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they have not yet been assigned their true place in the realm of science. But in general, it may be said that the realm of science embraces the whole universe. But this universe is one, having one Author, and all its parts constituting one harmonious whole; and these parts, as represented in the various sciences, properly understood, perfectly harmonize with each other.

When Alexander's generals first saw the river Indus in the far east, they supposed it to be identical with the Nile, with which they were familiar in the west. This was in accordance with the well-known principle of the human mind to generalize all its knowledge. It was well enough, only they were a little hasty in their generalization. It is true the Nile and the Indus belong to the same system, as we may say, the facts connected with them being discussed by the same science. Does not this incident often find a parallel in the scientific speculations that have been recorded since the time of Alexander to the present day? How often is the gap between a meager premise and the conclusion as wide as that between the Indus and the Nile! - the interval being unexplored, and as unknown as was that which separated those ancient rivers. literature of the subject discussed in the present volume abounds in such cases.

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In order that the importance, drift, and application of these general remarks may be appreciated, a few specifications are called for.

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It has been said that all the sciences are parts of one whole, and consequently must harmonize together; that the facts of one science, rightly interpreted, can not conflict with those of another. This being the case, it follows that no one science has a right to decide a point, or regard a point as decided, — though it be clearly within her domain, — until she has obtained the concurrence of all

her sister sciences.

As illustrative of this principle, let us take one or two obvious cases.

Philology, according to some of her students, says the great diversity of languages proves that these languages could not have had a common origin, or that the great diversity in the languages spoken by mankind proves the plural origin of the human races; and with a parade of facts makes out a plausible argument. But here other sciences, as ethnology, mythology, physiology, and natural history in some of her departments, step in and claim a right to have a voice in the discussion. Ethnology and mythology prove, or render highly probable, e. g., the common origin of the Semitic nations with those called Indo-European, and the same with other peoples speaking diverse languages, affording strong analogical ground for extending the argument to all mankind; and physiology and natural history claim that they prove the common origin of the human race. On whichever side the weight of argument may be thought to be by the opposing advo

cates, it is evident tnat all the sciences named above, and perhaps others, have a right to be heard in the discussion. Other illustrations of the principle here contended for might be adduced.

The author is deeply sensible of the imperfections of his work. As the reader sees these imperfections, he is asked to call to mind that the field traversed in the argument is very wide, and that one mind, unless it be of uncommon grasp, could not be expected to be equally familiar with every part of it, and do equal justice to all the points that are discussed.

The author does not profess to have done justice to any point, but hopes, imperfect as it is, his work will be found of some value as a part of the literature of the subject under discussion, and especially in the presentation of the facts upon which a correct decision must be based.

With these remarks, and with great diffidence, the work is submitted to the judgment of the candid public.

NOTE BY THE EDITOR.

THE excellent author of this work was called to his rest before he had completed its preparation for the press. It was a work which had occupied his attention more or less for many years, and believing it called for by the growing skepticism of the times,—a belief confirmed by the opinions of many scholars and divines whom he had made acquainted with his plan, -he ardently desired that it might be given to the world, as the last labor of a life which had long been devoted to the service of divine truth. It was in accordance with this desire that the manuscripts were placed in the hands of another for revision and publication.

It was not the expectation of the author to offer the fruits of his own independent investigation, except, perhaps, when discussing the literature and religion of India, where he had spent many years of missionary service. He aimed only to gather up the results which had been reached by the best authorities on the various branches of the subject, and present them in a popular form for the benefit of those who have not time nor opportunity to study it for themselves. His book, therefore, is a book for the people, rather than for savants. We believe it will be very valuable to clergymen, teachers, and others, for that purpose.

The work was left by the author in its original form, comprising Twelve Lectures, with copious materials designed to be placed in an Appendix. So great, however, are the inconveniences of that form for the discussion of such a subject, compelling a reduction of the most important topics within the single hour of the lecture, and involving repetitions and recapitulations not needed in a written work, that, with the approval of his family, the lecture form has been dropped, and the subdivisions arranged in chapters, as is customary. Many of the materials which had been designed for the Appendix have been brought forward and incorporated into the body of the work. This has, of course, necessitated some rearrangement and some revision of the language of the lectures. In some instances ampler citations from authorities have been given, and in a very few cases, a fuller elaboration of the positions taken has been ventured on, to give more completeness or clearness to the discussion; but in no case has anything been advanced differing from the author's well-known views. For those views, of course, he would hold himself alone responsible.

The editor regrets that he has not in all instances been able to verify the quotations introduced into the work. They are from a very wide range of reading, and many of the books referred to are not within present reach. He has done what he could to secure entire accuracy, both in form and language; but it is possible that some errors exist which have been overlooked.

W.

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