Archimedes Texts

478
and Astronomy, (sounded upon new Principles and Hypothese)
should be constituted: For the Authority of Sacred Scripture
will not oppose it; neither doth one Truth contradict another.
If therefore the Opinion of Pythagoras be true, without doubt
God hath disposed and dictated the words of of Holy Writ in
such a manner, that they may admit an apt sense and reconcilia
tion with that Hypothesis. Being moved by these Reasons, and
the probability of the said Opinion, I thought good to try whe
ther Texts of Sacred Scripture might be expounded according to
Theological and Physical Principles, and might be reconciled to
it, so that (in regard that hitherto it hath been held probable) it
may in after times, coming without scruple to be acknowledged
for true, advance it self, and appear in publick with an uncover
ed Face, without any mans prohibition, and may lawfully and
freely hold a Sacred intelligence with Holy Truth, so earnestly
coveted and commended by good Men. Which designe, having hi

therto been undertaken by none that I know, wil, I am perswaded,
be very acceptable to the Studious of these Learnings, especially to
the most Learned Galilœo Galilœi, chief Mathematician to the
most Serene Grand Duke of Tuscany, and John Kepler, chief
Mathematician to his Sacred and invincible Majesty, the Empe
rour, and to all that Illustrious, and much to be commended Ac
cademy of the Lynceans; whom, if I mistake not, are all of this
Opinion. Although I doubt not but they, and many other
Learned Men might easily have found out these or the like Re
conciliations of Scriptural expressions; to whom nevertheless I
have thought fit (in respect of that profession which I have under
taken, upon the faith of my soul, and the propensity that I have
towards Truth) to offer that of the Poet,

The Author
first Theologically
defendeth the
Earths Mobili
ty, approved by
many of the Mo
derns.

Nullius addictus jur are in verba Magistri.

And in testimony of my esteem to them and all the Learned,
to communicate these my thoughts; confidently assuring my self
that they will accept them, with a Candor equal to that where
with I have written them.

Therefore to come to the business: All Authorities of Di
vine Writ which seem to oppose this Opinion, are reducible to
six Classes: The first is of those that affirm the Earth to stand
still, and not to move: as Psal. 92. He framed the round World
so sure, that it cannot be moved: Also Psal. 104. Who laid the
Foundations of the Earth, that it should not be removed for ever:
And Ecclesiastes 1. But the Earth abideth for ever: And others
of the like sense.