APPENDIX. NOTES. 381 



heaven, thus pointing to volcanic action as the result. 

 Still the expression is ambiguous, and requires further 

 elucidation : it may, however, be intended to include both 

 interpretations. The violent disruption of the fountains of 

 the great deep, which appears to have been the first step 

 towards producing the deluge, since God generally employs 

 means to effect his purposes, was probably occasioned by 

 the expansive power of heat, and the same agent would, as 

 it does at this very time in some countries, send out the 

 waters, and it seems equally probable, that in proportion 

 as the waters rushed out the air would rush in and take 

 their place, and thus form a centre of repulsion, or vis 

 centrifuga, to counteract the pressure of the superin- 

 cumbent waters. It seems not improbable, if this were 

 the case, that in its transit from the surface of the earth, 

 to its centre, the air might bring with it vast cataracts 

 of water attended by thunder and lightning and other 

 electric phenomena. 



Heat, the most elastic of all fluids, at the first creation, 

 under the name of the expansion or firmament, acting in 

 the bosom of the chaotic waters divided them, and there- 

 fore it is consistent with 'the Divine proceedings that the 

 same mighty element should be put in action to bring 

 them again together. And we learn from Scripture, that 

 the same irresistible agent will be employed for the destruc- 

 tion of the present earth and its atmosphere or heavens, 

 which are reserved unto fire, when the heavens shall pass 

 away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with 

 fervent heat ; the earth also and the works that are therein 

 shall be burned up. 1 As the opening of the windows of the 

 heavens seems the consequence of the breaking up of the 

 fountains of the great deep, it is therefore mentioned in 

 the second place. 



1 2 Pet. iii. 7, 10. 



