343 



the various series of clays ; all demonstrate a careful provi- 

 dence for the wants of man. The several breaks and faults 

 in the stratified masses, and the various inclinations of the 

 strata, as well as the vast abruptions by which these 

 several substances are brought to the hand of man, may 

 be regarded as most beneficent provisions resulting from 

 catastrophes too vast and tremendous for human intellect 

 to comprehend. 



From these several creations it appears that beings have 

 proceeded, gradually increasing in superiority, from testa- 

 ceous animals to reptiles, fish, marine and fresh-water am- 

 phibia, quadrupeds, and lastly to man, who, in his turn, is 

 destined, with the earth he inhabits, to pass away, and be 

 succeeded by a new heaven and a new earth. 



