14 CONSISTENCY OF GEOLOGICAL 
saic narrative, but that the results of geological 
enquiry throw important light on parts of this 
history, which are otherwise involved in much 
obscurity. 
If the suggestions I shall venture to propose 
require some modification of the most commonly 
received and popular interpretation of the Mo- 
saic narrative, this admission neither involves 
any impeachment of the authenticity of the text, 
nor of the judgment of those who have formerly 
interpreted it otherwise, in the absence of infor- 
mation as to facts which have but recently been 
brought to light ; and if, in this respect, geology 
should seem to require some little concession 
from the literal interpreter of scripture, it may 
fairly be held to afford ample compensation 
for this demand, by the large additions it has 
made to the evidences of natural religion, in 
a department v>diere revelation was not designed 
to give information. 
The disappointment of those who look for a 
detailed account of geological phenomena in 
the Bible, rests on a gratuitous expectation of 
finding therein historical information, respecting 
all the operations of the Creator in times and 
places with which the human race has no con- 
cern ; as reasonably might we object that the 
Mosaic history is imperfect, because it makes no 
specific mention of the satellites of Jupiter, or 
the rings of Saturn, as feel disappointment at 
