Orthodoxy. By H. A. L. Fisher. (Lindsey Press. ls. net.)—
Mr. Fisher's recent Essex Hall Lecture touches on several large themes, especially on the influence of modern science upon religious creeds and on the doctrine of progress. He avows himself a meliorist. " It is reasonable for the historian to cherish a modest hope for-the future of the human race." He discusses the effect of education upon orthodoxy. Has education " de- stroyed those fundamental instincts of mankind out of which religions are fashioned ? " " Has it even provided a permanent dyke against the return of gross and even savage superstitions ? We may be permitted to doubt." Mr. Fisher hopes that "the restraining pressure of civilized opinion " may keep the baser instincts in check. Whether it will do so is the real problem of our age.
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