Observation and historical research open another field of enjoyment. Language and location of places may become a passion in the mind. The study of causes in nature, at best but secondary, may hold the mind in a sweet revery of delight; but these are mere rills of comfort compared to an open sea, to the ability of reading and comprehending first causes, in the light of prophetic declarations.
We are thrilled in the presence of relics of ancient history. The sight of a mummy, known to be an ancient person of historic note thrills us with admiration and agreeable wonder, as in the case of Rameses II. Three thousand years seems a long time; yet it is easy to obtain almost any where a fossil, fish or shell, representing as many million of years. No where else are the “Footprints” of God so plain, measuring the long ages of time, as seen in the Bible.
The fact that you have not been accustomed to read on this subject is no reason why you should not begin at once, and experience the increased reverence for God, the captivating engagement of thought, and the exquisite enjoyment of soul, as a result. Do you still ask what practical benefit will this knowledge be to you? Let us rather ask what harm will come from a general impression that the cosmological utterances of the Bible are so tangled up in a network of scientific suppositions, as to cause even good men to drop them, as parts of God’s inspiration to man. Such results are already produced all over the land.
The Bible has been assailed on its cosmological sayings. Shall it be defended? If you are so fortunate as to be entrenched in the belief of the inspiration of the Scriptures, while you are unable to give a reason for the hope within, your friends may not be so fortunate. Your children, it may be, will return from school, intent upon showing you the discrepancies with the established teachings of science. If these things are, as they purport to be, given by inspiration of God, they can never be made to harmonize with an illogical and untruthful cosmology. How important, then, that we should have the right theory.
The disciples of Jesus were asked, “Have any of the rulers of the Jews believed on him?” Perhaps before you purchase you ask, Have any men of scientific notoriety endorsed these views? Of the many scores of good words given by editors, lawyers, doctors, ministers, teachers, and professors in colleges, I have room only for a few. Prof. David Swing of Chicago said: “The Neptunian theory of creation, as presented in Dr. Woodman’s book, is the most logical presentation of cosmology that I ever read. He writes in a calm and truthful style.” The late Prof. Norton of the Cal. State Normal said: “You have chosen an opportune time for the presentation of your book, for the theories of cosmology are on the eve of a mighty revolution, in which the water theory is likely to come to the front.” Prof. Reid, President of the State University, said: “The subject, as you present it, is wonderfully in accordance with what we see in Nature; and it is still more wonderful that you should find it so beautifully set forth in the Bible.” Prof. LeConte, of the same University, said: “Your theory is a wide departure from everything hitherto written upon the subject. I will say this of it; it accounts for more unexplained phenomena than any theory before presented. I will give you this item, which I know to be correct. The Magnolia tree in the Tertiary period, grew and blossomed as far as 80 degrees north.”
Numerous bodies of clergymen have endorsed the theory as a just and beautiful presentation of Scripture; many as the “only theory with which Moses’ Genesis of Creation can be reconciled.” The say-so of others may satisfy the indolent and careless, but to enjoy the subject you must read and digest these grand truths for yourself.
CHAPTER I.
Three Theories Reviewed in the Light Of Scientific Facts.
In the study of Nature, aided only by natural phenomena, effect, suggesting cause, is everywhere apparent. These effects variously compounded point with accuracy only to secondary causes. First causes are hidden far behind all existing appearances.
Unaided nature leaves man to seek first causes only by hypotheses. As might be expected, on the same subject scientists widely differ in theory. Such reasoning must ever leave a large margin for opinion.
Notwithstanding the uncertainty of all such modes of reasoning, still that hypothesis must ever possess the greatest weight, that best accords with the largest number of existing facts. Reasoning a priori, from the providing care of nature’s God, as seen in stores of coal, oil, iron, copper, and various kinds of precious metals, we might reasonably conclude that he who created the intellectual as well as the religious nature in man would carefully provide for the full gratification of both. Knowing God’s nature, reason would suggest that what is wanting in nature must somewhere be supplied by special revelation of God.