The Darwinian Theory.

We can measure the extent of this change by a comparison of two events, both of them within the recollection of some whom I now address. In the year 1859 Mr. Darwin's book "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection" made its appearance, and instantly there rose from scores of English pulpits and through a hundred channels in the English press cries of indignation and scorn, and also, it must be said, of fierce personal vituperation, directed against the blameless author of that book. In the early part of last year (1882), when Mr. Darwin died, the English Press was unanimous in its eulogies on his life and labours, and sermons were actually preached in Westminster Abbey and in St. Paul's Cathedral by two most distinguished clergymen, in which not only did the simple character of the illustrious student receive due commendation, but his great speculations and their results upon the thought of the age were referred to in terms of respect.