that the public works, so kindly fostered, and promoted by his predecessor in office, will be conducted towards maturity, and that new ones will be planned for the general advantage. A DISSERTATION ON GEOLOGY. superficial that view may be, we It is considered as an indisputable fact, by all true Geognists, that this globe was originally formed in a fluid; that the waters stood very high above its surface; and that the materials, of which its crust is composed, were held in chemical solution. Through some mysterious, and unknown power, the waters began to resign the treasures which they held: their beauteous crystals were precipitated, and the primitive rocks were formed. It is known to all philosophers, that any motion, communicated to water, cannot act far beneath the surface. It was therefore impossible, that any other than chemical formations could be produced, while the waters towered, in terrific grandeur, above the earth. But, when the fair face of nature was newly revealed; or, perhaps, when at an earlier period, her watery vail was about to be removed, me To magnify the glorious name of the Lord God Almighty, the Creator, the Ruler, and the Upholder of the Universe; to illustrate the grandeur of his designs, and the magnificence of his productions; to demonstrate the infallibility of his word, as well as the wonders of his arm; to reflect from creation's page, the commemorated truths of Revelation; and to strike the heart of the infidel, if not with conviction, at least with surprise; these are the genuine results of real Geology. But in order that He, the Alone, the Incomprehensible, may be glorified; in order that his grandeur may be evinced, his magnificence displayed, his power manifested, his wisdom illustrated, and his truth confirmed; in order that the infidel may be amazed at coincidences unlooked for, and that all may be harmony, and light, and splendour in the Lord; it is needful, that he who writes should possess at least a general knowledge of the sub-chanical agency commenced. At this ject. Then, may results be produced, congenial to the wishes of each devout heart. Then may the holy nuptials of Divinity and Science be duly solemnized. Then may Sacred and Philosophical Truth be united in the golden bonds of eternal concord, walk with undivided hearts through the boundless realms of nature, and chaunt one common song, to magnify one common Father! I have been led into the above reflections, by meditating on the nonsense which I have met with even in learned writers, when treating of the creation, and the deluge; especially the latter. It is really lamentable to perceive, what blunders are committed even by the most eminent scholars, when they enter these regions of philosophy, without a previous preparation. It is almost ludicrous to hear them maintaining absolute impossibilities, that the phænomena of nature may be made to harmonize with the Sacred Records. But when we have acquired a correct view of the structure of the earth; however period, the transition rocks were formed; deriving their origin partly from chemical precipitation, and partly by mechanical deposition. By the same method were the flatz rocks produced. It should however be remarked, that as the formations went on, the ratio of the mechanical deposition, to the chemical precipitation, was greatly increased. It is thus apparent, that the whole of the materials, which formed the crust of our globe, were originally held in water. Reader, I have not been unfolding the dogmata of men, whose professed object is to support the Scriptures. I have been detailing the doctrine of *Although this Essay has not been published until now, it was written at the latter end of the year 1817, and it has not been subjected to any alteration, nor received any addition, excepting two or three notes, since that of the same nature should have been published period. I mention this, because, if any Work within the last two years, and if it should contain any ideas or arguments similar to mine, I might be unjustly accused of borrowing from others. philosophers, who either know little, or care little, for the word of God. Is it not grateful, is it not consolatory to your heart to perceive, how completely they agree with the sacred records? It is the characteristic feature of the Wernerian Geognosy, that the earth was formed out of water, and by the agency of water." I will not assert, that Moses teaches both these facts, in the first chapter of Genesis; but he certainly announces to us the former. St. Peter, however, is clear and decided, upon both these points. In the third chapter of his second epistle, he has a most remarkable passage. It is ill translated in our common version; but in the original, it is pregnant with a sense inestimable. As the Greek Testament is a book, which may be met with in almost every house; and as I do not wish, that this little treatise should display aught of the parade of learning; I shall content myself with a simple reference. The Greek scholar who shall examine the original, will perceive, that the following is the real meaning. "The Heavens were of old; and the earth, being formed, (or constituted) out of water, and by means of water."