Volltext Seite (XML)
INTRODUCTION. my Reviewer in the British Critic, also, “ has always “ doubted the expediency of connecting the speculations “ of Science with the truths of Revealed Religion.” This curious principle, here conveyed in the form of a doubt, is one of the most extraordinary doctrines that could have been proposed to the intelligence of the existing generation of Christians; it is, therefore, of the utmost importance that it should be stripped of its character of a doubt, and that it should be rigorously examined in its tangible character of a positive proposition. It will then stand thus:—“ it is imprudent and inexpedient to en- “ deavour to connect the discoveries of natural science in “ Geology, with the statements of the Sacred Narrative “ relative to the formation and changes of the Earth.” Now, besides the unreasonableness immediately manifest on the face of this proposition, provided we admit that Narrative to be authentic and sacred, and do not mistrust its communications; every clear-sighted intellect that will only take the pains to look steadily upon it, and to trace it to its inevitable issue, must perceive; that, if it be ren dered absolute and universal, and without any considera tion of what those discoveries in natural science may have brought to light, it may eventually terminate in this pre posterous and absurd conclusion :—that “ it is imprudent “ and inexpedient to investigate the most direct and imme- “ diate proofs, that the God of Nature and the God of “ Scripture are One and the Same.” To trace that unity and identity, is the sole object in seeking the con nexion; and therefore, to inculcate, unconditionally, the imprudence and inexpediency of seeking it, is, in effect, to endeavour to frustrate or obstruct the most direct discern ment of that unity and identity.
