214 MODERN IDEAS OF EVOLUTION 



tion to a higher power, which, I think, no metaphysi 

 cal reasoning or materialistic scepticism will suffice to 

 invalidate. It would be presumption, however, from 

 the standpoint of the naturalist to discuss at length 

 the powers of man s spiritual being. I may refer 

 merely to a few points which illustrate at once his 

 connection with other creatures, and his superiority to 

 them as a higher member of natures 



And first we may notice those axiomatic beliefs 

 which lie at the foundation of human reasoning, and 

 which, while apparently in harmony with nature, do not 

 admit of verification except by an experience impos 

 sible to finite beings. Whether these are ultimate 

 truths, or merely results of the constitution bestowed 

 on us, or effects of the direct action of the creative mind 

 on ours, they are to us like the instincts of animals 

 infallible and unchanging. Yet just as the instincts of 

 animals unfailingly connect them with their surround 

 ings, our intuitive beliefs fit us for understanding 

 nature and for existing in it as our environment. 

 These beliefs also serve to connect man with his fel 

 low man ; and in this aspect we may associate with 

 them those universal ideas of right and wrong, of 

 immortality, and of powers above ourselves, which 

 pervade humanity. 



Another phase of this spiritual constitution is 

 illustrated by the ways in which man, starting from 

 powers and contrivances common to him and animals, 

 develops them into new and higher uses and results. 



