in the march of progress; but we need a scientific account of this which shall harmonize with a theory of action of environment, and such an account is not forthcoming. It may be said that the very success of the theory by accumulation of most striking and important evidence, is bringing it into difficulty, and suggesting its insufficiency. The more powerful and imposing the action of the law of natural selection, the more pressing becomes the need for a scientific explanation, at once distinct and harmonious, which will account for the persistence of species, when struggle for existence goes on under similar or even analogous action of environment. The presence everywhere of these lower forms alongside of the higher, adds greatly to the attractiveness of nature, and not even the grandeur of a universal advance towards the higher levels of organization would make up for the disappearance of the marvels of lower orders of animals. A monotony of grandeur may compare unfavorably with the wealth of variety and adversity; and so a law of continuity or persistence may be found adding to the greatness of a universe in which a law of progress or evolution also finds uniform application. Upon this contrast between persistence and progress, general attention will henceforth be concentrated in judging of the place and value of a theory of descent. There is no need for hurry or impatience in this matter. The words of Mr. Darwin will find ready assent as he says, "No one ought to feel surprise at much yet remaining unexplained on the origin of species, if we make due allowance for our profound ignorance on the mutual relations of the inhabitants of the world at the present time, and still more during past ages."[BQ] In accordance with this acknowledgment, a wide range of scientific research still remains to be undertaken, and religious thought can have nothing but friendly interest in the work, as it may well be assured of drawing thence fresh contributions of great value for higher speculation concerning the government of the universe. FOOTNOTES: [AO] Tait's _Recent Advances_, p. 23. [AP] Lyell's _Elements of Geology_, p. 2. [AQ] _Recent Advances_, p. 24. [AR] _Doctrine of Descent_, p. 20. [AS] _Ib._ p. 161. [AT] _Introduction to the Theory of Science_. [AU] _Doctrine of Descent_, p. 163. [AV] _Doctrine of Descent_, p. 162. [AW] _Origin of Species_, p. 577. [AX] See Appendix VII. [AY] See Appendix V. [AZ] See Appendix IV. [BA] _Origin of Species_, p. 577. [BB] _The Origin of Species_, xiii. 4th ed. [BC] _The Origin of Species_, p. 1. [BD] _Malay Archipelago_, 1869. [BE] The passage is quoted as given by Schmidt in his _Doctrine of Descent_, p. 132. Italics are inserted to guide the eye of the reader to the successive stages. [BF] Referring to organized being. [BG] _Origin of Species_, p. 577. [BH] _Doct. of Descent_, p. 161-2. [BI] _Origin of Species_, 4th ed. p. 143. [BJ] _Doct. of Descent_, 162.