The Creation; the Earth's formation on dynamical principles in accordance with the Mosaic Record ... Fifth edition, revised and ... abridged by the author

Chapter I

Subject of argument in the present Section. Early conception of a Principle of Limitation involved in the Mosaic Record. Definition of the Living Principle. Faint Line of Separation between Vegetable and Animal Vitality. Difference determined ; and also that between Vertebrate and Invertebrate Animals. Mollusca, Aiticulata, and Radiata. Apulmonic Tribes of Animals defined generally. Natureand Habits of the Extinct Races, of Interior Animals. Evidence of the Extinction of their Races, and of the successive Creation of others. The Design and Object of the Temporary Existence of the Inferior Apulmonic Animals, with a view to resume, and dwell, in the sequel, upon both of these points 6

CHAPTER 11.

Review of the progress made in the previous Chapter. Followed up by exhibiting the description of Fossil Animal Remains which have been discovered in the older formations. The whole compared with the Animal Remains which, by dependence on Scripture, might have been expected to have been disembedded from the older strata, and found substantially, and with few exceptions, to correspond. Some explanations respecting the points of disagreement 23

Chapter III

Adaptation of the Apulmonic Invertebrate Animals to the state of the Creation previous to the Earth's rotation around its axis. Origin of Calcareous Rocks, and the influential part which the primitive Animal Organisms performed in producing them. Increase of these rocks in an ascending series. Summary of the subjects treated of in this Section CONTENTS. VI

Chapter IV

I'Aua The Vegetation of the Non-rotatory period neither flowering nor seedbearing plants. Striking analogy in this respect to the Apulmonic Creatures which were the subject of the previous Section, pointing to a common cause. The Dicotyledonous class of Plants fully described. The Monocotyledonous also minutely characterized, and both of these great divisions eliminated from the argument, as having been formed during the Mosaic week. These, however, not comprising the entire Vegetable Kingdom, leave the Acotyledons as a residue, which are considered to have been willed into existence during the period of non-rotation 4'1

Chapter V

Summary application of what has been established in the foregoing Chapter. Dicotyledons comprehend all plants "bearing fruit whose 6eed is in itself upon the earth." Monocotyledons embrace " the herbs yielding seed." But the Vegetable Kingdom being examined into, a third description of plants is discovered, bearing neither flowers, fruits, nor seeds, called Acotyledons, and these are supposed to have been created during the non-rotatory period. Review of the progress made thus far. Adaptation of the imperfect, flowerless plants to the state of the creation during the ante-rotatory period ; and their capability of having grown and propagated in a submerged condition confirmed, by contrast with the incapability of flowering plants to have existed without either light, atmosphere, or dry land .... 55

Chapter VI

The assumed condition of the primitive vegetation compared with Botanical descriptions of Cryptogamous Plants. Characters and habitats of these given in detail, and found to coincide with the supposed state of the Submerged Vegetation of the ante-rotatory period. Capability of plants growing in the waters of the primeval ocean, although this held in solution saline materials ......... i,l

Chapter VII

Brief review of the progress made, and its application to the development of the general argument. Adaptation of the plants of the non-rotatory period to the state of creation during that epoch. Frends and foliaceous appendages of Cryptogames described ; they are shown to be in harmony with the effects which the flowerless plants were intended to produce, namely, absorption from the surrounding water, retention of carbonic acid, and deposition, by their roots, to assist in forming the carboniferous strata. Short concluding observation .... 7" CONTENTS. VII

Chapter VIII. I'aqe

The subject of argument of the present Section succinctly stated. Deposition of the stratified masses. Proof that the materials which compose the strata existed in the primeval ocean. The Earth accurately weighed before the deposition commenced, and after it ceased, and found, in either case, to be the same. In continuation, several sources of doubt respecting the origin of the strata removed, and clearly shown that underneath the stratified masses of the Earth's crust there is an impervious base of amorphous crystalline rock. Wherever the surface of the Earth has been geologically examined, it is found to have been, at one time, submerged in the waters of the ocean ; and that all stratified rocks afford evidence of having been deposited from water . 93

