the less the pressure is not too great for the grand movement that issues from it. On no other terms would this glacier flow. The simple question still remains: Is man to slide backward into animal comforts or to be pressed onward into spiritual life ? What the pessimist should deny is that pure affections are the normal and attainable good of rational life; or, that, if attained, they are possessed of any preeminent worth. The negationist must face the light, and with unflinching eye charge it home as another phase of illusion and darkness.

§ 4. A second objection to the structure of the world is the law of descent, more especially in its relation to man. A portion of its results bear on their face the most disastrous appearance. The child, by physical and moral inheritance, takes up the terrible burden of a father's vices at their passage over into retribution, and either with wholly disproportionate strength staggers a little way under it, or, bearing it more sturdily, enlarges it for the next heir. Here lie, in truth, the depths of the moral kingdom, the hell below the deepest hell, and from this point all upward measurements are taken.

But the law of descent is fundamentally constructive in the social and moral world. To it are attached our chief duties; by it we make our greatest gains; into it are woven our warmest affections. When the kingdom of righteousness shall begin to prevail, it will be seen to roll on in the grooves of this law, and to hold its safe movement by their support and guidance. If this law is the sinister