On American Geological History, 425 



In deducing these conclusions, I have only stated in order the 

 facts as developed by our geologists. Were there time for a 

 more minute survey of details, the results would stand forth in 

 bolder characters. 



The sublimity of these continental movements is greatly en- 

 hanced when we extend our vision beyond this continent to 

 other parts of the world. It can be no fortunate coincidence, 

 that has produced the parallelism between the Appalachian 

 system and the grand feature lines of Britain, I^orway, and 

 Brazil, or that has covered the north and south alike with drift 

 and fiords. But I will not wander, although the field of study 

 is a tempting one. 



In thus tracing out the fact, that there has been a plan or sys- 

 tem of development in the history of this planet, do we separate 

 the Infinite Creator from his works ? Far from it : no more 

 than in tracing the history of a plant. We but study the method 

 in which Boundless Wisdom has chosen to act in creation For 

 we cannot conceive that to act without plan or order is either a 

 mark of divinity or wisdom. Assuredly it is far from the method 

 of the God of the universe, who has filled all nature with harmo- 

 nies ; and who has exhibited his will and exalted purpose as much, 

 in the formation of a continent, to all its details, as in the ordered 

 evolution of a human being. And if man, from studying physi- 

 cal nature, begins to see only a Deity of physical attributes, of mere 

 power and mathematics, he has but to look within at the combina- 

 tion of the affections with intellect, and observe the latter reaching 

 its highest exaltation when the former are supreme, to discover 

 proofs that the highest glory of the Creator consists in the infini- 

 tude of his love. 



My plan, laid out in view of the limited time of a single ad- 

 dress, has led me to pass in silence many points that seem to de- 

 mand attention or criticism ; and also to leave unnoticed the la- 

 bors of many successful inves' igators. 



There are some subjects, however, which bear on general geo- 

 logy, that should pass in brief review. 



I. The rock-formations in America may in general be shown 

 to be synchronous approximately with beds in the European series 

 But it is more difficult to prove that castastrophes were synchro- 

 nous, that is, revolutions limiting the ages or periods. 



The revolution closing the Azoic Age, the first we distinctly 

 observe in America, was probably nearly universal over the globe. 



