An Essay on the Mosaic Account of the Creation and Fall of Man

THERE are not a few difficulties in the account, which Moses has given
of the creation of the world, and of the formation, and temptation, and
fall of our first parents. Some by the six days of the creation have
understood as many years. Whilst others have thought the creation of
the world instantaneous: and that the number of days mentioned by Moses
is only intended to assist our conception, who are best able to think
of things in order of succession. No one part of this account is fuller
of difficulties, than that which relates to man. And some learned Jews,
as well as Origen, and others among Christians, have supposed the
account before us, not to be a history, but an allegory. The present
prevailing opinion is, that what relates to man is fact. And it is
argued, that, as the true character of Moses is that of an historian;
it would be unbecoming his judgment and exactness, to insert an
allegory in the midst of historical facts, without giving any
intimation of it.