Archbishop Manning would have one rule of progress and decline; Professor Huxley, in most important points, quite an opposite rule; what one would set down as an advance, the other would set down as a retreat.
Bagehot contrasts differing views on progress and decline from notable figures, illustrating the contentious nature of these concepts.
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The Parliament, the laws, the press were human institutions; but the Monarchy was a Divine institution.
But, above all things, they were frightened of 'the world;' the spectacle of nature filled them with awe and dread.
And again, in political matters, how quickly a leading statesman can change the tone of the community!
They are solely concerned with his attractiveness as a candidate; they need not regard his efficiency as a ruler.
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