+ We have here the precise doctrine of the Wernerian school. Werner not only taught, that the earth was brought to its present form by the agency of water; but also, that it was primarily made in the water, and afterwards emerged from it. Thus, in whichever sense you take the preposition out of, you will perceive, that the doctrine of the saint is confirmed by the system of the philosopher. And here, I would put a few ques tions to the infidel. Tell me, O thou that deniest the inspiration of the Bible; from whence did Peter derive this wondrous knowledge? How did he discover that the earth was formed in water, and by the agency of water?--You will not assert, that he learnt it from the heathen philosophers; you, who represent the Jews as utterly ignorant of science; and the Apostles, as the most illiterate of the Jews? Alas! what did this poor and lowly follower of Jesus know of the Greek philosophers?-If he even had looked into them, they would only have bewildered and confounded his untutored mind. Some of the heathen sages taught, that the universe was formed from water; others, that it owed its origin to fire; others, that it was made from air; and other opinions were propagated by other sages. Out of so many theories, how could Peter have known which to chuse? Did he select the true one by mere chance?-You will probably say, that he took it from Moses. And where did Moses get it? Will you tell me, that as he was skilled in all the learning of the Egyptians, he probably derived from them this knowledge? But how did the Egyptians come by it? You will not assert, that they possessed any real knowledge of Geology; much less will you maintain, that they were acquainted with all which is known at present. The conclusion is plainly this, Moses could have known it only by divine illumination; and Peter could have known it only from the writings of Moses, or from the same heavenly teaching.--We see then, that in the beginning of our philosophical career, Theology and Science walk hand in hand before us. May they never be separated from us, by Mr. Bakewell, in his elegant and ingenious work on Geology; and I believe, that it is + I am aware it may be objected, that I take for granted the truth of the Wernerian System; whereas several of the most distin-maintained by the illustrious Woollaston. Our guished Mineralogists, and Geologists, are argument, however, is not affected by these Huttonians, believing that the crust of our discrepancies of opinion. Whether one, or globe was brought to its present state, princi- both, or neither of the rival systems, be true, pally by fire. Such for instance, are Playfair, it is a certain fact, that there was once a period, and Sir James Hall. I answer, I am not only when this earth was entirely covered with aware of this, but I am also aware, that there water, and that afterwards it emerged from the are others who hold a middle course; believ-water; or, which is the same thing, that the ing that both systems are true in part, and that both fire and water had a considerable share in the production of the various strata. Mr. Lowry, whose profound knowledge of Mineralogy, has gained him almost as splendid a reputation, as the excellency of his engravings, is an advocate of this opinion. It is also held water receded from it. Now, the passage of St. Peter, which I have translated by means of water, may certainly be rendered in the midst of water; although the former version appears the best. Thus, in every case, the assertion of the Apostle, is confirmed by Geological facts. or from one another; but may they continually guide us, through paths of light to regions of immortality! I have thus pointed out one remarkable confirmation of Sacred Writ; namely, the fact, that this earth was formed by the agency of water. I now proceed to a second, which is more remarkable, because it is more complex: I mean, the order in which the vegetables, and the different kinds of animals, were created. We learn from Scripture, that vegetables were formed before fishes; fishes, before beasts; and beasts, before the human race. On the third day, vegetation commenced on the primordial mountains. Then the earth, fresh and blooming, as a newly wedded bride, was arrayed in its beauteous vesture of trees and plants. On the fifth day, the sea was peopled. Then, the fishes leaped into life, and knew the luxury of existence. On the sixth day, the earth was inhabited. Then, the land animals received their portion of life, and light, and happiness. Lastly, man was formed. The Son of God, communing in holy counsel with the Father and the Spirit, prepared the noblest work, for the highest purpose. Man was formed, that Jehovah might be glorified! Man was made, in the semblance of the Deity!