by the theological considerations which weighed so heavily on
Hakewill. He does not trouble himself with the question whether
Anti-Christ has still to appear. The difference in general outlook
between these two clergymen is an indication how the world had
travelled in the course of forty years.

Another point in Glanvill's little book deserves attention. He takes
into his prospect the inhabitants of the Transatlantic world; they,
too, are to share in the benefits which shall result from the
subjugation of nature.

"By the gaining that mighty continent and the numerous fruitful
isles beyond the Atlantic, we have obtained a larger field of
nature, and have thereby an advantage for more phenomena, and more
helps both for knowledge and for life, which 'tis very like that
future ages will make better use of to such purposes than those
hitherto have done; and that science also may at last travel into
those parts and enrich Peru with a more precious treasure than that
of its golden mines, is not improbable."

Sprat, the Bishop of Rochester, in his interesting History of the
Royal Society, so sensible and liberal--published shortly before
Glanvill's book,--also contemplates the extension of science over
the world. Speaking of the prospect of future discoveries, he thinks
it will partly depend on the enlargement of the field of western
civilisation "if this mechanic genius which now prevails in these
parts of Christendom shall happen to spread wide amongst ourselves
and other civil nations, or if by some good fate it shall pass
farther on to other countries that were yet never fully civilised."