Those who desire to know the best exposition of this subject at the hands of a modern theologian will read the first part of DR. LANGE’S _Genesis, or the First Book of Moses_,[9] in DR. TAYLER LEWIS’S translation, pp. 159-177. The candid and scholarly spirit of the learned authors of this work indicates a marked change in discussions of this nature when compared with similar literature of the last generation.
These few suggestions, chiefly on the American literature of this subject, are offered in the belief that some readers may be glad to know where to turn for similar discussions, while DR. MOLLOY will certainly not misinterpret our kindly intentions in suggesting to him some contemporary sources of information to most of which he very probably had no means of access when his excellent work was prepared.
Scope of the Work explained--Geology looked on with Suspicion by Christians--hailed with Triumph by Unbelievers--no Contradiction possible between the Works of Nature and the Word of God--Author not jealous of Progress in Geological Discoveries--Points of Contact between Geology and Revelation--the Question stated--the Answer--Division of the Work, 25
GEOLOGICAL THEORY AND THE EVIDENCE BY WHICH IT IS SUPPORTED.
Geology defined--Facts and Theories--Recent Progress of Geology --Stratification of Rocks--Aqueous Rocks; of Mechanical Origin--of Chemical Origin--of Organic Origin--Igneous Rocks, Plutonic and Volcanic--Metamorphic Rocks--Summary of the Rocks that compose the Crust of the Earth--Relative Order of Position--Internal Condition of the Globe--Movements of the Earth’s Crust--Subterranean Disturbing Force--Uplifting and Bending of Strata--Denudation and its Causes--Fossil Remains--their Value in Geological Theory, 30
THEORY OF DENUDATION ILLUSTRATED BY FACTS.
Principle of Reasoning common to all the Physical Sciences--This Principle applicable to Geology--Carbonic Acid an Agent of Denudation--Vast Quantity of Lime dissolved by the Waters of the Rhine and borne away to the German Ocean--Disintegration of Rocks by Frost--Professor Tyndall on the Matterhorn--Running Water--its Erosive Power--an active and unceasing Agent of Denudation--Mineral Sediment carried out to Sea by the Ganges and other great Rivers--Solid Rocks undermined and worn away--Falls of the Clyde at Lanark--Excavating Power of Rivers in Auvergne and Sicily--Falls of Niagara--Transporting Power of Running Water--Floods in Scotland--Inundation in the Valley of Bagnes in Switzerland, 47