these writers development has ever been a matter of the same energy,
effort, good sense, and perseverance, as tend to advancement of life
now among ourselves. In essence it is neither more nor less than
this, as the rain-drop which denuded an ancient formation is of the
same kind as that which is denuding a modern one, though its effect
may vary in geometrical ratio with the effect it has produced
already. As we are extending reason to the lower animals, so we
must extend a system of moral government by rewards and punishments
no less surely; and if we admit that to some considerable extent man
is man, and master of his fate, we should admit also that all
organic forms which are saved at all have been in proportionate
degree masters of their fate too, and have worked out, not only
their own salvation, but their salvation according, in no small
measure, to their own goodwill and pleasure, at times with a light
heart, and at times in fear and trembling. I do not say that
Erasmus Darwin and Lamarck saw all the foregoing as clearly as it is
easy to see it now; what I have said, however, is only the natural
development of their system.



CHAPTER VI--Statement of the Question at Issue (continued)



So much for the older view; and now for the more modern opinion.
According to Messrs. Darwin and Wallace, and ostensibly, I am afraid
I should add, a great majority of our most prominent biologists, the
view taken by Erasmus Darwin and Lamarck is not a sound one. Some
organisms, indeed, are so admirably adapted to their surroundings,