METHOD OF CREATION 51 



means of secondary agencies alone, by the process of 

 evolution. 



Second, he may have created each species from in- 

 organic matter by means of a special fiat. 



Third, he may have created certain types of living 

 beings from inorganic matter by special fiats, and 

 from these types he may .have evolved, by secondary 

 agencies, all other forms. 



The existence of secondary causes implies a pri- 

 mary cause. The unity in nature shows that the 

 primary cause is one and not many. 



The method of creation is nothing except as it 

 bears on our interpretation of the nature of the 

 creative power. Theism stands in no danger from 

 creation by secondary causes, for they are consistent 

 with the existence of an intelligent Creator. Evolu- 

 tion may be atheistic, but it is not necessarily so. 

 Either of the above methods of creation may be 

 Theistic. 



Evolution, if true, is only the immediate explana- 

 tion, but the vital question is, What is the nature of 

 the final Cause as indicated by the secondary causes? 



Evolution, in the belief of the Theistic evolution- 

 ist, is due to secondary agencies working according to 

 established law through all ages, under the guidance 

 of the Divine Mind. The action of natural causes 

 has been continuous, and it is believed by evolution- 

 ists generally that they are sufficient to account for 

 the present condition of things in the universe. 



On the other hand, it is evident that a failure in the 

 sufficiency of secondary causes to produce a known 

 result, renders it necessary that the Primary Cause 

 should come to their aid. 



Each new form that is created involves to a certain 

 extent a change in the method of creation. It may 

 not demand new agencies, but it requires at least a 



