Inlroduction, 



9 



of nature, and is by no means involved with the ancient geologi- 

 cal periods that precede all records. Under the influence of a 

 spirit of mutual candour, w^e see here a common ground for the 

 Theologian and Geologist to stand comfortably upon. One which 

 brings prejudice neither to religion nor science, and which ad- 

 mits of our mutually co-operating to eradicate entirely the an- 

 cient errors, that our small planet was the sole motive of universal 

 creation, that it is the centre of the universe, that the sun rolls 

 round it, and that no part of it existed more than six thousand 

 years ago. The greater part of this mass of error has indeed been 

 in modern times, isolated and extirpated, but its influence still 

 exists, in that most erroneous opinion which substitutes for the 

 creation of the earth, the renovation of its surface. 



It results from this method of considering the subject, that our 

 planet is immeasurably more ancient, than the period assigned for 

 its age, by the chronological constructions that have obtained so 

 long, and that this immense antiquity is by no means at variance 

 with the account in Genesis. 



We shall close this flrst part of the duty we have imposed upon 

 ourselves with these remarks. In our next number we propose 

 entering upon an epitome of the rise and progress of natural 

 science. At our opening of this great subject, we have been 

 anxious to point out, what, in our opinion, have hitherto constituted 

 material objections to the study of natural history. The first ob- 

 jection, connected with nomenclature and technicalities, it will 

 be our duty to obviate; and we shall study to make our various 

 subjects both instructive and agreeable, by explaining nature in 

 such language as may befit the simplicity of her own operations. 

 And in relation to the other point, we have no intention, and 

 think we run no risk, of wounding the tenderest conscience. Our 

 own opinions have long gravitated to a point far short of the ex- 

 tremes of bigotry and scepticism. Experience has made us indif 

 ferent to all theories which cannot be sustained by admitted facts, 

 and a steady advance from the known to the unknown. 



About to be booked in the mail for a long journey with our 

 readers, over a country we are familiar with, we shall upon all 

 occasions, endeavour to communicate what we know, in an un- 

 pretending and friendly manner. We shall not entirely rely upon 

 the ducks, the geese, and the hay-stacks to be seen on the road, 

 for conversation. And when we part, and our readers continue 

 Vol. I.~2 



