Genesis And Geology Hand In Hand.

which , with tho verses 2-7 and 28 , might be saicl to be an enlarged description of Genesis 1 , 2 . But tlie words also occur separately . The word Tholm or Tohlioo occurs nineteen times in the Hebrew Scriptures , including the above . The most remarkable passages by which we can learn its meaning are the seven following , where the words in italics are its translations :

1 . —Dent ., xxxii . j 10 . And in the waste howling wilderness . 2 . —Job vi ., 18 . They go to nothing and perish . 3 . — -Job xii .. 24 . Causeth them to wander in a

wilderness . 4 . — Job xxvi ., 7 . Out the north over the empty place . 5 . —Isaiah , xxix ., 21 . Turn aside the just , for a thing of nought . G . —Isaiah xli ., 19 . Seek ye me in vain . 7 . —Isaiah fix ., 4 . They trust in vanity . The word Tholm or Bohhoo , occurs only once besides the above .

1 , —Isaiah , xxxiv , 11 . The stones of emptiness . These passages , therefore , give us ample authority to understand the term as a state into which the subject has changed , perhaps fallen , and not the original nature of the subject itself . On the whole , therefore , there is no evidence whatsoever to be deduced either from the

teachings of Revelation , or the lessons of nature , that the earth has ever been in a state corresponding to the common idea of a chaos . On the other hand , there is strong proof that there never was any disorder , ruin , or confusion , because there is as full evidence that the present laws of nature were

never suspended , but rather that they were always in operation as they are at present . They may have varied in their strength , or they may have proved that the higher organic laws were not then exercised , because there was no higher organic nature to work in or with .

But this must be evident that no suspensions of present existing laws ever happened , for even great changes often prove the regular continuance ofthe same laws . Certainly this is clear and sure , that tlie action , or inaction , or counteraction of any of the laws of , God never allowed the elements to nrins'le into a chaotic mixed confusion of wild

antagonistic irregularity , a mass without order , or materials without design , but only " without form and void . " It would be a spiritual blessing if the religion derived from the Bible was purified ofthe corrupted idea of a chaos , alike untrue , as also dishonourable

to the High and Holy Creator , who is resplendent in the perfection , order , beauty , and harmony of His works . Therefore , Genesis and Geology practically agree , in spite of bad philosophy and mistaken theology , to exclude chaos from the works of God . But this idea of emptiness reminds one of the " empty , swept , and garnished" state of that hu-

Genesis And Geology Hand In Hand.

man soul which may have felt that the evil spirit of false religion has left , but who prepares for worse by not being willing that God should recreate his nature afresh , and renew it by His holy spirit , and fully occupy it by Him who is the word of God , and in whom would be secured his life and

all good , and without whom nothing good could be granted . He being left " empty" by the evil spirit of unbelief , but also void of living and earnest truth , is " swept" by the civilising impressions of religion and " garnished" by the formalities of hypocracy ,

till the utter want of real faith and purifying spirituality has prepared him to receive again , and this time willingly , the former spirit of evil doubt , and his rationalistic soul-destroying companions . The next paper will be upon Light in connection with the Darkness , Genesis , 1 , 2 .

The Pen-And-Ink Sketches Of One Fang.

THE PEN-AND-INK SKETCHES OF ONE FANG .

( Continued from page 371 . ) No . 5 .

THE WHEEL OF VOTIVE STREAMERS TO THE GOLDEN GOD ( KIN KANG ) .

LOOK not mournfully into the past—it cannot return ; wisely improve the present—it is thine ; go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear , and with a manly heart .