how far we are removed from the point, in which we should be able to make out any thing definitely of the past condition of the entire globe. This is rendered doubly difficult by the fact, that the formation of the mountains cannot be explained, from the manner in which the elements now act upon each other." The necessity," says the celebrated Cuvier*, "under which geologists saw themselves, to seek for causes different from those which we now see in operation, is the reason why they have adopted so many extraordinary hypotheses, and wandered and lost themselves in so many opposite directions." Cuvier proceeds to mention ironically some ten of the boldest of these hypotheses, and then says; "but how much difference and contradiction is there even among those geologists who have proceeded with more reserve, and who did not seek for their means (moyens) beyond the department of ordinary physics and chemistry." He then mentions six other hypotheses, and says, "I could mention twenty more, quite as distinct from each other as those which have been already named. Let me not be misunderstood. It is not my design to criticise their authors; on the contrary, I perceive that these ideas have belonged generally to men of genius and science, who have well understood facts, many of whom have travelled a long time with the design of testing them, and who have themselves furnished many and important facts for science." So Cuvier. And now these geologists, so totally disagreed among themselves, and, like Sisyphus, tasking themselves in vain, are, according to Bretschneider, to sit in judgment upon Moses ! With these declarations of Cuvier agree the views of all the greatest geologists. The celebrated Alexander Brogniart concludes the work already cited on the formation of mountains, with these words, "If any suppose themselves possessed of sufficient knowledge of geological phenomena, and are endued with so bold and penetrating a spirit as to be able, with the few materials which we possess, to set forth the manner in which our earth was created, we leave to them this splendid undertaking; as for ourselves, we feel that we are in possession neither of sufficient means nor strength, to erect so bold, and probably so perishable, a structure." Exactly in the same spirit does the distinguished Humboldt express him. self. "True geognosis," he says, "acquaints us with the external surface of the earth, as it now is; and is a science as certain as any science descriptive of natural phenomena can be. On the contrary, every thing relating to the former state of our planet, is as uncertain as the manner in which the atmosphere of the planets is formed. And yet it is not long since geologists employed themselves chiefly with these problems, the solution of which is almost impossible, and seemed to prefer to resort to these fabulous times in the physical history of the worldt.” When we read these humble acknowledgments of some of the greatest naturalists respecting their knowledge, or rather ignorance, of the former states of the earth, and especially of the history of the creation, we cannot forbear to wonder, that a theologian,-a layman in natural science-should rush on so boldly in the attempt to confute Moses by geology. Dr. Bretschneider knows neither what natural history has done, nor what it can do, if he supposes that in its present state it can give any certain disclosures respecting the history of the creation. Does it understand even the work of preservation,-the daily production of men, animals, and plants? The greatest zoologist of our times, Cuvier, confesses, "that the origination of organic being is the greatest mystery in the household of Nature, into which mortal spirit has never been able as yet to penetrate. We see only that which is already formed, never the first formation itself. * Discours sur les Revolutions de la Surface du Globe, p. 43-1828. The deepest investigations have never as yet unveiled the mystery of the origin of being*." If, then, the greatest naturalist must humbly confess, that what lies before his eyes, indeed his own origin, is the deepest mystery, ("who knows whence he came ?") shall we imagine ourselves capable of understanding how the heavens and the earth were formed in the beginning? Where wast thou, when I formed the earth? tell me, if thou art so wise." But some one may ask, (and a Christian divine ought to be the first one to ask such a question,) have there been no results from these diligent geological inquiries which agree with the Bible? Yes, we respond; exactly those geological facts, which are most certainly and indubitably established, agree with the Bible. It is by facts of this nature, that the flood is proved. Upon this geological certainty of a flood, Brogniart founds the two principal divisions in his book which has been already cited. The first comprises the present, as he calls it postdiluvian world; the second, the former, or antediluvian period. Buckland's excellent work, "Reliquiæ Diluvianæ," which obtained a prize from the Royal Society in London, follows, as its title implies, the