The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-04-16
Evolution and Affinities.

ReV. Henry ward Beechef has re-
Gently devoted several weeks OF his
time to the exposition of the doctrine Of
Evolution before the Southern people. In
deed, this has been hobby with Mr.
Beecher for several years past. but he has
never yet succeeded in exposing the ex
act processes by which the assumed
changes take place, or been able to desig-
nate the different phases of the human
system which indicate the progress OF
transformation. Whether he accepts the
monkey theory of Darwin, or the yegetS-
BILE theory of Spencer. as to the origin OF
the human species, is not very clear lie
contends for the theory OF Evolution. but
does not admit that he sprung from a
monkey or from bunch OF sea grass lie
says he knows he is not a monkey oran ape
now. but believes that he and al his race
sprang from lower order of animals, and
by processes dating back. no one knows
how far, development has gone on until
the present condition Of man was reached.
On this naked theory there is very limited
and very obscure argument to be had Had
he welded the theory of Affinities to that
of Evolution he might have constructed
a connection of reasons which would be
plausible. at least Scientists have as
sumed that the matter composing the hui
man form is renewed every seven years
that man is constantly emitting particles
of matter. which are absorbed in other
creatures, OF by others of the human spe-
cies to supply the emissions which III each
is presumed to take place, accord
ing to their assumption. Ii it be correct
that physical conditions affect seriously
moral and intellectual development and
tendencies, then many Of the eccentrici-
tries of man may be accounted for. espe
cialy if we admit Of the theory Of Atiini-
ties. A change in the matter of man every
seven years might argue a modification in
tastes and affections. and explain the re-
pulsions which frequently follow between
those who have united in wedlock, under
the most happy auspices and with every
indication that 1.-TWO souls with but sin
gle thought had been welded together for
| life or the estrangement of friends who
| for years had known no law but that of at
| tachment, and no ambition but for each
others happiness. 1t is possible that this
| law of Evolution and that Of Afiuities are
| the solution of the strange freaks which
are so often witnessed in the social. and
especially in the marital relations. The
processes Of change in the physical organ
ism and consequently in the emotional
and intellectual attributes by which loves
are turned to hates and Cain kicked up
around the domestic hearth, where the
promise was for perennial bliss, may be
| satisfactorily accounted for. Thus A
man or woman may emit good nature and
absorb a bad nature and thus bring in con-
tact contrary dispositions, growing out
| of the processes of evolution and the Atm
tiles of likes. effeetinga complete revolu-
ton in affections and sympathies, and
consequently sometimes repulsions. Upon
this theory the change Of q good young man
! to a bad middle-aged man may be explained.
and the whole round of human life and its
mutations exposed. Upon the theory CT the
scientists that a change in matter is eff
| fected every seven years, there would be
| three evolutions in twenty one years, at
| the expiration of which another eyolu
| ton would be commenced, to be completed
at twenty-eight. Suppose he would take
unto himself rib at the age of twenty
| five, in the midst of the fourth evolution
and find at the expiration of the period fal
its contamination, that he was another
being, composed of different organic mat
| ter, affecting his esthetical and ethical
nature. it would be perfectly natural for
| his affinities to change and the sources Of
his happiness undergo modification,
which would make the associations formed
under one conditionrepulsive under anoth-
Ell. In fact, the theory of Evolution, log
| ically leads to Free Lovesm--to the accep-
lance of Af1initism, in the social world,
and accounts for the revulsions and repul-
! siOnS which appear in an epidemic form
throughout the country. 1t arrests AL
need for discussion relat ing to the moral
strabimus which afflicts society aqd dis
penses with the necessity for instruction
in religious matters, for every relation of
life and condition of society, is made sub
iect to the law Of Evolution and Affinity.
Mr.. Beecher may not have thought of
this far-reaching effect of his Evolution
doctrine, and of its kinship to Affinity, in
the social relations. and Esoteic Buddhism
as expounded by the Arhats, in the
religious world, and we mention it that he
may give it the attention Of his analytical
mind and refining methods of treating
great moral and religious questions.