382 A YEAR IN BRAZIL. 



dogmatize as they do about evolution. I grant that the theory- 

 is enticing, but I absolutely deny that, even by the latest dis- 

 coveries, they have any grounds for stating that the theory is 

 proven. Therefore, it is remarkable that while they demand faith 

 from their followers in theories which are, at least, unsatisfactory — 

 though they throw the main weight of this odium on the imper- 

 fection of the geological record — they should deny to their opfK)- 

 nents the consolation of faith in things which are unseen and are 

 eternal. 



Is it evolution or degeneration ? Evolutionists leave all to 

 Nature, and, by demanding countless ages for Nature to work, they 

 can throw dust in the eyes of their disciples, and ignore the 

 unnumbered missing links necessary to substantiate their theory 

 by simply referring to the imperfections of the geological record, 

 on which alone they trust. 



Degeneration demands merely the recognition of a law which 

 can be seen working in our midst, starting with, at least, the same 

 premises of leaving all to Nature. 



During the historic period — a term too short for evolutionists 

 to attend to — all the improvements in animals or plants have been 

 owing to cultivation ; the improved species, when left to them- 

 selves, rapidly returning to the original type form. 



Man alone has within him a power for which no evolutionists 

 can account, and for which only revelation can give a satisfactory 

 reason — a power which enables him to go forward ; while at the 

 same time he has always within him the elements of degeneration, 

 which, if not overcome, too often lower him to the condition of a 

 mere animal, even if they do not degrade him below the brute 

 beast whose sole thoughts are of to-day. 



Life is too short, its duties are too momentous, for us to spend 

 our few days in speculation. One thing is evident — man has a 

 body, and is a spirit which will live for ever. Revelation tells 

 him how to prepare for that future life. 



Meanwhile there are thousands who, knowing, believing in, 

 and loving this grand truth, can afford a few hours occasionally, 

 in the ever-increasing struggle for existence, to devote to the study 



of nature. If they approach it with the feelings of the psalmist 



" Lord, how manifold are Thy works ! in wisdom Thou hast made 



