"SHALL it any longer then be said, that a Science which unfolds such abundant evidence of the Being and Attributes of God, can reasonably be viewed in any other light than as the efficient Auxiliary and Handmaid of Religion? Some few there still may be whom timidity, or prejudice, or want of opportunity, allow not to examine its evidence; who are alarmed by the novelty, or surprised by the extent and magnitude, of the views which Geology forces on their attention; and who would rather have kept closed the volume of witness, which has been sealed up for ages beneath the surface of the earth, than impose on the student in natural theology the duty of studying its contents; a duty in which for lack of experience they may anticipate a hazardous or a laborious task, but which, by those engaged in it is found to afford a rational, and righteous, and delightful exercise of their highest faculties, in multiplying the evidences of the Existence, and Attributes, and Providence of God." REV. PROFESSOR BUCKLAND, D.D. "The facts of Geology have been scrutinized with the utmost jealousy and rigour; and they stand impregnable ;-their evidence is made brighter by every assault." REV. Dr. PYE SMITH, Relation of Geology and Scripture. |