219 
originally created in such manner that, as explained in the Epistle 
to the Hebrews (xi. 3), “ things seen were not made of things that do 
appear.” Interpreted on the principles of physical science, this 
original creation may be understood as referring not only to the 
ether and the atoms, but as embracing also the composition of all 
visible and tangible substances, whether simple or compound, as 
respects the number and arrangement of their constituent atoms 
and molecules. This supposition does not exclude, but rather lays 
the foundation of, the sciences ot Chemistry and Crystallography , 
the former consisting, for the most, in analyzing, and to a limited 
extent compounding, bodies, and the other in determining the 
forms of their superficial boundaries as resulting from their com- 
position and the oetherial forces which maintain the arrangement 
of the atoms. 
39. It does not seem possible to conceive how the proportions 
of the gaseous, liquid, and solid parts of our earth were deter- 
mined to be such as they are except by creation according, to an 
antecedent design. What is said in verse 2 implies the existence 
already of these components, mention being there made of earth, 
water, and air (■yj ), vScup, irvsvpa), and of relations between them. 
Of the earth, or solid part, it is stated that it was “invisible and 
unfurnished,” which might well be, owing to its being covered by 
an “abyss” of water, of unperceived depth, but bounded by an 
upper surface. On this surface rested the air we breathe, Trvevpa 
0EOV. 
(The Septuagint does not admit of the translation “ the Spirit 
of God,” because the article to is not prefixed. Also the word 
translated “ was borne ” [hrecplpeTo) applies only to a material 
substance, being the same word as that used in Gen. vii. 18 to 
express that the ark was borne up by the waters of the Deluge. 
What in Job xxvii. 3 is called “ the Spirit of God” according 
to the English version, and tt vzvya 0aov according to the Septua- 
gint, and is said to be in the “ nostrils,” is evidently air that is 
breathed. When, however, it is considered that it is only in con- 
sequence of perceiving effects of the air we breathe that we speak 
of the spirit of life, it will appear that the adjunction of Qeov to 
7 rvzvpa necessarily has implied reference to the Holy Spirit, the 
Giver of Life.) 
40. Hence, according to the statements of Scripture, as scien- 
tifically interpreted, we have to think of the primordial earth as 
consisting of a solid nucleus, enveloped by a shoreless ocean,. on 
the surface of which an atmosphere is incumbent. The generation 
of Light by God’s command on the first day might be the sensible 
evidence of the contemporaneous commencement of all the vibra- 
tions and motions of the ether by the action of which, according 
