GEOLOGY AND GENESIS.

A correspondent (H. Mould) "has read in a certain author, that there were two distinct periods of creation, one when God created the heavens and the earth, and the other when he wrought wonderful operations, among which man was created." But He reads in Exodus xx. 11, "that 'in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that in them is,' which seems to mean that he created the whole universe in six days." Our correspondent wishes for "some light on this subject, and thinks it will interest others as well." Perhaps we cannot better occupy a little space in our "Biblical," than by a few remarks on this interesting question.

We much wish we could give some light" on the really difficult part of this subject, namely, the reconciliation of the account given of creation in the first chapter of Genesis, with the facts brought to light by Geologists. We certainly think that the natural, and therefore real solution is yet to be found. We are no way dismayed by the difficulty. We should like to see through it; but it would not shake our faith in revelation if we thought it never would be discovered; and that for reasons we shall soon state. We should, of course, feel no interest in endeavouring to adapt the account in Genesis to the almost ludicrous speculations of the author of the "Vestiges of Creation," or to other one-sided theories; these may be safely left to such real philosophers as Lyell, or Buckland, Murchison, and Hugh Miller, and many others. But undeniable facts are impossible to harmonize with the literal interpretation of the first chapter of Genesis, and perhaps cannot be harmonized easily with any interpretation we can now put upon that ancient record. No honest man who has read geological works, can doubt that the earth must have existed, and contained living creatures, thousands, perhaps millions of ages before man was created. He can doubt it no more than he does the great discoveries of modern Astronomy,-discoveries quite as much at seeming variance with the account of the creation of the heavens, as those of Geology are with that of the earth.

In regard to the reconciliation of the

texts referred to, it is clear that the 1st, or, at least, the 2nd verse of Genesis appears to describe a creation of the heaven and the earth introductory to the account of the six days' work which naturally begins with the creation of light in verse 3. If this be correct, and if, as is actually the case, the fuller, account in Genesis always stood before the, briefer reference to it in Exodus, it is reasonable to conclude, that the writer intended the briefer expressions to be interpreted by the fuller. It is possible, but to us does not appear natural, that Moses included all mentioned in the first three verses in the first day's creation. To us either view appears to do but little towards solving the main difficulty. There can be no doubt that the Jews understood it as literally a, creation of all things, at least, beginning with the light, in six ordinary days; and so; it was universally understood down to very modern times; and we must conclude, that, so it was meant to be understood by those, to whom it was addressed. But though it could be only understood of a literal six days by them, the enquiry arises, Was the language intended by the Omniscient Mind to be capable of adaptation to the facts of the case when the diligent enquiries of his creatures should bring them to light? Can He be thought to have meant something different to the natural interpretation of. them, which he veiled to early ages, or, rather, adapted to them, in enigmatical, or, so to say, infantine language? Many able and pious Geologists have answered this question in the affirmative. They think the language intentionally adapted to geological truth, although unfitted to teach that truth to those ignorant of it.

The two great facts of geology bearing upon this subject are, 1st. That the surface of the earth, what is often called its crust, the structure of which for several miles deep is known to us, has been in a state of ceaseless change for myriads of ages prior to the creation of man. Indeed, that' compared with the inconceivably vast duration of the earth, man is quite a recent creature, as well as the last made of creatures. 2ndly. That the strata composing the crust of the earth contain great numbers of the remains of animals, nearly all, except in the most modern strata, of extinct species; and

that there is, on the whole, a succession,molluscs and fishes first, then reptiles of frequently marvellous form and magnitude, then animals of the same general sort as those of the present time, though for the more part of quite different species, lastly man, of whom no, properly speaking, fossil remains are anywhere found. These general facts are, of course, quite inconsistent with the creation of the world in six literal days, though quite in harmony with the representation of successive creations of fish, birds, reptiles, and animals. Hence, many have thought that the six days might mean six great geological days, i.e., vast ages or periods of time. And Hugh Miller, in his last and very interesting little work," Footprints of the Creator," has argued (pp. 307-310) that the seventh day of God may be one vast period of cessation from creative works, lasting from the formation of man till the completion of redemption; and that thus there may be the same relation between the vast days of divine workmanship and the day of divine rest, as between the six working days of short-lived man, and the day of rest enjoined in the decalogue.

Another view is that suggested by the late lamented Dr. Pye Smith, a man

eminently qualified, both by geological and biblical knowledge, to give a valuable opinion, that the first chapter of Genesis, except the first verse, gives an account of the preparation of a part of the earth only for the habitation of man, and of man's creation; and he, with entire conclusiveness, shews that the language, which seems so general and universal, would be perfectly appropriate, under the circumstances, to the view which he advocates. This involves, however, some general principles of Scripture criticism, of such great import-> ance, yet of a kind so perfectly intelligible to unlearned readers, that we had better defer the statement of them to another number. They furnish the answer, as we conceive, to all the objections of this kind by which some would endeavour to weaken our faith in revelation. Meantime, though we think the particular interpretations advocated both by Mr. Miller and Dr. Smith: very doubtful, we yet earnestly recommend their works, that of Dr. Smith especially, on account of its valuable illustration of sound principles of interpretation, whatever may be thought of his attempt to reconcile Geology and Genesis.

