Philosophic Evolution. 209 



necessary consequence that no other evil can be so great 

 as to be even for a moment comparable with that of a 

 deliberate or habitual denial of worship, or any other act 

 of rebellion against Him. Another consequence also 

 becomes plain ; namely, the culpability of those who are 

 careless and indifferent, not caring to inquire seriously 

 and deeply into the truths of religion. Nay, a state 

 of mind which enters upon such an inquiry with the 

 same placidity that befits an inquiry into some purely 

 historical or critical problem is also blameworthy. It 

 is blameworthy, because a will rightly directed cannot 

 but lead its possessor to most earnestly desire that the 

 doctrines of natural religion (the existence of an all 

 holy God, the rewarder in another world of those who 

 strive to follow the dictates of conscience here) may 

 prove to be true. The absence of such desire, then, is 

 in itself a sufficient proof of a bad will. The Author of 

 nature declares to us, through our reason, what, as the 

 Author of grace, He declares through revelation, that 

 " He that is not with Me, is against Me ; and he that 

 gathereth not with Me, scattereth." 



It thus appears that the true line to be drawn as regards 

 men is between those who have and those who have not 

 a will to adore, love, and serve God. This is taught by 

 the Church in allowing the possibility of salvation to all 

 who, being through no fault of theirs ignorant of revela- 

 tion, simply worship a Deus unus et remunerator, and in 



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