Chap. XXVIII. 



CONCLUDING KEMARKS. 



431 



made clear to him, because the precise cause of the shape 

 of each fragment could not be given. But this is a nearly 

 parallel case with the objection that selection explains nothing 

 because we know not the cause of each individual difference in 

 the structure of each being. 



The shape of the fragments of stone at the base of our pre- 

 cipice may be called accidental, but this is not strictly correct • 

 for the shape of each depends on a long sequence of events all 

 obeying natural laws ; on the nature of the rock, on the lines 

 of deposition or cleavage, on the form of the mountain which 

 depends on its upheaval and subsequent denudation, and lastly 

 on the storm or earthquake which threw clown the fragments. 

 But in regard to the use to which the fragments may be put, 

 their shape may be strictly said to be accidental. And here 

 we are led to face a great difficulty, in alluding to which I am 

 aware that I am travelling beyond my proper province. An 

 omniscient Creator must have foreseen every consequence which 

 results from the laws imposed by Him. But can it be reasonably 

 maintained that the Creator intentionally ordered, if we use 

 the words in any ordinary sense, that certain fragments of rock 

 should assume certain shapes so that the builder might erect 

 his edifice ? If the various laws which have determined the 

 shape of each fragment were not predetermined for the builder's 

 sake, can it with any greater probability be maintained that 

 He specially ordained for the sake of the breeder each of the 



innumerable variations in our domestic animals and plants ; 



many of these variations being of no service to man, and not 

 beneficial, far more often injurious, to the creatures themselves? 

 Did He ordain that the crop and tail-feathers of the pigeon 

 should vary in order that the fancier might make his grotesque 

 pouter and fantail breeds ? Did He cause the frame and mental 

 qualities of the clog to vary in order that a breed might be 

 formed of indomitable ferocity, with jaws fitted to pin clown the 

 bull for man's brutal sport ? But if we give up the principle 

 in one case,-if we do not admit that the variations of the pri- 

 meval clog were intentionally guided in order that the grey- 

 hound, for instance, that perfect image of symmetry and 

 vigour, might be formed,~no shadow of reason can be assigned 

 tor the belief that variations, alike in nature and the result 



