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entirely filled with either calcareous, or argillaceous deposits; and during the ages which have elapsed since that frightful revolution, these deposits might have become hardened into rock, presenting the appearance of a bed, on which the granite had been more recently formed. We may also add that if any vast dislocations of the rude frame-work of the earth took place during the period of the deluge, which is more than probable, the overthrow and projection of a granite mass, or masses, on the bed of the ancient sea, would produce the same appearance at the present day; and we know that shell limestone constitutes many parts of the Scandinavian peninsula. Thus, extraneous causes were capable of producing this singular effect.

The pressure of such a tremendous mass of waters, as was occasioned by the rain of forty days and forty nights, prevailing fifteen cubits above the highest mountains, and continuing during a period of more than ten months, must necessarily have produced great effects on the surface of the earth. Other changes doubtless took place, from storms and earthquakes, and how know we to what extent? The art of printing, which carries down the remembrance of past events, is comparatively of recent date, and the writers of Greece and Rome, were rather occupied in narrating political occurrences, than in speaking of geologic changes. Throughout the greater part of Europe, men knew not then even how to write their names, and it was not till subjugated by the Romans, that the slightest trace of their history was preserved.

Let us also ever bear in mind that the science of geology is in its infancy, that it has not yet emerged from the dim twilight of past years, that man has penetrated but a little way into the strata of the earth. All that we really know respecting the creation of the world, and the era of the

flood is derived from the record which the Most High has given to his creatures. This must not be impugned at will. It is too sacred to be lightly canvassed. Where the discoveries of modern date, do not harmonize with the facts therein recorded, it becomes us to be silent, and to confess, that we know nothing. As well might man begin to argue that the sun had disappeared from his station in high heaven, when his orb is concealed by the clouds of a November day; as to seek to bend the words of the Most High to suit the ever shifting systems of human science.

PRESENT

CONDITION OF THE EARTH.

We have now to speak of the present condition of the earth, and to point out how well it is adapted to the beings for whose use it is especially designed.

This globe, on which we live, and move,-the school, in which we are trained up for immortality, the great theatre whereon each individual is made a spectacle to men and angels, is surrounded with air and light, and contains the three kingdoms of nature: the earth that forms the outer covering, the vegetable which adorns its surface, and the animal which is sustained by the vegetable.

Mountains and valleys beautifully diversify the scene. How delightful are the views, which we gain, of the subjacent valleys, the rivers,and far distant hills; and again, how pleasant it is to look up from the valleys to those surrounding mountains, which, as Theodoret elegantly remarks," contain something so august and stately, that thẹ mind is inspired with sublime thoughts in beholding them, and naturally rises from their contemplation, to that Almighty Being, by whom they are created, and sustained."

And as both hills and valleys, embellish the earth's

surface, so do they answer many important purposes in the economy of nature. The pure air of the elevated regions often renovates enfeebled constitutions, while those, who cannot bear the cold may find a shelter in the green and well screened valleys. Long mountain ranges also keep off the nipping blasts; they reflect the sunbeams, and promote the growth of innumerable plants, which could not thrive on an unvaried surface. Their sides are often covered with different kinds of plants and flowers, the seeds of which have been wafted thither by the wind, and find at different elevations a soil adapted to their growth. These plants serve partly for food and shelter to such animals, as are designed to occupy high windy places; partly for medicine, and partly for the support of man. Mountains and steep hills are framed for other important purposes; they curb the fury of great rivers, they often keep back the raging waves, and are placed like giants for the protection of earth's inhabitants.

High hills, too, are a refuge for the wild goats, and rocks for the conies; they serve as dwelling places, store houses, and citadels for innumerable creatures that could not find a resting place in the valleys, and would be hunted from the plains. The bounding ibex and the chamois, with their numerous relatives, are free to range on them at will; the larger kind of fowls resort to them, and birds that fly along the heavens. Beautiful butterflies are there; and gay-coated insects find in them both food and shelter.

Other necessary ends are answered by these long mountainous ridges, that run throughout the continents; they attract the vapours which in hot countries rise from off the surface of the earth, and which, becoming condensed into water, give rise to innumerable springs, and rivulets that flow down their sides. Such vapours too

as rest upon them, cause the grass to grow, and water abundantly the fields; they drop upon the pastures of the wilderness, and cause the valleys to laugh and sing.

We may also add that the subterraneous treasures of gold and silver, of brass, and stones, and iron, are more easily obtained from the mountains, than when buried under the level ground. Man may sink his shafts deep upon the plains, yet he can hardly extract the mineral, or fossil treasures, that lie beneath; but the way-marks to these treasures are often so obvious on mountain flanks, that the explorer finds it easy to obtain them.

Lastly, as I have just observed, we owe to those high mountains, both gently flowing streamlets, and deep rivers: the streams that flow down their sides often swell into noble rivers, and these bear onward their tributary waters to the ocean. Consequently those vast masses, the Alps, and the Antilles, the Pyrennees, and Andes, the Himmalayas, and the Cordilleras, forming some of the most splendid features in the creation, are admirably arranged, in order to dispense incalculable blessings throughout the habitable globe ;-blessings without which many animals could not exist, nor vegetables grow. And further, if the surface of the earth had presented one vast plain, the rivers, instead of rushing onwards in direct channels to the ocean, would most probably have formed extensive marshes. Thus is a threefold purpose effected by Divine Providence, in the mountainous arrangement of the globe. One is, that throughout the earth, with a few exceptions, each country should enjoy the inestimable blessing of water: another, that the surface of the earth, should be so arranged that the parts farthest from the sea, should be generally the highest, for the evident descent of rivers. This again is an admirable design; and is evidently intended for the

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