I shall show how this argument is vitiated by a fundamental fallacy.
It is admitted that to a hasty glance there may certainly seem some danger of our faith in life's value collapsing, together with our belief in God.

It is admitted that this is not in the least irrational.

But it is contended that a scientific study of the past will show us that these fears are groundless, and will reassure us as to the future.

We are referred to a new branch of knowledge, the philosophy of history, and we are assured that by this all our doubts will be set at rest.

This philosophy of history resembles, on an extended scale, the practical wisdom learnt by the man of the world.