CHAPTER VI

Concerning the vulgar opinion, that the Earth was slenderly peopled before the Flood.

Beside the slender consideration men of latter times do hold of the first ages, it is commonly opinioned, and at first thought generally imagined, that the earth was thinly inhabited, at least not remotely planted before the flood; whereof there being two opinions, which seem to be of some extremity, the one too largely extending, the other too narrowly contracting the populosity of those times; we shall not pass over this point without some enquiry into it.

Now for the true enquiry thereof, the means are as obscure as the matter, which being naturally to be explored by History, Humane or Divine, receiveth thereby no small addition of obscurity. For as for humane relations, they are so fabulous in _Deucalions_ flood, that they are of little credit about _Ogyges_ and _Noahs_. For the Heathens (as _Varro_ accounteth) make three distinctions of time: the first from the beginning of the world unto the general Deluge of _Ogyges_, they term _Adelon_, that is, a time not much unlike that which was before time, immanifest and unknown; because thereof there is almost nothing or very obscurely delivered: for though divers Authors have made some mention of the Deluge, as _Manethon_ the _Egyptian_ Priest, _Xenophon_ de æquivocis, _Fabius Pictor_ de Aureo seculo, _Mar. Cato_ de originibus, and _Archilochus_ the Greek, who introduceth also the Testimony of _Moses_ in his fragment _de temporibus_: yet have they delivered no account of what preceded or went before. _Josephus_ I confess in his Discourse against _Appion_ induceth the antiquity of the _Jews_ unto the flood, and before from the testimony of humane Writers; insisting especially upon _Maseus_ of _Damascus_, _Jeronimus Ægyptius_, and _Berosus_; and confirming the long duration of their lives, not only from these, but the authority of _Hesiod_, _Erathius_, _Hellanicus_ and _Agesilaus_. _Berosus_ the _Chaldean_ Priest, writes most plainly, mentioning the city of _Enos_, the name of _Noah_ and his Sons, the building of the Ark, and also the place of its landing. And _Diodorus Siculus_ hath in his third book a passage, which examined, advanceth as high as _Adam_: for the _Chaldeans_, saith he, derive the Original of their Astronomy and letters forty three thousand years before the Monarchy of _Alexander_ the Great: now the years whereby they computed the antiquity of their letters, being as _Xenophon_ interprets to be accounted Lunary: the compute will arise unto the time of _Adam_. For forty three thousand Lunary years make about three thousand six hundred thirty four years, which answereth the Chronology of time from the beginning of the world unto the reign of _Alexander_, as _Annius_ of _Viterbo_ computeth in his Comment upon _Berosus_.

The second space or interval of time is accounted from the flood unto the first Olympiad, that is, the year of the world 3174, which extendeth unto the days of _Isaiah_ the Prophet, and some twenty years before the foundation of _Rome_: this they term _Mythicon_ or fabulous, because the account thereof, especially of the first part, is fabulously or imperfectly delivered. Hereof some things have been briefly related by the Authors above mentioned: more particularly by _Dares Phrygius_, _Dictys Cretensis_, _Herodotus_, _Diodorus Siculus_, and _Trogus Pompeius_; the most famous _Greek_ Poets lived also in this interval, as _Orpheus_, _Linus_, _Musæus_, _Homer_, _Hesiod_; and herein are comprehended the grounds and first inventions of Poetical fables, which were also taken up by historical Writers, perturbing the _Chaldean_ and _Egyptian_ Records with fabulous additions; and confounding their names and stories, with their own inventions.

The third time succeeding until their present ages, they term _Historicon_, that is, such wherein matters have been more truly historified, and may therefore be believed. Of these times also have been written _Herodotus_, _Thucydides_, _Xenophon_, _Diodorus_; and both of these and the other preceding such as have delivered universal Histories or Chronologies; as (to omit _Philo_, whose Narrations concern the _Hebrews_) _Eusebius_, _Julius Africanus_, _Orosius_, _Ado_ of _Vienna_, _Marianus Scotus_, _Historia tripartita_, _Urspergensis_, _Carion_, _Pineda_, _Salian_, and with us Sir _Walter Raleigh_.

