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 cloud_n 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 6._o 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 dark_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 which_o be_v dash_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o fall_a earth_n and_o fly_v into_o 99_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 (null)_o 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 be_o bind_v to_o make_v good_a i_o say_v at_o first_o that_o our_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o deluge_n be_v more_o agreeable_a not_o only_o to_o scripture_n in_o general_n but_o also_o to_o the_o particular_a history_n of_o the_o flood_n leave_v we_o by_o moses_n i_o say_v more_o agreeable_a to_o it_o than_o any_o other_o hypothesis_n that_o have_v yet_o be_v propose_v this_o may_v be_v make_v good_a in_o a_o few_o word_n for_o in_o moses_n history_n of_o the_o deluge_n there_o be_v two_o principal_a point_n the_o extent_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o in_o both_o these_o we_o do_v full_o agree_v with_o that_o sacred_a author_n as_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o he_o make_v the_o deluge_n universal_a all_o the_o high_a hill_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n be_v cover_v fifteen_o cubit_n upward_o we_o also_o make_v it_o universal_a over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o must_v needs_o raise_v the_o water_n above_o the_o top_n of_o the_o high_a hill_n every_o where_o as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o moses_n make_v they_o to_o be_v the_o disruption_n of_o the_o abyss_n and_o the_o rain_n and_o no_o more_o and_o in_o this_o also_o we_o exact_o agree_v with_o he_o we_o know_v no_o other_o cause_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o but_o those_o two_o distinguish_v therefore_o moses_n his_o narration_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o these_o two_o point_n make_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o hypothesis_n that_o differ_v from_o it_o in_o either_o of_o these_o two_o differ_v from_o it_o more_o than_o we_o which_o at_o the_o worst_a can_v but_o differ_v in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n now_o see_v the_o great_a difficulty_n about_o the_o deluge_n be_v the_o quantity_n of_o water_n require_v for_o it_o there_o have_v be_v two_o explication_n propose_v beside_o we_o to_o remove_v or_o fatisfie_v this_o difficulty_n one_o whereof_o make_v the_o deluge_n not_o to_o have_v be_v universal_a or_o to_o have_v reach_v only_a judea_n and_o some_o neighbour_a country_n and_o therefore_o less_o water_n will_v suffice_v the_o other_o
state_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n to_o which_o this_o be_v a_o restitution_n these_o three_o place_n i_o allege_v as_o comprehend_v and_o confirm_v the_o theory_n in_o its_o full_a extent_n but_o we_o do_v not_o suppose_v they_o all_o of_o the_o same_o force_n and_o clearness_n st._n peter_n lead_v the_o way_n and_o gives_z light_n and_o strength_n to_o the_o other_o two_o when_o a_o point_n be_v prove_v by_o one_o clear_a text_n we_o allow_v other_o as_o auxiliaries_n that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o clearness_n but_o be_v open_v receive_v light_n from_o the_o primary_n text_n and_o reflect_v it_o upon_o the_o argument_n so_o much_o for_o the_o theory_n in_o general_n we_o will_v now_o take_v one_o or_o two_o principal_a head_n of_o it_o which_o virtual_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o examine_v they_o more_o strict_o and_o particular_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o agreement_n with_o scripture_n the_o two_o head_n we_o pitch_v upon_o shall_v be_v our_o explication_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o our_o explication_n of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n we_o tell_v you_o before_o these_o two_o be_v as_o the_o hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o theory_n move_v and_o which_o hold_v the_o part_n of_o it_o in_o firm_a union_n one_o with_o another_o as_o to_o the_o deluge_n if_o i_o have_v explain_v that_o aright_o by_o the_o disruption_n of_o the_o great_a abyss_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o cover_v it_o all_o the_o rest_n follow_v in_o such_o a_o chain_n of_o consequence_n as_o can_v be_v break_v wherefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o that_o explication_n and_o of_o all_o that_o depend_v upon_o it_o i_o will_v make_v bold_a to_o lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o our_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v not_o only_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n than_o any_o other_o yet_o propose_v to_o the_o world_n but_o be_v also_o more_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n namely_o to_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o reflect_v upon_o the_o deluge_n the_o abyss_n and_o the_o form_n of_o the_o first_o earth_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o history_n of_o noah_n flood_n as_o record_v by_o moses_n if_o i_o can_v make_v this_o good_a it_o will_v doubtless_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o