Chapter IX

Further inferences respecting the existence of the elements of the strata in the primitive ocean ; and of the crystalline base on which they universally repose. Attendant circumstances of the Earth in perfect accordance with the work of deposition then going on. Character and component elements of the lower stratified or non-fossiliferous rocks, given with the design of showing that their elements existed in the primitive menstruum. Endeavours to describe the process hy which these elements were abstracted from the water with which they were thus comhined. The immediate influence of the luni-solar current exemplified hy the theory of the tides. Geological construction of the non-fossiliferous rocks — confusedly crystalline. Aqueous crystallization, and the predominating influence which it exercised at this early stage of the creation.

Capacity of water for becoming chemically impregnated with mineral elements shown and corroborated by the waters of Carlsbad and other mineral springs. Chemical affinity ; its universality and influence . . . . . . . .107

Chapter X

Position assumed, that the primeval water was chemically saturated with the mineral elements of the strata ; and could, therefore, according to the laws of affinity, arrive at a static condition of chemical equilibrium. To produce any change of this state there must have been the intervention of a power beyond materialism, and the employment of an agency exempted from the law of gravitation. Aqueous crystallization apparently the first means made use of to produce that change by the Creator ; evidences of this discoverable in the earlier strata. Animal and Vegetable vitality next introduced to continue the same effect. The vast extent and depth of the calcareous formations. The mineral elements — how dissolved and held in combination hy the primitive menstruum and their affinities ; how they operated in causing deposition when the general equilibrium was disturbed by aqueous crystallization and by animal and vegetable life.

Adaptation of these constraining agencies toovercome chemical affinities, and to form substances which otherwise would have been injurious to future life. Animal death, and the effects produced by the gaseous exhalations arising from their decomposition . . . . . . • • • .127 CONTENTS. VIII ,

Chapter XI

The consequence of the introduction of any new element into chemical compounds of numerous ingredients. Evidences to show that clays, sandstones, and shales are composed of the same materials which are assumed to have been held in solution by the primitive ocean. Geological evidence for. the existence of extensive "stratified masses of clays, sandstonos ami shales underneath the Coal Measures. The succession of animal lite during the period alluded to clearly deduced from the progressive change of the primitive ocean, and confirmed by the results oi geological research J

Chapter XII

Universal warmth which prevailed in the water of the non-rotating sphere ; chemical action the principal secondary agency employed in producing that result. Effects of animal and vegetable vitality again alluded to. The consequences arising also from the death aud decomposition of animals and plants particularly investigated with reference to tho purification of the ancient ocean ; more especially the effects of ammoniacal exhalations arising from the putrefaction of animal remains. The "blending" and the " thinning out" of the strata attempted to he accounted for by the Dynamical System ; and an endeavour to explain, according to the same principles, by what means the primitive ocean changed its character from turbid, fresh water to the saline and pellucid seas of the present period 169

Introduction

OF THE LIGHT

; THE CONSEQUENT FIRST DIURNAL ROTATION OF THE EARTH ; AND ITS DYNAMICAL RESULTS.

Chapter XIII

Condition of the Earth during the period alluded to. Introduction of Light into the material universe. The relative qualities of Light — its quasiubiquity, expansion through visible space, velocity of propagation, and vividity. Heat the cause of expansion in material bodies. The source of external Light and Heat received by the Earth. Identity of these two subtile influences. Sunlight the direct cause of Heat. Attraction and Expansion the antagonistic forces which maintain all matter in its constitutional state of equilibrium. Deduction from these facts, that Darkness means Attraction . . . . . . . . .195

Chapter XIV

Possibility of the Earth and other planets, with their respective satellites, having, in accordance with astronomical laws, revolved in space around CONTENTS. IX ! A..1-. 211 221 237 the common centre of the system, long previous to the illumination of the sun. Further proofs that Darkness implies Attraction. Existence of the primeval Light before it was divided from the Darkness, and the important bearing of this truth on the subject under discussion .

