each of us calls “I” must exist for ever as it has existed from eternity.  Let us think of a sweet change that shall merely divest us of the husk of the body, even as the moth is divested of the husk of the caterpillar.  Space will be as nothing to the soul—­can we not even now transport ourselves in an instant beyond the sun?  We can see with the soul’s eye the surface of the stars, we know what they are made of, we can weigh them, and we can prove that our observation is rigidly accurate even though millions of miles lie between us and the object which we describe so confidently.  When the body is gone, the soul will be more free to traverse space than it is even now.

February, 1888.

Extracts from Reviews of the First Edition.

“Mr. Runciman is terribly in earnest in the greater part of this volume, especially in the several articles on ‘Drink.’  He is eminently practical, withal; and not satisfied with describing and deploring the effects of drunkenness, he gives us a recipe which he warrants to cure the most hardened dipsomaniac within a week.  We have not quoted even the titles of all Mr. Runciman’s essays; but they are all wholesome in tone, and show a hearty love of the open air and of outdoor amusement, in spite of his well-deserved strictures on various forms of so-called ‘sport,’ while sometimes, notably in the Essay on ’Genius and Respectability,’ he touches the higher notes of feeling.”—­Saturday Review.

“Mr. Runciman is intensely earnest, and directs his arrows with force and precision against those ‘joints in our social armour’ which his keen vision detects.  There is a purpose in all Mr. Runciman says; and although one cannot always share his enthusiasm or accept his conclusions, it is impossible to doubt his sincerity as a moral reformer and his zeal in the cause of philanthropy.”—­Academy.

“Few sermons, one would fancy, could do more good than this book, honestly considered.  It speaks plain sense on faults and follies that are usually gently satirised; and makes fine invigorating reading.  The book warmly deserves success.”—­Scotsman.

“Mr. Runciman expresses himself with a vigour which leaves nothing to be desired.  He leaves no doubt of what he thinks,—­and he thinks, anyhow, on the right side....  Altogether a very vigorous deliverance.”—­Spectator.

“No one can read these pleasant thoughtful essays without being the better for it; all being written with the vigour and grace for which Mr. Runciman is distinguished.”—­Newcastle Daily Chronicle.

“Essays which form a most important contribution to the literature of social reform.”—­Methodist Times.

“Mr. Runciman has produced a book which will compel people to read, and it has many pages which ought to compel them to think, and to act as well.”—­Manchester Examiner.