bled the reader with such cities, or towns, as are mentioned only in Joshua, in reference to the several tribes they belonged to, but no where else in reference to any historical transaction or occurrence. There being also several other places, which are but once or twice mentioned in the sacred history, and that but barely, so as no light is afforded thereby (or from any other authors) as to their situation, I have likewise judged it better to pass most of them quite over in silence, than to name them only to tell the reader, that no tolerable account could be given of them. For the same reason I have not crowded the map of the Holy Land with multitude of places of no use to be known, but have inserted therein only such as are remarkable in reference to the sacred history. To take off the dryness of bare Geography, I have studiously laid hold of such opportunities as came in my way, to take notice of any curiosity, either natural or artificial. And I have ventured to enlarge upon the Pyramids, as being some of the noblest pieces of human art and labour, either ancient or modern. There remains only to observe, that, in order to adjust the geography of these sacred books, I have, upon consulting the Samaritan or old Hebrew Pentateuch, learnt the true original reading of several texts, particularly of Deut. x. 6, 7. whereby the contrariety of the present reading of the said text (in the common Hebrew and our English Bible) to Numb. xxxiii. 30. is quite taken away, as is shewn pages 277, 281, 283. of this volume; and in like manner, the present corrupt reading of Exod. xii. 40. in the common Hebrew and our English Bible, is corrected from the Samaritan Pentateuch, as it is shewn in the Chronological Account hereto belonging. OF Of the Places of the Antediluvian World, mentioned in Of the Mountains of Ararat, whereon the Ark of Noah rested, upon the abating of the Flood: together with some considerations concerning the Place where the Ark |