Considered as a mere question of physics, (and keeping all moral considerations entirely out of sight,) the appearance of man is a geological phenomenon of vast importance
ADAM SEDGWICKRelated Topics
Anand Thakur
Considered as a mere question of physics, (and keeping all moral considerations entirely out of sight,) the appearance of man is a geological phenomenon of vast importance
ADAM SEDGWICKIndirectly modifying the whole surface of the earth, breaking in upon any supposition of zoological continuity, and utterly unaccounted for by what we have any right to call the laws of nature.
ADAM SEDGWICKThe sober facts of geology shuffled, so as to play a rogue’s game; phrenology (that sinkhole of human folly and prating coxcombry); spontaneous generation; transmutation of species; and I know not what; all to be swallowed, without tasting and trying
ADAM SEDGWICKYet Mr. Lyell will admit no greater paroxysms than we ourselves have witnessed-no periods of feverish spasmodic energy, during which the very framework of nature has been convulsed and torn asunder.
ADAM SEDGWICKOr holds them of no account in the estimate of his origin and place in the created world.
ADAM SEDGWICKAnd why is this done? For no other reason, I am sure, except to make us independent of a Creator.
ADAM SEDGWICKThe utmost movements that he allows are a slight quivering of her muscular integuments.
ADAM SEDGWICKAs a system of philosophy it is not like the Tower of Babel, so daring its high aim as to seek a shelter against God’s anger; but it is like a pyramid poised on its apex.
ADAM SEDGWICKAnd their many causes still acting on the surface of our globe with undiminished power, which are changing, and will continue to change it, as long as it shall last.
ADAM SEDGWICKWe must in imagination sweep off the drifted matter that clogs the surface of the ground;
ADAM SEDGWICKOur book becomes more clear, and nature seems to speak to us in language so like our own, that we easily comprehend it.
ADAM SEDGWICKBut just as we begin to enter on the history of physical changes going on before our eyes, and in which we ourselves bear a part,
ADAM SEDGWICKThe powers of nature are never in repose; her work never stands still.
ADAM SEDGWICKIt has been modified by many great revolutions, brought about by an inner mechanism of which we very imperfectly comprehend the movements; but of which we gain a glimpse by studying their effects:
ADAM SEDGWICKOur chronicle seems to fail us-a leaf has been torn out from nature’s record, and the succession of events is almost hidden from our eyes.
ADAM SEDGWICKwe must suppose all the covering of moss and heath and wood to be torn away from the sides of the mountains, and the green mantle that lies near their feet to be lifted up;
ADAM SEDGWICK