CHAPTER XVIII.

STATEMENT OF THE QUESTION AND EXPOSITION OF THE AUTHOR’S VIEW.

The General Principles of Geological Theory accepted by the Author --These Principles plainly import the extreme Antiquity of the Earth--Illustration from the Coal, the Chalk, and the Boulder Clay--This Conclusion not at Variance with the Inspired History of the Creation--Chronology of the Bible--Genealogies of Genesis--Date of the Creation not fixed by Moses--Progress of Opinion on this Point--Cardinal Wiseman, Father Peronne, Father Pianciani--Doctor Buckland, Doctor Chalmers, Doctor Pye Smith, Hugh Miller--Author’s View explained--Charge of Rashness and Irreverence answered--Admonitions of Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas, 280