Chapter XV

Some of the immediate effects of the Light with reference to its Dynamical power. During the first three days it was not concentrated around the Sun, consequentsdifferent from the Light at present received. The expansive influence of Light and Heat act in opposition to Attraction. The repulsive power of Light. The introduction of Light into the material universe equal to the introduction of a new force. Expansion being a force, and the bodies of the solar system being incapable of expanding beyond their prescribed orbits, they must have expended or met this new force by rotation around their respective axes — show that the Earth has a double movement in space, and that the diurnal rotation is perfectly independent of the periodical revolution around the Sun. Other corroborations of these important conclusions. Evidences to prove the enormous amount of Heat and Light which come from the Sun .............

Chapter XVI

Geological phenomena in proof of the Earth's period of Non-rotation, divided into external and internal evidences. Centrifugal impetus engendered by rotation, the admitted cause of the equatorial protuberance of the Earth, and of the oblate form of other planets of our system. Geographical data in corroboration of the former assumption. Mechanical-dynamic Laws brought forward to account for the elevation of the horizontal concentric strata of the non-rotating sphere. Their change of position, and the vast extension of surface occasioned by the spherical earth having been suddenly transformed into a spheroid of rotation

Chapter XVII

Relative thinness of the Earth's crust when compared with its semidiameter. The existence of this "outer shell" of the Earth established. Relative densities of the materials composing the amorphous and the stratified formations of which it consists. The relative distances from the centre of gyration being considered equal, the greater density of the older amorphous masses would occasion their being impelled further from the centre, and consequently cause them to perforate or to raise up the superincumbent or lighter strata, when the whole concentric mineral envelope of the non-rotating sphere burst asunder and became transformed into continental ridges, oceanic hollows, hill and dale, by the centrifugal impetus of the Earth's protorotation 247

Chapter XVIII

Modification, according to latitudinal zones, of the dynamical influence of the Earth's first diurnal motion. Several distinct effects which proceeded coevally from the centrifugal impetus engendered by protorotation. Evidences of this having taken place after the stratified masses X CONTENTS. lion had been deposited and become indurated, deducible from the diversi fied surfaces assumed by the terrains and by the aqueous portions of the Earth ; and also from the great continental ridges and oceanic depres sions of the globe ....... ... 254

Chapter XIX

Classification of rocks into Stratified and Unstratified. Geological data for the correctness of these two great divisions. Evidences in favour of the Dynamical System deducible from the unstratified rocks. Nuclei and centres of mountain chains generally composed of amorphous masses. Their prevalence on the Earth's surface. Axes of elevation observable in mountain ranges, aud the conical form which their eminences have assumed. Argument, founded on the stratified rocks, to show that the mineral crust of the Earth has been moved, in mass, from where it was formed. Firstly, Strata deposited horizontally at the bottom of the water. And secondly, That they have been elevated from the position in which they were deposited, proved by numerous evidences 266

Chapter XX

Evidences to prove that the non-rotatory sphere was circumbounded by water ; astronomical proof — geological proof. This fact, combined with what was established in previous chapters, leads to the conclusion that violent movement, therefore much friction, and consequently great heat, would necessarily ensue amongst the rocky masses of the earth's crust. The characteristics of Friction inquired into, and the Breccia which would result, when mineral formations, abounding with calcareous material, were subjected to its influence under water. The great Breccia and Conglomerate formations geologically described, and shown to correspond with that which the Dynamical System requires for its perfection should be found to exist. Some of the more special uses which they were designed to accomplish made manifest.

