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ritual. They administered to each other, for instance, the 
rites of confession and absolution — the secrets of the confes- 
sional being held inviolable, and penances being imposed 
of the most severe nature. Nor was this unknown to the 
Incas of Peru, among whom also the conventual system was 
in full force. 
The argument I urge, then, as the result of this paper, is 
cumulative. First, I have shown that the prehistoric popu- 
lation of America, through oceanic migrations, was possible 
by five distinct routes. Secondly, I have exhibited strong 
linguistic affinities between the languages of the Old and 
New World, rendering this possibility probable. Thirdly, I 
have adduced a variety of peculiar customs, so original and 
exceptional as not likely to have been independently thought 
of, still further confirming this view. Fourthly, I have added 
to the force of this argument by presenting to view what 
certainly appear to be distinct mythological recollections of 
the fall of man, as given in the Holy Scriptures. Fifthly, 
I have increased the weight of that argument by enume- 
rating specific and minute recollections of Noah's deluge, 
corresponding too exactly with the Hebrew tradition not to 
have been borrowed from it. And, sixthly, I have touched 
upon a few other miscellaneous stores of information, ex- 
hibiting certain other analogies of customs between America 
and the Old World, too curious not to be mentioned. It 
is for my audience to decide how far the whole chain of 
evidence, taken together, is worthy of their consideration and 
respect. 
The Chairman. — I beg leave to propose a vote of thanks to the author of 
the very admirable paper which has just been read. I am quite sure that we 
must all feel a great deal of satisfaction at hearing a paper containing such 
well-arranged evidence against the necessity of supposing or searching for any 
independent centres of creation. That is a mere theory, and the evidence 
that has been afforded by the paper of to-night is not only very conclusive 
and satisfactory, but to my mind offers many points that prove, not only 
that the origin of various races, in various parts .of the globe, sprang from the 
same identical source, but that their origin is in conformity with the account 
which is given in the Scriptures. That account has been shown to be 
highly probable, and indeed much more so than the contrary supposition, 
which I am sure every one present must feel is very satisfactory. (Hear, 
hear.) I will only add that if any members have any remarks to make upon 
the paper which has just been read, I shall be most happy to hear them. 
Eev. Dr. Thornton. — It may seem presumptuous in me to offer any re- 
marks upon so very learned, able, and conclusive a paper as that to which we 
have just listened, but perhaps I may be allowed to make a few observations 
