ON PRACTICAL OPTIMISM. 223 
of a compensatory kind which keeps the cosmic mechanism in 
order. 
And when we fairly face the problems of human life in the 
light of the facts of human history, we find a perpetual ten- 
dency that makes for righteousness rather than for unrighteous- 
ness. ‘l'o this the Christian believer adds a faith in the special 
revelation made in Jesus, the Christ, and the whole horizon of 
speculation becomes lit up with radiance of a better day coming. 
19. The right view as to the value of the world depends 
upon a patient consideration of the way in which all the 
phenomena within reach of our knowledge work together. 
What is the impression produced upon our minds when we 
estimate by the total resultant, and not by our opinion of 
individual details? Is there not a wniversitatis pulchritudo, 
notwithstanding any long catalogue that may be made of 
what may seem to us defective or repellant phenomena ? 
Modern researches in science have added marvellous testimony 
to the existence of pervading design, and adaptation to 
environment in nature around us. And this thought is of 
itself at once awe-inspiring and consoling. 
20. But the problem which most intimately concerns men 
is the worth of human life. Here, again, it would be a 
mistake to judge of the value of life by individual experience, 
or by exceptional cases of sorrow, poverty, or pain. The 
materials for judgment are not simple, but complex. And the 
whole inquiry is a question of tendency, not of phenomena 
isolated from the general current and order of things—of 
dominant law, not of what appears to be specific pains or 
evils, when viewed individually. 
Hence the importance of a historical survey of humanity, 
and of a wide comparison of the different varieties of possible 
enjoyment for different classes of men and types of human 
energy. 
History will teach us that human progress is, on the whole, 
stronger than degeneration; and that, in proportion to the 
elevation of ethical standard, man’s capabilities of happiness 
and hopeincrease. The degeneration itself is good so far as it 
leads, not only to “a survival of that which is fittest,” but to 
a prevalence of higher ideas and better conditions of life. 
And the comparison of the many ways in which life can be 
used and enjoyed will enable us to perceive that the sum total of 
even actual present happiness is apt to be disregarded by 
those who—either in expression of pessimistic sentiment or 
in construction of an indictment against optimism—look 
only at the dark side of things. The verdict of a careful 
historical survey of humanity is that there is a constant 
