313 
distinctions between trim and the lower animals we will 
not weaken or neutralize this by following the passage to the 
end — to find in the ‘"pointer dog” the rudiments of such 
conscience. 
XXIX. The inquiry, no doubt, is a perfectly legitimate one, 
as to the rationale of the facts, both moral and t he rationale 
physical, of a world in which no two beings are ^graduation 
exactly alike, and in which, nevertheless, there is . 
a graduated order probably of all beings, or a series of orders 
nearly touching each other, from the most rudimentary forms 
to the most complicated and perfect. If it had pleased the 
Author of all Being so to create life at the first, that it should 
have in it, by His Own endowment, a power so to untold, no 
one could think it irreligious to affirm “ evolution.” (§ xiv.) 
And though there are no signs to be found of this power of 
life to exalt itself, the order and plan, the gradual arrangement 
and fitness, may still be recognized, being plain both in Nature 
and in Scripture. Our being, as said, “formed from the dust,” 
our being “fashioned beneath in the earth,” our “members,” all 
the rudiments of our form, being described as made “ secretly,” 
told, and “ numbered,” by the Author of all Being, would 
suggest to us much of process in the first creative work ; 
while the fact of growth further suggests the bestowal of 
power in some directions, reminding us that creation was not 
itself all inert, and that the later processes might, some of 
them at least, be gifted to advance without new interventions 
of Creative power. Why it pleased the Supreme Cause to 
create gradually, as He has said, rather than suddenly ; why 
to create lower intelligences and higher — lower moral life and 
higher, may in some degree be ascertained perhaps by reverent 
inquiry hereafter ; and the whole range of topics is worthy of 
that kind of approach which the Bible invites, and may be the 
subject which comes next before this generation — our part, 
that is, of the problem of tho Origin and End of our world and 
ourselves. 
We have affirmed our Philosophy; we have defended our 
principles. But it is time we should pause. 
XXX. The circle of enlarging knowledge presents to us 
other fields of inquiry, all connected ultimately with Conclusion> 
the same lofty realities. Into those fields the dis- 
tinguished members of our Institute are not slow to enter. 
One who has lately been welcomed to our ranks has effectually 
strengthened us by his lectures against some sophistries of the 
time, which were listened to by crowds last year, and are 
supplemented by his frequent addresses in our Metropolitan 
VOL. vi. 2 o 
