In order that our readers may get a correct view of this, it is necessary to use the historic method—that is to say, to trace the development of society from its early times up to the full expression of the commercial period, which has created and is now creating such a vast mass of discontent, not only amongst the working classes who suffer directly from the oppression that is a necessary part of it, but also in various and sometimes discordant forms amongst the well-to-do, who on the face of things are benefited by its working. We propose to finish the book by giving our own impressions both of the immediate issue of the present stir and commotion in socio-political life, and also of what may be reasonably expected from the new society when it has at last supplanted the ever-increasing confusion of the present day. Only it must be premised that this last part can be nothing more than the expression of our own individual views, and that we do not claim any further weight for it. Although it has been often attempted, it is impossible to build up a scheme for the society of the future, for no man can really think himself out of his own days; his palace of days to come can only be constructed from the aspirations forced on him by his present surroundings, and from his dreams of the life of the 18 past, which themselves cannot fail to be more or less unsubstantial imaginings.
At least we can boldly assert that those who think that the civilisation of our own time will not be transformed both in shape and in essence, hold their opinion in the teeth of the witness of all history. This cannot be set aside by taking refuge in platitudes about “human nature,” which are really deduced from orthodox theology and an obsolete view of history. Human nature is itself a growth of the ages, and is ever and indefinitely moulded by the conditions under which it finds itself.
Footnotes
- If it be said that Evangelicalism is no longer flourishing, that is true in the Church of England; but the large and exceedingly influential body of dissenters still remains intact.Back