Geologia, or, A discourse concerning the earth before the deluge wherein the form and properties ascribed to it, in a book intitlued The theory of the earth, are excepted against ... / by Erasmus Warren ...

CHAP. XV.

1. The Flood Explicable, another way, as well as by that in which the Theory goes. 2. What the height of its Waters might be, viz. Fifteen Cubits upon the surface of the Earth. 3. The Probability of the Hypothesis argued from Scripture. 4. What the Fountains of the great Deep were. 5. A Se∣cond Argument for the Hypothesis, from the easie and sufficient Supply of Waters to raise the Flood to such an height. 6. A Third, from its agree∣ableness with St. Peter's Account of the Deluge. 7. A Fourth, from the Habitableness of the Earth, at the Flood's going off. 8. A Fifth, from its Consistency with Geography.

1. WE are now come to the last Vital, or Pri∣mary Assertion of the Theory, which is this, That neither Noah's Flood, nor the present Form of the Earth, can be explained in any other method that is rational, nor by any other Causes that are in∣telligible. That is, besides those which the Theory makes use of, or assigns. Now as to the present Form of the Earth, we have spoken something to that already. So that could but such an Explication of the Flood be given in, as would solve it, and the several Phae∣nomena's of it, as rationally and intelligibly as the Theory does; this Assertion likewise would be suf∣ficiently encountred in our way of Excepting against it. Let us therefore be allowed but some of that liberty which the Theory takes; that is, to make bold with Scripture a little, as that has done a great deal; and we'll try what may be done of this

nature. Not that I will be bound to defend what I say, as real and true; any more than to believe (what I cannot well endure to speak) that the Church of GOD has ever gone on in an irrational way of explaining the Deluge. Which yet she must needs have done, if there be no other rational method of explaining it, and no other intelligible Causes of it, than what the Theory has proposed.

2. We are now therefore attempting or ••oving at a New Explication of the Flood. And if in any thing it seems strange, let none wonder or be of∣fended at it. We are only trying whether we can hit upon somewhat, that may be as rati∣onal and intelligible as to the matter in hand, as what the Theory offers; though it be as extra∣vagant as that is. So that where we speak never so positively, still what we deliver, is to be lookt upon, not as an Absolute, but Comparative Hypothesis.

And first let us sound the Waters of the Flood. I mean by a true and infallible Plumb-line; even the same which Moses reaches out unto us, in the Seventh of Genesis. So we shall find there is a great mistake in the common Hypothesis touching their Depth. For whereas they have been sup∣posed, to be fifteen Cubits higher than the highest Mountains; they were indeed but fifteen Cubits high in all, above the surface of the Earth. Not that the Waters were no where higher than just fifteen Cubits above the Ground: they might in most places be thirty, forty, or fifty Cubits high or higher. The reason is evident; because the surface of the Earth, were all its Hills gone, would be still ••even, and some parts of it considerably higher

than others. Thus, Helvetia is reckoned the highest Country in Europe. And in proof of as much, it sends forth four great Rivers into the four several Quarters of the Europian World. That is to say, the Danube, Eastward; the Rosne, Westward; the Rhine, Northward; and the Po, Southward. For though the Earth be a Globe, yet it is not one so true and exact, but were the Mountains taken off it, I say, it would still be rising or prominent in some places by the height of many Cubits, over what it is in others. At which rate, when the Flood ascended fifteen Cubits above the Earth where it is highest (which was the true height of the Flood) most of the surface of the Earth might be four or five times as deep under water. Thus, when Switzerland (suppose) was drowned to the height of fifteen Cubits; most of Europe might be drowned many times as high. And indeed that the Earth was uneven (as we have said) and much higher in some places than in others; cannot be doubted: it being but a wise and most necessary piece of Providence, that it should be so contrived. For otherwise spacious plain Countries (if habi∣table at all) would have yielded but incommodi∣ous Dwellings. I mean, because they must have been perfectly level, and so would have lacked devexities needful for Water-courses. For Rivers, we know, never flow but in way of decurse or running downward, off precipices, steepnesses, or de∣clivities.