Mosaic narrative of the flood, and in a most admirable manner places this great catastrophe before our minds by a multitude of observations made with great diligence, and combined together soberly, and without any unnatural force. We rejoice in these clear results of geology agreeing with the Bible. And no geological facts can be pointed out, which in themselves contradict the Biblet. An apparent contradiction can result only from immature hypotheses, built precipitantly upon premises wholly unable to support them. It was this precipitancy which gave birth to those innumerable geological systems of which Cuvier speaks, as we have seen. We must thoroughly understand the account of Moses, and also the mountains of the earth, before we shall be able to compare them with each other. But as Buckland well remarks," thorough geological investigations lead back to the Holy Scriptures, while superficial investigations lead from them." [To be continued.] IV.-A short Memoir of Mr. George Bryne, of Chinsurah. "It is a delightful employment to discover and trace the operations of Divine grace, as they are manifested in the dispositions and lives of God's real children. It is peculiarly gratifying to observe, how frequently among the humbler classes of mankind, the sunshine of mercy beams upon the heart, and bears witness to the image of Christ, which the Spirit of God has impressed thereupon. Among such, the sincerity and simplicity of the Cuvier's" Animal Kingdom." As, for example, the appearance of fossils. As the geologists now connect the Volcanic with the Neptunian theory, there is no possibility of fixing the epochs of formation with any tolerable degree of probability. One example may suffice to show this. Brogniart, in the work before cited, considers granite as a body sometimes projected, sometimes precipitated. Suppose a granite summit to project above a layer of clay, which encircles it. If it is regarded as precipitated, it is older than the layer of clay covering it, and cast upon it. If it is regarded as projected, it is more recent than the layer of clay which covers it, and through which it broke forth from beneath. The ambiguity and arbitrariness of the geological interpretation is clear. I mention this in reference to Dr. Bretschneider's "indefinite, but long epochs of formation." Christian character appear unencumbered by those obstacles to spirituality of mind and conversation, which too often prove a great hindrance to those who live in the higher ranks. Many are the difficulties which riches, worldly consequence, high connexions, and the luxurious refinements of polished society, throw in the way of religious profession. Happy indeed it is, (and some such happy instances exist,) where grace has so strikingly supported its conflict with natural pride, self-importance, the allurements of luxury, ease, and worldly opinion, that the noble and mighty appear adorned with genuine poverty of spirit, self-denial, humble-mindedness, and deep spirituality of heart." It is a pleasing consideration, that amidst the spiritual darkness which prevails even among those who bear the Christian name in this heathen land, God nevertheless has a people. "A little flock," it may truly be called, especially when compared to the multitudes of unbelievers; but blessed be God its number is gradually increasing, and those who look for it, are encouraged to hope that the vast moral wilderness of India, will at no very distant day exhibit one of the fairest portions of the garden of the Lord. The Mr. GEORGE BRYNE, the subject of the present brief notice, was an East-Indian by birth. Nothing particularly interesting is known of his earlier days. He was what is usually denominated a moral character, and was united in marriage to a seriously disposed female, which most probably had a beneficial influence upon him. He continued, however, a stranger to real spiritual piety, till nearly 50 years had rolled over his head. circumstances of his conversion remarkably displayed the free and sovereign way in which God exercises his prerogative of calling a sinner to himself. His first truly serious feeling arose from a simple remark of that pious and devoted man, the Rev. H. Townley, who was for some time stationed at Chinsurah. It was a custom with Mr. Bryne, to call often on the Missionaries about 5 o'clock in the evening, when he usually found them taking a cup of tea previously to going out for the purpose of preaching. One evening, seeing them about to depart, he said to Mr. T., "Well, Sir, I wish you may meet with success, and induce some natives to turn Christians." "Thank you," replied Mr. T. "I join in your wish, but I should like to have you become a true Christian, as a beginning." It pleased God to fix this remark as the word of conviction on his mind. It was 66 a nail fastened in a sure place," and from that time he studied, read, and prayed, till he became a Christian of no common growth and spirituality. The translation of sinners, "from the power of darkness, into the kingdom of God's dear Son," is the joy of Christians and the