EFFECT OF PROGRESS. 311 



the secret agency which sent forward the thought entrusted 

 to it swifter than light. The daguerrian instruments, the 

 metailic plates, the prepared paper, were great inventions j 

 but vastly greater was the discovery and development of 

 the phenomena and affinities of light, the mystery of solar 

 influences. 



" There is hope for the world in all this mighty progress, 

 for with it will one day come the development of the true 

 nature and theory of government, the true solution of the 

 great theory of the social compact, the proper adjustment 

 of the relations of man to man, a right appreciation of the 

 nature and value of human rights. It is bringing forward 

 the masses, elevating the millions who work. It will rouse 

 into activity their innate energies, and bring forth their 

 inward might. It creates THOUGHT to guide the hands that 

 set all this vast machinery in motion. It diffuses and 

 strengthens intellectuality, and the pride of intellectuality, 

 making of the men who work something more than mere 

 machines themselves. It is developing and perfecting a 

 mightier engine than any of man's invention ; one that 

 tyrants cannot always control, that kings cannot always 

 manage. That engine is the human mind. Like the steam- 

 engine, it is gathering power, and capability for the exercise 

 of power, and the time will come when it will go crashing, 

 with resistless energy, among thrones, overturning despot- 

 isms, upheaving dynasties, sweeping away those false theo- 

 ries of governmental institutions, which guarantee to one 

 class of people a life of luxurious idleness, coupled with a 



