70 
PROCEEDINGS 1839—1840. 
if the discoveries of geology are opposed to some modern interpreta- 
tions of scripture, they are not opposed to scripture rightly interpreted. 
Opposed, I ought rather to say that the investigations of geology 
are in perfect accordance with scripture, for when scripture tells 
us of the deluge, the geologist is able to comment upon the fact by 
pointing to the valleys of denudation, and by calling attention to 
those pinnacles of granite which are found standing insulated and 
detached from the neighbouring mountains, to the boulder stones 
and other diluvial deposits, to the fossils of later date, to the surface 
of the earth moulded at a comparatively late period, all tending, as 
the celebrated French geologist remarks, to show that the last 
revolution that disturbed the surface of the globe is not of very 
ancient date. Nay, Gentlemen, when we reflect on what has been, 
when we hear geology speaking of the primeval revolutions in this 
globe, of the series of past disruptions, elevations, dislocations, when 
we hear it discoursing of central heat, we are better prepared to 
listen to the inspired penman when he tells us that as the world 
which once was, being overflowed with water, perished, so the heavens 
and the earth wdiich are now, are kept in store, reserved against fire ; 
when he thus tells us that another revolution is approaching, not of 
water but fire. After these observations gentlemen, I shall conclude 
my address with saying that I, for one, will bid you God-speed, 
geology can give no results hostile to revelation. A discrepancy will 
never be found between the words and the works of Almighty God. 
Mr. Charles Morton intimated that a deputation from the Man- 
chester Geological Society attended the meeting in the hope of pro- 
moting tliat union which it was at all times desirable should exist 
between the two societies. This was the first step towards it ; they 
had been at the trouble of coming over, and he trusted that in future 
the members of the two societies would interchange visits, and that 
gentlemen would be deputed from this meeting to visit the Man- 
chester Society at its next meeting. A great ridge of hills divided 
the places of their meeting, but it was their interest and it v»^ould be 
the duty of each society to investigate, not only the ridge itself, but 
the hills in its vicinity and the strata on each side of it. He begged 
leave to move ' That the gentlemen who compose the deputation from 
