from its
present form, that it was gradually transformed from one stage to another
until it attained its present likeness, that at one time it was similar to
a fish, later an invertebrate and finally human. This anatomical evolution
or progression does not alter or affect the statement that the development
of man was always human in type and biological in progression. For the
human embryo when examined microscopically is at first a mere germ or
worm. Gradually as it develops it shows certain divisions; rudiments of
hands and feet appear--that is to say, an upper and a lower part are
distinguishable. Afterward it undergoes certain distinct changes until it
reaches its actual human form and is born into this world. But at all
times, even when the embryo resembled a worm, it was human in potentiality
and character, not animal. The forms assumed by the human embryo in its
successive changes do not prove that it is animal in its essential
character. Throughout this progression there has been a transference of
type, a conservation of species or kind. Realizing this we may acknowledge
the fact that at one time man was an inmate of the sea, at another period
an invertebrate, then a vertebrate and finally a human being standing
erect. Though we admit these changes, we cannot say man is an animal. In
each one of these stages are signs and evidences of his human existence
and destination. Proof of this lies in the fact that in the embryo man
still resembles a worm. This embryo still progresses from one state to
another, assuming different forms until that which was potential in
it--namely, the human image--appears. Therefore, in the protoplasm, man is
man. Conservation of species demands it.

The lost link of Darwinian theory is itself a proof that man is not an
animal. How is it possible to have all the links present and that
important link absent? Its absence is an indication that man has never
been an animal. It will never be found.

The significance is this: that the world of humanity is distinct from the
animal kingdom. This is the teaching of the philosophers of the Orient.
They have a proof for it. The proof is that the animals are captives of
nature. All existence and phenomena of the lower kingdoms are captives of
nature; the mighty sun, the numberless stars, the kingdoms of the
vegetable and mineral, none of these can deviate one hair's breadth from
the limitation of nature's laws. They are, as it were, arrested by
nat