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US who are neither landowners nor coalowners, nor inter- 
ested in any way in the soil, and who may consider the 
science of Geology purely as a science, but whom it is 
equally my interest to enlist in our cause, — to them I would 
say, that as a science, it stands, perhaps, second to none. 
The elements it offers for philosophical inquiry are abundant. 
The objects to be achieved are of common interest to all ; 
and although nothing is to be acquired without intellectual 
exertion, yet at the same time it is not necessary to call in 
the aid of the more abstruse sciences for their true develop- 
ment. The salutary truths which Geology offers even to the 
most common observer, are so intimately bound up with the 
moral of our existence here, that I can scarcely conceive the 
mind to which this study would not impart gratification of 
the highest and most refined description. Insinuations have 
been thrown out not only against science in general, but 
more particularly against this, our favourite science, namely, 
that it is at variance with revealed religion; or, in other 
words, that the facts which it teaches are at enmity with 
truth. This accusation is so exceedingly absurd, that I 
think it beneath me to attempt to refute it. One thing, 
however, I may say, that if there is one circumstance more 
than another which can lend a charm to the study of this 
science, it is that it proves, even to our finite understand- 
ings, that the infinite system of the universe harmonizes 
with its history as recorded in the Bible, and it proves to the 
very letter that we ought to be satisfied with the truth as 
it is there told us. Nay, we may go further than this. I 
say, taking the Mosaic account, about which some trifling 
doubters have cavilled, as not being consistent with their 
ideas of reason, modestly supposing that what they cannot 
comprehend must be incomprehensible, that according to the 
undulating and only correct theory of light, that account is 
directly in accordance with our views, and is consistent with 
A 2 
