Man in the Light of Evolution 



aims and powers to be means to these higher and 

 worthier ends. The experiment extends into a 

 distant future, and others reap the rewards of 

 their efforts. They can only hope. Yet they 

 must beware of rushing blindly after every hope 

 and promise held out by visionaries. Their con- 

 fidence must have a foundation in past experience 

 and progress. 



They catch a glimpse of some great human 

 good not yet attained. A higher moral tone in 

 the life of individual, family, or society; better 

 conditions and larger opportunities for their less 

 fortunate fellows ; a purer and nobler church or 

 state; in one word, some betterment of human 

 life — is greatly needed and worthy of all their 

 efforts. But Is it possible, practicable, attain- 

 able? 



The promise is anything but clear and precise. 

 They can as yet describe it to others only in gen- 

 eral and vague terms. Attention, thought, and 

 hard study must be focused on these vague 

 promises until they acquire a definite meaning. 

 Thus to fix the attention for months and years 

 requires a firm purpose and a stout heart and 

 will. 



While they are gazing into the future, present 



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