Now from the first hereof that most concerneth us, we have little or no assistance; the fragments and broken records hereof inforcing not at all our purpose. And although some things not usually observed, may be from thence collected, yet do they not advantage our discourse, nor any way make evident the point in hand. For the second, though it directly concerns us not, yet in regard of our last medium and some illustrations therein, we shall be constrained to make some use thereof. As for the last, it concerns us not at all; for treating of times far below us, it can no way advantage us. And though divers in this last Age have also written of the first, as all that have delivered the general accounts of time, yet are their Tractates little auxiliary unto ours, nor afford us any light to detenebrate and clear this Truth.

As for holy Scripture and divine revelation, there may also seem therein but slender information, there being only left a brief narration hereof by _Moses_, and such as affords no positive determination. For the Text delivereth but two genealogies, that is, of _Cain_ and _Seth_; in the line of _Seth_ there are only ten descents, in that of _Cain_ but seven, and those in a right line with mention of father and son; excepting that of _Lamech_, where is also mention of wives, sons, and a daughter. Notwithstanding if we seriously consider what is delivered therein, and what is also deducible, it will be probably declared what is by us intended, that is, the populous and ample habitation of the earth before the flood. Which we shall labour to induce not from postulates and entreated Maxims, but undeniable Principles declared in holy Scripture; that is, the length of mens lives before the flood, and the large extent of time from Creation thereunto.

We shall only first crave notice, that although in the relation of _Moses_ there be very few persons mentioned, yet are there many more to be presumed; nor when the Scripture in the line of _Seth_ nominates but ten persons, are they to be conceived all that were of this generation: The Scripture singly delivering the holy line, wherein the world was to be preserved, first in _Noah_, and afterward in our Saviour. For in this line it is manifest there were many more born than are named, for it is said of them all, that they begat sons and daughters. And whereas it is very late before it is said they begat those persons which are named in the Scripture, the soonest at 65, it must not be understood that they had none before; but not any in whom it pleased God the holy line should be continued. And although the expression that they begat sons and daughters be not determined to be before or after the mention of these, yet must it be before in some; for before it is said that _Adam_ begat _Seth_ at the 130 year, it is plainly affirmed that _Cain_ knew his wife, and had a son; which must be one of the daughters of _Adam_, one of those whereof it is after said, he begat sons and daughters. And so for ought can be disproved there might be more persons upon earth then are commonly supposed, when _Cain_ slew _Abel_; nor the fact so hainously to be aggravated in the circumstance of the fourth person living. And whereas it is said upon the nativity of _Seth_, God hath appointed me another seed instead of _Abel_, it doth not imply he had no other all this while; but not any of that expectation, or appointed (as his name applies) to make a progression in the holy line; in whom the world was to be saved, and from whom he should be born, that was mystically slain in _Abel_.

Now our first ground to induce the numerosity of people before the flood, is the long duration of their lives, beyond 7, 8, and 9, hundred years. Which how it conduceth unto populosity we shall make but little doubt, if we consider there are two main causes of numerosity in any kind or species, that is, a frequent and multiparous way of breeding, whereby they fill the world with others, though they exist not long themselves; or a long duration and subsistence, whereby they do not only replenish the world with a new annumeration of others, but also maintain the former account in themselves. From the first cause we may observe examples in creatures oviparous, as Birds and Fishes; in vermiparous, as Flies, Locusts, and Gnats; in animals also viviparous, as Swine and Conies. Of the first there is a great example in the herd of Swine in _Galilee_; although an unclean beast, and forbidden unto the _Jews_. Of the other a remarkable one in _Athenus_, in the Isle _Astipalea_, one of the Cyclades now called _Stampalia_, wherein from two that were imported, the number so increased, that the Inhabitants were constrained to have recourse unto the Oracle _Delphos_, for an invention how to destroy them.

