296 The Evolution Hypothesis. 



" indefinite, incoherent homogeneity " it evolves into 

 a " definite, coherent heterogeneity." Then when the 

 evolution is complete, there remains for it but to undo 

 what has been so laboriously done : it works universal 

 dissolution, and reappears an "indefinite, incoherent 

 homogeneity," or an inert compact mass. If it take 

 the latter form, it is doomed to remain in eternal 

 quiescence, solid, insensate without life or motion for 

 ever. This result the evolutionist cannot accept as 

 probable. Will not the limitless energy energize? 

 How can it be thought as entering into everlasting 

 repose ? The persistence of force forbids it. The 

 conception of a resulting indefinite, incoherent homo- 

 geneity seems alone congruous with the hypothesis. 

 When dissolution is complete, the evolving process 

 must once more begin. How it will be shaped in the 

 future condition of things, man, a product of the 

 present evolution, cannot conjecture. But amid much 

 that is doubtful this is clear, that if the principles on 

 which the new philosophy is grounded be valid, they 

 carry with them the certainty of either an eternal dy- 

 namic process, without meaning or purpose, through 

 which the infinite First Cause passes from everlasting 

 to everlasting continually; or perpetual quiescence in 

 undisturbed inaction an unbroken stillness of death, 

 neither living God nor living creature existing thence- 

 forth for ever. 



It may seem to some that the naked statement 

 of a theory so repugnant to reason is a sufficient 