3. This therefore we lay down as the Founda∣tion of our Hypothesis, that the highest parts of the Earth, that is, of the common surface of it, were under Water but fifteen Cubits in depth: which

would drown the rest of its superficies, very sadly and sufficiently. And this, I say, we learn from Moses; who knowing it himself by Inspiration, to inform us of as much, has committed it to wri∣ting, in the Seventh Chapter of Genesis. For there we read at the eighteenth Verse, That the waters prevailed greatly upon the earth. And at the nine∣teenth Verse, that the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth. And how greatly and exceedingly did they prevail upon the Earth? That we have specified in the twentieth ver. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 fifteen Cubits upward did the waters prevail. What can be more clear or express? They prevailed fifteen Cubits and no more. Fifteen Cubits upward; that is, upon the Earth. Upon which they are said to prevail greatly, and to prevail exceedingly (in the two foregoing Verses) that is upon the highest parts of its common surface.

And thus our Supposition stands supported by Di∣vine Authority, as being founded upon Scripture. That tells us, as plainly as it can speak, that the Waters prevailed but fifteen Cubits upon the Earth. (The cited Text, as a certain Plumb-line, shows them to have been no deeper, where the Earth bosoms out, and is most prominent.) And so it puts an useful key into our hands, to help us to unlock the mystery of the Deluge, and to free the Doctrine of it from great difficulties and inconveniencies; which have run Men, it seems, upon irrational and unintelligible means and methods of explain∣ing it.

4. Before we lay down any other Arguments in confirmation of the Hypothesis; let us try if the light of Scripture, which shows the Depth of the

Flood so plainly, will not also discover to us more clearly than yet has been done, what those Foun∣tains of the great Deep were, which at the time of the Flood were cleaved, or broken up. And truly this it seems to do very notably; giving us to under∣stand, that they were but certain Caverns. Such Caverns, I mean, as were contained in Rocks and Moun∣tains. And so the breaking up of the Fountains of Tehom Rabbah, or the great Deep, (which the The∣ory insists so much upon) was no more than the breaking up of such Caverns. This is evident from Psal. 78. 15. Where it is said, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, He clave the Rocks (the Rock Rephidim, and the Rock in Cadesh) and gave them drink 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,† in Abyssis magnis, in the great Deeps. That is, he gave them that for drink, which was in those great Deeps till he fetcht it out of them. And what great Deeps could they be, but great deep Caverns in the Rocks? and the better to evince, that the breaking open of the Fountains of the great deep, Gen. 7. 11. and the cleaving of those Rocks in the Wilderness, Psal. 78. 15. were, in effect, but the same thing: the same Hebrew words are used in both places.

But though these Caverns be called Deeps, we must not take them for profound places that went down into the Earth below the common surface of it: on the contrary, they were situate above it. And therefore the Waters issuing out of them, came running down. So we find in the next verse of the same Psalm, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, He caused them to run down. And Wisd. 11. 4. the Water is said to be given de petra altissima, from a most high Rock. And Gejerus upon

that place in the 78th Psalm, does not only observe, that GOD made the Waters to descend, ex petra praeeminente, out of a very high Rock; but also notes the reason why he did so, ut origo aquarum omnibus pateret; that the source of the Waters might appear to all. We cannot but remember likewise, that this water is said, 1 Cor. 10. 4. to follow the Israelites. Which speaks it to have had a fall from an elevated Situation. And indeed if it had not, it could not so well have run along with their Camp perhaps to Cadesh, where we next find them at a want for Water. Though if the Rock in Rephidim did supply them all-a-long in their intermediate marches and stages; we must needs conclude there were extraordinary accessions of Water into the great Deeps, or Caverns of it; out of which it flowed with so very plentiful and lasting Streams. The least that can be imagined, is, That they were so framed as to draw abundance of Vapours into themselves; which being dissolved in the Vaults with∣in, from thence gushed out in a continued Torrent. Not unlike to the Waters in Tenariff, which every day pour down from a most high mountain; being generated (I conceive) of great store of Vapours which gather in some large hollownesses of the same, and through secret passages ascend to its Top. For on it there stands a certain Tree, con∣tinually covered with a Misty Cloud; which every day melting at Noon, discharges it self so copiously as to serve the whole Island; on which there ne∣ver yet fell a showre, save that one which was forty days long.

