THE LESSON OF EVOLUTION 35 



merely a word and not an explanation. Possibly, 

 in the future, when we understand why variations 

 occur, it may be found to be a useful word ; but, as 

 used by Mr Spencer, it is only a cloak to hide our 

 ignorance. 



But this doubt as to how far secondary law extends 

 need not disturb us. If we are satisfied that we see 

 in the progress of evolution, or in the origin of life, 

 or in the existence of free-will in man, a convincing 

 argument for the belief in design, it is enough ; and we 

 may allow, without compunction, that it is impossible 

 to say how far back secondary law extends. 



EFFECTS OF THE NEW TEACHING 



This new doctrine of evolution has changed the 

 whole aspect of Natural Philosophy. We are now 

 compelled to assume as First Cause a power outside 

 of nature without which the material universe could 

 never have come into existence. For, in the first 

 place, if this universe has in itself no power of 

 rejuvenescence, it and its Creator cannot be one and 

 the same. The mind which moves the universe can- 

 iiot have come into existence with it; nor can they 

 perish together. And, secondly, while the origin of 

 life on the earth remains as evidence of discontinuity, 

 it is impossible to believe that the evolutionary process 

 is due to an uninterrupted original impulse, such as 

 we must suppose would result from an effort in nature 

 to evolve itself. And we must further believe that 

 the mind, which originated this gradual development 

 of matter from the simple to the complex, must be 

 sufficiently powerful to direct the stupendous forces 



