1&S9.] ^* * [Vaux. 



It is believed that the primitive types of the white race, as far as is now 

 kuown, had a sign hmguage. v. 



The need of a form of expression was inherent, implanted in man at 

 the creation. To communicate or impart the thought was as essential as 

 to live. The form of such expression was the actual primary exclusive 

 mode adopted by force of a like necessity. The symbol was the only pos- 

 sible form. If the symbol was the interpretation of the comprehension of 

 the natural object, that was the revelation taking form, and the symbol 

 formulated the revelation. If the symbol was accepted as presented, and 

 interpreted by others, it strengthens the contention of a revelation to 

 those who presented it. The origin of the symbol and its dittusion among 

 other peoples who adopted it, proves that the revelation was a supernatu- 

 ral endowment of the human race. If the symbol expressed a mental 

 impression which existed consciously, its form reflected what was inherent 

 in the mind. If that symbol was found among different peoples, and ex- 

 pressed among all who originated, or adopted it as the same inherent ex- 

 pression, it became a language. A tribe on a continent, and one on 

 another, using the same symbols, may give force to the suggestion that 

 they were received by intercommunication, but the psychological condi- 

 tion of each must have been equivalent to produce the symbol, and the 

 adoption of it under the same or a similar interpretation. 



The important question remains as to the derivation of the activity and 

 I'eceptivity of the consciousness of these peoples. 



Tiieir physical conditions may have been alike ; the natural surround- 

 ings somewhat similar ; but they do not acount for their inherent equiv- 

 alent consciousness, unless it comes from a superhuman revelation. 



As far as we know, there never has been an invented symbol. 



Revelation begins in the thought, or in the adaptation of the symbol as 

 a measure of the revelation anterior or posterior to its adoption. 



As growth strengthened, the mental powers felt its influence, and con- 

 sciousness, and the receptive faculties became sensitive. The ability to 

 compare different conditions led to conclusions, and this was the demon- 

 stration of the reasoning faculty. Natural objects, the observation of 

 natural changes, became subjects for thought. 



The comprehension was stimulated by these observations. The nutri- 

 tive and sensitive, which were material conditions, gave place to the ra- 

 tional, which was spiritual. The mind began to appreciate that a cause 

 existed. That it was not of human origin was evident. Then, it must be 

 supernatural. The cause, whatever it might be, was beyond the range of 

 man's power, or knowledge. It was not an accident possible to human 

 mental acquirement. The sun rose, and set. Man could not control, 

 order, or decree its positions. Some supernatuial power was the cause. 

 Then, the sun was a supernatural existing power. To decide what it was 

 exhausted the capabilities of the mind of man. The comprehension of the 

 fact left no alternative but to call it a God. This was a spiritual revela- 

 tion. The mental and the spiritual comprehension were in accord. 



