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Genesis. In so doing I find that great light is thrown on 
the present condition of mankind ; and the cheering promise 
mingles its rays of hope with the dark shades of tlie picture, 
leading to the assurance of the ultimate triumph of the 
Deliverer. The seed of the woman consequently becomes 
the Desire of all nations,” and the facts recorded mingled 
themselves with, the traditions of all early times ; although, 
(as is well said by M. Lenormant *), “ the truth of the fall, and 
of the original sin, is one of those against which, human 
pride has most constantly revolted, and that from which it 
has sought immediately to withdraw itself. Thus, of all 
the portions of primitive traditions concerning the outset of 
humanity, it is that which has the soonest become oblite- 
rated. As soon as men felt the pride which the progress 
of their civilisation inspired, and their conquests of the 
material world, they abandoned the idea. The religious 
philosophies founded outside that revelation, which is now 
deposited amongst the chosen people, have taken no account 
of the fall. Besides, how could this doctrine square with 
the reveries of Pantheism, and of Emanation ? ” He quotes 
Pascal, who eloquently says, e< Sans doute le noeud de notre 
condition prend ses retours et ses replis dans cet abime, de 
sorte que Thomrne est plus inconcevable sans ce mystere 
que ce mystere n’est iuconcevable a bhomme.” 
It is boldly asserted that no one is able to write the history 
of mankind but the author of the Positivist religion. I know 
not wherefore, unless that (as developed in the French law 
courts after his death) his own life so strongly illustrated 
the position I have been taking of man being a fallen, and 
apostate, and every way degraded creature. 
Let us then, once for all, admit that man is what the Scrip- 
ture describes and experience proves him to be ; and we shall 
find a clear light thrown at once upon all his religious history. 
Eevealed religion is appointed as his relief arid succour in 
this unhappy condition. Idolatry also presents its counter- 
feit means of salvation ; but Philosophy must recommend him 
to end his miserable life as soon as possible ; for she has no 
prospect to open out to him individually. She can only 
speak hopefully to future generations who may benefit by the 
advance of civilisation. 
But man requires some better comfort than the above, some 
more glorious good news to illuminate his darkness. He asks 
for something or some person on which to place his trust. If 
the efforts of philosophy succeed in destroying his hopes, he 
* Lenormant, Les Origines , p. 62. 
