Chap. XXYIII. CONCLUDING REMARKS. 427 



of each fragment could not be told. But this is a nearly 

 parallel case with the objection that selection explains nothing, 

 because we know not the cause of each individual difference in 

 the structure of each being. 



The shape of the fragments of stone at the base of our pre- 

 cipice may be called accidental, but this is not strictly correct ; 

 for the shape of each depends on a long sequence of events, all 

 obeying natural laws ; on the nature of the rock, on the lines 

 of deposition or cleavage, on the form of the mountain, which 

 depends on its upheaval and subsequent denudation, and lastly 

 on the storm or earthquake which throws down the fragments. 

 But in regard to the use to which the fragments may be put, 

 their shape may be strictly said to be accidental. And here 

 we are led to face a great difficulty, in alluding to which I am 

 aware that I am travelling beyond my proper province. An 

 omniscient Creator must have foreseen every consequence 

 which results from the laws imposed by Him. But can it be 

 reasonably maintained that the Creator intentionally ordered, 

 if we use the words in any ordinary sense, that certain frag- 

 ments of rock should assume certain shapes so that the builder 

 might erect his edifice ? If the various laws which have 

 determined the shape of each fragment were not predeter- 

 mined for the builder's sake, can it be maintained with any 

 greater probability that He specially ordained for the sake of 

 the breeder each of the innumerable variations in our do- 

 mestic animals and plants ; — many of these variations being 

 of no service to man, and not beneficial, far more often inju- 

 rious, to the creatures themselves ? Did He ordain that the 

 crop and tail-feathers of the pigeon should vary in order that 

 the fancier might make his grotesque pouter and fantail 

 breeds ? Did He cause the frame and mental qualities of the 

 dog to vary in order that a breed might be formed of indomi- 

 table ferocity, with jaws fitted to pin down the bull for man's 

 brutal sport ? But if we give up the principle in one case, — 

 if we do not admit that the variations of the primeval dog 

 were intentionally guided in order that the greyhound, for 

 instance, that perfect image of symmetry and vigour, might 

 be formed,— no shadow of reason can be assigned for the 

 belief that variations, alike in nature and the result of the 



