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

MAN'S PLACE IN THE WORLD. 261lence as determining personal coliduct willnot be formally disputed by any one. Yetso very much bearing on the present argumentis involved in the interpretation to beassigned to this admission, that it is desirableto present at least in outline, the evidenceon which the statement rests. If welook at the facts in view of the ordinaryactions of the lower animals, a ssries ofcontrasts is presented. The animals areseen to compete with 'each other for whatis a common object of desire, such as a favoritearticle of food; and to fight with eachother for possession; the consequence is thatthe strongest and most daring get what theyseek, while the weaker and more timid mustbe content with what is of less value for gratificationof their desire. These facts are soconspicuous and so constant in their influenceon the whole race of animals that thetheory of the origin of species by descentfounds upon them. A complete contrast appearsin what mall recognizes as the rule ofhis conduct, when he admits the obligationto benevolence. There is a reflective exerciseconcerned with the right and wrong in