Introd^lctory. 



features of his philosophy, so as to judge of the worth 

 of evolutionism as an all-comprehending hypothesis. 



The question is not one lying in some remote and 

 barren region of metaphysical debate : it touches vit- 

 ally the present and real interests of men. "The 

 matter," Mr. Spencer tells us, " is one which concerns 

 each and all of us more than any other matter what- 

 ever. Though it affects us little in a direct way, the 

 view we arrive at must indirectly affect us in all 

 our relations must determine our conception of the 

 universe, of life, of human nature must influence our 

 ideas of right and wrong, and so modify our con- 

 duct." * This estimate of the results that would 

 ensue on the acceptance of evolutionism, as the true 

 philosophy, is not an exaggeration. Before it old 

 things would pass away, and all things become new. 

 Under its universal sway Christianity must wither : 

 religion in any real sense would be impossible. 

 Morality must find another basis, or disappear with 

 faith. The matter does, indeed, concern each and all 

 of us "more than any other matter whatever." An 

 hypothesis claiming to be the true interpretation of 

 all the knowable, and deeply affecting the interests of 

 mankind, challenges the keenest criticism. We shall 

 need to be fully persuaded of its truth, before we dis- 

 card the old beliefs, and begin to repeat the new credo. 



Every age has its fashionable philosophy. " We 



* First Principles, Part I., 8. 



