THE LAW OF HUMAN INCREASE. 47 



t 

 the true law of propagation is based upon a perfect standard in nature, 

 all changes or deviations from that standard or model result from what 

 are properly called laws of inheritance. With this explanation it will 

 be seen at once that a wide and varied field is laid open for their oper- 

 ations, dependent not only on the body itself, but upon external agen- 

 cies and conditions. But the question arises, Why this " natural se- 

 lection," why this "struggle for existence," and why the "survival of 

 the fittest " ? Do they not arise from a universal law in nature which 

 gives to those possessing this organization in the highest degree the 

 advantage over others ? 



What is this inherent principle in nature ever aspiring for better- 

 ment or improvement ? What are the secret forces everywhere pre- 

 disposing in this direction ? Is there not some general, universal law 

 incorporated into organic life which favors such qualities ? As this 

 law is primarily based upon a higher or perfect standard, all its inher- 

 ent or predisposing forces have an upward or improving tendency. 

 Thus all who are so fortunate as to possess an organization of higher 

 grade or better than others have certain advantages. In this way the 

 doctrine of natural selection may be readily understood and the sur- 

 vival of the fittest. 



This general law, applicable to all organic beings, resembles in 

 some respects that principle found in the human system called vis 

 medicatrix. It was early discovered by physicians that in case any 

 part or organ in the body became injured or diseased there was a sur- 

 prising recuperative power in nature of healing or curing. All the 

 sound parts of the body seem to conspire together to help the part or 

 organ affected. This influence to assist seems spontaneous and always 

 healthful. So it is with this law of propagation it is not only con- 

 servative, but improving to all possessing more than an average share 

 of the inherent forces of this law. 



Connected with this law of population there are several points 

 worthy of most careful consideration. While it possesses a sure and 

 permanent foundation, there are a flexibility, an elasticity, which are 

 self -regulating, and display a divine wisdom and power. Such is the 

 nature of this law that, in all its varied operations, it does not interfere 

 with the choice and free agency of man. When the character of this 

 law is fully understood, what on the one hand are the penalties at- 

 tached to the violation of any part of it, and, on the other hand, what 

 are the rewards for its observance, it presents to man the strongest 

 possible motives for his own improvement and the advancement of 

 human happiness generally. If man is created a free moral agent, 

 accountable for all his acts, the law providing for the propagating of 

 the species should certainly be of such a character that he can clearly 

 understand its nature and sanctions. According to those theories 

 on population where its increase and changes depend mainly upon 

 external agents, man is made, in a great measure, a mere passive 



