precarious_a miracle_n be_v introduce_v on_o any_o other_o principle_n and_o yet_o so_o easy_o and_o natural_o solve_v in_o the_o hypothesis_n before_o we_o be_v a_o strong_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v a_o invincible_a argument_n for_o the_o verity_n thereof_o and_o as_o undeniable_a as_o a_o physical_a assertion_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o be_v it_o be_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n pronounce_v without_o a_o miracle_n certain_o true_a lxxvii_o the_o strata_n of_o marble_n of_o stone_n and_o of_o all_o other_o solid_a body_n attain_v their_o solidity_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o sand_n or_o other_o matter_n whereof_o they_o consist_v be_v arrive_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o well_o settle_v there_o and_o all_o those_o strata_n which_o be_v solid_a at_o this_o day_n have_v be_v so_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n lxxvii_o see_v this_o upper_a crust_n or_o sediment_n be_v