INTRODUCTION.



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xv11



mediately after the confusion of tongues, was split into
many distinct nations, speaking a variety of dialects,
while they also adopted modes of living quite different
from those which they practised on the plains of Shinar,
where they lived together.
  Thus, therefore, was the tower of Babel, memorable for
the great event of the confusion of languages, consequent
upon its projection, as well as by its being the original
of the temple of Belus, deemed among the ancients as
one of the seven wonders of the world. But, such is the
transitory nature of all that pertains to man, that it is now
a heap of ruins, and so utterly defaced, that the people of
the country are not certain of its real site.
  As mankind increased and multiplied in the different
countries which they inhabited, several bodies were sent



out I
they
them
and
and,
into



:o seek their fortune in strange lands. Finding that
were fine and delightful countries, which promised
great felicity, they were soon induced to sep aate
form new settlements. K Others, by re-ason of ilvil
domestic quarrels, were driven abroad, and passed
distant regions far beyond the encroachment of an



enemy.
  Thus they spread themselves over almost the greater
part of Asia; but their roving and wandering disposition
was not yet satisfied, until, by continued migrations, they
extended their discoveries throughout Africa, Europe, and
finally America.
. We shall now Droceed to view. as brieflv as possible,



±L             J        a/



the Creation, the site of Paradise, the Antediluvians, the
Deluge, and the foundation of Nations by the posterity of
Noah, in order to descend gradually to the dispersion of
mankind and the settlement of countries, so that we may
thus discover which of the three sons of Noah, the Ame-
rican Indians should claim as the founder of their nation.
Although this inquiry mright, at first sight, appear as some-
what foreign to the subject which we have undertaken to
illustrate, namely the origin of the Indians, still a concise
account ot these great events in the history of man may
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I