I have set down the high situation of these Ca∣verns or Fountains, as forestalling an Objection, that might thus be made. If the great Deeps, whose Waters help'd to raise the Flood; were no other than Caverns; the Waters they afforded would contribute nothing to that use: for as soon as they had come out, others would have run into their places immediately, and so they had as good have kept in still. But now these Caverns being of an eminent or raised site, the Waters they yielded towards the Flood, might help to swell it to its due pitch, according as we have set it; without any kind of danger, or indeed possibility, either of their own returning, or of others running into their room.

In case it be urged that Caverns, especially Ca∣verns so high situate, cannot properly be called great DEEPS: I answer, The HOLY GHOST has been pleased to give them that name, and his authority is not to be disputed. So we find him styling the Red Sea, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the great Deep (as big a name as can be given to the vastest pro∣foundest Ocean now, and a bigger than was given to the whole Mass of Waters at first, it being cal∣led but, the Deep, simply) which yet, for a Sea, was neither Great, nor Deep. Though those Caverns which were opened at the Flood, might well be as Deep, as they were Great; measuring their Depths, from above, downward, towards the surface of the Earth.

And whereas the Psalmist speaks of the great DEEPS, as of many; and Moses of the great DEEP, as but of one: this does not argue but the same thing might be meant by both. For as in Scri∣pture, a Plural word, is sometimes but of a Singu∣lar

signification; (thus the Ark is said to rest upon the Mountains of Ararat, when it could rest but up∣on one single Mountain:) so a Singular word, does sometimes carry the force of a Plural one with it; (thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Quail, is put for the numberless multitude of them, Exod. 16. 13.) And therefore the different Numbers used by the Holy Writers in this Case, need not set them at variance, or imply, that they intended different things. And then tho' Moses speaks of the great Deep, singularly, as but of, one; yet he speaks of all the Fountains of that Deep, as of, many: which makes the Expression somewhat more parallel to the Psalmist's, great Deeps. And then though the Psalmist puts the Substantive, DEEPS, in the Plural Number; yet he puts, GREAT, the Adjective, in the Singular: and so goes as far to meet Moses (as I may say) as Moses comes to meet him. And last∣ly, the Septuagint and Vulgar both, do render the Psalmist's, DEEPS in the Singular Number, Deep: as if it were no matter whether Number were used.

Should it be urged farther yet, that no such Deeps or Caverns are found in the Earth now adays, and therefore it may be questioned, whether there ever were any or no: It might be answered. Though there are many of them, yet they may be of no easie discovery; as being inclosed with very thick Walls, and shut up within vastest and highest Mountains or Rocks. And truly so closely and strongly were they immur'd, in the Predilu∣vian

State; that had not ALMIGHTY GOD broken them up by his own Power (as he did those in Rephidim) they might have continued en∣tire and undiscerned to this very day. Though when by Omnipotence these mighty Cisterns of Nature were let go, and their Waters run out in a great measure; no wonder at all that the sides of many of them should cave in; making the Mountains or Rocks whereunto they belonged, very rough, and craggy, and deformed things; and scattering huge Stones, and such heaps of Rubbish whereabouts they fell, as might imitate the Ruines of a dissolved World; and show not only the Scars of a broken-fac'd Earth, but moreover (as one would think) the very Entrails of it strangely burst out, and as it were, torn and mangled all to pieces. And as a little marvel it is again, that the Crowns of several high Rocks and Hills, sinking right down into the Caverns beneath them, and being not able to fill them up; should leave huge Pans on their Tops respectively. While innume∣rable others yet, that were broached and well nigh drawn off at the Flood; have for many Ages stood dry and gaping: and have been Dens for wild Beasts; and sometimes Refuges, and sometimes, it may be, Habitations for Men; as being of very con∣siderable Capacities. Of this sort, 'tis like, was that Cave in Engedi, which was able to receive David and his Six hundred Men: and for ought we know, might have held as many more. For these are said to remain in the sides of the Cave, and were so well hidden; that King Saul, who was there at the same time, perceived not one of them. And that there were store of such Caves in Palestine, into which (in time of Invasion by Enemies, &c.)

the Inhabitants of the Country used to retire, even by whole Villages or Towns at once; is very well known. Iosephus makes mention of some of these Caves in high Rocks and Mountains; which being possessed by Robbers, King Herod was fain to let down armed Souldiers an unspeakable depth into them, in Chests with Iron Chains, to fight the Wretches in those their Fastnesses.† Strabo likewise reports, That towards Arabiae, and Iturea, there are steep Mountains famous for deep Caves, one of which is able to receive Four thousand Men. Nor is it to be doubted but that in all rocky and mountainous Regions, there are plenty of most capacious Caverns.a The Theory it self al∣lows them to be more common in such places, than elsewhere.

