PROGRESSIVE MAN. 281 



existence, as evinced in the degraded and helpless condition 

 into which the greater part of humanity in all ages, as well 

 as in the present, has fallen, and not less so, in the unsatis- 

 factory aspect which our modern so-called civilisation pre- 

 sents ; and that, therefore, had humanity in its present phase 

 been dependent on its own resources, as the animal is, no 

 section of it could have resisted the retrogressive tendency, or 

 have opposed the obstacles to that progression on which the 

 hopes of man are fixed. 



2. In the further prosecution of our subject, I would now 

 observe that while we are compelled, on the grounds already 

 stated, to view all the less perfect forms of humanity as retro- 

 grade forms of earlier or later date, produced by independent 

 but similar moral influences, we are at the same time brought 

 to see in the present phase of humanity a progressive series 

 of advancing forms of society, a series continually increased by 

 collateral additions, but extending backwards uninterruptedly 

 to the commencement of the phase. The twofold retrogres- 

 sive and progressive character presented by the history of 

 man is from every point of view peculiar, and completely dis- 

 tinguishes his economy from that of any animal, and at the 

 same time constitutes as important a feature in his physiolo- 

 gical as in his political and moral aspects. 



3. As I have already told you, we are not called on here 

 to define, if that were possible, the entire economy in the 

 primitive condition of man ; nor to inquire into the specific 

 nature of that change which took place in his economy on his 

 entrance into his present phase of existence. It is sufficient 

 for our present purpose that we arc assured of the fact that 

 the change in the economy and welfare of man was the result 

 of an act which involved a breach of his moral principle. 

 Now, we have already examined the grounds on which we 

 must hold, (hat as the psychical is the primary and control- 

 Ling element which secures the welfare of the animal, and 

 fulfils its purpose in nature, so, on the other hand, the spirit 



