4& 



betwixt the commencement of the M'^orld and the flood, 

 namely, 2256 years into four ages, the Golden, the Silver, the 

 Brazen, and the Iron. 



The golden age was probably that which Adam passed in 

 paradise, for we are not informed by Moses how long he con- 

 tinued in it; and also during the years that elapsed before 

 the murder of Abel by Cain. During that period, it is said,, 

 there was no strife or contention, but the earth yielded its 

 fruits with little labour : that there was some labour is 

 evident, since Cain is said to be an agriculturist. Gen. iv. 2. 

 The curse inflicted on the earth after the fall, related only 

 to that on which paradise stood, which seems to have been 

 destroyed by a volcano, and now forms the desert of Chamo. 

 As Seth was born when Adam was 230 years old,* which 

 must have been soon after the death of Abel, this age may, 

 be deemed to have lasted 229 years. 



The silver age we may suppose to have existed from the 

 death of Abel to that of Adam, that is, nearly 700 years. 

 In this age the poets tell us men did not scruple to 

 injure each other, and ceased to honour the Deity : the sea- 

 sons also underwent an alteration unfavourable to man- 

 kind. ■!• 



The brazen age began soon after the death of Adam, that 

 is, in the year of the world 930. Hesiod expressly mentions 

 that this age commenced after the former generation had 



VOL. XI. H passed 



* According to the Septuagint. 



t Hesiod, De Operibus, v. 126, Ovid, i Metamorph. y. 113 and 139. 



