LECTURE II 



THE EVOLUTIONARY THEORY 



In my first lecture I endeavoured to clear the ground 

 of some of the difficulties which interfere with an 

 intelHgent discussion of the bearing of the evolutionary 

 theory upon Christian doctrine. If I succeeded in my 

 purpose, I have justified your acceptance of the gen- 

 eral presupposition that the alleged opposition between 

 natural science and theology is in reahty a conflict 

 between speculative philosophies; and that it is the 

 naturalistic philosophy of certain physical scientists, 

 rather than the estabHshed results of their investiga- 

 tions, which is inconsistent with Christian doctrine. 

 ''Who would pay the sHghtest attention to naturalism," 

 Mr. A. J. Balfour asks, "if it did not force itself into 

 the retinue of science, assume her livery, and claim, as 

 a kind of poor relation, in some sort to represent her 

 authority and to speak with her voice?" ^ 



In this and in my next lecture I ask you to consider 

 the evolutionary hypothesis, its various forms, and 

 the evidence by which it is supported. No doubt 

 others have covered this ground with far greater claims 

 to be heard than I can advance,^ and some of you at 



* Foundations of Belief, p. 35. 



2 The bibliography of the subject of organic evolution is large, 

 and is constantly increasing. The following works are especially 



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