The Coal Measures protected by the Conglomerate and Breccia from fusion and denudation. The nuclei of mountain ranges the icsultant foci of heat engendered by friction .... 281

Chapter XXI

Evidences of the existence, in former times, of fusion in the primary rocks derived from their internal or mineralogical structure. Carbonate of lime fused under pressure— mineralogical results. Crystallization proceeding from igneous fusion. Essential difference between rocks, properly called crystalline, of older formation, and those resulting from modern volcanoes, called lavas CONTENTS. XI PAGK 306 337 349

Chapter XXII

The evidences adduced, and the points established in the foregoing Chapter, briefly applied. Firstly, to explain the enigma of the presence of cr}'stallization arising from both aqueous and igneous fusion observable in the rocky crust of the Earth. Secondly, to account for the existence in the same of mineral veins and dykes of Granite, Porphyry, Trap, &c. Geological evidences in confirmation of these two branches of inquiry chapter xxiii. Faults or Fissures described. Geological evidences of their existence. Application of these data to the Coal Measures, considered to have been the uppermost strata of the Non-rotatory Sphere. Metallic Veins described ; geological and other scientific data descriptive of these interesting portions of the rocky crust of the earth . . . 315 chapter XXIV. Recapitulation.

Conclusions to be drawn from the oblique direction of metallic veins : various means by which their contents may have been lodged in them. Thermo-electricity that which most probably was employed. Geological testimonies of the existence of amorphous rocks, capable of having occasioned the electrical currents and other phenomena from which these metalliferous veins originate. Granitic rocks : their genera, position, and their relation to associated and superincumbent formations. Inquiry into their supposed origin with respect to the internal structure of the Earth, and the assistance which the Dynamical System affords, by simplifying this difficult question 323

CHAPTER XXV.

The immediate consequences of the two established positions — the non-rotation of the earth until all the strata, up to the coal measures, had been formed ; and its subsequent protorotation, considered with reference, firstly, to the rush of water which took place from the poles towards the equator, and, secondly, to the disintegration which accompanied the upbursting of the amorphous rocks, during these violent movements of the primitive water. This conflux of water attempted to be explained analogically by currents of wind ; and applied to the peculiar case under consideration. The upbursting of the amorphous masses, and the disintegration which must have ensued, together with the disseminating effects of the violent aqueous currents towards the equator. Geological evidences ....

CHAPTER XXVI.

Formation of Earths and Soils. The attendant circumstances peculiarly favourable for this needful process. The unconformable rocky masses which overlie the coal measures. Geological evidence of their existence. Inquiry into their origin, as made known to us by the Dynamical System. Geological character of the newer secondary suites. The New Red Sandstone, the Oolitic, and the Cretaceous groups. The Supra-cretaceous deposits, as explained by this Theory, and the clear line of demarcation which it draws between them and the still more recent surface-accumulations, tbe residuum of the Deluge . CONTENTS. XII

CHAPTER XXVII. PAOB

Erratic block group. The importance of travelled debris in substantiating the Dynamical System. The information acquired applied to the point under discussion, and to the assumed condition of the earth, at the period of the origin of the Erratic Block Group, and found to agree most conclusively ......... 366

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Brief recapitulation of the principal subjects of this Section. Uranographical effects of tho transformation of the earth, from a non-rotating sphere to a spheroid of rotation. Precession of the equinoxes astronomically explained, and its bearing on the question pointed out. Chronological data to show at what period the longer axis of the solar ellipse coincided with tho equinoxes. The precession of the equinoxes commenced with, and is dependent for its existence on, the earth's protorotation ; and that the commencement of the two was coeval, and their periods have had the same duration. A combination of these established positions, with the fact of " matter never engendering motion in itself," employed to show that the earth's motions must have originated from the Creator, and that the Creator is God . 377

Section VI. Meteorological Phenomena Resulting From The Light, And From The Earth's First Diurnal Rotation

CHAPTER XXIX.

