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lecture. I do not press that very far ; but it does seem to me that there is 
a wide and historical connexion between language and religion, and that the 
inquiry of the future will tend in a great measure to the investigation of this 
particular question. I do not think there is anything else that calls for 
observation, except that I desire to say, emphatically, there is nothing 
in my premises or conclusions in favour of the evolutionist theory. Of course, 
the fact that man had the capability or power of making a language, and then 
worked it out, would not support the doctrine of evolution ; the develop in ent 
of language is merely one of the ordinary effects of the progress of human 
genius, which is always working up towards noble results, and I think that 
on this point we may hope to aspire still higher. I have not introduced the 
Tower of Babel into my paper ; there was not only the confusion that we 
read of there, but I think there has been some since on that point. I have 
been speaking of the origin of language, and there can be no doubt that it 
must have existed for along period before that unfortunate event, to whatever 
extent that event may have influenced the world. I have only to add that I 
am much obliged to you for the patience with which you have heard me. 
The meeting then adjourned. 
