2 JOURNAL OF THE [January, 



harmony with other portions of the general scheme. Yet it is 

 pleasant to find that, as the walls gradually rise, the separate 

 blocks fit readily into their places, and that there develops a 

 greater continuity of pattern and a stricter unity of meaning, 

 than a casual survey of the constituent members would have 

 led one to anticipate. Indeed, the intelligent and careful ob- 

 server is constantly filled with delighted surprise at the wonder- 

 ful way in which one part reinforces and complements another ; 

 but, in the satisfaction which he feels with these larger agreements 

 and harmonies, he is apt to overlook for the moment the slighter 

 incongruities, — the points where trimming and fitting are still 

 required, or where possibly an entire rearrangement will finally 

 have to be made. 



He is not necessarily an unfriendly critic, who points out im- 

 perfections in a plan. Of a scientific or philosophic system 

 particularly, he is often the strongest advocate, who most can- 

 didly admits the inadequacy of his theory in its weaker links, 

 and invites suggestion from any honest quarter as to how the 

 chain may be most effectively strengthened. One of the char- 

 acteristics of the late Charles Darwin, which commended both 

 him and his doctrine to favorable consideration, was the abso- 

 lute ingenuousness with which he recognized and indicated the 

 directions in which his own labors had proved inconclusive ; 

 and I venture to say that one of the most powerful factors con- 

 tributing to the rapid acceptance of his theory of Natural 

 Selection, was the evident sincerity with which he invited just 

 criticism, and the perfect simplicity with which he relinquished 

 beliefs in face of convincing evidence, and modified his views 

 to every new gleam of truth. So far was it from being a con- 

 fession of weakness, — it was the strongest testimony he could 

 give to his abiding faith in the correctness of his fundamental 

 principles. He knew that his building stood upon a solid base. 

 Why, then, should his equanimity be disturbed by minor changes 

 in the superstructure ? Or why should any man entertain pride 

 of opinion concerning an eternal verity ! 



There is no scheme of truth that is perfect. If it were so, 

 truth-seeking would end. This cannot be unless man becomes 

 omniscient. Meanwhile, one philosophical system must super- 

 sede another in endless succession, — each one a product of evo- 

 lution out of all that have preceded. Truth, nevertheless, is 



