philosophers," and in behalf of the old Ptolemaic doctrine that the sun moves in the heavens and revolves round the earth, while the earth itself remains at rest in the midst. "_First_," he remarks, "the sun is said in Scripture to move in the heavens, and to rise and set. 'The sun is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.' 'The sun knoweth his going down.' 'The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down.' _Secondly_, The sun by a miracle stood still in the time of Joshua; and by a miracle it went back in the time of Hezekiah. _Thirdly_, The earth is said to be fixed immovably. 'The earth is also established that it cannot be moved.' 'Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.' 'They continue this day according to their ordinance.' _Fourthly_, Neither could birds, which often fly off through an hour's circuit, be able to return to their nests. _Fifthly_, Whatever flies or is suspended in the air ought (by this theory) to move from west to east; but this is proved not to be true, from birds, arrows shot forth, atoms made manifest in the sun, and down floating in the atmosphere." The theologian, after thus laying down the law, sets himself to meet objections. If it be urged that the Scriptures in natural things speak according to the common opinion, Turrettine answers, "_First_, The Spirit of God best understands natural things. _Secondly_, That in giving instruction in religion, he meant these things should be used, not abused. _Thirdly_, That he is not the author of any error. _Fourthly_, Neither is he to be corrected on the pretence of our blind reason." If it be further urged, that birds, the air, and all things are moved with the earth, he answers, "_First_, That this is a mere fiction, since air is a fluid body; and _secondly_, if so, by what force would birds be able to go from east to west?"