Should any go on to object, That the Waters issuing out of these Caverns, upon their Disruption, would have made but a slender contribution to∣wards raising the mighty Universal Deluge: I answer,

First, They contributed as much to that pur∣pose, as Divine Providence thought fit and ne∣cessary.

Secondly, They increased the Waters which ran down the Mountains at the time of the Flood; and so did service in hindring both Men and other Creatures from ascending those Mountains; which might be the chief work they were designed to do.

Thirdly, Scripture it self lays the main of the Flood upon the Rain-waters, ascribing it mostly to them. For so GOD declares, Gen. 7. 4. Yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the Earth, forty days, and forty nights; and every living sub∣stance that I have made, will I destroy from of the

face of the Earth. Where the great Deluge which was to destroy the then Animal World; is owned as proceeding from the forty days Rain. Intimating that the Waters of it, were to rise mainly from them; and as for those flowing out of the Foun∣tains of the Deep, they were not to be of equal quantity or use. And indeed had they been so, they would have swelled the Flood to too high a pitch. And therefore though they made but the least part of that fatal Deluge; yet so long as they did what was proper and needful, and what the great GOD intended they should do; that was sufficient.

If, Lastly, it be objected; How could Waters come into these Caverns? I answer; By a very natural and easie way; even the same way that Springs do now rise and flow out of Rocks and Mountains. For great Mountains having great Ca∣verns in them, upon the account of their Origina∣tion (as being heaved up by the force of that fla∣tuous fermentive moisture (turn'd into vapours) wherewith the Earth at first abounded) how easily would those Caverns be filled with vapours, by the influence of the Sun; and then those vapours condensed into Water, by the coldness of those Ca∣verns? For what were the great Mountainous Ca∣verns, but as it were the Heads of vast Stills, as much disposed by Nature to condense Vapours; as the other are by Art. Yea, as cold Water, or wet Cloths, are applied to the Heads of artificial Stills, to help forward their work: So huge quan∣tities of Snow, which outwardly and continually cover the higher parts of some Mountains; might have the like effect on Caverns within. Now these Vapours being thus changed into Waters;

the Particles of that would certainly be too gross, to sink down into the Earth again through the little Pores, by which they ascended or were drawn up out of it. So that unless it could find ways, whereby to run forth and discharge it self at places in the nature of Springs; there it was bound to stay till Providence should release it from its close imprisonment; which it did miraculously at the time of the Flood, by breaking up the Caverns, or great Deeps that contain'd it, and suffering a very great deal of it to run out.

So that still the great Deep Caverns of the Moun∣tains, may very well pass for the Fountains of Mo∣ses's Tehom Rabbah. And that which helps to encourage (not to say) and confirm the Notion; is, That no one of the several things, which have been understood to be that great Deep; can fill up the Character of it so fairly, and at the same time answer the ends and uses of it, in respect of the Deluge, so fully; as these Caverns. Not the Open Sea; for as it could not properly be broke open, as being open already; so the Waters of that were by no means sufficient to make such a Flood, as Noah's has been all-a-long reputed. Or in case they had been sufficient; yet being drawn out of the Sea, to drown the Earth, what Waters should have filled the Sea again? Or if it stood empty, what should have hindred the same Wa∣ters from running back into it? Not the Waters in the Bowels of the Earth: for if they were there in such plenty (as 'tis confest there is room enough for them) as to have been able to have made a much greater Flood than Noah's; yet then against their nature they must have risen above their Source;

