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planet had its guiding angel, when Newton had explained 

 their complex motions by the simple theory of gravitation. 

 I am not of those who take a purely optimistic view of 

 the process of evolution. I cannot blind myself to the vast 

 amount of misery and pain that is implied in the survival 

 of the fittest. But when I reflect that man alone appears 

 to be endowed with a very high sensibility to suffering, 

 and that the development of hitman sympathy and science 

 and social organization can do much to alleviate the mis- 

 fortunes of those that are worsted in the great battle of 

 life ; when I review the history of life, and find it to be 

 altogether a history of progress ; I am content to submit 

 myself, without murmuring, to the great law of evolution. 

 I am of opinion that a clear perception of the nature of 

 that Unfailing Order of which we are the children may do 

 much to mitigate the horrors of its operation ; and that 

 the human mind will proceed to greater triumphs and a 

 calmer happiness when enlightened and enriched by the 

 wisdom that grows from natural knowledge. 



Vadg)^ 



