LIKE PRODUCES LIKE 71 



tudinous array of change and variety is observed, but 

 absolutely consistent with the most complete conformity 

 to the truth of the doctrine, and showing a rate of progress 

 and an increase in complexity of organic detail and advance- 

 ment in the character of vital activity and purpose from its 

 origin to its present condition. 



That organic matter has been and is won by vital or 

 organic force from inorganic matter is a truth supported 

 by everyday observation and experience, and that like 

 vital processes on like inorganic materials produce like 

 organic results is also shown by everyday observation and 

 experiment, and, besides, that a continuity of life-forms 

 have been at work in modifying the inorganic material of 

 the surface of the globe can be read in legible characters 

 there is also true, and leads on to the recognition of the 

 converse truth, that like and dislike cannot reproduce each 

 other, a statement which at this juncture must be advanced 

 as a truth, and, therefore, that organic matter was at first 

 initiated by a departure from the operation of this law and 

 the substitution of a withdrawal or departure from its 

 universal prevalence. This substitution constitutes a new 

 creation, an act which enables inorganic to be converted 

 into organic matter, and to minister to the sustenance of 

 living forms, or, in other words, an act by which the 

 Creator and Originator of life made it possible for organic 

 forms to live and grow on the inorganic elements of 

 matter. This creative act over, the dominant influence of 

 the law that like produces like again became operative in 

 the moulding and evolving of the long chain of living 

 forms which has intervened between that creative act and 

 the flora and fauna which now cover the surface of the 

 earth. 



Creation thus must be regarded as a great truth in 

 scientifically reading the story of matter as it surrounds us, 

 and in appreciating the relationships of the two great 

 organic kingdoms in all their length and breadth in the 

 past history of the globe and its present condition. 

 Creation itself signifies the measured and consistent 

 influence of evolutionary energy or force in the earliest 

 inorganic state of matter, and its preparation for the 

 advent of organic use and the achievement of great 



