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<c We find, that the most common method of accounting for the 
origin of evil is the degeneracy of man from a state of purity to a 
state of corruption: a doctrine which has retained a place in the 
popular creed of every nation. Of Brahminism, it may be almost 
said to form the basis. It is this idea which has regulated its 
elaborate scheme of chronology; it is this idea, which causes its 
followers to submit to the most excruciating penances, in order to 
purge the soul from the stains which she has contracted during her 
abode in this polluted body. They have indeed corrupted and 
obscured this doctrine; they have engrafted on it additions which 
do not properly belong to it; they have carried it so far, as to in- 
spire them with a hatred of life, and a dereliction of every worldly 
enjoyment; they have continually placed before their eyes the 
accomplishment of that melancholy period, when a total decay of 
bodily strength, as well as an entire degeneracy of morals, shall 
increase the sum of present misery; but these deviations from the 
truth could never have happened, unless they had truth itself for a 
foundation. These are phantoms of the imagination, which would 
never have existed, if they had not been derived from some corre- 
spondent reality.” 
“ From the fall of man, we are naturally led to the considera- 
tion of a positive ordinance immediately connected with it, and 
springing out of it ; the custom of sacrificial oblations, 
as an expiation for sin. In whatever point of view this 
custom may be regarded, whether as eucharistical or propitiatory, 
whether originating in the idea that it was a proper mode of ex- 
pressing sentiments of gratitude to the Deity, for the enjoyment 
of the bounties of nature, or as a proper atonement for guilt; still. 
