Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 6.6.8

6.6.8

I entertain no doubt that the Reverend Father Roa derives from the Beths his knowledge of the doctrines held by the Gentiles, and that the account he gave me forms the basis of their mythology. I had written at considerable length upon this subject, sketched the figures of several of the gods or idols placed in their temples, and caused them to give me the characters of their language, Sanscrit; but finding that the principal matter of my manuscript is contained in the China Illustrata of Father Kircher (who obtained much of his information when at Rome from Father Roa), I deem it sufficient to recommend that book to your perusal. I must observe, however, that the word 'incarnation,' employed by the Reverend Father, was new to me, having never seen it used in the same direct sense.