Dr Fleming on the Geological Deluge. 209 
indicated by the phenomena of nature, agree with the character 
of the deluge of Noah, given by Moses ? 
In the following observations, I shall reverse this order of in- 
quiry, for if the second question can be satisfactorily disposed of 
in the negative, it will leave the first to be examined entirely by 
the laws of physics, and in the absence of those 'prejudices 
which have been excited in the public mind on the subject. As 
a proof that such prejudices do exist, I may state that I have 
heard a gentleman of rank and piety, characterize the opposers 
of the diluvian hypothesis as embracing “ the infidel side of the 
question ;” and this, too, in the presence of the president and se- 
cretaries of the Geological Society of London. It is my object, 
in the present communication, to point out the infidel side of 
he question, viz. the one where error prevails. Nature, misin- 
erpreted, may amuse the cosmogonist, but never can befriend 
the Christian. That which is true in science can alone give use- 
ful support to revelation ; and that which is true in science never 
can be found opposed to its interests. 
Docs the character of the Geological Deluge, as supposed 
to he indicated hy the phenomena of nature , agree with the 
character given of the Deluge of Noah, hy Moses? 
Before proceeding to state some of those points of difference 
between the two deluges, which appear to exist, I feel it to be 
necessary to notice one opinion which Baron Cuvier expresses 
without reserve. After intimating that 66 Moses and his people 
came out of Egypt,” (Cuvier’s Theory, p. 147.), he adds, “ The 
legislator of the Jews could have no motive for shortening the 
duration of the nations, and would even have disgraced himself 
in the estimation of his own, if he had promulgated a history of 
the human race contradictory to that which they must have 
learned hy tradition in Egypt. We may therefore conclude, 
that the Egyptians had, at this time, no other notions respecting 
the antiquity of the human race than are contained in the Book 
of Genesis.” It is true, that Moses and his people came out of 
Egypt ; but it is equally true that their fathers went into Egypt. 
Where, then, is the proof, that the history of the creation and 
the deluge, as given by Moses, was derived from the traditions 
of the Egyptians ? Will the friend of revelation consider him- 
self as under obligations to Baron Cuvier for this discovery P Or 
