ITS METHODS AND TENDENCIES. 463 
the first time distinctly formularized, was by no means 
new; as it enters largely into the less clearly stated de- 
velopment theories of Oken, Lamarck, De Maillet, and 
the author of the “Vestiges of Creation.” There was this 
difference, however, that in the developmental theories of 
the older writers the element of evolution had a place; the 
process of development had its main spring in an inherent 
growth, or tendency, such as produces the evolution of the 
successive parts in plant-life, while, according to Darwin, 
the beautiful symmetry and adaptation which we see in 
nature is simply the form assumed by plastic matter in 
the mold of external circumstances. 
Although this Darwinian hypothesis is looked upon by 
many as striking at the root of all vital faith, and is the 
béte noire of all those good men who deplore and condemn 
the materialistic tendency of modern science, still the 
purity of life of the author of the “Origin of Species,” his 
enthusiastic devotion to the study of truth, the industry 
and acumen which have marked his researches, the candor 
and caution with which his suggestions have been made, 
all combine to render the obloquy and scorn with which 
they have been received in many quarters peculiarly 
unjust and in bad taste. It should also be said of Mr. 
Darwin, that his views on the origin of species are not 
inconsistent with his own acceptance of the doctrine of 
Revelation ; and that many of our best men of science 
look upon his theory as not incompatible with the relig- 
ious faith which is the guide of their lives, and their 
hope for the future. To these men it seems presumption 
that any mere man should restrict the Deity in his man- 
ner of vitalizing and beautifying the earth. To them it is 
a proof of higher wisdom and greater power in the Crea- 
tor that he shold endow the ‘vital principle with such 
