The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-04-10

ed There are some three or four weddings on the
tapis-two three in high life, bat have no time
to specif y-look cut next time.
Geological Philosophy.
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD
the general Geological Theory Of the earth, as set
forth by Professor Lyel and other Geelogiss ealcu-
lated to show the unruth of the Mosaic account Of
the creation which we think is SO far from being
markable coincidence between the theory of the
earth's formation and the account given of the
same in the first chapter Of Genesis. And such
coincidence 10 the more remarkable, when we
take iato consideration the antiquity of the bible
account. When we consider this extraordinary Ie-
latIon Of the worlds formation, and of the beings
that on it exist, written over three thousand
years ago--of which Moses is considered to be the
author or comp,er-at period too of mans exs-
tence when no geological science or other kindred
sciences existed, were known to shed their rays
upon mans path OF knowledge; and, YET the strik-
ing analogy that exists between the science Of mo-
dern geology and it, must strike the mind of the
candid reader with peculiar force. Totrace this ana
logy, 10 not necessary to read 1t in any other
light than as profane history The facts it records
in simple and brief found after the
the lapse of thousands Of years, to be corroborat
ed in every material point Of view-makng some
allowances for the imperfect modes Of expression
in which mans dialect Of those days was clothed,
and for the want of greater clearness ia the brsvy
of detail, and we must admit, the analogy between
the two accounts most accurate and wonderful. We
venture to assert, many accounts have been given
same facts, in the same space, with the same COR
rectness as to facts has been afterwards by future
discoveries so fully verified.
Believing fully in the details OF Professor Lyelis
relation of facts, yet without going into them In de-
tail, we shall briefly state the theory of the earth
As eceivsd by gcologists generally, Professor Ly
ell not exec pied. As has been supposed by him, it
is believed that this earth we inhabit was origi-
H. in emf
as its crust cooled, it assumed certain changes
which have been going on ever since. That in its
earliest periods OF existence, 1t was totally unit
for the habiation Of living beings. That the great
central ball of the earth is granite in its elements
and that the Oldest and lowest rock any where
found is granite, on which various subsequent stra-
have been formed not less than seven or eight
principal and distinct crusts or dispositions from
water. And that, by the upheaval force, Of re.
naming heat, these crusts have been broken
through, AID high mountains reared in some places,
while valies and lakes, and seas have been formed
in others. That this alternate rising and sinking
Of the earth il still slowly going on in varle"s parts
of the earth but yet, in all cases. the several sra-
ia can be traced and found one laying IN regular
and unchanged order above another-and though
one layer may by chance be wanting in particu'
lar spot yet the order in which they overlap each
other, has been found reversed.
The FIRST trace Of animal life, in Its lowest and
eeblest state of existence such the simplest
she'll fish, enclosed in single shell-or other sim
pie contrvance is found in their fossil remains, In
one Of the lowest strata OF the earth. Ascending
to the second strata, the and other water animal
remains Of higher state Of organization are found
that, Is, animals with spine and arteral circu-
laton Of blood, &C. Still rising to the third strata
we still find evidences Of increased perfection In
the structure of organic remains, which partook
of nature, that gave them power OF breathing In
air as well as water, and with spinal organs, &e
Ascending to the fourth leading strata, we begin
to find the remains of vegetable existance, such as
leaves fruits, stalks, sc whose existence was re-
cessary before land quadrupeds could maintain
their being on the earth.
In the fifth strata we first find the remains of land
vegetation for subsistence; and carniverous ami
mails were probably Of still later growth and the
fossils Of all such quadrupeds continue to be dug
from the recent formations OF earth. All THIS
vital creation and preparation of the earth, during
vast periods of time, was necessary to render 1t
fit abode for man, the great clmatric work OF ter
restra creations and that he the last as well as
the highest and most perfect Of animals ever formed
proven by the fact that in not one OF the various
strata alluded to, has his fossil bones ever been
found, except in one or two recent cases OF inter
ment in petrifactive waters. 1t does not initiate
against the mosaic account to say some species Of
vegetables and animals have ceased to exist, while
new ones have been produced, or new combinations
formed from elementary life first created, "whose
seed" Moses beautifully says, "of itself is in
the ground, "and the ,ana the earth, "to bring
forth abusdantly," after every kind and variety.
God intends elementary created materials should in
all time to come be capable Of reproducing.
Biologists say the world existed long while
probably, without an inhabitant So does Mo-
ses. And further say that living beings, pro-
ducea in water were the first created-so does Mo-
Biologists say whalesland the higher class o.
logsts say vegetation existed before quadrupeis-
so does Moses And that land animals were form.
ed before man-so does Moses. Biologists agree
that MAN was tho last being formed upon earth,
and does Moses declare the same thing. What
remarkable traits OF coincidence, that a man wri-
ting three thousand years ago should have declared
those facts which the highest efforts Of genius AID
science have resulted in proving to ba true. On
these points there can be no cavil. Why not an
author ignorant of creation and geology have sup
posed man to be made first, and fshes and animals,
made afterwards for his greater convenience and
comfort as well to place them in the regular or
der he has done Or why suppose or declare the
world was formed during six, or seven vast PERIODS
of time
The only point on which the greatest scePuc
can raise doubt is as to the meaning OF the single
word " day )" which we feel bound to consider was
employed by Moses as a mere type or symbol, OF
vast and distinct in the worlds creation Ihs
view Of the subject is fully sustained from the TACT
of the two accounts agreeing in all other material
respects. Besides, tbs Hebrews generally, ina:
s Tune By The word aday Hence i is said in
part Of scripture thSu,ssd Eoa Say
II 10 alse said that in the Institutes Of Menu trans
lated by Sir William Jones, the same account is
given Of the creation as that related by Moses,with
this important difference Menu defines what he
means by the word day, and says it means thou
sand years-that is, an indefinite period Of time.
And Il 10 less clear that the Sabbath, one Sc
venth Of time, has been set apart and ordained
symbolical Of mans advent into the world, and
Commemorative Of the completion of great earth
~ creation And even in this point OF view it is
worthy of being kept as day Of rest and thanks
giving. |
We will give an abstract of the Mosaic account, |
as eentrasted with the present geological view Of
the creation or formation Of this world, and leave
however, he will most carefully and considerately
read the first chapter Of Genesis, and judge for
himself /
BY this account, Time, began by the creation Of
the Heaven and Earth. -.
First day.--Ths Earth was dark and void. No