42 
GEOLOGICAL THEORIES. 
neither be created nor supported by such 
studies alone, yet an intelligent religious 
habit may find much in geology that is well 
calculated to gratify and improve the mind. 
If the enduring works of the Roman, or the 
rude monuments of the ancient Briton, have 
charms for the antiquary, irrespective of 
intrinsic beauty or fitness, how much more 
attractive should be those relics, which are 
not only connected with the highest associ¬ 
ations, but are ii\ themselves manifestations 
of exquisite because of infinite skill. 
No sooner did the early observers notice 
diff’erences in the materials of which the 
earth is composed, than theories in quick 
succession vied with each other in the de¬ 
mands which they made upon the imagi¬ 
nation and faith of mankind. The romances 
of the cosmogonists had the double demerit 
of being violations both of physical and of 
revealed truth. Hence arose the obloquy 
which formerly attached to these pursuits; 
and if our science has had a verdict of ac¬ 
quittal, on its trial for infidel tendencies, we 
may be excused for prizing the more highly 
a reputation which has been fully vindicated 
in a solemn ordeal. 