intelligent_a person_n and_o i_o desire_v their_o patience_n if_o i_o proceed_v slow_o we_o will_v divide_v our_o task_n into_o part_n and_o examine_v they_o separately_z first_o by_o scripture_n in_o general_n and_o then_o by_o moses_n his_o history_n and_o description_n of_o the_o flood_n our_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o deluge_n consist_v of_o three_o principal_a head_n or_o differ_v remarkable_o in_o three_o thing_n from_o the_o common_a explication_n first_o in_o that_o we_o suppose_v the_o antediluvian_n earth_n to_o have_v be_v of_o another_o form_n and_o constitution_n from_o the_o present_a earth_n with_o the_o abyss_n place_v under_o it_o second_o in_o that_o we_o suppose_v the_o deluge_n to_o have_v be_v make_v not_o by_o any_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o overflow_a of_o fountain_n and_o river_n nor_o principal_o by_o any_o excess_n of_o rain_n but_o by_o a_o real_a dissolution_n of_o the_o exterior_a earth_n and_o disruption_n of_o the_o abyss_n which_o it_o cover_v these_o be_v the_o two_o principal_a point_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v as_o a_o corollary_n three_o that_o the_o deluge_n be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o stand_a pool_n the_o water_n lie_v every_o where_o level_a of_o a_o equal_a depth_n and_o with_o a_o uniform_a surface_n but_o be_v make_v by_o a_o fluctuation_n and_o commotion_n of_o the_o abyss_n upon_o the_o disruption_n which_o commotion_n be_v over_o the_o water_n retire_v into_o their_o channel_n and_o let_v the_o dry_a land_n appear_v these_o be_v the_o most_o material_a and_o fundamental_a part_n of_o our_o hypothesis_n and_o these_o be_v prove_v consonant_a to_o scripture_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n be_v of_o another_o form_n and_o constitution_n from_o the_o present_a earth_n with_o the_o abyss_n place_v under_o it_o this_o be_v confirm_v in_o scripture_n both_o by_o such_o place_n as_o assert_v a_o diversity_n in_o general_a and_o by_o other_o place_n that_o intimate_v to_o we_o wherein_o that_o diversity_n consist_v and_o what_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o first_o earth_n that_o discourse_n of_o st._n peter_n which_o we_o have_v set_v before_o you_o concern_v the_o past_a present_a and_o future_a heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v so_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o this_o diversity_n in_o general_n that_o you_o must_v either_o allow_v it_o or_o make_v the_o apostle_n argumentation_n of_o no_o effect_n he_o speak_v plain_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o he_o make_v a_o plain_a distinction_n or_o rather_o opposition_n betwixt_o those_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n so_o that_o the_o least_o we_o can_v conclude_v from_o his_o word_n be_v a_o diversity_n betwixt_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o identity_n or_o immutability_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o scoffer_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o the_o beginning_n but_o though_o the_o apostle_n to_o i_o speak_v plain_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o distinguish_v that_o which_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n from_o the_o present_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v allow_v neither_o of_o these_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o st._n peter_n word_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n will_v make_v this_o whole_a discourse_n of_o little_a or_o no_o effect_n as_o to_o our_o purpose_n and_o see_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v make_v it_o the_o chief_a scripture-basis_n of_o the_o whole_a theory_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o free_v it_o from_o those_o false_a gloss_n or_o misinterpretation_n that_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o its_o testimony_n or_o make_v it_o whole_o ineffectual_a these_o interpreter_n say_v that_o st._n peter_n mean_v no_o more_o than_o to_o mind_v these_o scoffer_n that_o the_o world_n be_v once_o destroy_v by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n mean_v the_o animate_v world_n mankind_n and_o live_a creature_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v again_o by_o another_o element_n namely_o by_o fire_n so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n or_o diversity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o natural_a world_n teach_v or_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o different_a fate_n or_o manner_n of_o perish_v and_o not_o of_o their_o different_a nature_n or_o constitution_n here_o be_v two_o main_a point_n you_o see_v wherein_o our_o interpretation_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n differ_v first_o in_o that_o they_o make_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o six_o verse_n to_o understand_v only_o the_o world_n animate_v or_o man_n and_o brute_n creature_n that_o these_o be_v indeed_o destroy_v but_o not_o the_o natural_a world_n or_o the_o form_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o then_o earth_n and_o heaven_n second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o