Page:The future of Africa.djvu/110

 "The ways of Providence are not confined within narrow limits; he hurries not himself to display to-day the consequences of the principle that he yesterday laid down; he will draw it out in the lapse of ages when the hour is come."— "General History of Civilization" Lecture I. "Is it not apparent that civilization is the main fact, the general and definite fact, in which all others terminate, and are included? * * * * This is so true, that, with respect to facts, which are from their nature detestable, disastrous, a painful weight upon nations, as despotism and anarchy, for example, if they have contributed in some degree to civilization, if they have given it a considerable impetus, up to a certain point we excuse and pardon their injuries and their evil nature; insomuch, that wherever we discover civilization, and the facts which have tended to enrich it, we are tempted to forget the price it has cost."— General History of Civilization" Lecture I. "In all things, Providence, to accomplish its designs, lavishes courage, virtues, sacrifices man himself!"— General History of Civilization" Lecture VII.