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mandates. This, only, has a law of right in
consonance with the nature and condition of
man, fitted to insure his happiness and safety,
and the comfort and well-being of the race.
This, only, can make him a religious being,
in the sense that his Creator meant that he
should be religious.
VICKSBURG, Miss.

DIFFICULTIES OF GEOLOGY.

BY THE EDITOR.

We do not venture dogmatically to controvert any of the positions of geology. It is a science of a very modern date; so modern, indeed, that its claims as a science may scarcely yet be considered established. There are many good and Christian men we wot of, enlisted in the ranks of its votaries, extravagant and even antiscriptural as some of its conclusions may be regarded by others, who are not so enlisted. We profess not to be adepts in the study of the science. We are of the number of those who have lived more upon the surface of the earth than beneath it.

remove, with how much satisfaction to themselves or others we will not undertake to say, there is one difficulty which we beg leave here to point out, which we have not, as yet, seen even an attempt to remove. The theory now most commonly adopted by them, is that which supposes that the term, beginning, as it occurs in the first verse and first chapter of Genesis, where it is said "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," &c., means an indefinitely long period, not included in the six days, and which elapsed before the six days' work begun. In the beginning, they suppose God brought into existence the material, or created the matter of which the universe is composed. But this matter, according to them, for myriads of ages, existed in a chaotic state, without any order, and that darkness was upon the face of the deep. The work of God, wherein he educed the present order of the world from that primitive chaos, was the six days' work which Moses gives an account of. That work began when God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." Ask any Christian geologist what was the work of the first

Geologists may be right in the new and day, and he will cite you to Genesis i. 3, 5, startling theories which they have propound-inclusive, and read as follows: "And God

ed respecting the creation. But, as it strikes said, let there be light; and there was light. our mind, it will be an exceedingly difficult | And God saw the light, that it was good; and task to reconcile them with the Mosaic account of the creation.

God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." This portion of Genesis records the first day's work, according to the theory, now generally adopted, we believe, by Christian geologists.

We readily admit the facts of geology. But, in regard to the theories based upon them, we must say, that we hold our judgment in suspense. While we do not, in an unqualified manner, reject them, yet neither can we give them our hearty assent, at least till we Hugh Miller, a Christian and a geologist, shall be apprised of the existence of some has labored as earnestly as, perhaps, any other more plausible method of harmonizing them writer to remove from geology the charge of with the teachings of Moses, than we have an infidel tendency. And yet he gives us miyet seen. Indeed, it would be entirely un-nute descriptions of ichthyolites, as, for examreasonable to ask us to adopt any of their con-ple, the asterolepis of the old red sand stone, clusions, while they are so widely at variance that had eyes—and that, according to his among themselves. We are aware that there is a class of Christian geologists, who have 'made most earnest attempts to harmonize their views with the Bible. If they shall succeed in these attempts, we shall heartily rejoice; but if they should fail in the end, it would be worse for Christianity than if they had never made the attempt.

Passing by other difficulties which have been suggested as lying in the way of geologists, and which they may have attempted to

own representation, must have existed millons of ages ago, thus presupposing that light existed millions of ages before the period when God said, "Let there be light."

We believe that all geologists, in speaking of the various organisms discovered by them, represent them as having eyes. And we might naturally expect this on the part of those who profess to be infidels. But what consistency is there in one who professes to believe Moses' account of the six day?

and yet tells of fish, or other animals, that existed millions of ages ago, having the organ of sight, when, as yet, no light had been created? The organ of hearing would be just as useful an organ, if there were no such thing as sound or voice, as the organ of seeing in the total absence of light. As every sense must have its proper element, the existence of the eye, an instrument to see with, presupposes the existence of light. Therefore, according to their theories, light existed millions of ages ago. And yet they profess to believe Moses, according to whom light was created on the first of the six days, not quite six thousand years ago.

