2o6 The Morality of Nature 



of the Manchu rulers. History shows examples of the entire 

 absorption in a peace-loving people of a hostile invader 

 whose characteristics have been serviceable for a time, only 

 to disappear in the subsequent amalgamation. The Norman 

 conquest of Saxon England was an example of this fusion. 



We see then in the hostilities between nations, not always 

 examples of conduct in accord with the wisdom of this 

 generation, but often examples of a persisting but declining 

 system of the past. The reluctance with which human 

 nature abandons methods which have been established by 

 success, makes this contest long and possibly endless ; for 

 the tolerance of the altruistic system, will extend even toward 

 the enemies of its association; and permit, perhaps with 

 instructive wisdom, the existence of opposition which is 

 entitled to respect. The new humanity of altruistic type 

 does not however depend upon its own strength alone. As 

 we have seen, the system of its enemies is in its nature 

 limited; predatory life, when relieved of its incentives, tends 

 to revert to peace, and to the enjoyment of peace ; and with 

 the example and precept of neighboring altruism, that ele- 

 ment in any race which has best preserved the instinct of 

 harmony, will quickly leaven the mass when opportunity is 

 presented. Hence it arises that the nations change rapidly 

 by internal impulse in an age of rapid evolution; and, some- 

 times without violent disorder, and at other times with much 

 trouble, the people divert the energies of conduct into new 

 paths. 



Now it is a curious yet self-evident truth that in a rapid 

 progressive upward development, the most conservative con- 

 duct, which has been the most reliable, ceases to be perfect. 



