A WELL-MEANT WARNING. THE HE publication of an English book presupposes a perusal by a so-called Christian population. As this work is only intended for those of unsettled religious convictions, the true believers of any present sect or creed are hereby advised to read no further. Faith is ever deserving of respect, and the faithful are an interesting element which may well have a place preserved against intrusion. There is more profit in proselyting among the unattached and unsatisfied. The budding generation will find a wider range of choice if the ideals of the restless are definitely grouped; and these contents may be considered as an humble attempt to sift out the logical conclusions that a vast element of our civilization already appears to recognize, and present them in a more or less unified form for legitimate utility. CHAPTER I. THE EVER CONSTANT INFLUENCE. "Nothing is so firmly believed as that which is least known."-MONTAIGNE. CHAPTER I. THE EVER CONSTANT INFLUENCE. NCHANGED by centuries of culture, the masses UNCHANGED yet adore the mysteries of the unknown. Advancing science tears its veil to shreds, but the ardent converts tenderly cherish the tattered fragments, looking to them rather than through them, their mobile faith asserting that the rents, indeed, improve. Thus ignorance flings down the gauntlet, proud to revere the product of its facile imagination, and content with an explanation which does not explain. Satisfied in continuance of fealty to olden myth, it will not willingly admit the newer truth of aught antagonizing its fettered comprehension. Superstition and restriction thus extend the most exasperating chapter of history even to our present century. It were well that all should comprehend the force that stirs this curious swirl of impulse, to realize its power and plan its future guidance. Every nation, race or class, through every age, in every clime, have seemingly based their code of life on something of religious purport. Man's first enduring signs of creative power were evidenced by devotional symbols, emblems and altars, the earlier of our known races having left us the most imperishable proofs. Scattered throughout the world are massive and useless reminders of energy that still perplex our engineers. Europe, |