The first Doubt is concerning the time: Mr. _Purchas_, where-ever he had the Hint, endeavors to prove, that _America_ hath been but lately Planted; for which he thus argues, “That if _Asia_, or _Europe_ furnish’d _America_ with People in _Abraham_’s time, or at least before the Birth of our Saviour; then it must upon necessity, by the Expiration of so many Ages, have been much more Populous, then the _Spaniards_ found when first they discover’d it. Besides, the vast Territories yet unhabited (says he) are sufficient testimonies, that this New World hath been Planted but scatteringly, and not many Ages since, else the Countrey would have more abounded with Inhabitants, because the fertility of the Soyl was able plentifully to maintain Millions more, then were there when first discover’d: And what Marks are better to know a new People by, in any Countrey, than a rude Life and unsettled Government? just like a Family removing to another House, which takes no short time to settle their Goods and Houshold-stuff in a handsome and convenient Order. [Sidenote: The condition of the first World after the Floud.] “When _Noah_ went out of the Ark on Mount _Ararat_, and not long after, saw his Seed spread over _Armenia_ and _Assyria_, the new Generation of People consisted in Shepherds and Husbandmen, that setled themselves near Lakes and Rivers. Villages, Cities (and much less) whole Kingdoms, were scarce found on the Face of the Earth, and as little of Trade or Commerce; Riches, Division of Lands, costly Garments and Furniture for Houses, were not then in use, but the works of long settlements in happy Peace. To curb growing-Wickedness, and the Pride of _Libertines_, who incroach’d upon their weaker Neighbors, Laws were invented, by which Bridle, the unbroke or wild World grew tamer: And first, the _Assyrians_ were brought to endure the Bit, and answer the Reins of Government; then _Egypt_, next _Greece_, and after that the _Romans_, who spreading their Power by Arms and Martial Discipline, first civiliz’d the _Gauls_, _Spain_, _Brittain_, and lastly _Germany_. “But because a Countrey or Pastoral Life, knowing no Commerce, but mean Hovels, and to dwell in Huts, priding in poor and no Habits, despising all greatness, unlimited by Laws, and all things else, (which the People observ’d presently after the Flood) is now found among the _Americans_, who will take them for ought else, but new Comers to that Land, as themselves acknowledge? For the _Mexicans_ boast, that they are the eldest there, and that from them, _Peru_, _Chili_, _Chika_, and other Countreys towards the South, had their Colonies, and yet the oldest Chronicles of _Mexico_ reckon not above a thousand Years.” Thus far Mr. _Purchas_. [Sidenote: _America_ was Peopled many Ages ago.] [Sidenote: _Purchas_ contradicted.]