THE fubftance of the following Work was published in two Letters in the French language towards the end of the year 1786. It has been fince revised, corrected, and confiderably enlarged. It was originally occafioned by a difference of opinion, relative to the caufes of the Formation and Structure of Mountains, between the Marquis de Montigny, much attached to the system of Mr. de Buffon, and the Author, whilst making together a tour through Switzerland. By minds ftrongly prejudiced in favour of their most celebrated writers, and already agitated by brooding philofophic theories of government, it could be little attended to. In it the English reader will be briefly acquainted with the outlines of thofe fcientific fyftems, which, keeping pace with numerous publications in every path of literature, were calcu lated lated to tear up in the public mind every remaining attachment to Christianity. Should he not approve of the explication here offered of the Mofaical account of the Creation and Deluge, he will at least perceive that those famous systems fo triumphantly fubftituted to it are not a little inconfiftent and fallacious. The author's ideas are not, as will be seen, unauthorized by men of high reputation; and if they should in this country of fober reasoning excite the attention of persons of greater abilities to this great fubject, his utmost wishes would be accomplished.. |