Others there are which make good the paucity of their breed with the length and duration of their daies, whereof there want not examples in animals uniparous: [SN: _A Million of Beeves yearly killed in England._] First, in bisulcous or cloven-hooft, as Camels, and Beeves, whereof there is above a million annually slain in _England_. It is also said of _Job_, that he had a thousand yoak of Oxen, and six thousand Camels; and of the children of _Israel_ passing into the land of _Canaan_, that they took from the _Midianites_ threescore and ten thousand Beeves; and of the Army of _Semiramis_, that there were therein one hundred thousand Camels. For Solipeds or firm-hoofed animals, as Horses, Asses, Mules, etc., they are also in mighty numbers, so it is delivered that _Job_ had a thousand she Asses: that the _Midianites_ lost sixty one thousand Asses. For Horses it is affirmed by _Diodorus_, that _Ninus_ brought against the _Bactrians_ two hundred eighty thousand Horses; after him _Semiramis_ five hundred thousand Horses, and Chariots one hundred thousand. Even in creatures steril and such as do not generate, the length of life conduceth much unto the multiplicity of the species; for the number of Mules which live far longer then their Dams or Sires, in Countries where they are bred, is very remarkable, and far more common then Horses.

For Animals multifidous, or such as are digitated or have several divisions in their feet, there are but two that are uniparous, that is, Men and Elephants; who though their productions be but single, are notwithstanding very numerous. The Elephant (as _Aristotle_ affirmeth) carrieth the young two years, and conceiveth not again (as _Edvardus Lopez_ affirmeth) in many after, yet doth their age requite this disadvantage; they living commonly one hundred, sometime two hundred years. Now although they be rare with us in _Europe_, and altogether unknown unto _America_, yet in the two other parts of the world they are in great abundance, as appears by the relation of _Gorcias ab Horto_, Physitian to the Viceroy at _Goa_, who relates that at one venation the King of _Sion_ took four thousand; and is of opinion they are in other parts in greater number then herds of Beeves in _Europe_. And though this delivered from a _Spaniard_ unacquainted with our Northern droves, may seem very far to exceed; yet must we conceive them very numerous, if we consider the number of teeth transported from one Country to another; they having only two great teeth, and those not falling or renewing.

As for man, the disadvantage in his single issue is the same with these, and in the lateness of his generation somewhat greater then any; yet in the continual and not interrupted time thereof, and the extent of his days, he becomes at present, if not then any other species, at least more numerous then these before mentioned. Now being thus numerous at present, and in the measure of threescore, fourscore or an hundred years, if their dayes extended unto six, seven, or eight hundred, their generations would be proportionably multiplied; their times of generation being not only multiplied, but their subsistence continued. For though the great Grand-child went on, the _Petrucius_ [SN: _The term for that person from whom consanguineal relations are accounted, as in the_ Arbor civilis.] and first Original would subsist and make one of the world; though he outlived all the terms of consanguinity, and became a stranger unto his proper progeny. So by compute of Scripture _Adam_ lived unto the ninth generation, unto the days of _Lamech_ the Father of _Noah_; _Methuselah_ unto the year of the flood; and _Noah_ was contemporary unto all from _Enoch_ unto _Abraham_. So that although some died, the father beholding so many descents, the number of Survivers must still be very great; for if half the men were now alive, which lived in the last Century, the earth would scarce contain their number. Whereas in our abridged and Septuagesimal Ages, it is very rare, and deserves a Distick [SN: Mater ait natæ dic natæ filia, etc.] to behold the fourth generation. _Xerxes_ complaint still remaining; and what he lamented in his Army, being almost deplorable in the whole world: men seldom arriving unto those years whereby _Methuselah_ exceeded nine hundred, and what _Adam_ came short of a thousand, was defined long ago to be the age of man.

Now although the length of days conduceth mainly unto the numerosity of mankind, and it be manifest from Scripture they lived very long, yet is not the period of their lives determinable, and some might be longer livers, than we account that any were. For (to omit that conceit of some, that _Adam_ was the oldest man, in as much as he is conceived to be created in the maturity of mankind, that is, at 60, (for in that age it is set down they begat children) so that adding this number unto his 930, he was 21 years older than any of his posterity) that even _Methuselah_ was the longest liver of all the children of _Adam_, we need not grant; nor is it definitively set down by _Moses_. Indeed of those ten mentioned in Scripture, with their severall ages it must be true; but whether those seven of the line of _Cain_ and their progeny, or any of the sons or daughters posterity after them out-lived those, is not expressed in holy Scripture; and it will seem more probable, that of the line of _Cain_ some were longer lived than any of _Seth_; if we concede that seven generations of the one lived as long as nine of the other. As for what is commonly alledged, that God would not permit the life of any unto a thousand, because (alluding unto that of _David_) no man should live one day in the sight of the Lord; although it be urged by divers, yet is it methinks an inference somewhat Rabbinicall; and not of power to perswade a serious examinator.

