Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 54:214 (Apr 1897)
Article: The Cosmogony Of Genesis And Its Reconcilers
Author: Henry Morton

BSac 54:214 (Apr 1897) p. 264

The Cosmogony Of Genesis And Its Reconcilers

Pres. Henry Morton

When the famous Gladstone-Huxley controversy in the Nineteenth Century for 1885–86 had been closed and its results placed in the most satisfactory shape for the best interests of theology by the admirable paper of Henry Drummond in the same journal for February of 1886, it might have been supposed that the efforts of the Reconcilers of the Cosmogony of Genesis with the results of scientific investigation would have been intermitted, at least as to the questions thus far disposed of.

Recent as was this controversy, and great as was the attention which, by reason of the distinguished position of its participants, it attracted, it however seems already to be largely forgotten even by some of those who have been so attracted by this subject as to add themselves to the long list of the “Reconcilers.”

The same also appears to be true in reference to another almost cotemporaneous controversy on the same subject between the leading geologist of America, Professor Dana, and the leading Hebrew scholar of England, Canon Driver.

As the papers containing these controversies are scattered through numerous journals,1 and involve reference to a number of books not easily accessible to many, I have thought that an abstract of the literature of the subject

BSac 54:214 (Apr 1897) p. 265

would have some value and be of interest to readers of the Bibliotheca Sacra.

As I propose, moreover, to make this not a mere abstract of documents, but to introduce explanations and comments of my own, it will, I think, be well for me to place myself in touch with my possible readers, has a brief introductory expression of views on the general subject of the Reconcilers and their work.

In my opinion, this work, in past time, has been invaluable to the cause of religion, and those who have labored at it have been actuated by the highest and best motives, as well as possessed of distinguished capacities in their several lines. In view, however, of the advances in biblical science made during the last century, which are at the present time attaining general recognition and acceptance, these works of reconciliation are like the earthworks thrown up from time to time by an advancing army, which, notwithstanding the invaluable protection they have afforded, must be abandoned, because any attempt to continue their occupation would be inconsistent with a safe advance and with a successful prosecution of the campaign.

Until the beginning of the present century, and indeed in some quarters much later, ...