1 88 1.] j. Scientific Arrogance . 255 
striking objects of Nature. I affirm that the evolution of 
species is part of a great plan of creation in which every 
form of matter is subservient to the purposes of an ever- 
present Creator, and I fail to see anything “ absurd or 
extravagant ” in a conception which is consistent with the 
fundamental principles of a religion which has largely in- 
fluenced the thoughts and actions of wise and good men in 
past ages. To my mind a view of evolution which recon- 
ciles, even though imperfectly, the realities of science with 
the truths of religion, instead of being an objeCt of scorn 
and misrepresentation, vastly increases its claims to ac- 
ceptance. 
In the second chapter, on “ Mind and Matter,” I quote at 
length the introductory chapter of an “ Essay on the Con- 
stitution of the Earth,” published in 1844, to show that 
man’s comprehension of Nature, instead of being, in any 
case, absolute or perfect, is only relative or comparative. 
This idea has been elaborated under the title of the relativity 
of human knowledge, and is, I believe, accepted by scientists 
who claim to have received a “ really scientific training,” 
and who profess to be the recipients of the most exaCt know- 
ledge. But I argue that the faCt that our understanding is 
limited affords no reason for concluding that we are totally 
devoid of understanding, and that this applies alike to spirit 
and matter — to God and Nature ; which conclusion is fur- 
ther elucidated in the third chapter. If the belief in an 
Over-ruling Providence is the fault of my book, why not 
expose the weakness of my argument in its support ? 
The next five chapters of my book deal with the laws of 
God in creation, by which existing things have been deve- 
loped from those which prevailed in the past. By a law of 
creation I mean the order, harmony, and consistency ob- 
servable in the processes by which the changes in Nature 
have been produced. As already suggested, these changes 
are governed by the presence or absence of the necessary 
modifying conditions. Mr. Darwin’s theory of the origin of 
species by means of natural selection admittedly depends 
upon the selection of progressive variations. “ Nothing,” he 
says, “ can be effected unless favourable variations occur 
that is, favourable to the development of new species. 
Natural selection, he observes, aCts exclusively “ by the pre- 
servation and accumulation of variations which are beneficial 
under the organic and inorganic conditions of life to which 
each creature is at each successive period exposed.” Hence 
Mr. Darwin consigns the origin of species, from natural 
selection, to the conditions or circumstances favourable to 
