ledge that the whole animal creation is formed for an immense variety of beneficent purposes, partly no doubt unknown to us, but in a very great measure manifest by the clearest and most beautiful proofs.

2. The Mosaic narrative is, manifestly and undeniably as we have seen, so expressed in that style of condescension, and particularly in the manner suited to the men of primeval times. Yet, when read and understood, as all language is required to be, by the conversion of what is figurative and idiomatical into plain diction, it is a faithful description of the facts that did occur, and the method and order of their

occurrence.

:

I have now reached the point at which, from the beginning of these lectures, I have been aiming. I speak my own conviction, and I trust I have brought forwards sufficient evidence to support that conviction, that the alleged discrepance between the Holy Scriptures and the discoveries of scientific investigation, is not in reality, but in semblance only in particular, that the Scriptures, fairly interpreted, are not adverse to a belief in an immeasurably high antiquity of the earth; in the reference of the six days' work to a part only of the earth's surface; in the position of several centres of creation, distinct from each other, on the surface of the globe; in the reign of death over the inferior animals, from the earliest existence of organized earthly beings; and in a limited extent of the deluge which swept away the remnant of a self-destroying race, saving

grace in the eyes

one family, which "found Lord."

of the

I have not attempted to do this by affirming that the Scriptures teach the sciences; or that their language can be forced, by any grammatical or critical ingenuity, into a literal accordance with scientific truths but by adducing abundant evidence to shew that the AUTHOR of revelation spoke to mankind in such language as they were accustomed to use, such as they could most readily understand, and such as must ever remain the most affecting and impressive to the human heart.

Let it also be observed, that the principle of interpretation here brought forwards is entirely independent of facts in Natural History, or doctrines of Geology or any other branch of Natural Science. If those facts be denied and those doctrines disapproved, still this mode of understanding the figurative language of Scripture will not be affected; it stands upon its own evidence, and cannot, I conceive, be overthrown.

It follows then, as a universal truth, that the Bible, faithfully interpreted, erects no bar against the most free and extensive investigation, the most comprehensive and searching induction. Let but the investigation be sufficient, and the induction honest. Let observation take its farthest flight; let experiment penetrate into all the recesses of nature; let the veil of ages be lifted up from all that has been hitherto unknown, if such a course were possible ;-religion need not fear,

Christianity is secure, and true science will always pay homage to the Divine Creator and Sovereign, "of whom and through whom and to whom are all things; and unto whom be glory for ever."

LECTURE VIII.

ECCLESIASTES XII. 13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole [duty] of man.*

"THE whole of man:" instruction for his duty, direction in his difficulties, consolation in his sorrows, triumph in death, and the boundless bliss of knowledge and holiness to eternity. But the fear of God and the observance of his commandments are no servile and narrow habits of mind. The Scriptures abundantly shew that they comprehend, or by just deduction lead to, all that is true in knowledge and noble in feeling. "The High and Lofty One, who inhabiteth eternity," builds also his temple in "the contrite heart." He has made it our duty, and a part of the filial "fear" which we owe to him, that we should acquire all that we can of sound information concerning his perfections and his works. "He giveth to a man that is good in his sight, wisdom and knowledge and joy;" and it is laid down as one of the characters of the impious, that "they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands."+

It will not be unwelcome to the serious reader to have this passage laid before him in a close translation. “The finishing lesson, the total, let us hear; Revere God, and keep his commandments: for this [concerns] every one of mankind."

+ Eccl. ii. 26. Psa. xxviii. 5.

When the Committee of the Congregational Lecture did me the honour of the invitation to deliver the course of this year, I could not but feel grateful for the opportunity thus afforded, of making an attempt to rescue from misapprehension a branch of research into the works of God, which at the present time attracts the attention of men, beyond all former example; and of offering an humble contribution for advancing the influence of religion, as the rightful associate of all other knowledge.

It is incumbent on me to state that, beyond a general approbation of the subject, the Committee is not answerable for any thing that has been advanced. The sentiments and arguments which have been submitted to you, rest upon the responsibility of the lecturer alone.

There are some remaining subjects respecting which I am desirous of obtaining the approbation of my indulgent auditors; especially of the young persons, who are the delight of our families and the hope of our churches ;—“ for ye are our glory and joy."

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I. I congratulate you upon the increasing ATTENTION which is evidently paid to the objects of sensible SCIENCE. By the studies of Natural History, my young friends, you become acquainted with "the wondrous works of HIM that is excellent in knowledge;" and, by those of Natural Philosophy, you investigate the causes and results of the changes which you or others have observed in the objects noticed by your senses. This is a part, at