Chapter XVIII

STATEMENT OF THE QUESTION AND EXPOSITION OF THE AUTHOR’S
VIEW.

The General Principles of Geological Theory accepted by the Author
--These Principles plainly import the extreme Antiquity
of the Earth--Illustration from the Coal, the Chalk, and the
Boulder Clay--This Conclusion not at Variance with the Inspired
History of the Creation--Chronology of the Bible--Genealogies
of Genesis--Date of the Creation not fixed by Moses--Progress
of Opinion on this Point--Cardinal Wiseman, Father
Peronne, Father Pianciani--Doctor Buckland, Doctor Chalmers,
Doctor Pye Smith, Hugh Miller--Author’s View explained--Charge
of Rashness and Irreverence answered--Admonitions
of Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas, 280