The consequences likely to result from a world of water being thrown into violent agitation and motion by the first diurnal revolution. Ljngitudinal etlects on it of the elevation of continental ridfea and the depression of oceanic hollows. Ihe effects of the introduction of the principle of expansion into the primeval water. Chemical analysis ot water. No Nitrogen in water. No Hydrogen in the atmostheie. Nitrogen traced to its origin in ammoniacal gas. Free Oxygen its source. Appropriateness of the juncture, while these elements abounded, for the introduction of Light into the material universe. The diffusion principle of gases requisite to complete the force which expanded the aerial elements to their prescribed boundaries. Composition of gases in general, and the indestructibility, in particular of those which constitute the atmosphere ...... 338

CHAPTER XXX.

Diffusion principle of gases. Theorem and scientific evidences in favour of their expausiveneos. Scriptural corroborations. The Atmosphere : its aerial portion ; its aqueous or vaporous portion. The action of these two distinct bodies on one another, constituting the principal part of the machinery of the weather ...... CONTENTS. XIII

CHAPTER XXXI.

Scientific evidence of the manner in which the Aerial and the Aqueous portions of the Atmosphere respectively act under the influence of a common cause. Scriptural and Philological confirmations of these announcements. Application of the information acquired from both of these branches to the further elucidation of the Dynamical System 423

Section VII. Completion Of The Atmosphere

; SEPARATION OF THE SEA FROM THE LAND ; AND THEIR IMMEDIATE COMBINED RESULTS.

CHAPTER XXXII.

Separation of the Sea from the Land. This separation effected by Vaporization. Different substances vaporized at diverse temperatures : scientific evidences of this. The effects of the application of heat to a solution of salt and water. Results which occur when different descriptions of salts, held simultaneously in solution, are allowed to crystallize ; and, also, when these are associated with earthy materials. Concluding proofs on these two points ..... 435

CHAPTER XXXIII.

During the juncture of protorotation, immense masses of mineral debris mixed with saline materials spread abroad, and separated within a few hours from the water which held them in suspension. The Dynamical System requires that this separation should have taken place by Vaporization. This fully borne out by the deposits of native salts, and confirmed by geological evidences, especially those having reference to the saliferous and gypseous associates of the New Red Sandstone and Oolitic formations. Operations then taking place : their order of sequence : the description of forces which prevailed ; and the order in which they, too, were introduced into the universe. Indispensable utility of lateral motion in the formation of clouds, or in " gathering together " the nephalic masses of the atmosphere 451

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Different consequences which result from the application of the Expansive principle to the Aerial and to the Aqueous bodies of the Atmosphere exemplified by what took place at the epoch alluded to. Evidence that it was at this juncture the Atmosphere was completed, and the Sea and the Land were separated from each other. Concurring testimony that these events were effected by \ _p.jrization. Scientific evidences as to the action and reaction of these great natural bodies on each other, and their beneficent results .... CONTENTS. XIV taor AND

CHAPTER XXXV.

The newly formed atmosphere a receptacle for the elements which constitute the Phanogamous class of plants ; and afterwards for nourishing and sustaining them. Supernatural action of Light in and during the formation of this division of tho Vegetable Kingdom. Evidences in favour of the Dynamical System deducible from the existence of distinct Botanical districts throughout the earth's surface. Scientific confirmation of these assumptions ; and the regions defined in which the Phanogamous classes abound. Combination of theso truths with those formerly wrought out, applied to prove that tho Earth, in perfect accordance with this treatise, received from the hands of the Creator, on the first day of the Mosaic week, the identical inflexions of surface which it still retains 486

Section VIII. Concentration Of The Light Around The Sun ; Completion Of The Work Of Creation

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Primitive state of the Light and supposed Centre. Analogical authority, deduced from Astronomy, for assuming that primarily the Light had a different nature from that which it now has. Evidence to this effect, and that it was precisely similar in kind, though differing in degree, with the force which occasioned the orbital motim of the spheres. The sun, together with all the planets, caused to rotate around their respective axes by means of the primary light. Astronomical proof of the sun's rotation. Dynamical law, that equal but opposing forces produce equilibrium. Astronomical evidence that equal amounts of heat and light are received by the earth from the sun in passing over equal angles round it. These two bodies of evidence prove that the Light, as now constituted, could not have caused either the sun or the earth to rotate ....... 505

CHAPTER XXXVII.

