“If time from the commencement of the Silurian included 48 millions of years, which some geologists would pronounce much too low an estimate, the Paleozoic part [Silurian, Devonian, and Carboniferous], according to the above ratio, would comprise 36 millions, the Mesozoic [Reptilian] 9 millions, and the Cenozoic [Tertiary and Quaternary] 3 millions” (Text Book of Geology, p. 329).
When Geology was in its infancy scientists attempted to reconcile its teachings with the teachings of the Bible. No scientist worthy of the name attempts to reconcile them now.
Writing over thirty years ago, Carl Vogt thus records the triumph of Geology over Genesis:
“It is hardly twenty years since I learned from Agassiz: transitional strata, palaeozoic formations—kingdom of fishes; there are no reptiles in this period, and cannot be any, because it would be contrary to the plan of creation; secondary formations (Trias, Jura, chalk)—kingdom of reptiles; there are no mammals and cannot be any, for the same reason; tertiary strata—kingdom of mammals; there are no men and cannot be any; present creation—kingdom of man. What is become of this plan of creation, with its exclusiveness? Reptiles in the Devonian strata, reptiles in the coal, reptiles in the Dyas. Farewell, kingdom of fish! Mammals in the Jura, mammals in Purbeck chalk, which some reckon as the lowest chalk formation; good-by, kingdom of reptiles! Men in the highest tertiary strata, men in the diluvial forms—au revoir, kingdom of mammals!”
Geography.
“The world also shall be stable, that it be not moved” (1 Chron. xvi, 30).
“Who laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed forever” (Ps. civ, 5).
“For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them” (1 Sam. ii, 8).
“I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth” (Rev. vii, 1).