in free spiritual activity, of which in this life at least material possession is an essential condition.”  There is nothing new in this:  it is the common basis of all religions and ethical systems.  But it needs to be re-stated for each generation, and so stated as to suit each environment.  At the time that I am describing Davidson’s re-statement appealed to the small circle of his adherents, though the movement which he started had results that he neither expected nor approved.

I have now indicated the currents of thought which contributed to the formation of the Fabian Society, so far as I can recover them from memory and a survey of the periodical literature of the period.  I have not included the writings of Ruskin, Socialist in outlook as some of them undoubtedly are, because I think that the value of his social teachings was concealed from most of us at that time by reaction against his religious mediaevalism, and indifference to his gospel of art.  Books so eminently adapted for young ladies at mid-Victorian schools did not appeal to modernists educated by Comte and Spencer.

FOOTNOTES: 

[1] The words Communism and Socialism were interchangeable at that period, e.g. the “Manifesto of the Communist Party,” by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, 1848.

[2] “Political Economy,” Book II, Chap. i, Sec. 3.

[3] William Morris attributed to Mill his conversion to Socialism.  See J.W.  Mackail’s “Life,” Vol.  II, p. 79.

[4] No. 1, June, 1883, monthly, 1d.; continued until 1891.

[5] Born 1847.  Founded the Guild of St. Matthew 1877 and edited its organ, the “Church Reformer,” till 1895.  Member of the English Land Restoration League, originally the Land Reform Union, from 1883.  Member of the London School Board 1888-1904; of the London County Council since 1907.

[6] See “Memorials of Thomas Davidson:  the wandering scholar.”  Edited by William Knight.  London:  T. Fisher Unwin, 1907.  Thomas Davidson was born in Aberdeenshire in 1840 of a peasant family; after a brilliant career at Aberdeen University he settled in America, but travelled much in Europe.  His magnetic personality inspired attachment and admiration in all he came across.  He lectured and wrote incessantly, founded Ethical Societies and Schools, and published several volumes on philosophical subjects, but his achievements were scarcely commensurate with his abilities.  He died in 1900.

Chapter II

The Foundations of the Society:  1883-4

   Frank Podmore and Ghost-hunting—­Thomas Davidson and his circle—­The
   preliminary meetings—­The Fellowship of the New Life—­Formation of
   the Society—­The career of the New Fellowship.