rt of shipbuilding
only 1600 years after the origin of man; while others are so
unreasonable as to inquire why the translation of Enoch is less an
"extravagance" than that of Xisuthros. It is more important, however, to
note that the Universality of the Deluge is recognised, not merely as
a part of the story, but as a necessary consequence of some of its
details. The latest exponent of Anglican orthodoxy, as we have seen,
insists upon the accuracy of the Pentateuchal history of the Flood in a
still more forcible manner. It is cited as one of those very narratives
to which the authority of the Founder of Christianity is pledged,
and upon the accuracy of which "the trustworthiness of our Lord Jesus
Christ" is staked, just as others have staked it upon the truth of the
histories of demoniac possession in the Gospels.

Now, when those who put their trust in scientific methods of
ascertaining the truth in the province of natural history find
themselves confronted and opposed, on their own ground, by
ecclesiastical pretensions to better knowledge, it is, undoubtedly, most
desirable for them to make sure that their conclusions, whatever they
may be, are well founded. And, if they put aside the unauthorised
interference with their business and relegate the Pentateuchal history
to the region of pure fiction, they are bound to assure themselves that
they do so because the plainest teachings of Nature (apart from all
doubtful speculations) are irreconcilable with the assertions which they
reject.

At the present time, it is difficult to persuade serious scientific
inquirers to occupy themselves, in any way, with the Noachian Deluge.
They look at you with a smile and a shrug, and say they have more
important matters to attend to than mere antiquarianism. But it was not
so in my youth. At that time, geologists and biologists could hardly
follow to the end any path of inquiry without finding the way blocked
by Noah and his ark, or by the first chapter of Genesis; and it was a
serious matter, in this country at any rate, for a man to be suspected
of doubting the literal truth of the Diluvial or any other Pentateuchal
history. The fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of the Geological
Club (in 1824) was, if I remember rightly, the last occasion on which
the late Sir Charles Lyell spoke to even so small a public as the
members of that body. Our veteran leader lighted up once more; and,
referring to the difficulties which beset his e