This spirit of the time is felt by every individual with some
difference, -- to each one casting its light upon the objects nearest
to his temper and habits of thought; -- to one, coming in the shape
of special reforms in the state; to another, in modifications of the
various callings of men, and the customs of business; to a third,
opening a new scope for literature and art; to a fourth, in
philosophical insight; to a fifth, in the vast solitudes of prayer.
It is in every form a protest against usage, and a search for
principles. In all its movements, it is peaceable, and in the very
lowest marked with a triumphant success. Of course, it rouses the
opposition of all which it judges and condemns, but it is too
confident in its tone to comprehend an objection, and so builds no
outworks for possible defence against contingent enemies. It has the
step of Fate, and goes on existing like an oak or a river, because it
must.
In literature, this influence appears not yet in new books so
much as in the higher tone of criticism. The antidote to all
narrowness is the comparison of the record with nature, which at once
shames the record and stimulates to new attempts.
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