4S EVOL UT1 ON AND NA T URAL THEOL G Y. 



four-legged lizards and legless serpents may 

 still be met with. We must therefore conclude 

 that it is a mistake to interpret the earlier 

 chapters of Genesis literally, especially as all 

 attempts to reconcile them with modern science 

 have hitherto proved equally unsatisfactory 

 both to theologians, and to scientists, and have 

 generally been shown, by fresh discoveries to 

 be intenable, almost as soon as propounded. 

 It is impossible to value too highly the infallible 

 teachings of Science, which shews us the real 

 light in which to regard ancient writings, 

 that are said to be God's revelations to man in 

 former times, but which are now seen to be 

 not only unscientific but sometimes even im- 

 moral, in the clear light of God's truth, which 

 we are privileged to enjoy. While retaining 

 and admiring whatever they contain of perma- 

 nent importance, we are bound to estimate at 

 its real value everything which proves to be 

 false or temporary. We must always remember 

 that Truth must ultimately prevail in both 

 Eeligion and Science, and that anything in either 

 which shuns the light of a fair and thorough 

 investigation, must be rejected as almost 

 certainly intenable. 



