272 THE GENESIS OF SPECIES. Chap. 



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

 mlinit that the variiitions of the primeval tlog were inten- 

 tionally guidetl, in order that the greyiiound, 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 sjxine general laws, which have been the groundwork 

 through " iVatural 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 Ijeneiicial 

 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 

 organiziition, which leads to many injurious deviations of 

 structure, as well as that redundant power of re[)r(xluction 

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

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

 fittest, must a})|X!ar to us superiluous laws of Nature. On 

 the other hand, an oinni|K)tent and omniscient Creator or- 

 dains every thing and foresees every thing. Thus we are 

 brought face to face with a dilHculty as insoluble as is that ^J 

 of free-will and predestination." 



Before proceeding to reply to this remarkable passiige, 

 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 phj'sical grounds is to com- 

 mit the fallacy of ujnoratlo 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 lie could hear and feel him. Yet there are 



