I have chosen a line composed of forms taken from the comparative anatomical series.  All such present existing forms have probably been modified during the lapse of ages.  But I shall try to tell you when they have diverged noticeably from the structure of the primitive ancestor of the corresponding stage.  It is much safer for us to study concrete, actual forms than imaginary ones, however real may have been the former existence of the latter.  And, after all, their lateral divergence is of small account compared with the great upward and onward march of life, to the right and left of which they have remained stationary or retrograded somewhat, like the tribes which remained on the other side of Jordan and never entered the Promised Land.

To recapitulate:  Our question is the Whence and the Whither of man.  To this question the Bible gives a clear and definite answer.  Can Science also give an answer, and is this in the main in accord with the answer of Scripture?  Science can answer the question only by the historical method of tracing the history of life in the past and observing the goal toward which it tends.  If the evolution theory be true, the record of human achievement and progress forms only one short chapter in the history of the ages.  If from the records of man’s little span of life on the globe we can deduce laws of history on whose truth we can rely, with how much greater confidence and certainty may we rely on laws which have governed all life since its earliest appearance?—­always provided that such can be found.

Our first effort must therefore be to trace the great line of development through a few of its most characteristic stages from the simplest living beings up to man.  This will be our work in the three succeeding lectures.  And to these I must ask you to bring a large store of patience.  Anatomical details are at best dry and uninteresting.  But these dry facts of anatomy form the foundation on which all our arguments and hopes must rest.

But if you will think long and carefully even of anatomical facts, you will see in and behind them something more and grander than they.  You will catch glimpses of the divinity of Nature.  Most of us travel threescore years and ten stone-blind in a world of marvellous beauty.  Why does the artist see so much more in every fence-corner and on every hill-side than we, set face to face with the grandest landscapes?  Primarily, I believe, because he is sympathetic, and looks on Nature as a comrade as near and dear as any human sister and companion.  As Professor Huxley has said, “they get on rarely together.”  She speaks to the artist; to us she is dumb, and ought to be, for we are boorishly careless of her and her teachings.

Nature, to be known, must be loved.  And though you have all the knowledge of a von Humboldt, and do not love her, you will never understand her or her teachings.  You will go through life with her, and yet parted from her as by an adamantine wall.