not the fact in chronology, I have not, come to the conclusion of what
is the truth.” Such is precisely our own condition of mind; nor do
we suppose that a conscientious student of the subject, as developed
under its own head at the close of this volume, can at the present
hour obtain, for epochas anterior to Abraham, a solution .that must- not
itself be vague for a century or more. Nevertheless, in Egyptian
chronology, we follow the system of Lepsius by assuming the age of
Menes at B. 0. 3893; in Chinese, we accept Pauthier’s date for the
1st historical dynasty at B. C. 2637; in Assyrian, the results of
Layard’sdast Journey indicate B. C. 1250 as the probable extreme of
that country’s monumental chronicles; and finally, in Hebrew computation,
we agree with Lepsius in deeming Abraham’s era to approximate
to B. C. 1500. Our Supplement offers to the critical reader every
facility of verification, with comparative Tables, the repetition of
which is here superfluous.
To Egyptology, beyond all question, belongs the honor of dissipating
those chronological fables of past generations, continued belief
in which,^ since the recent publication of Chev’r Lepsius’s researches,
implies simply the credulity of ignorance. 1 One of his letters from
the Pyramids of Memphis, in 1843, contained the following almost
prophetic passage §§?
“ We are still busy with structures, sculptures, and inscriptions, which are to be classed,
by means of the now more accurately-determined groups of kings, in an epoch of highly-
flourishing civilization, as far back as the fourth Millennium before Christ.,, We cannot sufficiently
impress upon ourselves and others these hitherto incredible dates. The more
criticism is provoked by them, and fbrced to serious examination, the better for the cause.
Conviction will soon follow angry criticism; and, finally, those^esults will be attained,
which are so intimately connected with every branch of antiquarian research.”
subscribe without reservation to the above sentiment; and
bope we shall not he disappointed in the amount o f “ angry criticism ”
which we think the truths embodied in this volume are calculated to
provoke. Scientific truth, exemplified in the annals of Astronomy,
Geology, Chronology, Geographical distribution of animals, &c., has
literally fought its way inch by inch through false theology. The last
grand battle between science and dogmatism, on the primitive origin of
races, has now commenced. I t requires no prophetic eye to foresee
that science must again, and finally, triumph.
I t may be proper to state, in conclusion, that the subject sha.11 be
treated purely as one of science, and that our colleague and ourself
will follow facts wherever they may lead, without regard to imaginary
consequences. Locally, the “ Friend of Moses,” no less than other
“ friends of the Bible ” everywhere, have been compelled to make
large concessions to science. "We shall, in the present investigation,
treat the Scriptures simply in their historical and scientific bearings. o
On former occasions, and in the most respectful manner, we had
attempted to conciliate sectarians, and to reconcile the plain teachings
of science with theological prejudices; but to no useful purpose. In
return, our opinions and motives have been misrepresented and vilified
by'self-constituted teachers of the Christian- religion! We have, in
consequence, now done with all this; and no longer have any apologies'*
to offer, nor favors of lenient criticism to ask. The broad banner
of science is herein nailed to the mast. Even in our own brief day,
we have beheld one flimsy religious dogma after another consigned to
oblivion, while science, on the other hand, has been gaining strength
and majesty with time. ^Nature,” says Luke Burke, “ has nothing
to reveal, that is not noble; and beautiful, and good.”
In our former language,
“ Man can invent nothing in science or religion bnt falsehood; and all the truths which
he discovers are hut facts or laws which have emanated from the Creator. All science,
therefore, may he regarded as a revelation from H im ; and although newly-discovered laws,
or facts, in nature, may conflict with religious errors, which have heen written and preached
for centuries, they never can conflict with religious truth. There must he harmony between
the works and the words of the Almighty, and wherever they seem to conflict, the discord
has heen produced by the ignorance or wickedness of man.” j. c. m
Mo b iie , August, 1853. *