THE SPECIAL-CREATION- HYPOTHESIS. 339 



which species arose, assert that they arose not in any way 

 analogous to that in which individuals arise, but in a totally 

 distinct way, think that by this supposition they honour the 

 Unknown Cause of things ; and they oppose any antagonist 

 doctrine as amounting to an exclusion of divine power from 

 the world. But if divine power is demonstrated by the 

 separate creation of each species, would it not have been still 

 better demonstrated by the separate creation of each indivi- 

 dual ? Why should there exist this process of natural gene- 

 sis ? Why should not omnipotence have been proved by the 

 supernatural production of plants and animals everywhere 

 throughout the world from hour to hour ? Is it replied that 

 the Creator was able to make individuals arise from one 

 another in a natural succession, but not to make species thus 

 arise ? This is to assign a limit to power instead of magni- 

 fying it. Is it replied that the occasional miraculous origina- 

 tion of a species was practicable, but that the perpetual miracu- 

 lous origination of countless individuals was impracticable ? 

 This also is a derogation. Either it was possible or not pos- 

 sible to create species and individuals after the same general 

 method. To say that it was not possible is suicidal in those 

 who use this argument ; and if it was possible, it is required 

 to say what end is served by the special creation of species 

 that would not have been better served by the special creation 

 of individuals. Again, what is to be thought of the 



fact that the great majority of these supposed special creations 

 took place before mankind existed ? Those who think that di- 

 vine power is demonstrated by special creations, have to answer 

 the question to whom demonstrated ? Tacitly or avowedly, 

 they regard the demonstrations as being for the benefit of 

 mankind. But if so, to what purpose were the millions 

 of these demonstrations which took place on the Earth when 

 ihere were no intelligent beings to contemplate them ? Did 

 the Unknowable thus demonstrate his power to himself? 

 Few will have the hardihood to say that any such demon- 

 stration was needful. There is no choice but to regard them, 