diversity_n or_o opposition_n make_v by_o st._n peter_n betwixt_o the_o ancient_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o present_a as_o to_o their_o form_n and_o constitution_n we_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v mis-apprehension_n or_o mis-representation_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o both_o respect_n and_o offer_v these_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o for_o the_o first_o point_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n particular_o in_o the_o 6_o verse_n and_o that_o it_o perish_v as_o well_o as_o the_o animate_v these_o consideration_n seem_v to_o prove_v first_o because_o the_o argument_n or_o ground_n these_o scoffer_n go_v upon_o be_v take_v from_o the_o natural_a world_n its_o constancy_n and_o permanency_n in_o the_o same_o state_n from_o the_o beginning_n therefore_o if_o the_o apostle_n answer_v ad_fw-la idem_fw-la and_o take_v away_o their_o argument_n he_o must_v understand_v the_o same_o natural_a world_n and_o show_v that_o it_o have_v be_v change_v or_o have_v perish_v you_o will_v say_v it_o may_v be_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o deny_v nor_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n they_o go_v upon_o but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n they_o make_v from_o it_o that_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v no_o change_n because_o there_o have_v be_v none_o no_o neither_o do_v he_o do_v this_o if_o by_o the_o world_n in_o the_o 6_o verse_n he_o understand_v mankind_n only_o for_o their_o ground_n be_v this_o there_o have_v be_v no_o change_n in_o the_o natural_a world_n their_o consequence_n this_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v none_o nor_o any_o conflagration_n now_o the_o apostle_n answer_n according_a to_o you_o be_v this_o you_o forget_v that_o mankind_n have_v be_v destroy_v in_o a_o deluge_n and_o what_o then_o what_o
they_o deserve_v this_o censure_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o they_o do_v not_o only_o disbelieve_v but_o also_o scoff_n at_o this_o prophetic_a and_o apostolic_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o vicissitude_n of_o nature_n and_o a_o triple_a world_n the_o apostle_n in_o this_o discourse_n do_v formal_o distinguish_v three_o world_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o natural_a world_n but_o use_v that_o periphrasis_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o upon_o each_o of_o they_o engrave_v a_o name_n and_o title_n that_o bear_v a_o note_n of_o distinction_n in_o it_o he_o call_v they_o the_o old_a heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a these_o three_o be_v one_o as_o to_o matter_n and_o substance_n but_o they_o must_v differ_v as_o to_o form_n and_o property_n otherwise_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o of_o these_o three_o different_a appellation_n suppose_v the_o jew_n have_v expect_v ezekiel_n temple_n for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n they_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o with_o this_o distinction_n or_o under_o these_o different_a name_n the_o old_a temple_n the_o present_a temple_n and_o the_o new_a temple_n we_o expect_v will_v any_o have_v understand_v those_o three_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o temple_n never_o demolish_v never_o change_v never_o rebuilt_a always_o the_o same_o both_o as_o to_o material_n and_o form_n no_o doubtless_o but_o of_o three_o several_a temple_n succeed_v one_o another_o and_o have_v we_o not_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o understand_v this_o temple_n of_o the_o world_n whereof_o s._n peter_n speak_v to_o be_v threefold_a in_o succession_n see_v he_o do_v as_o plain_o distinguish_v it_o into_o the_o old_a heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o present_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o i_o do_v the_o more_o willing_o use_v this_o comparison_n of_o the_o temple_n because_o it_o have_v be_v think_v a_o emblem_n of_o the_o outward_a world_n i_o know_v we_o be_v natural_o averse_a to_o entertain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o general_a frame_n and_o texture_n of_o our_o own_o thought_n that_o be_v to_o begin_v the_o world_n again_o and_o we_o often_o reject_v such_o thing_n without_o examination_n neither_o do_v i_o wonder_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n beat_v down_o the_o apostle_n word_n and_o sense_n to_o their_o own_o notion_n they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n to_o go_v upon_o and_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a especial_o in_o natural_a and_o comprehensible_a thing_n to_o put_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o scripture_n as_o be_v unintelligible_a to_o themselves_o they_o rather_o venture_v to_o offer_v a_o little_a violence_n to_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v pitch_v the_o sense_n at_o such_o a_o convenient_a height_n as_o their_o principle_n will_v reach_v to_o and_o therefore_o though_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a interpreter_n who_o i_o mention_v before_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o