253 



the face of the earth was produced by the disintegra- 

 tion of rocks ? 



Such an opinion appears to me unfounded, both in 

 natural, as well as moral philosophy, and seems to 

 betray a want of attention to the plans of Omnipotence, 

 as well as a neglect to allow Him, whose power is un- 

 bounded,, and whose foresight is unerring, that degree 

 of intelligence, homage, and credit, for his wisdom and 

 providence, which might reasonably be claimed, if not 

 awarded, by any one of our citizens : for who could 

 expect, that a man would erect the frame of an elegant 

 mansion, for the habitation and residence of his son, 

 and compel him to live in it without a shadow of cover- 

 ing, or the means of subsistence. 



The decomposition of rocks is a subject that has en- 

 gaged the attention of many, and the opinions that have 

 been offered seem mostly to agree, that the process, 

 though depending on different causes, is universal. 



It would seem, however, that those opinions were 

 calculated to favour particular views ; or, that they 

 were regulated by some local circumstances, that would 

 perhaps justify such a belief. Such, no doubt, there 

 are. But a more general view of the subject, and a 

 more critical examination of facts, which are offered in 

 abundance in every quarter of the globe, will not fail 

 to satisfy the most sceptical, that such a doctrine can- 

 not be established, nor supported by reason or facts. 

 This conclusion receives additional support and confir- 

 mation, from the following remarks of Dr. Hu1ton } 

 who, though one of the most strenuous advocates for 



