The same truth is even formally evinced by the self-destructive course which both writers employ; for as the conditions of the development of our “spiritual nature,” when not complied with, lead to all the deplorable consequences which they acknowledge, how do they propose to rectify them?  Why, by “external” culture, proper discipline and training, judicious instruction, by enlightening mankind,—­as we may suppose they are doing by these hopeful books of theirs!  If man can do so much by his books, is it impossible that a book from God might do something more?  But on this I will say nothing, since you tell me that you have heard attentively the conversation I had with my friend Fellowes the other day.  I will therefore omit what I had written on this point ......

But I proceed to another, maintained by these writers, on which I confess I am equally sceptical.  If they concede (as how can they help it?) that the “religious sentiment” and the “spiritual faculty” have somehow left humanity involved in the most deplorable perplexities and the most humiliating errors, they yet assure us that there is “a good time coming,”—­an auspicious “progress” in virtue and religion, very gradual indeed, but sure and illimitable for the race collectively!  Yes, “progress,” that is ’the word; and a “progress” for the world at large, of which they speak as certainly as if they had received, at least on that point, that external revelation, the possibility of which they deny.  A matter of spiritual “insight” I presume none will declare it to be, and the data are certainly far too meagre and unsatisfactory to make it calculation.  Is Saul among the prophets?  Yes; but, as usual, the truth (if it be a truth) for which they contend is, as with other parts of their system, a plagiarism from the abjured Bible.  Now, if I must believe prophecy, I prefer the magnificent strains of Isaiah to the sentimental prose either of Mr. Parker or of Mr. Newman.

I must modestly doubt whether, apart from the representations of the “books” they abjure as special “revelations,” there is any thing in the history of the world which will justly a sober-minded man in coming to any positive conclusion as to this promised “progress” this infidel millennium, either the one way or the other.  The chief facts, apart from such special information, would certainly point the other way.  Look at the condition of the immense majority of the race in every age,—­so far as we can gather any thing from history,—­compare it with that of the immense majority at the present moment;—­what does it tell us?  Why, surely, that, if there be a destiny of indefinite “progress” in religion and virtue for the race collectively, the hand of the great clock moves so immeasurably slow that it is impossible to note it.  The experience of the individual, nay, of recorded history,—­if we can say there is any such thing,—­fails to trace the movement of the index on the huge dial.  If there be this