whether, in the absence of all proof, it is not quite as likely, that the volcanic cones of central France were formed subsequently to that era; nor whether there is not an antecedent probability, that the re-absorption of the waters into the heart of the earth, would generate volcanic action: neither do I contend, that all vallies of denudation, and banks of sand and gravel were the effect of that catastrophe: but following the guidance of the inspired historian, I find, that a great change was then effected, though not sufficient to alter altogether the features of the earth. The part of Asia, in which man was first created, was characterised by abundance of water, which was necessary to sustain its continual fertility, and which afterwards found its way to the sea by four different channels.' After the deluge, that tract of country disappeared; but still the rivers might be recognised by the general direction of their course. One of them was so well known in the time of Moses, that it was only necessary to mention the name of the Euphrates. If therefore the posture of the country at its source had not undergone some great alteration by means of the deluge, it would have been needless for him to seek to identify the other three by minute details; and indeed they would still be seen flowing from one common reservoir. Moses knew, that in his time, their springs were far separated from the spot where they rose before that event; and therefore he took some pains to describe the coun

1 Genesis, ii. 10—14.

2

tries through which they ran; countries, which were known well enough by those for whom he was writing, however obscure they may have become to us.' Since then it is evident, that the surface of the earth was considerably modified by the deluge, though not to the same extent as by former revolutions, it is to be lamented, that Mr. Lyell should have carried his theory of tranquillity to a degree which borders upon ridicule. "The olive branch," says he, "brought back by the dove, seems as clear an indication to us, that the vegetation was not destroyed, as it was then to Noah, that the dry land was about to re-appear. At least this argument appears to me a clear indication, that he has not examined the sacred narrative with the same attention and accuracy, as he has bestowed upon the strata of the earth. The dry land was not about to appear then for the first time seven weeks before, the tops of the mountains had been seen, and during all that period, the flood had been continually decreasing: and therefore, although it is undoubtedly said, that when the dove brought back, not a branch, but a leaf of the olive, which she had plucked, Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth, yet it is evident, that Moses was then speaking of the plains to which he wanted to descend: for it is a most important rule of interpretation, at least

:

1 Upon this subject see Faber's Origin of Pagan Idolatry. 2 Principles of Geology, iv. 148.

3 Genesis, viii. 11.

where the writer cannot be charged with absolute stolidity, that doubtful passages should be explained in such a way, as to make the narrative consistent with itself, and free from contradictions. Upon the same principle, when it is said, that the dove on her first flight could find no rest for the sole of her foot, we must necessarily understand it of that part only of the earth, where she went to seek for her accustomed food. The whole rise of the deluge occupied the space of 150 days, which, however, are divided into two distinct portions: first, "the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights," and "the flood was forty days upon the earth.” But then a more copious irruption of water from the fountains of the deep seems to have ensued, and the rain, perhaps after a pause, returned with renewed violence: for it was not finally restrained till the termination of the 150 days; and in the meantime, the waters increased greatly upon the earth, and prevailed exceedingly, and rose fifteen cubits above the tops of the mountains. May it not be conjectured, that during the first period the flood advanced more quietly, till all the lower levels were covered, because it was designed to protect the surface of the earth from that violent disturbance of its previous arrangements, which would have unfitted it for the habitation of man? Whatever might be the cause, neither of these periods escaped the observation of Noah: he seems to have calculated that 1 Genesis, vii. 12. 17. 2 Genesis, vii. 18-20. and viii. 2.

;

the retreating waters would occupy the same time, and observe the same periods as they did in their advance; and therefore, having watched for the expiration of the second period, which consisted of 110 days, he counted forty more before he ventured to make any experiment, from which he might learn the state of the earth.' A month before the commencement of the forty days, the tops of the mountains had been seen, and the mountains in this case must mean the lower ranges of hills for immediately after the first abatement of the flood, the ark had grounded on Mount Ararat.2 He had reason therefore to conclude, that by the end of that time, the lowlands also would be uncovered. The rivers, however, had not yet found their channels; the plains were still inundated; and the dove, that was first sent forth to explore the new world, returned to the ark, not because all the trees were buried under water, (for though many would be uprooted, some certainly would still be standing on the sides of the hills), but because they were still in a leafless state. The immense evaporation from the surface of the earth producing a degree of cold unfavourable to germination, she could find no spot on which it was possible to alight with any prospect of obtaining food. But after the lapse of another week, vegetation had recommenced; not however that sort of vegetation which the bird required; and so she returned to the ark, with a specimen of the first

1 Gen. viii. 5.

2 Gen. viii. 4.

The Greeks ex

green meat that she had seen. pressed a strong opinion of the vitality and power of revirescence in the olive, when in their usual vein of exaggeration, they reported, that the tree in the Acropolis of Athens, not only sprouted, but that the shoot was a cubit long, the day after it was burned by the Persians.' But even in this country the half-dead plants, which are imported, begin to grow again in the course of six weeks or two months.2 There is no reason therefore whatever to suppose, that the olive leaf brought by the dove, must have been miraculously preserved during a ten months' submersion under the waters of the flood. But further, even But further, even if every olive tree in Armenia had been uprooted and covered with diluvium, it is evident, that sufficient time had elapsed to allow of the germination of the seed on the rising grounds, although the plains were still lying under water. When therefore, upon such slender grounds, it is determined, in answer to those who insist upon its universality, that the Mosaic deluge must be considered a preternatural event, far beyond the reach of philosophical enquiry; not only as to the causes employed to produce it, but also as to the effects most likely to result from it ; that determination wears an aspect of scepticism, which, how much soever it may be unintentional in

3

1 Herodotus, viii. c. 55. It is remarkable, that a sea is mentioned as having been the companion of the olive on the Acropolis. 2 Miller's Gard. Dict., Olea.

3 Lyell's Principles of Geology, iv. 149.