of the Evolution Philosophy. 21 



lution pliilosopliy : '* The agnostic miuister will be cliiefly 

 a moral educator; but while discussing ethical questions, 

 which must of themselves exert a highly elevating influ- 

 ence on his hearers, he Avill, at the same time, have ample 

 opportunity of ministering to their spiritual needs by 

 appropriate references to the mysteries of cosmology, either 

 for the purpose of quickening the religious emotions and 

 reinforcing the religious consciousness, or with a view to 

 emphasizing some moral lesson which he may wish to bring 

 home to the hearts of his hearers. Thus will man's con- 

 duct be influenced in the right direction. On the one hand, 

 the necessity of leading a moral life will be impressed 

 upon him ; on the other hand, he will be led to reflect upon 

 that inscrutable power whose marvelous energy reveals 

 itself in a universe of wonders — a jjower which, though 

 indeflnable, nay inconceivable, is yet as real in its existence 

 as it is unknowable in its attributes." * Though incompre- 

 hensible, this power is apprehensible ; though unknowable 

 in its essential nature and attributes, it is known as exist- 

 ing, known as infinite and eternal, known as the Energy 

 from whence all things proceed, and known symbolically 

 in its relations to man and to the phenomenal universe. 

 This knowledge satisfies every legitimate hunger of the 

 heart and mind. The attitude of the mind, therefore, in 

 contemplating the Infinite Source of phenomena should be 

 profoundly reverential and Avorshipful ; yet its truest ser- 

 vice will be found in no ritual or stated ceremonial of relig- 

 ious worship, but in the active and intelligent service of 

 man. And in and through this service, making life itself 

 seem ever grander, more precious, more beautiful, there 

 may grow up in tlie mind a rational ho^jc for personal con- 

 tinuance hereafter, to supplant the dogmatic assurance of 

 the old theology, in which, as inculcated by the Christian 

 church, thoughtful minds are everywhere coming to have a 

 less and less confident belief. Evolution teaches the essen- 

 tial goodness and desirability of life; and on this founda- 

 tion, if on any, a rational hope of immortality must finally 

 be based. In this direction the healthy emotions of a 

 rational mind are entitled to have free play, " so long as 

 they do not trespass upon the domains of the intellect." 



♦The Moral and Religious Aspects of Herbert Spencer's Philosophy. l>y 

 Sylvan Drey. (London: Williams & Norgate. Boston: James II. West, 

 Publisher. ) 



