FIFTH DAY'S SITTIXQ. 113 



is no evidence that man was aboriginally endowed with the 

 ennobling belief in the existence of an Omnipotent God. 

 On the contrary, there is ample evidence derived, not from 

 hasty travellers, but from men who have long resided with 

 savages, that numerous races have existed, and still exist, 

 who have no idea of one or more gods, and who have no 

 words in their languages to express such an idea. This 

 question is, of course, wholly distinct from that higher one, 

 whether there exists a creator and ruler of the universe ; 

 and this has been answered in the affirmative by the highest 

 intellects that have ever lived." (Vol. i. p. 65.) 



Homo. In what Mr. Darwin has just said, my Lord, he 

 sets aside the Bible as having any claim whatever to be 

 regarded as, in any sense, a revelation from God. Yet, if 

 the highest intellects that ever lived have affirmed the 

 existence of Go i, the highest intellects that have had the 

 opportunity of investigating the question have affirmed the 

 Bible to be his Word. We are not, however, going to 

 discuss this question. But I wish to remark that, whether 

 or not the Bible contain a revelation from God, even Mr. 

 Darwin, I presume, will admit that it contains much true 

 history. Now, in the early records of the Jews, we see a 

 people who, unquestionably, at a very remote period, were 

 " endowed with the ennobling belief in the existence of an 

 Omnipotent God," casting this belief aside, and falling 

 under the influence of the impure superstitions of the 

 nations that surrounded them. It is well known, moreover, 

 that, with a pure and elevating theism in their most ancient 

 sacred books, the Hindoos rank among the most debased 

 idolaters in the world. We see also, in cur own country, 

 that with this "ennobling belief " in the Divine existence 

 within their reach, multitudes practically disregard and 

 reject it. I make these remarks, my Lord, to show that, 