bear_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n so_o as_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o import_v a_o real_a diversity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o world_n speak_v of_o yet_o have_v no_o principle_n to_o guide_v or_o support_v they_o in_o follow_v that_o tract_n they_o be_v force_v to_o stop_v or_o divert_v another_o way_n it_o be_v like_a enter_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o cave_n we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o venture_v further_o than_o the_o light_n go_v nor_o be_v they_o much_o to_o blame_v for_o this_o the_o fault_n be_v only_o in_o those_o person_n that_o continue_v wilful_o in_o their_o darkness_n and_o when_o they_o can_v otherwise_o resist_v the_o light_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o or_o turn_v their_o head_n another_o way_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v stay_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n not_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n but_o to_o satisfy_v other_o you_o may_v please_v to_o remember_v that_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v hitherto_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o first_o head_n to_o prove_v a_o diversity_n in_o general_n betwixt_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o present_a not_o express_v what_o their_o particular_a form_n be_v and_o this_o general_a diversity_n may_v be_v argue_v also_o by_o observation_n take_v from_o moses_n his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n from_o the_o longevity_n of_o the_o antediluvian_o the_o rainbow_n appear_v after_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o break_v open_o a_o abyss_n capable_a to_o overflow_v the_o earth_n the_o heaven_n that_o have_v no_o rainbow_n and_o under_o who_o 5._o benign_a and_o steady_a influence_n man_n live_v seven_o eight_o nine_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o must_v have_v be_v of_o a_o different_a aspect_n and_o constitution_n from_o the_o present_a heaven_n and_o that_o earth_n that_o have_v such_o a_o abyss_n that_o the_o disruption_n of_o it_o make_v a_o universal_a deluge_n must_v have_v be_v of_o another_o form_n than_o the_o present_a earth_n and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o diversity_n in_o the_o two_o world_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v we_o a_o intelligible_a account_n of_o these_o phaenomena_n how_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n like_o the_o present_a or_o if_o they_o be_v there_o once_o why_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v so_o still_o if_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o as_o to_o the_o ante-diluvian_a heaven_n but_o as_o to_o the_o earth_n we_o must_v now_o according_a to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o first_o head_n inquire_v if_o that_o particular_a form_n which_o we_o have_v assign_v it_o before_o the_o flood_n be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n you_o know_v how_o we_o have_v describe_v the_o form_n and_o situation_n of_o that_o earth_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v build_v over_o the_o abyss_n as_o a_o regular_a orb_n cover_v and_o encompass_v the_o water_n round_o about_o and_o found_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o they_o there_o be_v many_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o favour_n this_o description_n some_o more_o express_o other_o upon_o a_o due_a explication_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v two_o express_a text_n in_o the_o psalm_n as_o psal._n 24._o 1_o 2._o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o the_o habitable_a world_n and_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o for_o he_o have_v found_v it_o upon_o notion_n the_o sea_n and_o establish_v it_o upon_o the_o flood_n a_o earth_n found_v upon_o the_o sea_n and_o establish_v upon_o the_o water_n be_v not_o this_o the_o earth_n we_o have_v describe_v the_o first_o earth_n as_o it_o come_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o its_o maker_n where_o can_v we_o now_o find_v in_o nature_n such_o a_o earth_n as_o have_v the_o sea_n and_o the_o water_n for_o its_o foundation_n neither_o be_v this_o text_n without_o a_o second_o as_o a_o fellow-witness_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n for_o in_o the_o 136._o psalm_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6._o we_o read_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o these_o word_n to_o he_o who_o alone_o do_v great_a wonder_n to_o he_o that_o by_o wisdom_n make_v the_o heaven_n to_o he_o that_o stretch_v out_o the_o earth_n above_o the_o water_n we_o can_v hardly_o express_v that_o form_n of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n in_o word_n more_o determinate_a than_o these_o be_v let_v we_o then_o in_o the_o same_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n follow_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n see_v this_o literal_a sense_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a agreeable_a to_o it_o upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n and_o we_o can_v without_o some_o violence_n