i6o The Morality of Nature 



ductive sacrifice, extends in lessening force through all the 

 looser relationships. So we may trace, from the parental 

 sacrifice, a succeeding stage in the brothers' common inter- 

 est, first as joint beneficiaries in it, and next as mutual minis- 

 ters of it, and further as grateful supporters of its source. 

 In fact the relations of offspring of the same parent do, by 

 mere similarity and propinquity, first compel, and after- 

 wards suggest by habit, the same mutual sacrifice in a lesser 

 degree. And relationships which are of lesser bond con- 

 tinue the impulse which natural selections and survivals test 

 and prove, and in approval encourage. 



In this process the performance of certain functions by 

 the way of sacrifice becomes part of the hereditary neces- 

 sities of the race. Organs are developed which prepare and 

 mature, and in due time provoke, desires and yearnings, and 

 eventually conduct, which in self-sacrifice returns to the race 

 what is first received from it. This necessity of sacrifice 

 of the lesser life of the individual self, is accounted for in 

 the perception that it is the fulfillment of a trust. There 

 may arise accidental circumstances which may prevent a 

 transmitting directly of the obligations of lineage, but which 

 do not release the creature from consequences. There are 

 impulses which were implanted by heredity which, if sup- 

 pressed in their prime activities, will seek opportunity else- 

 where. And when the physical processes are thus diverted, 

 the psychological impulse craves outlet. In this natural 

 desire arises that wonderful incomprehensible altruism 

 which applies its forces with unreasoning devotion to fellow 

 humanity; not knowing logic or cause, but feeling only the 

 sacred right of its origin; and when in error, still sacred 



