EVOLUTION IN GENERAL 469 
factor is Choice, for by it opportunities are improved, experi- 
ence determined, and ideals pursued. What we ourselves 
and what former generations have chosen to do or endure is 
most largely responsible for what we are. Thus human affairs 
center about the human will. So throughout God’s world 
we are led to look for some opportunity offered to every 
creature, some experience by which it may profit, some choice 
of its own, and some divine guidance. 
Man’s choosing of the better way has led him heavenwards 
toward the highest, fullest life. As from a mountain side he 
may now look back and with the mind’s eye catch glimpses 
of his path and of the forking paths of fellow creatures many 
of whom have been as comrades at different stages of the 
long, long journey. .Traced backward all the paths seem to 
converge at the horizon as if all had come from the same 
point. Some of them, as they advance, keep to the level of 
the sea continuing always much the same; others climb for 
awhile to higher levels, then turning aside and traversing 
an easy plateau end at a precipice; still others after climbing 
for a while decline to lower levels; while others yet keep 
climbing and attaining various heights. Man’s path soon 
left the kingdom of plants, and ascending through the realms 
of worm, fish, reptile, and brute has reached at last the 
mountain path which leads beyond the clouds. 
Viewed broadly the progress of the world is seen to be 
orderly, and shall we not say, well ordered? New forms of 
life have come promptly to enjoy the ever increasing oppor- 
tunities afforded by the evolving earth. Advance has been 
made not without difiiculties, which being overcome have 
brought out the finest traits. Nor has there been lacking 
continual occasion for mutual help, and this has ever multi- 
plied the blessings of life. 