This is not an imaginary difficulty. It is real; and we expect that we shall wait in vain to see the solution of it. We are not of those who, in our adherence to the Biblestand, would make war on any true and legitimate science; but we cannot surrender our belief in what we believe to be the teachings of Unerring Wisdom, at the bidding of a science so new and unsettled as geology. Its devotees are constantly shifting their ground, and it is impossible to foresee what positions they will occupy fifty or a hundred years hence. It is said that M. Gorini, Professor of Natural History in the University of Lodi, made recently, before a large circle of friends, a remarkable experiment, illustrative of his theory as to the formation of mountains. The London Times says:

to the superincumbent weight of water, and the admixture probably of other substances, producing a certain chemical action, the water at the bottom of the ocean is continually changing into solid rock. If this be so, all the appearances of the "old red sandstone," as well as other geological fields, are satisfactorily accounted for, without the supposition of a pre-Adamite earth.

But, after all, even if geologists could remove all these objections and difficulties, we have a way, even better than their own, and in perfect keeping with Moses' account of the creation, for the purpose of solving the geological phenomena which they discover in the crust of the earth. We may give our own views on the subject more fully, in a future number; but we say to all those who hold to the Bible - Stand fast to your creed. It is the only sure pou sto. The opponents of the Bible are never weary in their efforts to shake the confidence of the Christian in this book. Very recently we saw a statement to the effect, that there is a tree in Africa nine thousand years old. We doubt not the statement was spawned from some infidel brain; for it is without a name, and therefore wholly unauthenticated. But there may be some silly enough to believe it, and the object of its author will be answered. There is, in the human heart, a fondness for novelty. And there are some who puzzle their brains to dis"He melts some sub-cover novelties, with a view, perhaps, to gain stances, known only to himself, in a vessel, notoriety for themselves. and allows the liquid to cool. At first, it presents an even surface; but a portion continues to come up from beneath, and, gradually, elevations are formed, exactly corresponding in shape with those which are found on the earth. Even to the stratification, the resemblance is complete, and M. Gorini can produce, on a small scale, the phenomena of volcanoes and earthquakes. He contends, therefore, that the inequalities on the surface of the globe are the result of certain materials, first reduced by the application of heat to a liquid state, and then allowed gradually to consolidate." If the theory be correct, the lapse of a few centuries, not to say millions, or even thousands of ages, had been amply sufficient for all the formations caused by volcanic action, that appear on the surface of our globe.

Selected for The Casket.
COURTSHIP.

BY A. M.

LORRAIN.

THERE is scarcely any business on which there is a greater trial of real principles than that noticed at the head of this article. There is often, too, a sad loss of Christian character by those who are making matrimonial connections. The following story teaches a lesson :

A well-bred young man, apparently under much religious concern, united himself with a religious society. Although he had formerly been rather wayward and inconsistent in his life, yet, by his steady attendance on the means of grace, and the rapid improveWe may also state the fact, known perhaps ment which he seemed to make in his relito a few, that in some places, at least, owing gions course, he had gained largely on the

searching sermons which I have heard, have for some time disturbed my peace, and have determined me not to choose death. In view of my natural proneness to ruin, I had determined to marry none but a man who would help me to save my soul. I had flattered myself that you were such a character, but

affections of his class-mates; and some of the to marry you while the world stands. It is true, most pious and discerning had already begun | I am wild and irreligious; but the pious into regard him as a youth of some promise.structions of my parents, the religious opporIn the same neighborhood resided a comely tunities which I have had, the many heartand in many respects a very amiable girl. Heaven had, in mercy, granted her one of the greatest of all earthly blessings - -a pious parentage. But she was of an unusually volatile disposition, and fond of the world, its passions and amusements. Our young friend became acquainted with her, and finally made proposals of marriage. E-, acknow-thought it would be safe to try your steadledged that she was pleased with him; but fastness. When the proposal to leave your said, "there is one insuperable barrier to our class was first made, if you had rejected it union. You profess religion, and I have no with a manly and holy indignation, you would When you reason to doubt your sincerity. You see have received my hand at once. what a giddy, vain and heedless sinner I am. promised to consider the matter, I saw an inWhat domestic happiness do you suppose decision of character that made me tremble. will arise from our marriage? You, as a But, even after so many days' deliberation, if man of God, would feel it to be your duty to you had returned and said that you loved erect a family altar: I am illy qualified to Zion above your chief joy-above every participate in holy exercises. You would earthly friend- then I could have confided love to see every thing clothed in the sombre my life in your hands: but the die is cast. aspect of Christianity; I might love to be You will please never mention it again, forwith the fashionable and gay. Consider the ever." great gulf that lies between us. It is true, it is not impassable. But I am not prepared to come over to you at present. It remains for you to consider whether you can forego your religious associations to accommodate me."