Having thus declared how powerfully the length of lives conduced unto populosity of those times, it will yet be easier acknowledged if we descend to particularities, and consider how many in seven hundred years might descend from one man; wherein considering the length of their dayes, we may conceive the greatest number to have been alive together. And this that no reasonable spirit may contradict, we will declare with manifest disadvantage; for whereas the duration of the world unto the flood was above 1600 years, we will make our compute in less then half that time. Nor will we begin with the first man, but allow the earth to be provided of women fit for marriage the second or third first Centuries; and will only take as granted, that they might beget children at sixty, and at an hundred years have twenty, allowing for that number forty years. Nor will we herein single out _Methuselah_, or account from the longest livers, but make choice of the shortest of any we find recorded in the Text, excepting _Enoch_; who after he had lived as many years as there be days in the year, was translated at 365. And thus from one stock of seven hundred years, multiplying still by twenty, we shall find the product to be one thousand, three hundred forty seven millions, three hundred sixty eight thousand, four hundred and twenty.

{1} 20. {2} 400. {3} 8000. {4} 160,000. Century {5} 3,200,000. {6} 46,000,000. {7} 1,280,000,000. {-----------------} Product { 1,347,368,420.}

Now if this account of the learned _Petavius_ will be allowed, it will make an unexpected encrease, and a larger number than may be found in _Asia_, _Africa_ and _Europe_; especially if in _Constantinople_, the greatest City thereof, there be no more of Europe than _Botero_ accounteth, seven hundred thousand souls. Which duly considered, we shall rather admire how the earth contained its inhabitants, then doubt its inhabitation; and might conceive the deluge not simply penall, but in some way also necessary, as many have conceived of translations, if _Adam_ had not sinned, and the race of man had remained upon earth immortal.

Now whereas some to make good their longevity, have imagined that the years of their compute were Lunary; unto these we must reply: That if by a Lunary year they understand twelve revolutions of the Moon, that is 354 days, eleven fewer then in the Solary year; there will be no great difference; at least not sufficient to convince or extenuate the question. But if by a Lunary year they mean one revolution of the Moon, that is, a moneth, they first introduce a year never used by the Hebrews in their Civil accompts; and what is delivered before of the Chaldean years (as _Xenophon_ gives a caution) was only received in the Chronology of their Arts. Secondly, they contradict the Scripture, which makes a plain enumeration of many moneths in the account of the Deluge; for so is it expressed in the Text. In the tenth moneth, in the first day of the moneth were the tops of the mountains seen: Concordant whereunto is the relation of humane Authors, _Inundationes plures fuere, prima novimestris inundatio terrarum sub prisco Ogyge. [SN: Xenophon de Æquivocis.] Meminisse hoc loco par est post primum diluvium Ogygi temporibus notatum, cum novem et amplius mensibus diem continua nox inumbrasset, Delon ante omnes terras radiis solis illuminatum sortitumque ex eo nomen._ [SN: Solinus.] And lastly, they fall upon an absurdity, for they make _Enoch_ to beget children about six years of age. For whereas it is said he begat _Methuselah_ at 65, if we shall account every moneth a year, he was at that time some six years and an half, for so many moneths are contained in that space of time.

Having thus declared how much the length of mens lives conduced unto the populosity of their kind, our second foundation must be the large extent of time, from the Creation unto the Deluge, that is (according unto received computes about 1655 years) almost as long a time as hath passed since the nativity of our Saviour: and this we cannot but conceive sufficient for a very large increase, if we do but affirm what reasonable enquirers will not deny: That the earth might be as populous in that number of years before the flood, as we can manifest it was in the same number after. And whereas there may be conceived some disadvantage, in regard that at the Creation the original of mankind was in two persons, but after the flood their propagation issued at least from six; against this we might very well set the length of their lives before the flood, which were abbreviated after, and in half this space contracted into hundreds and threescores. Notwithstanding to equalize accounts, we will allow three hundred years, and so long a time as we can manifest from the Scripture. There were four men at least that begat children, _Adam_, _Cain_, _Seth_, and _Enos_; So shall we fairly and favourably proceed, if we affirm the world to have been as populous in sixteen hundred and fifty before the flood, as it was in thirteen hundred after. Now how populous and largely inhabited it was within this period of time, we shall declare from probabilities, and several testimonies of Scripture and humane Authors.

