160 Reviews and Notices of Booh. 



species, of death before Adam, the nature of the Deluge, the ori- 

 gin of languages, are ably handled. Many apparent discrepan- 

 cies are explained, and several false theories are exposed. The 

 author writes as a man of science, and at the same time a believer 

 in the Bible ; and he supports his views by able and judicious 

 arguments. " The hasti/ and immature deductions of science 

 may sometimes stand in opposition to Scripture ; but their settled 

 results, in which the body of philosophers agree, often confirm 

 and illustrate the statements of the inspired Volume. Let us 

 then hold firm oui' grasp upon this truth, that the Scriptures are 

 the infallible Word of God, true in every statement they contain, 

 although the interpretation sometimes demands more knowledge 

 than we at present possess ; but let us at the same time remem- 

 ber, that there is no ground whatever for ceasing to pursue 

 science, in all its branches, with an ardent and fearless mind. 

 God's Word and Works never have contradicted each other, and 

 never can do so. The progress of science in inevitable, and it is 

 the glory of man's intellectual endowments. It is the setting 

 forth of the greatness and wisdom of the Creator in His works. 

 Let us therefore push on investigations to the utmost with untir- 

 ing energy. We have nothing to fear. The greatest perplexities 

 may at any time surround us ; but both reason and experience 

 have armed us with arguments which assure us that all will be 

 right. Whatever happens, let our persuasion always be avowed, 

 that Scripture cannot err. Let us be content rather to remain 

 puzzled, than to abandon, or even question, a truth which stands 

 upon so immovable a basis." — Edinburgh New PhilosopJiical 

 Journal, 



Erratum. — On Page 8*7 last line, for " Plectrophanes nivalis' 

 read *^ Fringilla nivalis^ Wilson," 



