140 Outlook to Nature 



worth while in any case to consider its bearing 

 on our outlook to nature. 



The evolution hypothesis. 



The hypothesis of organic evolution is sup- 

 posed to be an explanation or interpretation 

 of well-observed facts and phenomena. It is 

 well worth our while, therefore, very briefly to 

 inquire what is the nature of the foundations on 

 which these newest refutations rest. If the 

 evolution theory is to collapse, or even if it 

 is to fall into disrepute, our outlook is to 

 undergo a radical change ; and the subject be- 

 comes of far greater importance than to the- 

 ology alone. 



The general effect of the rise of the evolu- 

 tion theories is the endeavor to see things as 

 they are, and then to interpret them without 

 fear or bias or prejudice. Evolution stands 

 for the quest of truth as distinguished from 

 adherence to dogma. It affirms that the origin 

 of the forms of life is a natural phenomenon 

 and is governed by law. Evolution has set 

 the face directly toward truth regardless of the 