admiration of angels." Every penitent and pardoned soul is a new witness to the triumphs of the Redeemer over sin, death, and the grave. How great the change that is wrought! The child of wrath becomes a monument of grace, a brand plucked from the burning! "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.' How marvellous, how interesting, is the spiritual history of each individual believer! He is, like David, “a wonder unto many;" but the greatest wonder of all to himself. Others may doubt whether it be so, or not; but to him it is unequivocally proved, that, from first to last, grace alone reigns: in the work of his salvation. Such in a most powerful degree was the conviction of our departed brother's mind, and the 2 effect of this conviction was evident in all his conduct and conversation. Though his conversion occurred at a late period of life, it was not less remarkably distinguished for its transforming influence upon his mind, than for its production of those active fruits of faith which are more usually expected in younger individuals. Bright was the exhibition of the union between true Christian principle and Christian exertion. It seemed to be the first and abiding wish of his heart, even to the end, to prove to others. what God had proved to him, that Jesus is "the way, and the truth, and the life." He evinced the reality of his calling, justification, and adoption into the family of God, by showing a conformity to the image of Christ, and by walking "religiously. in good works." As his health had for years been in a very precarious states. and his temporal wants were supplied by a pension from Government, he devoted his time, which was entirely at his disposal, to "going about doing good." He might be seen at all times of the day, and at all seasons of the year, going, whenever. aware of an opportunity, to pray with and exhort the siek, to counsel and comfort the dying, to distribute tracts, to call assemblies for any good purpose, to instruct the children, and in various other ways to benefit the souls of men. In the house of God his place was never vacant, unless sickness detained him a prisoner, for it was his delight for his feet to stand within the gates of Jerusalem. At the family altar, and in the closet, he was a burning and a shining light;" nor will the effect of his prayers be fully developed, till the day when secret things shall be revealed. The illness which preceded his dissolution was long and trying. In the former part of it he merely considered it as one of his usual attacks; but all the means he had before found effectual for his relief, proved unavailing, and he gradually sunk into the grave. Months of suffering, painful days and weari some nights were appointed unto him, but "patience had its perfect work." The various ministers and religious friends who visited him, gave one united testimony, "Surely this is a child of God." As the ears of corn ripen for the harvest, they bow their heads nearer to the ground. So it is with believers they then see more than ever of their own imperfections, and often express their sense of it in strong language; yet they repose with a growing confidence on the love of God through Christ Jesus. The nearer they advance to their eternal rest, the more humble they become, but not the less useful in their sphere. They feel anxiously desirous of improving every talent they possess to the glory of God, knowing that the time is short. The truth of these remarks was daily exemplified, during the lingering illness of the subject of this memoir. He affectionately and faithfully exhorted the unconverted, and encouraged and advised his pious friends, who felt it a benefit to visit him. Thus he honored Christ in his life and death. His departure was gentle and peaceful, verifying the truth of the text, "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." Who can conceive or estimate the nature of that change which the soul of a believer must experience at the moment when, quitting its tabernacle of clay, it suddenly enters into the presence of God? If even while we "see through a glass darkly," the views of Divine love and wisdom are so delightful to the eye of faith, what must be the glorious vision of God, when seen face to face! If it be so valued a privilege here on earth to enjoy the communion of saints, and to take sweet counsel together with our fellow-travellers towards the heavenly kingdom, what shall we see and know when we finally come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant!" 66 If, during the sighs and tears of a mortal pilgrimage, the consolations of the Spirit are so precious, and the hope full of immortality is so animating to the soul, what heart can conceive, or what tongue utter its superior joys, when arrived at that state, where" sighing and sorrow flee away, and the tears shall be wiped from every eye!" Let such sweet and animating thoughts as these comfort her who now sits bereaved and desolate. The writer of this simple memorial cannot conclude, without affectionately entreating the attention of that respectable class |