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We hope the reader will never realize the The church anguish of the rejected suitor. avoided him as an insincere and dangerous character. The world, more cruel, reserved him as a standing target of ridicule. Some think that a compromising course in religion is most likely to win over their friends. Hence, they relax their fervor in the service of their Creator. They have even admitted the propriety of things which were doubtful, and shaped their profession too much in conformity with the views of the world. This, we will admit, has often warded off persecution, and has sometimes restored peace; but it was a false peace-a peace that impoverishes piety, enervates the soul, and is always bought at the expense of the cross and kingdom of Christ. We doubt whether this vacillating policy has ever saved a soul;

with a sorrowful countenance and heavy sigh, observed, that he would consider the matter. A few days after, in a heartless and reluctant manner, he requested the leader to have his name erased from the class-book, when the preacher came round. The leader, supposing he was laboring under some cruel temptation of the enemy, urged him to confide in his integrity, and unbosom all his sorrows. The more solicitous the leader was to dissuade him from his purpose, the more earnestly he pressed his suit. The preacher, judging, from the vehemency of his manner, that all was not right, and that it might be more creditable to the church to let him go, granted his request. It was not long before he renewed his suit with E-. She observed, "You are aware of the only difficulty that lies in the way." Before she finished the sentence, he said with a smile, “O, that is removed my name is taken from the book-I am no longer a church member." it is like a fountain on the mountain's sum

The young lady fell back in her chair. A deadly paleness overspread her face, and with quivering lips she said, "I will never consent

whereas steadfastness and decision of faith

have, and will.

For The Casket.
NEED OF EARLY TRAINING.

WHEN human disposition begins its career,

mit. It has not yet overflowed its tiny basin, but it tries on all sides to break through its little strand. Its course is so uncertain, how

ever, that we cannot tell which way it will flow. How easy, then, to direct it down this side in virtue's channel, or down that into destruction's gulf. At first, it is like a little streamlet, with scarcely a tributary dripping; but it seeks for a lower level. Yet it is so feeble and easily led, that you may guide it at pleasure. But soon it will receive supplies: then it will, if neglected, descend first the slope of imprudence; then the ledge of error; and in the end, perhaps, leap the precipice of sin into the gulf of perdition. Just in proportion as disposition goes down the steep of depravity, its tributaries become more numerous and large; until it strengthens its influence, so that the little teachable streamlet of early inclination becomes the Niagara of stubborn determination. Then, who can control it?

What a responsibility rests on parents and guardians. How important is early education! What an influence may a mother acquire!

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OUR mother had taken infinite pains to assure us of one great truth- omnipresence of an omniscient God; and this I never could shake off. It influenced us both in a powerful manner, so that if either committed a fault, we never rested until, through mutual exhortation, on the ground that God certainly knew it, and would be angry if we added deceit to another error. We then went, hand in hand, to our mother; and the one who stood clear of the offence acknowledged it in the name of the transgressor, while both asked pardon.

Never did children more abhor a lie; we spurned at its meanness, while trembling at its guilt; and nothing bound us so closely together as the discoveries we made of laxity among other children in this respect.

strong, or any punishment too severe, to overcome this vice. Once, I remember having been led into a lie by a servant girl, for whose benefit it was told. Suspicion instantly arose from my embarrassment of manner - a strict investigation commenced - the girl told me to face it out, for that nobody else knew of it, and she would not flinch. But my terrors of conscience were insupportable: I could ill bear my father's steady eye fixed on mine, still less the anxious, wandering, incredulous expression of my brother's innocent face, who could not for a moment fancy me guilty. I confessed at once; and, with a heavy sigh, my father took me to another room, and said -"Child, it will pain me much more to punish you thus, than any blows I can inflict will pain you, but I must do it. You have told a lie; a dreadful sin; a base, mean, cowardly action. If I let you grow up a liar, you will reproach me for it one day; If I now spare the rod, I should hate the child." I took the punishment in a most extraordinary spirit; I wished every stroke had been a stab; I wept because the pain was not great enough; and I loved my father better than I ever did before. I thanked him, and I thank him still. Yet, of all the things that sunk deepest into my very soul, were the cries of my little brother, pleading with his soft voice—“Oh, papa, don't whip Charlotte! Oh, forgive poor Charlotte."

