314 * 
what I mean by calling it the younger sister of religion. The great point 
which this paper aims at is, to show that mankind began well. That is our 
fundamental doctrine as Christians. However the book of Genesis may be 
understood, it certainly lays down most precisely that man began well. If 
that position can ever be turned, and it can be shown that man began badly, or 
as a being evolved out of some lower form of life, with no knowledge of God 
or of religion at all, but that he was a creature moving about in a world half- 
realized, then the position of Christianity would be turned ; but I am as 
certain of the fact as that I am here, that this can never be shown, and that 
the position of Christianity is impregnable. It is my wish to set forth that 
as far as we can extend our researches into these early records side by side 
with the Bible, we find them in perfect harmonj' with the Biblical state- 
ments. I am exceedingly obliged to the meeting for the manner in which 
they have listened to my paper, and especially to Mr. James for his 
kindly remarks. 
The meeting was then adjourned. 