turn_v the_o word_n to_o any_o other_o sense_n what_o tolerable_a interpretation_n can_v these_o admit_v of_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v the_o earth_n once_o to_o have_v encompass_v and_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o water_n to_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o water_n to_o be_v extend_v upon_o the_o water_n what_o rational_a or_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o phrase_n and_o expression_n from_o any_o thing_n we_o find_v in_o the_o present_a situation_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o how_o can_v they_o be_v verify_v concern_v it_o consult_v interpreter_n ancient_a or_o modern_a upon_o these_o two_o place_n see_v if_o they_o answer_v your_o expectation_n or_o answer_v the_o natural_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o they_o acknowledge_v another_o form_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o the_o present_a because_o a_o rock_n hang_v its_o nose_n over_o the_o sea_n must_v the_o body_n of_o the_o
earth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v stretch_v over_o the_o water_n or_o because_o there_o be_v water_n in_o some_o subterraneous_a cavity_n be_v the_o earth_n therefore_o found_v upon_o the_o sea_n yet_o such_o lame_a explication_n as_o these_o you_o will_v meet_v with_o and_o while_o we_o have_v no_o better_a light_n we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o they_o but_o when_o a_o explication_n be_v offer_v that_o answer_v the_o propriety_n force_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o word_n to_o reject_v it_o only_o because_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v to_o our_o former_a opinion_n or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o first_o think_v of_o it_o be_v to_o take_v a_o ill_a method_n in_o expound_v scripture_n this_o foundation_n or_o establishment_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o the_o sea_n this_o extension_n of_o it_o above_o the_o water_n relate_v plain_o to_o the_o body_n or_o whole_a circuit_n of_o the_o earth_n not_o to_o parcel_n and_o particle_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o occasion_n and_o its_o be_v join_v with_o the_o heaven_n the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o david_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o construction_n and_o situation_n of_o our_o earth_n and_o these_o attribute_n do_v not_o appear_v from_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o break_a rock_n which_o have_v rather_o the_o face_n of_o a_o ruin_n than_o of_o wisdom_n but_o in_o that_o wonderful_a libration_n and_o expansion_n of_o the_o first_o earth_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n sustain_v by_o its_o own_o proportion_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o providence_n these_o two_o place_n in_o the_o psalm_n be_v due_o consider_v we_o shall_v more_o easy_o understand_v a_o three_o place_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o the_o proverb_n deliver_v by_o wisdom_n concern_v the_o origin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o form_n of_o the_o first_o earth_n in_o these_o word_n chap._n 8._o 27._o when_o he_o prepare_v the_o heaven_n i_o be_v there_o when_o he_o set_v a_o orb_n or_o sphere_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o abyss_n we_o render_v it_o when_o we_o set_v a_o compass_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o abyss_n but_o if_o we_o have_v right_o interpret_v the_o prophet_n david_n it_o be_v plain_a enough_o what_o compass_n be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v not_o a_o imaginary_a circle_n for_o why_o shall_v that_o be_v think_v one_o of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n but_o that_o exterior_a orb_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o water_n that_o be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o the_o divine_a art_n in_o frame_v of_o the_o first_o earth_n and_o therefore_o very_o fit_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o wisdom_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o reflect_v upon_o st._n peter_n expression_n concern_v the_o first_o earth_n and_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o solomon_n to_o see_v if_o they_o do_v not_o answer_v one_o another_o st._n peter_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o earth_n consist_v stand_v or_o sustain_v by_o the_o water_n and_o solomon_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o orb_n draw_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o abyss_n and_o st._n peter_n say_v that_o be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o wisdom_n that_o here_o declare_v herself_o to_o have_v be_v present_a at_o this_o work_n add_v now_o to_o these_o two_o place_n the_o two_o foremention_v out_o of_o the_o psalmist_n a_o earth_n found_v upon_o the_o sea_n psal._n 24._o 2._o and_o a_o earth_n stretch_v out_o above_o the_o water_n psal._n 136._o 6._o can_v any_o body_n doubt_n or_o question_n but_o all_o these_o four_o text_n refer_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o see_v st._n peter_n description_n refer_v certain_o to_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n