And first, To manifest the same neer those parts of the earth where the Ark is presumed to have rested, we have the relation of holy Scripture accounting the genealogy of _Japhet_, _Cham_ and _Sem_, and in this last, four descents unto the division of the earth in the days of _Peleg_, which time although it were not upon common compute much above an hundred years, yet were men at this time mightily increased. Nor can we well conceive it otherwise, if we consider they began already to wander from their first habitation, and were able to attempt so mighty a work as the building of a City and a Tower, whose top should reach unto the heavens. Whereunto there was required no slender number of persons, if we consider the magnitude thereof, expressed by some, and conceived to be _Turris Beli_ in _Herodotus_; and the multitudes of people recorded at the erecting of the like or inferiour structures: for at the building of _Solomons_ Temple there were threescore and ten thousand that carried burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains, beside the chief of his officers three thousand and three hundred; and at the erecting of the Piramids in the reign of King _Cheops_, as _Herodotus_ reports, there were _decem myriads_, that is an hundred thousand _men_. And though it be said of the _Egyptians_, _Porrum et cæpe nefas violare et frangere morsu_ [SN: Juvenal.]; yet did the summes expended in Garlick and Onyons amount unto no less then one thousand six hundred Talents.

[Sidenote: _Who_ Nimrod _and_ Assur _were._]

The first Monarchy or Kingdom of _Babylon_ is mentioned in Scripture under the foundation of _Nimrod_, which is also recorded in humane history; as beside _Berosus_, in _Diodorus_ and _Justine_, for _Nimrod_ of the Scriptures is _Belus_ of the Gentiles, and _Assur_ the same with _Ninus_ his successour. There is also mention of divers Cities, particularly of _Ninivey_ and _Resen_ expressed emphatically in the Text to be a great City.

That other Countries round about were also peopled, appears by the Wars of the Monarchs of _Assyria_ with the _Bactrians_, _Indians_, _Scythians_, _Ethiopians_, _Armenians_, _Hyrcanians_, _Parthians_, _Persians_, _Susians_; they vanquishing (as _Diodorus_ relateth) _Egypt_, _Syria_, and all _Asia_ minor, even from _Bosphorus_ unto _Tanais_. And it is said, that _Semiramis_ in her expedition against the _Indians_ brought along with her the King of _Arabia_. About the same time of the _Assyrian_ Monarchy, do Authors place that of the _Sycionians_ in _Greece_, and soon after that of the _Argives_, and not very long after, that of the _Athenians_ under _Cecrops_; and within our period assumed are historified many memorable actions of the Greeks, as the expedition of the _Argonautes_, with the most famous Wars of _Thebes_ and _Troy_.

That _Canaan_ also and _Egypt_ were well peopled far within this period, besides their plantation by _Canaan_ and _Misraim_, appeareth from the history of _Abraham_, who in less then 400 years after the Flood, journied from _Mesopotamia_ unto _Canaan_ and _Egypt_, both which he found well peopled and policied into Kingdoms: wherein also in 430 years, from threescore and ten persons which came with _Jacob_ into _Egypt_, he became a mighty Nation; for it is said, at their departure, there journeyed from _Rhamesis_ to _Succoth_ about six hundred thousand on foot, that were men, besides children. Now how populous the land from whence they came was, may be collected not only from their ability in commanding such subjections and mighty powers under them, but from the several accounts of that Kingdom delivered by _Herodotus_. And how soon it was peopled, is evidenced from the pillar of their King _Osyris_, with this inscription in _Diodorus_; _Mihi pater est Saturnus deorum junior, sum vero Osyris rex qui totum peragravi orbem usq; ad Indorum fines, ad eos quoq; sum profectus qui septentrioni subjacent usq; ad Istri fontes, et alias partes usq; ad Occanum._ [SN: _Who_ Osyris _and_ Saturnus Ægyptius _were_.] Now according unto the best determinations _Osyris_ was _Misraim_, and _Saturnus Egyptius_ the same with _Cham_; after whose name _Egypt_ is not only called in Scripture the laud of _Ham_, but thus much is also testified by _Plutarch_; for in his Treatise _de Osyride_, he delivereth that _Egypt_ was called _Chamia a Chamo Noe filio_, that is from _Cham_ the son of _Noah_. And if according to the consent of ancient Fathers, _Adam_ was buried in the same place where Christ was crucified, that is Mount _Calvary_, the first man ranged far before the Flood, and laid his bones many miles from that place, where its presumed he received them. And this migration was the greater, if as the text expresseth, he was cast out of the East-side of Paradise to till the ground; and as the Position of the Cherubines implieth, who were placed at the east end of the garden to keep him from the tree of life.

