The decline and fall of the British Empire - University of Oregon

of the British Empire 23
VI. The Decline of intellectual and
religious life among the English,
No one who has read the foregoing
account will be surprised to hear
that the English of the Twentieth
Century were found wanting in
religious and intellectual enthusiasm.
A great deal of piety and social
activity glistened upon the surface
of things, it is true ; for weak and
effeminate minds have always sought
a solace in false philanthropy or the
external ceremonies of Religion.
But as the Century advanced there
was a noticeable absence of that
practical and spiritual courage which,
in former ages, had welded Crom-
well's Ironsides together, or inspired
Wilberforce and his compatriots to
free the slave. And, while thousands
were busily engaged in tinkering
with Reform, few had the insight or
conviction to go to the root of
things, and deal with first principles.