i go 



Contemporary Evolution. 



It also shows us that there are universal, objectively 

 necessary truths, and that we know them. 



Also it causes us to recognise the validity of ratiocina- 

 tion, or the explicit evolution of implicit truth. 



Hence we learn the validity of our inference as to the 

 existence of a First Cause adequate to produce all that 

 we know as existing in its effects, and therefore as neces- 

 sarily possessing qualities, such that "intellect/' "order," 

 " purpose," etc., which we recognise as existing amongst 

 its effects in ourselves, may be predicted of it in a supe- 

 rior degree ; such human characteristics being but adum- 

 brations of the corresponding qualities in such First Cause. 



II. As to "Will." The persistency, and even passion, 

 with which the declarations of the commonsense of man- 

 kind are met by denials that we possess even a fragment 

 of really self-determining power, serve to make even clearer 

 than before the marvellous and isolated character of the 

 power of choice, as also the important truths which its 

 assertion implies. When it comes to be fully appreciated 

 by the many, how rigid law rules, not only all irrational 

 living beings, as well as inanimate and inorganic creatures, 

 but also even the vast majority of our own actions, the 

 marvellous character of our power of voluntarily choosing 

 the less attractive of two modes of action will be less 

 inadequately estimated. It will become generally under- 

 stood, that while we may be certain of possessing that 

 power of choice which all unprejudiced men know that 