That the remoter parts of the earth were in this time inhabited is also induceable from the like testimonies; for (omitting the numeration of _Josephus_, and the genealogies of the Sons of _Noah_) that _Italy_ was inhabited, appeareth from the Records of _Livie_, and _Dionysius Halicarnasscus_, the story of _Æneas_, _Evander_ and _Janus_, whom _Annius_ of _Viterbo_, and the Chorographers of _Italy_, do make to be the same with _Noah_. That _Sicily_ was also peopled, is made out from the frequent mention thereof in _Homer_, the Records of _Diodorus_ and others; but especially from a remarkable passage touched by _Aretius_ and _Ranzanus_ Bishop of _Lucerium_, but fully explained by _Thomas Fazelli_ in his accurate History of _Sicily_; that is, from an ancient inscription in a stone at _Panormo_, expressed by him in its proper characters, and by a _Syrian_ thus translated, _Non est alius Deus præter unum Deum, non est alius potens præter eundem Deum, neq; est alius victor præter eundem quem colimus Deum: Hujus turris præfectus est_ Sapha _filius_ Eliphat, _filii_ Esau, _fratris_ Jacob, _filii_ Isaac, _filii_ Abraham: _et turri quidem ipsi nomen est_ Baych, _sed turri huic proximæ nomen est_ Pharath. The antiquity of the inhabitation of _Spain_ is also confirmable, not only from _Berosus_ in the plantation of _Tubal_, and a City continuing yet in his name, but the story of _Gerion_, the travels of _Hercules_ and his pillars: and especially a passage in _Strabo_, which advanceth unto the time of _Ninus_, thus delivered in his fourth book. The _Spaniards_ (saith he) affirm that they have had Laws and Letters above six thousand years. Now the _Spaniards_ or _Iberians_ observing (as _Xenophon_ hath delivered) _Annum quadrimestrem_, four moneths unto a year, this compute will make up 2000 solary years, which is about the space of time from _Strabo_, who lived in the days of _Augustus_, unto the reign of _Ninus_.

That _Mauritania_ and the coast of _Africa_ were peopled very soon, is the conjecture of many wise men, and that by the _Phœnicians_, who left their Country upon the invasion of _Canaan_ by the _Israelites_. For beside the conformity of the _Punick_ or _Carthaginian_ language with that of _Phœnicia_, there is a pregnant and very remarkable testimony hereof in _Procopius_, who in his second _de bello Vandalico_, recordeth, that in a town of _Mauritania Tingitana_, there was to be seen upon two white Columns in the _Phœnician_ language these ensuing words; _Nos Maurici sumus qui fugimus a facie Jehoschua filii Nunis prædatoris_. The fortunate Islands or _Canaries_ were not unknown; for so doth _Strabo_ interpret that speech in _Homer_ of _Proteus_ unto _Menelaus_,

_Sed te qua terræ postremus terminus extat, Elysium in Campum cœlestia numina ducunt._

The like might we affirm from credible histories both of _France_ and _Germany_, and perhaps also of our own Country. For omitting the fabulous and _Trojan_ original delivered by _Jeofrey_ of _Monmouth_, and the express text of Scripture; that the race of _Japhet_ did people the Isles of the _Gentiles_; the _Brittish_ Original was so obscure in _Cæsars_ time, that he affirmeth the Inland inhabitants were _Aborigines_, that is, such as reported that they had their beginning in the Island. That _Ireland_ our neighbour Island was not long time without Inhabitants, may be made probable by sundry accounts; although we abate the Traditions of _Bartholanus_ the _Scythian_, who arrived there three hundred years after the flood, or the relation of _Giraldus_; that _Cæsaria_ the daughter of _Noah_ dwelt there before.

