who did not so think, and so believe, he inflicted the severest
punishments. I exhort, therefore, my readers to examine this
whole undertaking in that view; for thereby it will appear to
them, that there is nothing therein disagreeable either to the
majesty of God, or to his love to mankind; for all things have
here a reference to the nature of the universe; while our
legislator speaks some things wisely, but enigmatically, and
others under a decent allegory, but still explains such things as
required a direct explication plainly and expressly. However,
those that have a mind to know the reasons of every thing, may
find here a very curious philosophical theory, which I now indeed
shall wave the explication of; but if God afford me time for it,
I will set about writing it (6) after I have finished the present
work. I shall now betake myself to the history before me, after I
have first mentioned what Moses says of the creation of the
world, which I find described in the sacred books after the
manner following.

BOOK I.

Containing The Interval Of Three Thousand Eight Hundred And
Thirty-Three Years.

From The Creation To The Death Of Isaac.

CHAPTER 1.

The Constitution Of The World And The Disposition Of The
Elements.