And first we conceive the earth to be a Magnetical body. A Magnetical body, we term not onely that which hath a power attractive, but that which seated in a convenient medium, naturally disposeth it self to one invariable and fixed situation. And such a Magnetical vertue we conceive to be in the Globe of the Earth, whereby as unto its natural points and proper terms, it disposeth it self unto the poles; being so framed, constituted, and ordered unto these points, that those parts which are now at the poles, would not naturally abide under the Æquator, nor _Greenland_ remain in the place of _Magellanica_. And if the whole earth were violently removed, yet would it not foregoe its primitive points, nor pitch in the East or West, but return unto its polary position again. For though by compactness or gravity it may acquire the lowest place, and become the center of the universe, yet that it makes good that point, not varying at all by the accession of bodies upon, or secession thereof from its surface, perturbing the equilibration of either Hemisphere (whereby the altitude of the stars might vary) or that it strictly maintains the North and Southern points; that neither upon the motions of the heavens, air, and winds without, large eruptions and division of parts within, its polary parts should never incline or veer unto the Equator (whereby the latitude of places should also vary) it cannot so well be salved from gravity as a Magnetical verticity. [SN: _The foundation of the Earths stability._] This is probably, that foundation the wisdom of the Creator hath laid unto the earth; in this sense we may more nearly apprehend, and sensibly make out the expressions of holy Scripture [SN: _Psal. 93._], as _Firmavit orbem terræ qui non commovebitur_, he hath made the round world so sure that it cannot be moved: as when it is said by _Job, Extendit Aquilonem super vacuo, &c._ [SN: _Job 38._] He stretcheth forth the North upon the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. And this is the most probable answer unto that great question. Whereupon are the foundations of the Earth fastened, or who laid the corner stone thereof? Had they been acquainted with this principle, _Anaxagoras_, _Socrates_, and _Democritus_, had better made out the ground of this stability; _Xenophanes_ had not been fain to say the Earth had no bottom; and _Thales Milesius_ to make it swim in water. [Sidenote: _The magnetical vertue of the Earth diffused_ extra se _and communicated to bodies adjacent._]