THE YOUNG SOLDIER AND THE

NEW TESTAMENT.

In one of the most fearfully critical moments of our late political convulsions, two detachments of soldiers were seen preparing to storm a strong barricade, erected in one of the most populous districts of our city. The one division belonged to the national, the other to the so-called mobile guard. This last corps was composed of very juvenile soldiers, so that it was common to see in its ranks boys of fourteen and fifteen; who, nevertheless, were often the most daringly courageous of the band. On this occasion, the barricade was hotly contested, and deeds of desperate prowess were mutually performed by opponents, who, alas! ought to have regarded each other as members of one family! Repeatedly had the barricade been fiercely assailed, and as often successfully defended, when, at the moment of hottest conflict, two individuals rushed out from the ranks of their comrades, and,

heedless of the shower of balls with which they were greeted, succeeded in reaching the summit of the barricade; their com panions hurried to their support, and the object of contest was taken. But the last shot fired by the retreating enemy was commissioned to enter the breast of one of the bold leaders, who fell, mortally wounded, into the arms of his brother assailant (one of the garde mobile), whose boyish frame could scarcely sustain the weight of the more robust, but not more valiant national guardsman with whom he had fought, side by side, in emulative contest.

"I am dying," gasped the garde national, "I am dying; but-open my knapsackyou will find there a little book-it is a Testament;-take and read it, and pray God that you may do so with his blessing."

The wounded soldier expired, and the youthful survivor took possession of his legacy.

About a year subsequent to this event, a

pious man, traveling on business, entered an inn at a considerable distance from Paris. To his no small surprise, he observed in the chamber inhabited by the landlord, a New Testament, which bore evident marks of being diligently perused.

"What! you read the Bible!" exclaimed he to the host, in a tone of mingled pleasure and astonishment.

"Yes, Sir, and with great benefit," was the latter's reply."

"God be praised," rejoined the traveller, "it was not so in former days."

"Yes, God be praised," re-echoed the host, "for to him, in very truth, the praise belongs, as you will yourself acknowledge when I tell you how all this has been brought about." And he forthwith related as follows:

"One of my nephews, whom I had taken into my family after the death of his parents, early displayed such a vicious disposition, that I felt compelled, for my own peace of mind, to bind him, when thirteen years old, to a tradesman in Paris, whom I knew to be not only a conscientious, but strictly observant master, and on whose watchfulness and unrelaxing discipline I rested my last hope, for the rescue of my unhappy nephew from utter destruction. But I soon learned that Paul had contrived to outwit even him, and had made his escape from his house with such consummate address, that not the smallest trace of him could be discovered.

This intelligence naturally grieved me much, and I remained long in daily dread of learning his whereabouts through the police; for I had little doubt of his soon committing some act which would bring him into the hands of justice.

"It is now about six months since one day the Paris diligence stopped at my door, and to my no small amazement I saw my truant nephew step out of it. I could not help shuddering on recognising him, and hastily exclaimed, 'What is the meaning of this bold intrusion? After the manner you have behaved, how dare you come hither to bring disgrace on your family ?'

"Paul looked up in my face with a calm, though melancholy smile, and pointing to the uniform of the garde mobile, which he still wore, said modestly, 'Believe me, uncle, I have not disgraced the division of the army in which I have served, and can produce satisfactory testimonials to that effect. I am now on leave solely on account of bad health; and can assure you my character as

a soldier is not a bad one. As to my former conduct, no one can reflect upon it with greater detestation than I myself do.'

"All very fine 'talking,' interrupted T," with incredulous impatience; 'your illness is, doubtless, the result of intemperance; your pockets are empty, and so you find it mighty convenient to palm yourself on me until you can retrieve health and purse, when you will, doubtless, recommence a new score of misdeeds.'

"Paul hung down his head as I thus spoke, and then replied, in a low voice, that he had indeed feared I would be harder to convince than others had been; and yet, uncle,' he continued, I am indeed changed. This is neither the time nor the place to enter into details; but though it is true I now come to you seeking refuge and help, I well know it would be labour lost to try to purchase your benefits by hypocritical professions. All I now ask of you is to believe I am no longer the daring offender you once knew, and let time tell the rest.' 'So be it,' retorted I, not in the most friendly tone, and taking the poor boy by the arm, I led him into my house.

"From the very first hour, I could not conceal from myself that Paul was incontestably changed, and that essentially to his advantage. So far from rodomontading over his exploits, it was not without difficulty that I could draw from him any particulars of his military career; and yet my questions elicited many a trait of daring courage, while all was told with modest reserve, and an evident desire to extol his comrades above himself.

"But the evening was destined to surprise me most of all. I had put up a bed for him' in my own room, and before lying down, he asked my permission to say his evening prayers.

"Your evening prayer,' echoed I, with a loud laugh (for I was then a scorner of all religion-a regular heathen); 'the prayer of a garde mobile, or rather of a Parisian street jackanapes, commonly called · un enfant de Paris, must be something worth hearing, and so prithee, boy, make haste, and give us thy prayer to the best advantage.' I spoke bitterly, for I felt indignant at the part I supposed him to be acting; but Paul looked at me more in sorrow than in anger, as he replied, with deep earnestness, 'Do not, I entreat you, dear uncle, make a jest of this matter. There is no need for me to speak aloud when I