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

RBLA TIONS OF ORGANISMS. 189ence. Or, to put it from another point ofview, nature has marvellously provided formitigation of the struggle for existence, bycontrivances providing both for vegetable anclanimal life; therefore the theory of the originand development of life which depends chieflyon the struggle for existence must be adjustedto allow for a theory of the effects arising fromthe natural provision for obviating the struggle,and providing for a large increase of life.Quite beyond this, as a matter entirely distinct,is the question as to the primordialforms of existence in the history of plantsand insects. As to this, science may be ableto give very little testimony, as it is a questionof the remote past, on which present factsmay afford little evidence. Still, beyond theseprimordial forms, in a region which sciencecan not enter, there lies the question of origin,of actual beginning, creation of life, as to thereality of which science can speak only indirectlyby discovery of its own limits, in theterms of its ultimatum, nature has providedthat such and such things shall be.Before leaving the department of insect life,there is a collateral and complementary seriesof observations, bearing upon the nature and