The quaking bystanders in a superstitious age would soon have slain an isolated bold man in the beginning of his innovations, What Macaulay so relied on as the incessant source of progress--the desire of man to better his condition--was not then permitted to work; man was required to live as his ancestors had lived.
Bagehot describes the challenges faced by innovators in superstitious societies where tradition stifled progress.
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And therefore party is inherent in it, is bone of its bone, and breath of its breath.
But, above all things, they were frightened of 'the world;' the spectacle of nature filled them with awe and dread.
The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.
The moderate people of every party must combine to support the Government which, on the whole, suits every party best.
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