Contemporary Evolution. 



more on moral ideas of two kinds one being that of a 

 divine appointment, the other that of absolute right. 



The idea of utility or expediency may frequently be 

 much more prominent and obtrusive, both in explanation 

 and precept, than the moral conceptions. But it would 

 nevertheless be difficult to deny that a belief in "divine 

 appointment " widely prevails, at least in our agricultural 

 districts, and that the conception of " absolute right " is 

 a considerable, if not a main agent, in the diffusion of 

 democratic ideas among our artisans. 



Though it is manifest that our social system is largely 

 maintained through a belief that things "work well," 

 yet much that is put down to " expediency " will, when 

 fully analysed, be found really to repose on a "moral" 

 basis. Thus, Mr. Mill's so-called " Utilitarianism," aiming, 

 as it professes to do, at the greatest happiness of all 

 sentient beings, is really a distorted and exaggerated form 

 of " absolute morality." 



It seems indeed, to say the least, very doubtful whether 

 any social fabric could enduringly repose upon simple 

 and naked expediency and real utilitarianism ; that is, 

 that the temporal welfare of the individual should be to 

 him his only end, and that he should recognise no obli- 

 gation on any citizen or section of a community to regard 

 the welfare or desires of others in the smallest degree 

 beyond what self-interest may dictate. The moment any 

 one asserts that a citizen ought to restrain his actions 



