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I. THE DELUGE ITSELF.

1. Its reality.

(1)  Christ refers to it (Matthew 24:37).

(2)  It rests on the traditions of all nations.

2. The means by which it was effected. Some suppose it was effected by a comet; others, that by one entire revolution of the earth, the sea was moved out of its place, and covered the face of the earth, and that the bed of the ancient sea became our new earth. There is one simple means by which it might have been easily effected. Water is composed of two gases or airs, oxygen and hydrogen — eighty-five parts of oxygen, and fifteen hydrogen. An electric spark passing through decomposes them and converts them into water. So that God, by the power of lightning, could change the whole atmosphere into water, and thus the resources of the flood are at once provided. But read carefully the account given by Moses (Genesis 7:11, etc.).

3. Consider its universality extended to the whole earth.

4. Consider its terrific character.

II. THE PROCURING CAUSE OF THE DELUGE.

1. Universal wickedness.

2. Impious rejection of Divine influences.

3. Final impenitency.

III. THE DELIVERANCE OF NOAH AND HIS FAMILY. APPLICATION:

1. Learn how fearful is the wrath of God. See a world destroyed.

2. How dreadful is a state of carnal presumption and security. It is a deadly opiate, destroyer of the soul.

3. The distinctions and rewards which await the righteous.

(J. Burns, D. D.)

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KJV: In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

WEB: In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep were burst open, and the sky's windows were opened.