49 
effect would be that the whole mass would be concentrated, and no differen- 
tiation could take place, because that which is homogeneous cannot become 
heterogeneous by the action of mere law. The fact, therefore, that the parts 
are differentiated one from the other is a proof that some other element has 
been introduced besides the action of law. To use the Bishop’s own words, 
if the regularity of nature points to law, the irregularity of nature and 
its infinite variety point equally to the action of will — will, not superseding 
law, but acting in accordance with law ; and we may surely say, that if by the 
exertion of our own will we can put our hands in motion, and through them 
move bodies which are external to ourselves, and so direct and modify the 
forces of nature — if we can by turning a mirror in our hands throw light 
in whatever direction we please — if by a certain suitable arrangement of a 
conducting wire we can send an electric current to whatever part of the 
opposite hemisphere of the earth we may find most suited to our con- 
venience, and this without violation of the laws of nature, surely it is 
unreasonable to deny to a higher will than ours a power to a much 
greater extent over matter. Nor can any reason be shown why we 
should not even go further, and attribute to that higher will the power 
of altering the forces of nature themselves, and the laws by which they 
are governed, if occasion should arise for such an interference. I am 
unwilling to trespass further on the time of the Meeting, but there is one 
observation which I feel tempted to make on the subject of the bearing 
of the doctrine of evolution upon a belief in Scripture. I canuot but feel 
how presumptuous it is in one who is so little known to the members of 
this Society, and who follows at so humble a distance in the path of science, 
to speak upon such a subject before such an assembly, but the indulgence 
hitherto accorded to me encourages me to trespass a few moments more upon 
your time. I am no advocate for the doctrine of evolution ; on the con- 
trary, I cannot see -that it is founded upon any solid ground, and I do not 
expect that it will ever become an established doctrine of science ; but, at 
the same time, the more I consider the matter the less can I share in the 
dread which is sometimes entertained of it as being antagonistic to Christian 
faith. If we believe that the world was created by external agency — 
and I think all will acknowledge there is nothing in the doctrine of evolution 
antagonistic to this belief — and, if I do not mistake, even Mr. Darwin would 
acknowledge this — we may surely believe that the Creator endowed matter with 
all the powers which it possesses, including, according to the theory of evolu- 
tion, what may be described in words now well known “ as the promise and 
potency of all terrestrial life.” And if we believe that the Creator has done 
this, the question appears to me to be reduced simply to one of time, viz., 
the question whether all was done at once, or whether it was done by 
creative acts put forth from time to time. And the question of time 
seems to me to be of but little consequence when we are speaking of Him in 
whose sight a thousand years are but as yesterday. It is true that there are 
some passages in the Book of Genesis which appear, on & prim a facie view of 
them, to be at variance with the doctrine of evolution; but at the same 
YOL. XI Y, 
E 