The non-concentration of the Light, during the first three days of the Mosaic week, deduced from the measured quantity of light and heat received at present from the sun. Astronomical evidences. Deduction drawn from the circumstance, that the act of illuminating the Sun caused it to become the teller of the earth's signs, seasons, days, and years. Corroborative conclusion from the peculiar direction in which the primary light acted, in order to occasion the diurnal rotation of the earth ; and presumptive evidence of its being akin to electro-magnetism 517

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Unique nature of the force which occasioned the protorotation of the earth, and other spheres of our system. Supposed to be identical CONTENTS. XV with electro-magnetism. Movement of rotation which frequently accompanies the exhibition of this kind of electricity. Confirmatory evidence deducible from the single motion, or non-diurnal rotation of the moon 525

CHAPTER XXXIX.

The concentration of the primary light treated scientifically. The earth a non-luminous body, receiving its external light and heat from the sun. Constitution of the solar light inquired into by a consecutive series of investigations. Polarization of light : sun's rays not possessing this remarkable property ; therefore not proceeding from an incandescent body, but from a luminiferous atmosphere. Identity of Electricity and Light, and of the various kinds of electricity with one another. Intimacy subsisting between Electricity and Magnetism. Terrestrial Magnetism. Evidences to prove that Light, Heat, Electricity, and Magnetism are considered to be diversified manifestations of the same comprehensive law of nature . . . . . .539

CHAPTER XL.

Change in the direction of the primary light ; deductions drawn in favour of a bygone period of non-rotation. Confirmatory conclusion deduced from the fact, that the illumination of the sun was the final coincident cause of the commencement of " signs, seasons, days, and years." Astronomical explanation of the vicissitudes of season. Application of the uranographical phenomena to the point under discussion. Testimony borne to the correctness of this hypothesis by the creation, at this particular juncture, of the several races of animated beings which are dependent alike for motion and existence on atmospheric air. Termination of the evidences in favour of the Dynamical System 554 Conclusion ............. 574

Appendix

A. Evidences from Scripture 578 Theorems , 581

APPENDIX.

B. Classification of Invertebrate Animals — British Types . . . .622

APPENDIX.

C. Animal Exuviæ, in the descending order, from the Cretaceous Group . 627

APPENDIX.

D. Fossil Vegetable Existences, from the Chalk downwards .... 636 Natural Orders of Plants 646

APPENDIX.

E. The Animal Kingdom 6i8

APPENDIX.

F. The Vegetable Kingdom CONTENTS.

APPENDIX.

G. Dicotyledons 6.,^

APPENDIX.

H. Equisetaceæ .653

APPENDIX.

I. Classification of Rocks 656

APPENDIX.

K. Older Stratified Rocks 657

APPENDIX.

L. Secondary Rncks .... fi.-- Glossary of Scientific Terms ..'.'. '. '. '. ', 6.39

INTRODUCTION.

. "jl/TANY years have elapsed since the fundamental principles ■**-*- of the Cosmographical System, whose development occupies the following pages, presented themselves to my mind. Some of these have been passed under a tropical sky, and others in the more cloudy and sombre regions of my native land ; vicissitudes of circumstances, and changes in life, and, consequent thereon, variations of mental habitudes have intervened — indeed, have intentionally been permitted to intervene — in order that, by every possible test, I might prove the soundness of the remarkable but indestructible conclusion to which my earlier studies had led me — namely, THAT THE EARTH DID NOT ALWAYS ROTATE DIURNALLY AROUND ITS AXIS. I am fully aware that it is extremely difficult for the inhabitants of a world, wheeled round by its diurnal motion through space, and constrained to take this elementary motion into all their calculations, to believe that it was not always so — that there once tvas a period of non-diurnal rotation.