they_o must_v all_o refer_v to_o it_o and_o do_v all_o as_o certain_o and_o evident_o agree_v with_o our_o theory_n concern_v the_o form_n and_o situation_n of_o it_o the_o pendulous_a form_n and_o posture_n of_o that_o first_o earth_n be_v prove_v from_o these_o four_o place_n it_o be_v more_o easy_a and_o emphatical_a to_o interpret_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o passage_n in_o job_n ch_n 26._o 7._o he_o stretch_v out_o the_o north_n over_o the_o tohu_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_n and_o hang_v the_o earth_n upon_o nothing_o and_o this_o strange_a foundation_n or_o no_o foundation_n of_o the_o exterior_a earth_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o those_o noble_a question_n propose_v to_o job_n by_o god_n almighty_a ch_n 38._o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o thou_o have_v understanding_n whereupon_o be_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o fasten_v and_o who_o lay_v the_o corner_n stone_n there_o be_v neither_o foundation_n nor_o corner_n stone_n in_o that_o piece_n of_o architecture_n and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o make_v the_o art_n and_o wonder_n of_o it_o but_o i_o have_v speak_v more_o large_o to_o these_o place_n in_o the_o theory_n itself_o and_o if_o the_o four_o 88_o text_n beforementioned_a be_v consider_v without_o prejudice_n i_o think_v there_o be_v few_o matter_n of_o natural_a speculation_n that_o can_v be_v so_o well_o prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n as_o the_o form_n which_o we_o have_v give_v to_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o just_a if_o not_o a_o necessary_a appendix_n to_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o form_n of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n to_o give_v a_o account_n also_o of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a abyss_n and_o the_o situation_n of_o it_o according_a to_o scripture_n for_o the_o relation_n which_o these_o two_o have_v to_o one_o another_o will_v be_v a_o further_a mean_n to_o discover_v if_o we_o have_v right_o determine_v the_o form_n of_o that_o earth_n the_o abyss_n or_o tehom-rabbah_a be_v a_o scripture_n notion_n and_o the_o word_n be_v not_o use_v that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o that_o distinct_a and_o peculiar_a sense_n in_o heathen_a author_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o always_o take_v for_o the_o sea_n as_o gen._n 1._o 2._o &_o 7._o 11._o &_o 49._o 25._o deut._n 33._o 13._o job_n 28._o 14._o &_o 38._o 16._o ps._n 33._o 7._o &_o 71._o 20._o &_o 78._o 15._o &_o 135._o 6._o apoc._n 20._o 1._o 3._o but_o for_o some_o other_o mass_n of_o water_n or_o subterraneous_a storehouse_n and_o this_o be_v observe_v we_o may_v easy_o discover_v the_o nature_n and_o set_v down_o the_o history_n of_o the_o scripture-abyss_n the_o mother-abyss_n be_v no_o doubt_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o genesis_n ver_fw-la 2._o which_o have_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o or_o a_o thick_a caliginous_a air_n the_o next_o news_n we_o hear_v of_o this_o abyss_n be_v at_o the_o deluge_n gen._n 7.11_o where_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v break_v open_a and_o the_o water_n of_o it_o to_o have_v drown_v the_o world_n it_o seem_v then_o this_o abyss_n be_v close_v up_o some_o time_n betwixt_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o deluge_n and_o have_v get_v another_o cover_n than_o that_o of_o darkness_n and_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v wisdom_n prov._n 8._o 27._o who_o be_v there_o present_a at_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o earth_n a_o orb_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o abyss_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o these_o three_o place_n refer_v to_o the_o same_o abyss_n i_o think_v can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o that_o will_v compare_v they_o and_o consider_v they_o that_o of_o the_o deluge_n moses_n call_v there_o tehom-rabbah_a the_o great_a abyss_n and_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a than_o the_o forementioned_a mother-abuss_a and_o wisdom_n in_o that_o place_n in_o the_o proverb_n use_v the_o same_o phrase_n and_o word_n with_o moses_n gen._n 1._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a or_o of_o the_o abyss_n change_v darkness_n for_o that_o orb_n of_o the_o exterior_a earth_n which_o be_v make_v afterward_o to_o enclose_v it_o and_o in_o this_o vault_n it_o lay_v and_o under_o this_o cover_n when_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o these_o word_n ps._n 33._o 7._o he_o gather_v the_o water_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o in_o a_o sense_n bag_n he_o lay_v up_o the_o abyss_n in_o storehouse_n last_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v this_o mother-abyss_n who_o womb_n be_v burst_v at_o the_o deluge_n when_o the_o sea_n be_v bear_v and_o break_v forth_o as_o if_o it_o have_v issue_v out_o of_o a_o womb_n as_o god_n express_v it_o to_o job_n ch_n 38._o 8._o in_o which_o place_n the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n read_v it_o when_o it_o break_v forth_o