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REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
grounds of Metaphysics; and establish the processes of Chemistry by the precepts 
of Rhetoric." (p. 240.) 
44 Too many nominal Christians entertain only the most miserable idea of the 
nature of the gospel they profess to believe ; their only notion consists in a con¬ 
fused general impression of a certain sacredness in Scripture,” which causes them 
to be alarmed lest its sanctity should be invaded either by themselves or by 
others. 44 Adopting their creed blindly from education, too many hold their religion 
by a most loose and uncertain tenure, and are so lamentably confused in their 
notions of its nature, that they dread a formidable shock to Christianity in every 
physical discovery” (p. 242.), as though, if the Bible were infallible, a knowledge 
of God’s works would bring proof of the falsity of His word. 44 There are some 
who join most vehemently in the cry against science in general, and Geology in 
particular, as dangerous to religion, upon no sincere grounds of religious con¬ 
viction.” (p. 244.) We may add, there are many who, professing to believe 
Geology, refuse to receive its results save where they square with preconceived 
notions : these, too, have not, necessarily, any sincere religious conviction for 
their basis. But far greater is the number of those who, comprehending neither 
Bible nor Science, uphold the one because sanctioned by education, party, or 
custom, and reject the other upon grounds equally rational. 44 The one party 
seeking to support religion by the propagation of falsehood, the other by the 
suppression of truth, both agree in treating truth as if it were falsehood, and thus 
give its enemies the fairest ground to think it so.” (p. 245.) 
Still considering Science in relation to the first chapter of Genesis, Mr. Powell 
remarks:— 
“ It is matter of sincere regret still to see some excellent writers keeping up this temporizing 
system, when it would be so much more worthy a course boldly to front the difficulty, and avow 
the contradiction in plain terms; but instead of this, we observe them exerting their utmost 
ingenuity to elude the contradictions, either by disguising the facts, ox glossing over the words with 
the most flimsy interpretations. * * * The subject, when simply and calmly considered, is 
plain, and hardly open to misapprehension ; but men cannot be brought to consider it simply and 
calmly.”—p. 247. 
After discussing more minutely the Geology of Moses, and the various inter¬ 
pretations it has received, Prof. Powell concludes the chapter by 44 assuming that 
the inquirer and interpreter are both sincere seekers of truth.” (p. 253.) Is it, 
then, possible that those who profess to obtain their morality from the Bible, and 
who believe that the Bible is inspired, can need to be reminded that they ought 
to he lovers of truth ? Alas ! they have yet to learn that what is true is of God, 
and must, therefore, be beneficial. 
Our author distinctly allows the falsity of the Mosaic account; but at the same 
time he attempts to justify it, on the score of 44 adaptation to the ideas of the 
