In stating this view of "circular progress," Hakewill comes perilously near to the doctrine of Ricorsi or Returns which had been severely denounced by Bacon.
In one point indeed Hakewill goes far beyond Bodin.

It was suggested, as we saw, by the French thinker that in some respects the modern age is superior in conduct and morals to antiquity, but he said little on the matter.

Hakewill develops the suggestion at great length into a severe and partial impeachment of ancient manners and morals.

Unjust and unconvincing though his arguments are, and inspired by theological motives, his thesis nevertheless deserves to be noted as an assertion of the progress of man in social morality.

Bacon, and the thinkers of the seventeenth century generally, confined their views of progress in the past to the intellectual field.