-Such was the order of creation, if the words of Moses may be credited. Those who are wholly unacquainted with Geology, will be surprised on hearing, that we are in possession of documents, by which we can ascertain the truth, or the falsehood, of the above narration. For the benefit of such persons, I shall enter into a minute and circumstantial detail. The crust of our globe, is composed of a series of stupendous rocks, which are piled, or built one upon another. The most ancient of these, are denominated Primitive. They are fourteen in number. The next in order, are the Transition Rocks, which are five in number. To these succeed the Flætz, amounting to twelve. Next follow the Alluvial Rocks, and the number of these is seven. Professor Jameson, from whom I have taken the above list, as well as the following I believe, that Jameson's Work on Mineralogy, of which a new edition is now publishing, is considered by the best judges, to be the most admirable work extant, on that important subject. explanations, proceeds to enumerate the Volcanic Rocks; but it is not necessary to introduce them here. (To be continued.) Ascent of Messrs. Livingston and Sadler in a Balloon. ON Tuesday September 28th, 1819, the inhabitants of Liverpool, and its vicinity, were highly gratified with this of this balloon surpassed those of any splendid spectacle. The dimensions one hitherto constructed, its diameter measuring 32 feet, and its height 38. It contained 31,880 cubic feet of gas, and its power of ascension was equal to 1100 pounds. The weather was rather unfavourable in the morning, but the atmosphere put on a more inviting aspect as the day advanced, which the sun occasionally enlivened with his beams. At an early hour the people began to assemble; and for some time about noon, the principal streets poured forth their myriads towards the eminence whence the balloon was expected to ascend, and in that direction which the wind would compel it to take when it left the earth. An accurate estimate of the number of spectators, will scarcely come within the reach of conjecture. On this point several opinions have been given, varying from 80,000 to 130,000. The Balloon being inflated, the car attached, and every preparation made, Messrs. Livingston and Sadler took their seats, receiving the flags from the hands of the Countess of Sefton and Mrs. Blackburne. The signal-guns being fired, the Balloon was let loose about sixteen minutes past two, and, in majestic grandeur, mounted with rapidity into the air, amidst the shouts and congratulations of such a multitude as was never before convened in Liverpool. The aeronauts displayed above the spectators, the utmost intrepidity, waving their flags, moving their hats, and bowing with as much composure, as though their feet had rested the Balloon took was N. E. by E. on terra firma. The direction which twelve minutes, it seemed to sink beAfter remaining in sight about low the horizon, somewhat to the east of Everton; but shortly afterwards it reascended, and regularly took an eastwardly direction. Moving with considerable celerity, it speedily withdrew from the gaze of the spectators, dimi nishing in magnitude as its elevation | iron broke, in consequence of which and distance increased, till, gradually assuming a globular form, it became too diminutive for the organs of vision. The whole time, from its first ascent until it totally disappeared, was about thirty-five minutes. The Balloon continued to travel about three hours successively, without meeting with any accident, during which time it passed to the distance of nearly 150 miles, so that Messrs. Livingston and Sadler must have been conveyed at the astonishing rate of 50 miles an hour. About 25 minutes before four, passing near Chorley, they supposed their elevation to be about a mile and a half. A quarter before four, they were near Skipton, and in sight of the Humber. About five minutes past four, they thought their elevation to be four miles; the thermometer was then at six degrees, and the cold intense. About ten minutes before five, the sea appearing in sight, they prepared to descend; but unfortunately, in landing, their grappling | the car was dashed with violence against some rising ground, and Mr. Livingston much bruised. The Balloon, however, was secured about 5 minutes before five, nearly six miles from the sea, not far from Stockton-upon-Tees. COMMERCIAL RETROSPECT, OCTOBER 22d, 1819. THE Complaints of the stagnation of trade are universal, and the advices from the Russian