On the Universe

OR OF COSMOGRAPHY.

being explained, the highest light and concord will be present, so that the highest authority and the highest reason may harmonize as one, just as they are one, instituted by God. For since no author of doctrine can be given to us more ancient than Abraham himself (who is affirmed to be the first assertor of that doctrine concerning origins), his rational Book will rightly be held in the highest esteem, which is established as the parent of religious truth for us. For although Enoch is read to have written prophetically about divine origins before him, nevertheless neither is his work read to be so instituted, nor does it exist in the Latin world. It remains, therefore, after I have handed down the Principles and origins of the world from the doctrines of Abraham, to also hand down the Place of the world and its Time: so that, describing nothing fabulous or false therein, I might strive to show how God has hitherto held care for human affairs, not only in one