The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

160 SCIENCE AND A'ELIGIOIi.account for the persistence of species, whenstruggle for existence goes on under similar oreven analogous action of environment. Thepresence everywhere of these lower formsalongside of the higher, adds greatly to the attractivenessof nature, and not even the grandeurof a universal advance towards the higherlevels of organization would make up forthe disappearance of the marvels of lowerorders of animals. A monotony of grandeurmay compare unfavorably with the wealth ofvariety and adversity; and so a law of continuityor persistence may be found addingto the greatness of a universe in which n, lawof progress or evolution also finds uniformapplication.Upon this contrast between persistence andprogress, general attention will henceforth beconcentrated in judging of the place and valueof a theory of descent. There is no needfor hurry or impatience in this matter. Thewords of Mr. Darwin will find ready assentas he says, " No one ought to feel surprise atmuch yet remaining unexplained on the originof species, if we make due allowance for ourprofound ignorance on the mutual relationsof the inhabitants of the world at the present