238 RAMBLES AND REVERIES. 



deposits in which human relics are found were laid. 

 The geological chronometer is itself so unreliable 

 that apparent discrepancies between its indications 

 and the statements of Moses need cause but little 

 concern. Scripture chronology is also a very com- 

 plex problem, and there is room for very great 

 differences of opinion in regard to the age of man. 

 We require to know a great deal more about the 

 conditions of stratification in primeval times, and 

 we also need more accurate methods of determining 

 the dates of Biblical events, before any final judg- 

 ment can be arrived at as to whether or not there 

 is any inconsistency between the Scripture history 

 and Geology on the subject of man's antiquity. 



But now, reverting to the main question of this 

 chapter, although we have endeavoured to show that 

 Creation and Evolution may be synonymous terms, 

 and that there is nothing in the Mosaic narrative 

 inconsistent with the idea of a progressive creation 

 by process or law, yet we are not therefore bound 

 to believe that the prevalent views concerning 

 evolution are true. There is much in Nature to 

 show that evolution has a good deal of truth in it ; 

 but not even its adherents claim that it contains 

 the whole truth. Indeed, the theory is undergoing 

 constant criticism and modification at the hands 

 of scientific experts. There is much to be investi- 

 gated yet before any complete and final scheme can 

 be systematized which shall give a full account of 

 all the laws of development. When Science has 

 finished its " Genesis," if ever that day should 

 arrive, it will be time enough to consider what 



