EVOLUTION. 43 



deposits, the highest creature — man — being found in 

 the latest strata, proving that the series of forms that 

 we now observe in existing life have been gradually 

 developed in the same ascending series during the 

 vast periods of the past. 



14. The development of mind is traced upward 

 from the lowest instincts, as truly as is the develop- 

 ment of organic forms from simpler organisms, show- 

 ing no need for the theory of the special creation of 

 man's reasoning powers. 



1 5. The study of languages reveals an orderly, 

 gradual development of speech, corresponding to the 

 growth of forms of life. 



16. Moral sentiments have unfolded in animals 

 and man by a process of development, similar to 

 what is observed in organic forms. 



17. There is no evidence that any thing has sud- 

 denly come into existence in a completely developed 

 form of varied structure. It is probable that the 

 lowest and simplest form of life is the result of the 

 combination of particles of matter by their own in- 

 herent energy, and that all subsequent develop- 

 ments have arisen from progressive changes that 

 occurred in accordance with the same laws of nature 

 that surround us to-day. 



18. Finally, one of the principal causes of these 

 progressive changes is observed to be the struggle 

 for existence, which secures the survival of the fittest, 

 or Natural Sefectioo.. ... 



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