EVOLUTION IN GENERAL 469 



factor is Choice, for by it oi)portuiiities are improved, (wpcri- 

 ence (leterininocl, and ideals pursued. What we ourselves 

 antl what former generations have chosen to do or endure is 

 most largely responsible for what we are. Thus human affairs 

 center about the human will. So throughout God's world 

 we are led to look for some opportunity offered to every 

 creature, some experience by which it may profit, some choice 

 of its own, and some divine guidance. 



Man's choosing of the better way has led him heavenwards 

 toward the highest, fullest life. As from a mountain side he 

 may now look back and with the mind's eye catch glimpses 

 of his path and of the forking paths of fellow creatures many 

 of whom have been as comrades at different stages of the 

 long, long journey. Traced backward all the paths seem to 

 converge at the horizon as if all had come from the same 

 point. Some of them, as they advance, keep to the level of 

 the sea continuing always much the same; others climb for 

 awhile to higher levels, then turning aside and traversing 

 an easy plateau end at a precipice; still others after climbing 

 for a while decline to lower levels; while others yet keep 

 climbing and attaining various heights. Man's path soon 

 left the kingdom of plants, and ascending through the realms 

 of worm, fish, reptile, and brute has reached at last the 

 mountain path which leads beyond the clouds. 



Viewed broadly the progress of the world is seen to be 

 orderly, and shall we not say, well ordered? New forms of 

 life have come promptly to enjoy the ever increasing oppor- 

 tunities afforded by the evolving earth. Advance has been 

 made not without difficulties, which being overcome have 

 brought out the finest traits. Nor has there been lacking 

 continual occasion for mutual help, and this has ever multi- 

 plied the blessings of life. 



