DEEP CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH. Ill 



in operation in regions to which no mortal eye 

 can penetrate. And evidence will be adduced to 

 show, that in all probability the interior of this 

 great planet resembles rather some immense 

 laboratory, where enormous chemical decom- 

 positions are continually carried on, amid the 

 fury of intense fires, than the silent and dark 

 abyss we are commonly disposed to regard it. 



What matter of thought is here"? Deep 

 under those smiling fields, beneath that peaceful 

 hamlet, lie stores of raging elements, fiercely 

 contending together. All around us here ex- 

 hibits to us the forces of chemistry only in their 

 gentler operations. The chemical phenomena 

 of the landscape takes place without tumult, and 

 altogether imperceptibly to the senses. But there 

 we may conceive the wild artillery of nature 

 constantly roaring, while masses of matter of 

 enormous magnitude are now resolved into this, 

 now into that chemical compound, the changes 

 being accompanied with proportionate evolu- 

 tions of light, heat, and electricity. How solemn 

 these reflections ! How solemn the remembrance 

 of the predicted end of the present heavens and 

 earth they are " reserved unto fire !" How 

 easily might God cause the great earth to open, 

 and let loose upon the fair creation outside 

 all the terrible powers which, at his command, 

 lie bound within ! All that can be learned of 