and being so risen, they must have stood, so long as the Flood lasted, in a miraculous opposition to their own nature, inclining them to retire from whence they came. Not the Supercelestial Waters: for then the breaking up of the Fountains of the great Deep; and the opening of the Windows of Heaven; must be one and the same thing. Whereas by Moses they are very plainly and carefully distinguisht. Not the inclosed Abyss; for then (besides that the whole Hypothesis, so improbable, must be allowed) the forty days Rain would have been utterly needless. Because then the falling of the Earth into the Abyss, being the breaking up of the Fountains of the great Deep; it must have fallen in, the very first day that Noah went into the Ark; because on that very day all the Fountains of the great Deep were broken up, Gen. 7. 11. And if by the Earth's fal∣ling into the Abyss, the World were drowned the first day that Noah entered the Ark (as of neces∣sity it must have been, if the Earth were dissolved and fell that day) to what purpose should it after that, rain for forty days together? And whereas it is said, Gen. 8. 2. That the Fountains of the Deep were stopped; the Earth broken down into the Abyss was never made up again, nor the Abyss it self covered; but remains still as open as ever: To which Parti∣cular Heads, let me add but one more, which has a kind of general Relation to them all. If either the open Sea, or the Waters within the Earth, or the Waters above the Heavens, or the Abyss under the Earth, had been the great Deep meant by Mos••s; none of them had any true or proper Fountains in them. And so what will become of, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, all the Fountains of the great Deep?

But now supposing that the Caverns in the Mountains were this great Deep; how surprizingly do all these things fall in with them? For First, They are called great Deeps by the HOLY GHOST (as has been noted) Psal. 78. Second∣ly, They were capable of being cleaved or broke open; as being fast shut up. Thirdly, They were able to afford a competent quantity of Water; even as much as it was necessary they should yield. Fourthly, The Water that came forth of them, could never return into them more. Fifthly, The breaking them up, must be quite another thing, than opening the Windows of Heaven. Sixthly, They might all be broke up the same day that Noah took into the Ark. Seventhly, The Rain which fell in the forty days, would still have been as needful as ever. Eighthly, They were stopped a∣gain, as strictly and literally, as they were broken up. Lastly, They were as true and distinct Foun∣tains, as any in the World. So that if they were not the real Fountains of the Mosaic Tehom Rabbah; one would think they might well have been so.

5. But let us now pass (as it is time we should) to a Second Ground upon which we build the pro∣bability of our Hypothesis, above specified; namely, That the Flood was but fifteen Cubits higher than the highest parts of the surface of the Earth. And that Ground is this: Supposing that to have been the true height of the Flood, it will not only be possi∣ble, but very easie to find Water enough for it, without recourse to such Inventions; as have been, and justly may be disgustful, not only to nice and

squeamish, but to the best and soundest Philosophic Judgments.

For thus, in the First place, we need not call in the Theory's assistance; an Hypothesis (how ingeni∣ous soever in the contrivance and contexture of it) guilty of unjustifiable absurdities.

Nor, Secondly, need we fly to a New Creation of Water, to gain a sufficient quantity of it. An Ex∣pedient that sounds harshly in the Ears of many. And that not only because they are of Opinion, that GOD finisht the work of Creation in the first six days; But because he has expresly declared, That the true and only Causes of the Deluge were these Two; The breaking up of all the Fountains of the great Deep, and the opening of the Windows of Hea∣ven. To which may be added, That the Creation of so vast a quantity of Water, as should have surmounted the highest Hills; would certainly have inferred, either an enlargement of the whole Uni∣verse to receive it; and so a Dislocation, and con∣sequently a disorder of its parts respectively: or else a Penetration of the Dimensions of Bodies; while so much new matter should have sprung into being, more than ever existed; and yet have been con∣fined to the same space of aboad, that was before fill'd up in its whole capacity.

Nor need we, Thirdly, to fetch Waters from the Supercelestial Regions. Where, if the Heavens be Fluid, how could they have kept from falling down, so long? And if they be Solid, how could they possibly have descended at last? For in their descent they must have bored their way through several Orbs as hard as Crystal, and how thick, we know not. Besides, these Waters must have been lodg'd

either below the Stars, or above them. If below them, they would have hid them from our sight. The Sun himself cannot be seen through a watry Cloud; how much less the Stars through a watry Ocean? Nor will it help, to say, the Element of Water above is more fine and transparent than the Waters below. For were it as thin as an ordinary Mist, still it would hide the Sun's Face from us, though it might transmit his light. In case they were plac'd above the Stars, they must have been delug'd before the Earth could have been so; as intercepting them in their fall. Nor could they have slid off the Stars again, dropping down to the Earth, unless that were the Center of the Universe, which is hard to prove; yea, most absurd to think.

