142 INTERPRETATION OF GENESIS. 
THE INTERPRETATION OF GENESIS. 
(CONDENSED FROM THE ORIGINAL PAPER.) 
BY CHARLES B. WARRING, Ph.D. 
In Prof. Huxley’s paper in the Wineteenth Century 
for December, 1885, on the ‘‘Interpreters of Genesis 
and Nature,’ he cries out against the varying interpre- 
tations which have been given to the story of creation, in 
the first chapter of Genesis. 
In my limited way, I sympathize with Prof. Huxley 
in his desire for something that will not change as new 
facts come up. I wish that I had the gift of all knowl- 
edge so that my physical theories would accord with all 
new facts. Scientists have learned to make their theo- 
ries as best they can, in view of all truth known to them, 
and it is thought no disparagement that they change 
as new facts come up. 
An interpretation made to reconcile Genesis with 
science needs remodeling with every advance in knowl- 
edge, while one made on its own merits will stand for- 
ever, leaving scientists to change their theories to suit 
their own notions. 
The following rules, if observed, will remove the re- 
proach so often thrown upon this narrative : 
1. Words should be taken invariably in the mean- 
ing determined by lexicon and grammar, and by use 
elsewhere. 
2. Where the English Bible differs from the Hebrew, 
the latter is supreme. . 
3. Every sentence is to be taken to mean exactly what 
it says. 
4. The order is to be unchanged. 
5. The account is not to be condemned for the erron- 
eous statements or explanations which have been made 
by its friends. 
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