46 Darwinism and Deity. 



universe, with what has happened, and with what will 

 happen so long as it shall last. 



When, therefore, we use the phrase, " The Laws of 

 Nature," we only use a convenient form of speech for 

 generalizing what we see of the operations of the universe; 

 and a phrase often first cloaks a fact, then smothers 

 it. But if Plato and Newton are right in their percep- 

 tion of those things which they specially perceived best, 

 the laws of nature, in truth, are only statements of our 

 perceptions of God's continued work. Hence, as a 

 matter of theological concern, it matters not whether 

 new species are brought into being by what we call 

 "specific creation," or by what we call " the laws of 

 nature." In either case it is equally immediately God's 

 own act. 



One further remark will be all. Many scientific 

 theories, when first broached, have to encounter not 

 only arguments, but also prejudices. 



Darwin's law is no exception. It is, indeed, at first 

 view, at all events, sadly at war with our notions of the 

 dignity of human nature. When Shakespeare says : 

 "What a piece of work man is ! How noble in rea- 

 son ! How infinite in faculties ! In form and moving 

 how express and admirable! In action how like an 

 angel ! In apprehension how like a God !" And 

 when the Psalmist sings, "What, is man, that Thou 

 art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that Thou 

 visitest him ? 



" For thou hast made him a little lower than he 

 angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. 



"Thou madest him to have dominion over the 



