ON THEORIES OF THE EARTH. 381 



any thing, and, in which, to know the names of a few 

 stones and shells, forms the Newton of his circle. 



Every one ought to know what theory means: but, 

 to construct a geological one, if facts 'are, as in all else, 

 indispensible, so is it needful to possess somewhat more 

 than what is called " experience." To see is not to ob- 

 serve, to observe is riot to analyze and to reason : he' 

 who can do all this, may make 'the attempt. It is a 

 necessary pursuit: since the laws which regulate the 

 natures-disposition, and cha'hg'e^ of this globe, are pro- 

 per objects -of scientific enquiry: while they lie within 

 the range of observation and analogy ; leaving their 

 own visions tn poetry and metaphysics. It is unavoid- 

 able also; unleVs a line be drawn across the path of gc- 

 neruHzati'dh, leaving geology to be a contemptible pur- 

 suit after specimens, and a disjointed chads of facts. 

 And he who 1 docs not perceive its higher bearings, has 

 forgotten that there is a Creator of the world, and that 

 He who created governs. The theory of the earth is 

 the conduct of the Deity respecting the habitation 

 which He has provided for Life. Fie! that the igno- 

 rance and intolerance of afalse theology should /not have 

 seen, how, in this also, we have discovered a new path 

 to the study of His wisdom and His government. 



But though a theory of the earth should prove un- 

 attainable, the attempt itself is repaid. It is not in vain 

 that geometry has labdmretl to quadrate the circle, or 

 mechanics to find the perpetual motion. He who en- 

 deavours after excellence, in physics, as in morals, will 

 derive certain fruit, though he might have expected 

 another produce. And, in every science, general prin- 

 ciples are required to regulate that accumulation of 

 facts, which is defended, to the disclaiming of all theory, 

 by the ignorant vain, under the pride of an affected hu- 

 mility; not to be envied, were it even real. Impar- 



