CHAP. II.
Of the Creation of the World.
THey which would without danger behold the Eclipse of the Sunne, vse not to fixe their eyes directly vpon that bright eie of the World, (although by this case darkned) but in water behold the same with more ease and lesse perill. How much fitter is it likewise for our ten∣der eyes in beholding the light of that Light, a 1.1 the Father of lights b 1.2 in whom is no darknesse, to diuert our eyes from that brightnesse of glory, and behold him (as wee can) in his workes? The first of which in execution was the creation of the World, plainly described by MOSES in the booke of Gene∣sis, both for the Author, matter, maner, and other circumstances; Reason it selfe thus farre subscribing, as appeareth in her schollers, (the most of the Heathens and Philo∣sophers in all ages) That this World was made by a greater than the World. In pro∣uing this, or illustrating the other, a large field of discourse might be ministred: nei∣ther do I know any thing wherein a man may more improue the reuenues of his lear∣ning, or make greater shew with a little, * 1.3 decking and pruning himselfe, like AeSOPS Iay, or HORACE his chough, with borrowed feathers, than in this matter of the Creation, written of (after their maner) by so many, Iewes, Ethnikes, Heretikes, and Orthodoxe Christians. For my part it shall be sufficient to write a little, setting downe so much of the substance of this subiect, as may make more plaine way, and easier in∣troduction, into our ensuing Historie: leauing such as are more studious of this know∣ledge to those which haue purposely handled this argument, with commentaries vpon MOSES text: of which, besides many modern writers (some of which haue almost oppressed the Presse with their huge volumes) there are diuers of the Primitiue, mid∣dle, and decayed times of the Church.
c 1.4 In the beginning (saith MOSES) God created the Heauen and the Earth. Wherein (to omit the endlesse and diuers interpretations of others, obtruding allegoricall, ana∣gogical, mystical senses on the letter) is expressed the Author of this worke to be God, Elohim; which word, as is said, is of the plurall number, insinuating the Holy Trinity, the Father as the fountaine of all goodnesse, the Sonne as the wisedome of the Father,