capital to the pillars of Hercules, all concur in representing the present epoch as unequalled in commerce. Great Britain must consequently largely participate in the difficulties of the times; and the late official documents evince it, in a serious defalcation of the revenue. We are, however, inclined to believe, that many of the causes are of a temporary nature, and we look to the meeting of Parliament for the adoption of measures, which will give quiet to the manufacturing districts, and inspire confidence in the monied men to lay out their capitals. At present, purchases in most articles are made on a very small scale: to this may be traced the general paralysis in every branch, and the tendency which almost every article shews to decline. It is matter of consolation, however, that we have to face the winter with granaries well stocked, and the necessaries and even the luxuries of life at extremely low rates. Raw Sugars, which form the most prominent feature in our Imports, still partake of the languor noticed in our last, and inferior descriptions are fully 1s. to 2s. per cwt. lower. In Cottons, the returns of each week's sales have displayed succssively a trifling depression, and the sales for the past month do not exceed 17,820 bags. This place bids fair to be a great mart for Sheep's Wool of all descriptions; we always had large imports of common Wool from the Highlands of Scotland, but of late great quantities of Wool from South America, Spain, and Portugal, have found their way here, and offer to the manufacturer a decided advantage in many respects. The Market for Spirits exhibits unusual depression. The stocks of Rum are very plentiful, and a better supply of Cognac Brandy and Holland Geneva, has seldom been known. The imports of Russian Tallow are very abundant, and the prices have rather given way. Oils continue to decline. The imports of Palm Oil from Africa, are likely to continue on a large scale. The East Company's sale of Indigo, 7000 chests, commenced on the 19th inst. The prices of the lots already sold rule 3d. to 4d. higher than in the last March sale. Here, 19 chests of Madras Indigo were sold at 4s. to 4s. 4d. for Ordinary; 4s. 6d. to 4s. 10d. for Middling; and one lot at 6d. per lb. Dyewoods may be considered lower. Fruit.-One vessel has already arrived with new Fruit from Malaga. The season in the Mediterranean and Spain, has been exceedingly favourable; the crops have been abundant, and reported to be of fine quality. The quantity of old Fruit upon hand is considerable. Grain.-At the Corn Exchange, each market day, prices of every description evince a decided tendency to retrograde. The averages in each Gazette are lower, and it appears that the farmers are bringing their stocks very freely forward. In Irish Provisions very little variation can be observed, with the exception of Butters, whic have yielded 3s, to 4s. per cwt. Blanketing 191 pairs, 18104 Hats, 4159 doz.-Hose, 9449 doz. pairs. Cent Navy Annuities ..104 Bank Long Annuities.... Omnium Bank Stock ... ..3919 crates, &c. 550 cwts White Salt to Foreign Parts 9025 tons. Rock Salt to Foreign Parts Ireland .......... Consols for Acct........... 694 463 4023 3718 1819 chal. 2382 Liverpool Imports, from the 22d Sept. to the 21st October. Sugar, B. P. 3993 hhds. 593 tces. 132 brls. Cotton, West India, 1096 bales, 14 bags. Corn, Wheat, 24278: Barley, 371; Oats, 14978; Beans, 206; Malt, 3032; Peas, 59: Rye, 4 qrs. East India BRIMSTONE, ton, rough SHUMAC, cwt. Sicily HEMP, ton, 6 £. s. £. 8. ..24 0 a 24 10 s. d. s. d. .20 6 a 22 0 £. s. £. s. 49 0 Rum, 1181 punch. 36 hhds.-Wine, 47 hhds. 24 pipes, 1 butt, 16 aums. Geneva, 95 pipes. Tobacco, 1245 hhds. 1 bale. Rice, 273 casks. 918 bags. Flour, 10 brls.-Fustic, 143 tons. Nicaragua Wood, 20 tons. Quercitron Bark, 33 hhds. Turpentine, 1406 brls.-Tar, 567 brls. Tallow, 4513 casks.-Ashes, 1730 brls. Hemp, 385 bundles. Hides, 14084; 94 bundles. Iron Bars, 3886. Oak Bark, 145; Valonia, 75 tons. Ginger, 659 bags, 234 brls. Pepper, 11 bags.-Brimstone, 187 tons. Ireland. Butter, 28235 casks, 241 kegs.-Rapeseed, 108 bris. 559 bags, 4303 scks.6279 qrs.-Cows, 2744.-Heifers and Oxen, 242.-Sheep, 1438.-Pigs, 1206. (The above with Div. from October.) U. S. Bank Shares 100 FrankDitto at sight, 11: 17. Antwerp, Bourdeaux, 25 60. Ports closed against all kinds of Grain for home consumption. Course of Exchange, in London, October 19. 12: 3. Ex. M. Hamburg, 36: 4: 2 U. Altona, 36:32 U. effect. Barcelona, 36. Gibraltar, 30. Leghorn, 474. Genoa, 434. fort on the Main, 152. Ex. M. Madrid, 354. effect. Cadiz, 36. Venice, Italian Liv. 27. 30. Malta, 46. Naples, 381. Palermo, 116. Lisbon, 524. Oporto, 534. Rio Janeiro, 574. Dublin, 114. Amsterdam, 12: 0 C. F. Paris, 3 days' sight, 25: 60. PRINTED BY H. FISHER, LIVERPOOL, PRINTER IN ORDINARY TO HIS MAJESTY. |