Rough Notes on the controversy against Geologists. 481 



as much so as chemistry is, and rests exactly upon the 

 same foundation ; viz. the changes which matter undergoes 

 under the power of certain re-agents ; and its recognised 

 properties depending on the certainty with which, under 

 similar conditions, these changes are similar. From this, in 

 chemistry, results may previously be philosophically infer- 

 red from causes or processes ; in geology, by a reversed 

 mode of reasoning, the causes or processes are judged of 

 from an examination of the products. 



If it be alleged that the discoveries of geology receive no 

 countenance from Scripture, it may be answered, neither do 

 any of the other discoveries of science. It speaks of the 

 heavenly bodies and their motions, but where is any trace 

 in it of the demonstrated truths of modern astronomy. It 

 speaks of the four anciently supposed elements, but, except- 

 ing in the incidentally mentioned action of vinegar upon 

 nitre (carbonate of soda), and in regard to the familiar 

 phenomena of fire, where in it is any vestige of the esta- 

 blished facts of chemistry. It speaks of the seas being 

 measured, and the mountains weighed, but where in it are 

 any allusions to the present demonstrated system of geo- 

 graphy, or the mathematical foundation on which it rests. 



After these remarks, we may notice some of the geological 

 hypotheses, which, while they are in accordance with the 

 evidence from which geology deduces the changes which 

 have formerly occurred on the surface of the earth, can yet 

 be satisfactorily shewn not to be at variance with the very 

 concise and general account of the creation given in the 

 Bible. 



In reference to these hypotheses, the following state- 

 ments, generally admitted by geologists, and believed to be 

 correct, may be made. 



There is no foundation, either in Scripture or in geologi- 

 cal data, for the supposition, that a geological revolution 

 was consequent upon the moral fall of man. The ground 



S Q 



