WG-18-19. EVOLUTION UNIVERSAL IN HUMAN AFFAIRS
19. EVOLUTION UNIVERSAL IN HUMAN AFFAIRS SO much for the proposition that no trace of evolution is found outside of human affairs. We now turn to the other proposition— namely, that evolution is the method of procedure which obtains in all human affairs. If this proposition be as clear as the first, the two facts viewed together present a very startling condition of things, and one which wonderfully confirms the truth and accuracy of the first seven verses of the third chapter of Genesis. The fact that evolution is the method which obtains in human affairs, and has marked, by its workings, the history of the race everywhere and in all time, is very easily shown. The exceptions, which strikingly confirm the rule, are where God Almighty intervenes and acts in human affairs directly and according to His own method. There is no evolution in the Bible, the Word of God, which was “for ever settled in heaven,” and which remains unchanged and unchangeable. There is 112no evolution in the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no evolution when a soul is regenerated and becomes a new creature in Christ (2Co 5:17). In all these instances the plan and pattern of the creation is complete and perfect from the beginning.*
[It seems hardly necessary to remind the reader of the difference between evolution and growth (which may characterize a creature). Evolution is the development of a thing or set of things into something else. Growth is the development of an organism into itself; 1:e.its maturity; first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear.] A few illustrations of the operation of evolution in human affairs will enable the reader to see for himself its universality. In society at large we find a broad illustration. This is one of the illustrations employed by Herbert Spencer. He says (First Principles, chap. 14: sec. 3): “In the social organism integrative changes are clearly and abundantly exemplified.” And so they are; and it was upon clear and abundant illustrations drawn from this fertile source that his entire “law of evolution,” with all its pomposity and ponderosity, was founded. Influenced by evidences from the realm where evolution does live and rule, author and readers alike were easily persuaded to assign to it a like existence and rule in realms where no trace of it has ever been found. Spencer goes on to cite the development of society through wandering families, then tribes, then stronger tribes formed by the conjunction or subjugation of weaker ones, until the combinations, after being repeatedly formed and broken up, become relatively permanent, and ultimately evolve into states and nationalities. That process, as the result of which, after many changes, nations have been aggregated, is “evolution.” In that process, as Mr. Spencer notes and points out, there are three kinds of changes, which proceed with practical regularity and continuity: first, a change from a less coherent to a more coherent state; second, a change from a more homogeneous to a less homogeneous state; and third, a change from a less definite to a more definite state. The presence of these characteristic marks are everywhere and during all historic times manifested in human affairs, and they hence furnish very strong evidence of the existence of an invisible presiding genius who, from generation to generation, continues to direct the progress of humanity.