Those who, from the moment they open their eyes on this fair earth, perceive the light of the sun, will most reluctantly give themselves up to the persuasion that there once was a time— a period of long duration, when the central orb afforded no light, and when the earth recognised it only as the convergent centre of attraction — the great sustaining counterpoise which enabled it to revolve through unillumined space. It is no easy task to persuade mankind that the briny B

INTRODUCTION.

. 2 seas were once a dark, unruffled, and atmosphereless mass of turgid waters, charged to repletion with the mineral elements of those stony concretions which now engirdle the terraqueous globe, and have been thrown up, as barriers, to restrain the very waters from whence they themselves were deposited. Nor is it a less arduous undertaking to convince mankind that, for ages, this sphere existed without so indispensable a means of sustaining voluntary motion as the atmosphere — and that myriads of apulmonic creatures, " more numerous than the sands on the sea-shore for multitudes," were, all the while, employed as the humble and submissive agents of the Creator, in producing one of its component elements ; in elaborating that, without which no being, endowed with the faculty of locomotion, could either have breathed, moved, or lived.

All these, nevertheless, are truths ; truths of the utmost importance. Of this, the perusal of the following treatise can hardly fail to convince every unbiassed mind. Responsible as it is to stand against the arrayed opinions of a whole world, I have resolved to be the first to break silence, and endeavour to prove, that what I assert is true, and stands upon the authority of the immutable word of God, from which, assisted by the discoveries of science, there can be derived the necessary data to prove, that, during the period called in Scripture " the beginning," the earth had, IN REALITY, NO DIURNAL ROTATION AROUND ITS AXIS. Before I proceed, however, to the development of my cosniographical conceptions, it may be conducive to give a summary of those principles of belief which will be found at the bottom of them all ; and which, indeed, alike con stitute their groundwork, and support their subsequent superstructure.

These are, in the first place, that the Bible contains a revelation from God : and that " a revelation " is a discovery by God to man of Himself — that is, of his attributes, his works, or his will, over and above what He has been pleased to make known by the light of nature or reason. That, as no material thing is self-created, all must possess a condition which has not emanated from materialism, and, therefore, to attain a perfect knowledge of whatever the

INTRODUCTION.

. 3 senses make known to us, we must, after receiving all the answers which nature can give to our inquiries, apply to a source above and beyond it. For nature cannot answer all the questions requisite to be put to it, in order to comprehend its objects thoroughly, and having thus to apply to a source beyond nature, we must appeal to the Bible ; the only revelation from God the Creator. That the Bible can afford whatever explanation is wanting by the light of reason for a perfect comprehension of the works of creation ; that in it nothing is overlooked, nor is there in it anything redundant ; and that the words of the first chapter of Genesis detail, in the only way in which man can be made to comprehend it, the unfolding of the plan of creation, devised from all eternity ; that these words embody Nature's Constitutional Code, which it cannot fail implicitly to obey ; and, therefore, to understand it thoroughly we must become acquainted with them.

That whatever is mentioned in the first chapter of Genesis as having been either created, made, suspended or changed by God, has from thenceforth become a primary, permanent cause, with no intervening cause between it and the Creator ; and, there fore, all attempts to investigate the unrelated or intimate nature or composition of such, must, as a matter of course, prove entirely fruitless. That we can know only what is revealed respecting it, and acquire an intimacy with its relative nature in respect to other material substances around. That all results not directly mentioned in the first chapter of Genesis, but which are implied, are secondary causes, emanating themselves from primary causes, and together producing those effects which, from their persistency, are termed natural. And that all alike — of whatever description — originated from God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, " without whom was not anything made that is made."