Now should we call in the learned account of _Bochartus_ [SN: Bochart. Geog. _Sacr. part. 2._], deducing the ancient names of Countries from _Phœnicians_, who by their plantations, discoveries, and sea negotiations, have left unto very many Countries, _Phœnician_ denominations; the enquiry would be much shorter, and if _Spain_ in the _Phœnician_ Original, be but the region of _Conies_, _Lusitania_, or _Portugal_ the Countrey of Almonds, if _Brittanica_ were at first _Baratanaca_, or the land of Tin, and _Ibernia_ or _Ireland_, were but _Ibernae_, or the farthest habitation; and these names imposed and dispersed by _Phœnician_ Colonies in their several navigations; the Antiquity of habitations might be more clearly advanced.

Thus though we have declared how largely the world was inhabited within the space of 1300 years, yet must it be conceived more populous then can be clearly evinced; for a greater part of the earth hath ever been peopled, then hath been known or described by Geographers, as will appear by the discoveries of all Ages. For neither in _Herodotus_ or _Thucydides_ do we find any mention of _Rome_, nor in _Ptolomy_ of many parts of _Europe_, _Asia_ or _Africa_. And because many places we have declared of long plantations of whose populosity notwithstanding or memorable actions we have no ancient story; if we may conjecture of these by what we find related of others, we shall not need many words, nor assume the half of 1300 years. And this we might illustrate from the mighty acts of the _Assyrians_ performed not long after the flood; recorded by _Justine_ and _Diodorus_; who makes relation of expeditions by Armies more numerous then have been ever since. For _Ninus_ King of _Assyria_ brought against the _Bactrians_ 700000 foot, 200000 horse, 10600 Chariots. _Semiramis_ his successor led against the _Indians_ 1300000 foot, 500000 horse, 100000 Chariots, and as many upon Camels: And it is said, _Staurobates_ the _Indian_ King, met her with greater forces then she brought against him. All which was performed within less then four hundred years after the flood.

Now if any imagine the unity of their language did hinder their dispersion before the flood, we confess it some hindrance at first, but not much afterward. For though it might restrain their dispersion, it could not their populosity; which necessarily requireth transmigration and emission of Colonies; as we read of _Romans_, _Greeks_, _Phœnicians_ in ages past, and have beheld examples thereof in our days. We may also observe that after the flood before the confusion of tongues, men began to disperse: for it is said, they journeyed towards the East: and the Scripture it self expresseth a necessity conceived of their dispersion, for the intent of erecting the Tower is so delivered in the text, Lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the earth.

[Sidenote: _Whether any Islands before the Flood._]

Again, If any apprehend the plantation of the earth more easie in regard of Navigation and shipping discovered since the flood, whereby the Islands and divided parts of the earth are now inhabited; he must consider, that whether there were Islands or no before the flood, is not yet determined, and is with probability denied by very learned Authors.

Lastly, If we shall fall into apprehension that it was less inhabited, because it is said in the sixt of _Genesis_ about a 120 years before the flood, and it came to pass that when men began to multiply upon the face of the earth. Beside that this may be only meant of the race of _Cain_, it will not import they were not multiplied before, but that they were at that time plentifully encreased; for so is the same word used in other parts of Scripture. And so is it afterward in the 9 Chapter said, that _Noah_ began to be an husbandman, that is, he was so, or earnestly performed the Acts thereof; so it is said of our Saviour, that he began to cast them out that bought and sold in the Temple, that is, he actually cast them out, or with alacrity effected it.

Thus have I declared some private and probable conceptions in the enquiry of this truth; but the certainty hereof let the Arithmetick of the last day determine; and therefore expect no further belief than probability and reason induce. Only desire men would not swallow dubiosities for certainties, and receive as Principles points mainly controvertible; for we are to adhere unto things doubtful in a dubious and opinative way. It being reasonable for every man to vary his opinion according to the variance of his reason, and to affirm one day what he denied another. Wherein although at last we miss of truth; we die notwithstanding in harmless and inoffensive errors; because we adhere unto that, whereunto the examen of our reasons, and honest enquiries induce us.