272 THE GENESIS OF SPECIES. CHAP. 



But, if we give up the principle in one case if we do not 

 admit that the variations of the primeval dog were inten- 

 tionally guided, in order that the greyhound, for instance, 

 that perfect image of symmetry and vigor, might be 

 formed no shadow of reason can be assigned for the 

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

 the same general laws, which have been the groundwork 

 through " Natural Selection " of the formation of the most 

 perfectly-adapted animals in the world, man included, were 

 intentionally and specially guided. However much we 

 may wish it, we can hardly follow Prof. Asa Gray in his 

 belief that ' variation has been led along certain beneficial 

 lines,' like a stream * along definite and useful lines of irri- 

 gation.' " 



" If we assume that each particular variation was from 

 the beginning of all time preordained, the plasticity of the 

 organization, which leads to many injurious deviations of 

 structure, as well as that redundant power of reproduction 

 which inevitably leads to a struggle for existence, and, as a 

 consequence, to the " Natural Selection " and survival of the 

 fittest, must appear to us superfluous laws of Nature. On 

 the other hand, an omnipotent and omniscient Creator or- 

 dains every thing and foresees every thing. Thus we are 

 brought face to face with a difficulty as insoluble as is that 

 of free-will and predestination." 



Before proceeding to reply to this remarkable passage, 

 it may be well to remind some readers that belief in the 

 existence of God, in His primary creation of the universe, 

 and in His derivative creation of all kinds of being, inor- 

 ganic and organic, do not repose upon physical phenomena, 

 but, as has been said, on primary intuitions. To deny or 

 ridicule any of these beliefs on physical grounds is to com- 

 mit the fallacy of ignoratio elenchi. It is to commit an 

 absurdity analogous to that of saying a blind child could 

 not recognize his father because he could not see him, for- 

 getting that he could hear and feel him. Yet there are 



