After the Flood
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stones, ledges, trees, and earth which were driven upon and around
them. The precious wood, stone, silver and gold that had made rich,
and adorned the world before the flood, which the inhabitants had
idolized, was sunk beneath the surface of the earth. The waters which
had broken forth with such great power, had moved earth and rocks,
and heaped them upon earth’s treasures, and in many instances formed
mountains above them to hide them from the sight and search of men.
God saw the more he enriched and prospered sinful man, the more
he corrupted his way before him. These treasures, which should have
led man to glorify the bountiful giver, had been worshiped instead of
God, while the giver had been rejected.
The beautiful, regular shaped mountains had disappeared. Stones,
ledges, and ragged rocks appeared upon some parts of the earth which
were before out of sight. Where had been hills and mountains, no
traces of them were visible. Where had been beautiful plains covered
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with verdure and lovely plants, hills and mountains were formed of
stones, trees, and earth, above the bodies of men and beasts. The
whole surface of the earth presented an appearance of disorder. Some
parts of the earth were more disfigured than the others. Where once
had been earth’s richest treasures of gold, silver and precious stones,
was seen the heaviest marks of the curse. And countries which were
not inhabited, and those portions of the earth where there had been the
least crime, the curse rested more lightly.
Before the flood there were immense forests. The trees were many
times larger than any trees which we now see. They were of great
durability. They would know nothing of decay for hundreds of years.
At the time of the flood these forests were torn up or broken down and
buried in the earth. In some places large quantities of these immense
trees were thrown together and covered with stones and earth by the
commotions of the flood. They have since petrified and become coal,
which accounts for the large coal beds which are now found. This coal
has produced oil. God causes large quantities of coal and oil to ignite
and burn. Rocks are intensely heated, limestone is burned, and iron
ore melted. Water and fire under the surface of the earth meet. The
action of water upon the limestone adds fury to the intense heat, and
causes earthquakes, volcanoes and fiery issues. The action of fire and
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water upon the ledges of rocks and ore, causes loud explosions which
sound like muffled thunder. These wonderful exhibitions will be more