Thus Bishop Blougram is certain that his life of panic-stricken and tottering compromise has been really justified as the only method that could unite him with God.

Thus Prince Hohenstiel-Schwangau is certain that every dodge in his thin string of political dodges has been the true means of realising what he believes to be the will of God.

Every one of these meagre swindlers, while admitting a failure in all things relative, claims an awful alliance with the Absolute.

To many it will at first sight appear a dangerous doctrine indeed.

But, in truth, it is a most solid and noble and salutary doctrine, far less dangerous than its opposite.