27. Section of a Coal Mine near Lyons, showing an ancient forest enveloped in Sandstone, 194 28. Bird’s-eye View of Santorin during the volcanic eruption of 1866, 255 LIST OF TABLES. Table of Stratified Rocks Chronologically arranged, 211 Table of Geological Formations, showing the first appearance on the Earth of the various forms of Animal Life, 226 Table exhibiting the Genealogies of Genesis according to the various Readings of the three most ancient Versions, the Hebrew, the Samaritan, and the Septuagint, 291 Table representing a possible Adjustment of the Mosaic Days with the Periods of Geology, 251 [Illustration] GEOLOGY AND REVELATION. _INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER._ _Scope of the work explained--Geology looked on with suspicion by Christians--Hailed with triumph by Unbelievers--No contradiction possible between the works of Nature and the Word of God--Author not jealous of progress in Geological Discoveries--Points of contact between Geology and Revelation--The question stated--The answer--Division of the work._ Among the various pursuits that engage the human mind, there are few so attractive as Geology, none so important as Revelation. Each of these two studies has an interest peculiar to itself. The one is chiefly concerned about the world in which we are living: the other about the world to which we are hastening. Geology leads us down into the depths of the Earth, and there, unfolding to our view a long series of strange unwritten records impressed on lasting monuments by the hand of Nature, it proceeds to trace back the history of our Globe through myriads of ages into the distant past. Revelation, on the other hand, comes to us from above; and setting forth the far more wonderful records of God’s dealings with man, holds out the hope of another world “everlasting in the heavens”[10] which shall still remain when this earth and all the works that are therein shall have melted away with fervent heat.[11] But, it may be asked, why should two such incongruous topics be set down for discussion side by side? To answer this question is to explain the scope and design of the present work. We are not going to write a Manual of Geology; nor yet a Treatise on Revelation. Taken separately, these two subjects have been handled with eminent skill and ability; the one by the votaries of Science, the other by the friends of Theology. It is our purpose to consider them not so much in themselves as in their mutual relations: to compare the conclusions of Geology with the truths of Revelation; and to inquire if it be possible to accept the one and yet not to abandon the other.