There is still another question which science has forced on theology, in relation to man, which cannot be overlooked. Have all mankind had a common origin ? and have they a common nature ? Are they all descended from one pair, and do they constitute one species ? These questions are answered affirma- tively in the Bible and by the Church universal. They are an- swered in the negative by a large and increasing class of scientific men. As the unity of the race is not only asserted in the Scrip- tures but also assumed in all they teach concerning the apostasy and redemption of man, it is a point about which the mind of the theologian should be intelligently convinced. As a mere theolo- gian he may be authorized to rest satisfied with the declarations of the Bible ; but as a defender of the faith he should be able to give an answer to those who oppose themselves.
There are two points involved in this question : community of origin, and unity of species. All plants and animals derived by propagation from the same original stock are of the same species ; but those of the sarfie species need not be derived from a common stock. If God saw fit at the beginning, or at any time since, to create plants or animals of the same kind in large numbers and in different parts of the earth, they would be of the same species (or kind) though not of the same origin. The oaks of America and those of Europe are identical in species, even although not derived from one and the same parent oak. It may be admitted that the great majority of plants and animals were originally produced not singly or in pairs, but in groups, the earth bringing forth a multitude of individuals of the same kind. It is therefore in itself possible that all men may be of the same species, although not all descended from Adam. And such is the opinion of some distin- guished naturalists. The Scriptural docti'ine, however, concerning man is, that the race is not only the same in kind but the same in origin. They are all the children of a common parent, and have a common nature.
78 PART n. Ch, IV. — union of the HIBIAN RACE,
§ 1. Meaning of the Word, or the Idea of Species. It is obviously essential to any intelligent answer to the question whether all the varieties of men are of one species, that we should be able to tell what a species is. This is a point of very great dif- ficulty. Naturalists not only differ in their definitions of the term, but they differ greatly in classification. Some assume a spot on the wing of a butterfly, or a slight diversity of plumage in a bird, as proof of difference of species. Some therefore divide into six or eight species what others comprehend in one. Nothing there- fore can be done until men come to a common understanding on this subject, and the true idea of species be determined and au- thenticated.
General Characteristics of Species.
Before considering the various definitions of the term, it is proper to remark that there are certain characteristics of species which at least, until of late, have been generally recognized and admitted. (1.) Originality, i. e., they owe their existence and character to immediate creation. They are not produced by phys- ical causes, nor are they ever derived from other genera or species. They are original forms. This is admitted by naturalists of all classes. Such is the doctrine of Cuvier, Agassiz, Dr. Morton, and of those who hold that the varieties of the human race are so many distinct species. They mean by this that they had different orjffins, and are not all derived from a common stock. Everv species therefore, by general consent, has had a single origin. (2.) Universality, i. e., all the individuals and varieties belonging to the same species have all its essential characteristics. Wherever you find the teeth of a carnivorous animal, you find a stomach able to digest animal food, and claws adapted to seize and hold prey. Wherever you find fins to effect motion in water, you find a breathing apparatus suited to the same element. The species is transmitted whole and entire. It is the same in all individuals be- longing to it, and in that sense universal. (3.) Immutability, or permanence. By this is meant first, that one species is never lost or merged in another ; and secondly, that two or more species never combine so as to produce a third. The rose cannot be merged into the tulip ; nor can the rose and tulip be made to produce a new species, which is neither the one nor the other. The only permanent transmissible forms of organic life, are such as constitute distinct species. Immutability, therefore, or the