270 
thing must have a beginning, and if these stories are not likely to have been 
invented out of the imaginative faculty independently exercised m different 
ages, and amongst different nations, there must at least have been a beginning 
in their origin. Mr. Harriot seemed to indicate that some commercial nation 
may have carried these stories abroad. Whether that is so or not does not 
much matter. Supposing that these things are found, we want, by science 
discovery and scholastic research, to know their origin— what has caused that 
general combination with its divergencies, but yet with such extremely par- 
ticular agreements ? , . 
Mr. Henslow.— I f it is an open question, is there any possibility of satis- 
fying the sceptic upon the point ? , „ .. 
3 Mr. Titoomb.— Well, I am not giving this as intended for the sceptic. 
My paper assumes the Scriptures to be correct, and does not attempt to prove 
that they are correct, and in that I think its basis is logical. This Society 
is intended to pursue science fairly and openly, but reverently. It ls not loa- 
the purpose of proving the Scriptures to be true, but of so searching mto 
science as not to be afraid to compare its results with the Scriptures. Th . 
is the only scientific basis on which we can hold our place. I take it that 
my paper does keep to that ground. It makes no attempt to bolster up th 
Scriptures, but, addressing Christian men and wnmen it says that everything 
goes to show, so far as we can gather from ethnological testoony, that what 
we believe is really confirmed and borne witness to by all that the paper 
contains, and I maintain that upon that basis, which is a logical and scientm 
basis, the paper has proved everything which it undertook to prove. 1 had 
no idea in writing the paper that it contained all the materials necessary 
convince the sceptic. We do not wish to prove the Bible true but behevmg 
it to be true, we are not afraid of searching into scientific fact*, and wi h al 
the aid that research can give us, of comparmg the results with the faus of 
revelation and the foundations of our belief. If that] is the o y W 
this discussion, it does do what is most important The -rds wdh whmh 
I closed my paper, I again repeat Assuming, then, as I hmbidat tost, 
that the Pentateuch is both authentic and genuine, ac s ; 
of vou dispute -we have in this line of argument an ethnic testimony to its 
accuracy which cannot but confirm and consolidate our faith, and which at a 
toe Uke the present, when the Pentateuch is assailed both by critied ana 
scientific scepticism, must be very consolatory to timid and Mimbtog heato 
We have fold facts which do confirm and which do not invalidate 
truths that are so dear to all our hearts. (Cheers.) ... h ; ch 
The Chairman. — I have not many remarks to offer on thejubject wh ch 
has been before us, except to say how heartily I concur in many of he ob^r 
vations that have been made, and how thankfiil we 
matters are discussed with temper and propriety, and w 
arrive at the truth. My idea of the Society is that it “ take ^re tha^ 
facts are facts, and not mere discoveries for the mornen „ 
of battery against revealed religion. Our great object is 
and I should like to examine those produced by some at the 
