312 Proofs of Evolution. 



Geographical Distribution furnishes evidence of the strong- 

 est kind for the case of Evohition. It explains the wide 

 diversity of animals and plants on the earth, that they have 

 sprung from common sources, and have become scattered 

 by migration and other causes. The wider the separation 

 of islands the greater the variation of organic types from 

 their kindred on the mainland. These facts point away 

 from the creation theory, and directly to Evolution. 



Homology, or the Science of Likenesses, throws a flood 

 of light on the question of development. It proves, by the 

 exhibition of the successive steps, how the whole Avas accom- 

 plished. Mr. Spencer says : '^ What now can be the meaning 

 of this community of structure among these thousands 

 of species ? To say it is the work of design, to say 

 that the Creator followed the pattern throughout, merely 

 for the purpose of maintaining it, is to assign a mo- 

 tive which if avowed by a human being we would call 

 whimsical." The only rational explanation of natural 

 homologies is Evolution. 



Mimicry, or Imitation, adds a strong link to the chain of 

 evidence in support of evolution. When strength or cour- 

 age is wanting, cunning supplies its place. This imitative 

 tendency extends over a wide range of life-forms, and even 

 enters the circle of human society. Few men or women 

 dare be original and independent, fearing to meet the shafts 

 of malice and detraction. To imitate others is the safest 

 way. Therefore all reforms, high thoughts, and new ideas, 

 find slow acceptance; but to these alone we look for 

 progress. 



The new theology, based upon Evolution, has to combat 

 the selfish propensity of man to seek for his own ease and 

 and resist progress and change. It is easier to dream and 

 be common than to think and be exceptional. It is all a 

 question of the gi'ay matter of the brain, — of Evolution. 



LANGUAGE AND THE MORAL SENSE. 



The great difference between man and the lower animal 

 is the possession by the former of Language and the Moral 

 Sense. This difference as at present manifested is indeed 

 almost infinite. But let us go back on the tide of time — 

 ^ack even thousands of years before the cave-men, when 

 speech was but a chatter and conscience was as yet un- 



