The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-12-13
FOR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEsT."

This is doctrine which has been much j
: use of late to explain certain phenomena i
= the natural world It has been wonderful
popular with q considerable class of thinkers
and is supposed to be capable of solving man,
intricate difficulties. BY some, who are no
Inclined to be uncharitable, it is deemed tho
roughly ilfdel, even atheistic, in its origiI
aud tendencies. Thus far, its application
seems to have been theoretically restri,tec
to the sphere of sci,r.i6c inquiry, and n
eff,rt has been made to show that it apper
tains to domestic. socis, or ecclesiastical af
fairs. But it is not possible to say how sOor
it will iatrude itself into these spheres as al
important and acknowledged factor. Ever
now, indeed, it may be feared that it's infu
ence may be felt ys1pD D'!tte expected, and
that it's power is all the more fatal becaus'
unrecognized. It s certain that this doctrine
ia unscriptural and hostile to the spirit anC
prevalence of true Christianity. Its inspira'
tion is that of Cain, and iads its just expre.'
sion in the heartless question: Am | my
brothers keeper?" 1t surely has nothing in
common with the teaching of Him who was
touched with feeling of our inftmisy,
aud who Though he was rich, yet for ou
sakes became poor" It's essercs is bleak
self,hness, while the gist of the gospel i;
enlarged beneGcence.
But as fact, is not the Church just nov
in danger of acting on the creed of every
man for himself?" While there are noble,
generous exceptions, is not the drift of things
among US towards care for individual inter
ests to the exclusion of the vaster concerns
of the whole body? This inquiry, seriously
put, may excite surprise, and yet we ar,
convinced that it is just and proper, and tina
it is better the matter should be examined
now, ere irreparable damage has been done.
The doctrine of the unity of the Church, and
Of the mutual relations of its members to one
another has always been maintained by Pres
byterisns. The General Assembly of 1866,
in establishing the Sastentation scheme,
clearly defines the historical and domestic
position of the Church as follows:
"With reference to the memorial presented
by the Rev. DR.. j. leighton Wilson, which
was referred to this committee, We beg leave
respectfully to report that in deVisiDg plat
and organizing an agency for carrying on the
work of D 1mestic Missions, it is necessary to
keep in view two essential principles:
First. That the Church of Christ is one
body, having one glorious Head, and per
vaded and actuated by common divine sp
ritual life.
Second That it is free spiritual com
mouwesltb, callingTno man master on the
earth; but whose only Lord and Master is
: The Tseb liberty of ths Church is protected by
written constitution, founded on the WORD
of God, aud is also guarded by the wise ar
rapgement of its several courts, in accord
auce with the principles taught in the Holy
Scriptures.
To the General Assembly. it specially be
longs to manifest and exemplify the unity OF
the Church. 1t is the province of the Pres
bytery to conserve the freedom of the Chris
tlau commonwealth, by occupying the posi-
ton and performing the functions of the chiei
executive agent 10 conducting the whole work
of the Church.
If all the Presbyteries were equally
strong, and were all blessed alike with the
wealth of this world, it would only be neceS
sary for each Pfesbytery to appropriate the
contributions of the Lords people, in du'
proportion, according to the exigencieS Of
every part of the field. But inasmuch as
there is very great inequality in the strength
aud resources of the different Presbyteres,
and because, according to the law of the life
of the Church, it is the imperative duty OF
the strong to aid the weak, in order that the
healthful vigor Of the whole body may be
preserved, it becommes necessary to have
some central agency, through which the vita
current of the Church's life may f1w in due
proportion to every part, and that all the
energy, z,al, and resources Of the whole
Church may be combined in the prosecution
Of its most important work. This is the
eff i,e.of the General Assembly: but it can
only be practically fulfilled through the
agency of a committee"
The Assembly adds:
"It is expected that the older and stronger
Presbyteries will always, except under some
special providence, contribute larger amount
TO the general fund than they expect to draw,
that the weaker PreSbyteres may be provided
for"
Il is clearly inculoated here that there is
not only no antagonism between the different
parts of the Church, bat that its members
are united by the closest bonds of love and
service; aud that they who are able to rem
der help to their needy brethren are bound
to do so. This is the accepted doctrine Of
the Church, approved by its highest court,
aud endorsed by every one of its constituent
Presbyteres. And yet while the theory is
so sound, and there is such general agree
ment ia it's maintenance, there are some
things which give US pause, and excite fear
lest the doctrine of "the survival of the fit.
test " has obtained stronger and more in.
Auential hold in some quarters than the pure
aud admitted truths of Gods Word, ex.
pounded above. The practical teaching o.
the Church is that the strong ought to het
the weak. The practical fact of the Church.
work is, that this result has been reached IA
comparatively small degree and By tew. II
proof of this, take the following facts:
~ Some of the oldest Presbyteries do no