SCIENCE AND REVELATION". 83 



works of his hands are found in great abundance; it is 

 therefore with good reason that we come to the conclusion, 

 that he was the last creature formed by his Maker. That 

 the creation of man was pre-intended by God, seems also 



FIG. 34 FOSSIL LEAVES. 



almost proved by the numerous objects- before created, 

 capable of ministering to his use and happiness capable of 

 exercising his constructive and inquiring capabilities suit- 

 able to his imagination and tastes, and his only, and which 

 would serve no purpose of utility to the mere brutes. Of 

 what use, to any creature but man, is coal of what use the 

 metals ? Of what avail is it to any of the lower animals, 

 that Grod has caused glass and other transparent substances 

 to have the power of refracting the rays of light ? but with- 

 out which not one-half of our knowledge of His wondrous 

 works would ever have been obtained, for it is upon this 

 property alone that the poAvers of the telescope and micro- 

 scope depend. Of what use to any but man are fire, 

 artificial light, and galvanism ? and yet all these were 

 created long before man was. 



It has often been asked, What does man gain by the study 

 of the sciences ? Besides the enlarged views which they give 

 him of his Creator's goodness and power, they at this time 

 are fast reaching towards the demonstration of many obscure 

 passages of His Holy "Word as revealed to us in the Scrip- 

 tures. The study of truth can moreover never lead one into 

 error, and a habit of drawing correct conclusions from the 

 facts presented is useful to every one. Greology has confirmed 

 one great truth in Scripture, and overthrown the greatest 



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