Nor will it be necessary, in the Fourth place, to suppose the Mass of Air, or greatest part of it, was changed into Water, to make the Deluge. A change which some will by no means admit of, as being not hitherto proved by Experiment. Yet I cannot but own that the best Philosophers have thought it fecible, and also believed it to be actu∣ally done. The Egyptians conceived (Manethus and Hecataeus both attest) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 That Rains were made by the version of Air. † Plato was of the same Opinion; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. That Air being thickned and condensed, made Clouds and Mists. And so was Philo. For besides that he affirms 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that it varies and runs through all manner of mutations: He says ex∣presly in† another Place, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. That Air, being condensed, turns to Water.

And again, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. That the Air being condensed may be compressed into Water. And then brings in Heraclitus affirming, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Destruction of Air, to be the generation of Water. To this also the Lord Verulam consents, offering to make it good by sundry Experiments. Though all of them, I think, come short of Demonstration, or of a clear and satisfactory proof of the Phaenomenon. (And to name the two greatest Philosophers next.) Aristotle asserts this transmutation, in his Book de Mundo. And Des-Cartes subscribes to it as possible and real.a When those Globules move a little slower than ordinary, they may change Water, into Ice; and the Particles of Air, into Water. And the Famous and Honourableb Mr. Boyle (in his 22. Experiment) leaves it undetermin'd, whether or no Air be a primi∣genial Body, that cannot now be generated and turned into Water. And truly as Clavius his Glass of Spring-water (mentioned in that Experiment) Her∣metically sealed up for fifty Years past, and re∣posited in the Musaeum Kercherianum; does not prove that Water can't be turn'd into Air, because the Water continu'd there so long without diminu∣tion: so neither will M. Rohault's Glass seal'd up the same way full of Air, and kept in a Vessel of Water in a Wine-Cellar three whole Years; argue that Air can't be turn'd into Water, because none of that Air at the three Years end, was found to have suffered such a change; there being not the least drop of Water in the Glass. We only learn from hence, that we have not yet attain'd to the

right Operation, of changing these Elements into one another.

We will grant therefore that by the power of Na∣ture, Air may be turned into Water. Yet neither will that take off the whole Difficulty in this Case. For if most of the Air incircling the Earth, had been thus changed (and all of it could not, because then respi∣ration would have been impossible to Mankind, and the surviving Animals in the Ark) it could not have fur∣nisht Water enough for the Flood; a great deal of Air going to make up a little quantity of Water: (Which the proportion of gravity betwixt Water and Air, of equal bulk, it being (found to be) as of a thousand to one; does sufficiently evince.) But in case it could have yielded Water enough, yet inconveniences would still have remained. Particularly, it would have endan∣gered sucking down the Moon, as the Theorist‖ observes. The changing also of one great Body into another, which after transmutation takes up so much less room than it did before; does either suppose that the whole Frame of the World must sink closer together (which would occasion a strange discomposure in it) to fill up the space that Change would make empty: or that in Nature there must be a Vacuum. Though (by the way) when our SAVIOUR multiplied Bread upon Earth, that need have no such influence on the World, either as to expansion or contraction of it; as the new Creation of Waters above mentioned, or this production of them by transmutation, does imply. For besides that the Matter changed was much less in quantity; the change might be made in such a Substance, as did take up just the same room in the World before its mutation, as after it.

Nor need we to apply our selves, in the Fifth place, to that Hypothesis which makes this Globe of ours bi-central: giving one Center to the Earth and another to the Waters in it; according to this Figure.

[illustration]

Fig: 4 Pag: 317

That so by setting the Waters higher than the Earth, they might the more easily overflow it at such a rate, as they have been conceived to do, at the Deluge. But this is a Supposition so notoriously false, that to prove it to be so, would be a vain work.

Nor need we trouble our selves in the Sixth place about Sub-terrestrial Waters. Which (if never so free passages had been opened for them) could no more have flowed up out of the Bowels of the Earth; than Waters can do out of our deepest Wells. Yea, with much more difficulty they must have ascended, in regard they were far deeper in the ground; and also must have boiled up against the weight and pressure of the incumbent Flood, even then when perhaps it was a Mile or two high.

