Sin from which they recoil themselves they see committed in the life around them, and they find that it cannot excite the horror or disapproval, which from its supposed nature it should.

They find themselves powerless to pass any general judgment, or to extend the law they live by to any beyond themselves.

The whole prospect that environs them has become morally colourless; and they discern in their attitude towards the world without, what it must one day come to be towards the world within.

A state of mind like this is no dream.

It is a malady of the modern world--a malady of our own generation, which can escape no eyes that will look for it.