On the Genesis of Species | Page 4

the truths contended for by various advocates, to arrive at the one
conciliating reality.
Signs of this conciliation are not wanting: opposite scientific views,
opposite philosophical conceptions, and opposite religious beliefs, are
rapidly tending by their vigorous conflict to evolve such a systematic
and comprehensive view of the genesis of species as will completely
harmonize with the teachings of science, philosophy, and religion.
To endeavour to add one stone to this temple of concord, to try and
remove a few of the misconceptions and mutual misunderstandings
which oppose harmonious action, is the aim and endeavour of the
present work. This aim it is hoped to attain, not by shirking difficulties,
but analysing them, and by endeavouring to dig down to the common
root which supports and unites diverging stems of truth.
It cannot but be a gain when the labourers in the three fields above
mentioned, namely, science, philosophy, and religion, shall fully
recognize this harmony. Then the energy too often spent in futile
controversy, or withheld through prejudice, may be profitably and
reciprocally exercised for the mutual benefit of all.
Remarkable is the rapidity with which an interest in the question of

specific origination has spread. But a few years ago it scarcely
occupied the minds of any but naturalists. Then the crude theory put
forth by Lamarck, and by his English interpreter the author of the
"Vestiges of Creation," had rather discredited than helped on a belief in
organic evolution--a belief, that is, in new kinds being produced from
older {4} ones by the ordinary and constant operation of natural laws.
Now, however, this belief is widely diffused. Indeed, there are few
drawing-rooms where it is not the subject of occasional discussion, and
artisans and schoolboys have their views as to the permanence of
organic forms. Moreover, the reception of this doctrine tends actually,
though by no means necessarily, to be accompanied by certain beliefs
with regard to quite distinct and very momentous subject-matter. So
that the question of the "Genesis of Species" is not only one of great
interest, but also of much importance.
But though the calm and thorough consideration of this matter is at the
present moment exceedingly desirable, yet the actual importance of the
question itself as to its consequences in the domain of theology has
been strangely exaggerated by many, both of its opponents and
supporters. This is especially the case with that form of the evolution
theory which is associated with the name of Mr. Darwin; and yet
neither the refutation nor the demonstration of that doctrine would be
necessarily accompanied by the results which are hoped for by one
party and dreaded by another.
The general theory of evolution has indeed for some time past steadily
gained ground, and it may be safely predicted that the number of facts
which can be brought forward in its support will, in a few years, be
vastly augmented. But the prevalence of this theory need alarm no one,
for it is, without any doubt, perfectly consistent with strictest and most
orthodox Christian theology. Moreover, it is not altogether without
obscurities, and cannot yet be considered as fully demonstrated.
The special Darwinian hypothesis, however, is beset with certain
scientific difficulties, which must by no means be ignored, and some of
which, I venture to think, are absolutely insuperable. What Darwinism
or "Natural Selection" is, will be shortly explained; but before doing so,

I think {5} it well to state the object of this book, and the view taken up
and defended in it. It is its object to maintain the position that "Natural
Selection" acts, and indeed must act, but that still, in order that we may
be able to account for the production of known kinds of animals and
plants, it requires to be supplemented by the action of some other
natural law or laws as yet undiscovered.[1] Also, that the consequences
which have been drawn from Evolution, whether exclusively
Darwinian or not, to the prejudice of religion, by no means follow from
it, and are in fact illegitimate.
The Darwinian theory of "Natural Selection" may be shortly stated
thus:[2]--
Every kind of animal and plant tends to increase in numbers in a
geometrical progression.
Every kind of animal and plant transmits a general likeness, with
individual differences, to its offspring.
Every individual may present minute variations of any kind and in any
direction.
Past time has been practically infinite.
Every individual has to endure a very severe struggle for existence,
owing to the tendency to geometrical increase of all kinds of animals
and plants, while the total animal and vegetable population (man and
his agency excepted) remains almost stationary.
Thus, every variation of a kind tending to save the life of the individual
possessing it, or to enable it more surely to propagate its kind,