As for Blood flowing out of a Vein (when prickt) in a Man's Head; it is nothing like a Proof that Water may rise and flow above its source. For there is a vital strength and motion forcing it out, and Nature conspires as much to help the Course of that Blood, as she does to hinder this Course of the Waters we speak of. Engines it may be in the heart of the Earth, might be able to send up Waters on to the surface of it; as the Heart in the midst of the Body, sends Blood to its Extremities. But we hear of no Engines made to raise the Flood.

Nor need we, in the Last place, to betake our selves to a Topical or Partial Deluge. A thing which some have done, meerly to avoid the neces∣sity of such a vast deal of Water, as they knew not where to have for a general Flood, according to the rate of the old Hypothesis: or in case they could have had it, knew not how to get rid of it again. Whereas let fifteen Cubits above the Earth, be the highest Water-mark of the Flood; and then as the Clouds and Caverns would have yielded Water enough to raise it: so when its work was done, the quantity of this Water would not have

been so excessive, but it might easily be dried up in that space of time, in which Moses declares it was so.

And this is that which in the Second place, gives countenance to our Hypothesis. It makes the Flood to be such, as Nature out of her Store-houses could very well send on to the Earth; and when she had done, as conveniently take it off again. And so we are excused from running to those Causes or Me∣thods, which seem unreasonable to some, and unintelligible to others, and unsatisfactory to most.

6. A Third thing, which gives credit to our Con∣jecture, and makes it look like truth; is its agreeing so handsomely with St. Peter's Description of the Deluge. The Heavens were of old, and the Earth standing out of the Water and in the Water, whereby the World that then was, being overflowed with Wa∣ter, perished, 2 Pet. 3. 5, 6. How exactly does this suite with the Hypothesis proposed? For according to it, the Earth stood partly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the Wa∣ter; the most of it being overflowed; and in such a measure, as that the Animal World thereby pe∣rished. And yet a great part of the Earth (as much as the upper parts of high Mountains come to) was standing 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, out of the Water, at the same time. Yea, if a Zeugma in the words, makes, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, standing, relate to, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Heavens, as well as to, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Earth; yet our Explication of the Deluge will fall in very fairly with that too. Inasmuch as the Heavens stood then in the Water, and out of the Water, as well as the Earth. For their Territories were then invaded in some mea∣sure; the Water rising, where it incroached least,

fifteen; in most places, it may be, thirty, forty, or fifty Cubits into them. And therefore so high they were standing in the Water; as all above was standing out of the same. And which is something more, the Heavens and the Earth will thus be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, standing together out of the Water and in the Water (as some will have the word signifie there) both of them being in the like circumstances, at the same juncture of time. I will only add under this head, That taking the Heavens here mention'd, for the lowest Region of the Air, or for the lower part of that Region; is but consonant to the Sacred Style.

7. A Fourth advantage commending our Hypothesis, is, That it puts the drowned Earth, into a far more habitable condition at the Flood's going off, than otherwise it could have been in. That Noah's Flood was Universal, is most clear from Scripture. Be∣hold, I, even I do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven, and every thing that is in the earth shall die, Gen. 6. 17. So the ALMIGHTY threatned; and what he threatned he fully made good. And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattel, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man. All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living sub∣stance was destroyed, which was upon the face of the ground, both man and cattel, and the creeping things, and the fowl of heaven; they were destroyed from the earth; and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark, Gen. 7. 21, 22, 23. And if all flesh under heaven, and every thing in the earth, even every living substance upon the face of the ground, were destroyed and

died; and Noah only remained alive, and the creatures in the ark: hence it will follow, that the whole Earth was drowned, or else that Mankind was not generally spread through all the Regions of the same. But that the Earth was generally inhabited before the Deluge, we need not doubt, nor can we well deny. For the Consequence would be, That the Prediluvians begat fewer Children, or lived shorter lives, than the Post∣diluvians; which would not be phanciful on∣ly, but false. Though truly if some Countries had not been peopled, still they must have been drowned; that so fowl and creeping things, &c. might be destroyed, according to the Testimony of the HOLY GHOST. Yet admitting this, that the entire Earth was overflow∣ed; and that to such an height, that the loftiest Hills (as is commonly believed) had their Tops fifteen Cubits under Water: and what a Case must the Earth have been in, upon drying up of the Flood? What a∣bundance of Mud, Slime, and Filthiness, must every where have covered the surface of it? How thick must it have lain? How close must it have stuck? And how hard would it have been to have clear'd the ground of it? Attica, upon this account, (as was observed before) after a far less Flood, was not peopled for the space of three hundred Years.

