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go to nature, whether for knowledge or inspiration 

 That there should appear in recent literature some- 

 thing of a new spirit, a sympathetic feeling which 

 could not possibly have flourished in a former age, 

 is not to be wondered at, considering all that has 

 happened in the present century to change the 

 current of men's thoughts. For not only has the new 

 knowledge wrought in our minds, but has entered, 

 or is at last entering, into our souls. 



Having got so far in my apology, a feeling of 

 despair would all at once overcome me at the thought 

 of the vastness of the subject I had entered upon. 

 Looking back it seems but a little while since the 

 introduction of that new element into thought, 

 that " fiery leaven " which in the end would " leaven 

 all the hearts of men for ever." But the time was 

 not really so short ; the gift had been rejected with 

 scorn and bitterness by the mass of mankind at 

 first ; it had taken them years the years of a genera- 

 tion to overcome repugnance and resentment, and 

 to accept it. Even so it had wrought a mighty 

 change, only this had been in the mind ; the change 

 in the heart would follow, and it was perhaps early 

 to boast of it. How was I to disclose all this to him ? 

 All that I had spoken was but a brief exordium a 

 prelude and note of preparation for what should 