It is sweet to know we have a brother, inin vain, for the offending child; a father deed, who always pleads, and never pleads whose chastisements are not withheld, but administered in tender love—judgment being his strange work, and mercy that wherein he delights, and the peaceable fruits of righteous

ness the end of his corrections.

For The Casket.

A BLESSING ON THE PARTY.

BY E. R.

AGAIN was M- preparing for the amusement of the party. As she stood at the glass, I look back with great thankfulness on the she hastily turned round and said to memercy that so far instructed me; an habitual" Why what makes you look so sad? What regard for truth has carried me through many is the matter? Come, don't be sad any more."

a trial, and, as a means, guarded me from many a snare. It cannot be too early or too strongly inculcated; nor should any effort be considered too great, any reprobation too

As I bade her good night, I whispered

"Can you ask God's blessing on the dance, M-?" She gave me a quick, earnest look, and hurried on. At an earlier hour than

usual, I heard M-'s voice at the door. 1 5. That the body and blood of Christ are given to every one who receives the Sacramental bread and wine.

room.

was in my chamber; and when I went down to meet her, I found she had retired to her I followed her thither, wishing to see her a few moments before I slept. She supposed all the family had retired, and her door was unlocked. I entered, and found her on her knees her hands raised, and her streaming eyes lifted to heaven. Her language was "Hear my prayer, O Lord, I beseech thee, and let my cry come before thee."

I returned to her room in about half an hour, and welcomed her home. "Yes," said she, "I have got home. In that bewildered ball-room, I danced with the merriest and laughed with the loudest, but there was an arrow here—and she laid her hand on her breast. 'God's blessing on the dance!' These words rang in my ears at every turn. I rejoice that they still ring there. O, if God will forgive the past-if he will yet receive me—I will turn my back upon all this gilded folly, and lay upon his altar what I once promised to lay there-my whole heart. We knelt together, and asked God to strengthen the resolution now made in his name. I trust our prayers have been heard; for among those who keep near the Lord, walking in his ways, few are more humble and consistent and devoted than the once gay and thoughtless M--.

WHAT IS PUSEYISM?

MR. DENNISON, in his pamphlet, says that he understands the following to be the principal Tractarian doctrines:

1. That man is "made a member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven," in and by holy baptism.

2. That man "made a member of Christ, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven,” in and by holy baptism, is renewed from time to time in holy communion.

3. That "death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness," is given to every adult, and every infant, in and by the outward visible sign or form in baptism, "water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

4. That the gift may be received, in the case of adults, worthily or unworthily, but that it is always received.

6. That the gift may be received worthily or unworthily, but that it is always received. There is no mistaking the meaning of this. It is clear and explicit; but wherein does it differ from Romanism?

OUR COUNTRY.

IN 1792, the corner-stone of the present capitol at Washington was laid. At that time, General Washington, in whose honor the new seat of government was named, officiated. Fifty-eight years afterwards-viz : on the fourth day of July, 1851- the cornerstone of an extension of the buildings was laid, and the Secretary of State made an address, in the course of which he presented a sketch of the comparative condition of our country at the two periods :

Then, we had fifteen States; now, we have thirty-one.

Then, our whole population was three millions; now, it is twenty-three.

Then, Boston had 18,000 people; now, it has 137,000.

Philadelphia had 42,000; now, it has 409,

000. New York had 33,000; now, it has 515,000. Then, our imports were $26,000,000; now, they are $178,000,000.

Then, our exports were $26,000,000; now, they are $151,000,000.

The area of our territory was then 800,000 square miles; it is now 3,300,000.

Then, we had no railroads; now, we have 8,500 miles of railroad.

Then, we had no telegraph; now, we have 42,000 miles of it.

Then, we had 200 post offices; now, we have 21,000.

Our revenue from postage then was $100,000; now, it is $5,000,000.

These are only a few facts, to show the rapid growth of the country; and what we and our children have to do to secure the continuance of its prosperity, is to love, fear and obey the God of our fathers; to avoid intemperance, pride, contention and greediness of gain, and cherish in all our hearts a true patriotism, and a just sense of our obligation to those that shall come after us.

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