Nor will the Theory's Explication of the Deluge, help here; unless it be to make things worse▪ For had the Flood been caused by so strange a fraction and falling in of the Earth, as that supposeth; this would have added very much to its ••oulness, and so to its Bar∣renness for a time (as above remembred) and conse∣quently to its unfitness for immediate habitation.

But now according to the way that we go, the up∣permost parts of Mountains could never be drowned; and so never clogg'd neither, or dawb'd over with the

filth of the roiled Waters. So that let but the floating Ark, have stopped at last by the side of some very large Hill; and the Earth would there have been ready to receive all that came out of it. And that after all its Tossings, it did rest near to, or in some sense upon such a tall vast Hill (perhaps the biggest the Earth has) is rightly believed, as being taught from above. And indeed its doing so, seems to be no other than a signal Providence, and a special ef∣fect of Heavens particular Care. That so those few Creatures, which out-lived that grievous 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or general destruction that fell so heavy on the ani∣mate World, might not be destitute of fit habita∣tions and sustenance.

And truely that Mankind, upon quitting the Ark, did inhabit Mountains for a considerable time; may be gathered (as some think) out of the Tenth and Eleventh Chapters of Genesis. For there it ap∣pears that they were grown numerous (say they) when they left the Hills, and came down to settle in the Plains of Shinar. But then if they did chuse the Hills for their Seat, and stay there so long before they removed their Quarters; one reason might be the unfitness of the lower grounds to entertain them, as affording at first no commodious Dwellings. And whereas they would have them to keep on the Hills with design to secure themselves from future Floods: such a Design would have been utterly vain. For what security could they expect, by their abode in Mountains, from Floods to come; when the highest Mountains were over-top'd no less than fifteen Cubits, by one so lately past?

8. A Fifth Plea which may be taken up in favour of our Hypothesis, is its Coherence with Geography. Wherein it seems to be much more plausible than the old Hypothesis, or that of the Theory. It falls in with it, by a far more natural and justifiable Compliance, than either of them do. As for the Theory, it flatly denies that there were Hills or Valleys, or Seas, or Islands before the Flood: which Geography hitherto never dreamt of. The old Hypothesis also makes the Moun∣tains of Ararat or Armenia, the highest in the Earth: and this, Geography again cannot down with. And indeed the chief reason why they have been reputed the highest, is, because the Ark has always been pre∣sumed to rest on the top of them; and in that regard it was requisite they should be the highest. But our Hypothesis ties up none to the belief of this neither. Nor indeed does it seem to be worthy of credit, as shall be noted by and by.

Notes

• Some think Italy the high∣est; because the ascent up the Alpes is very great on the French and German side; but the de∣scent on the Italian side, inconsidera∣ble.
• Gen. 7. 11.
• †

  So Schindler, Buxtor••, Bith∣nor, &c. read the word: tho in a Copy by me, it is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is Moses's word: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Psalmist's. So, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, are Moses's words: and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Psalmist's.
• Isai. 51. 10.
• So, the Red Sea, which is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Deep, Esai. 51. 10. is said to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Deeps, Exod. 15. 5. Yea, Isaiah, who in 51. of his Prophecy, calls it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the Singular Number; in 63. Chap. 13. calls it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the Plural.
• 1 Sam. 24. 3.
• Antiq. l. 14. c. 27.
• †

  Lib. 16.
• a

  Saepius e∣nim in consiniis vel in ipsis vi∣sceribus monti∣um, quàm alibi, capacissimae ca∣vernae reperium∣eur. Pag. 68.
• Vid. Diog. Laert. Pro••em.
• †

  In Timaeo.
• Lib. de Somn.
• †

  Lib. de Mund. incorrupt.
• Nat. Hist. Cent. 1. Ex∣per. 27, 76, 77, 78, &c.
• a

  Cùm isti globuli paulo minus solito agunt, aquam in gla∣ciem mutent, & particulas aeris in aquam. Princip. Part. 4. Artic. 48.
• b

  Exper. Physico-mechan.
• ‖

  English Theor. p. 21.