Modesty or Veracity,' showing how it came about that these high-sounding
virtues are held in their present somewhat general esteem, would find
it in his heart to grudge the admirable authors their freedom from
petty cares?

But, whether Truth-hunting be ever established or not, no one can
doubt that it is a most fashionable pastime, and one which is being
pursued with great vigour.

All hunting is so far alike as to lead one to believe that there must
sometimes occur in Truth-hunting, just as much as in fox-hunting, long
pauses, whilst the covers are being drawn in search of the game, and
when thoughts are free to range at will in pursuit of far other
objects than those giving their name to the sport. If it should chance
to any Truth-hunter, during some 'lull in his hot chase,' whilst, for
example, he is waiting for the second volume of an 'Analysis of
Religion,' or for the last thing out on the Fourth Gospel, to take up
this book, and open it at this page, we should like to press him for
an answer to the following question: 'Are you sure that it is a good
thing for you to spend so much time in speculating about matters
outside your daily life and walk?'

Curiosity is no doubt an excellent quality. In a critic it is
especially excellent. To want to know all about a thing, and not
merely one man's account or version of it; to see all round it, or, at
any rate, as far round as is possible; not to be lazy or indifferent,
or easily put off, or scared away--all this is really very excellent.
Sir Fitz James Stephen professes great regret that we have not got
Pilate's account of the events immediately preceding the Crucifixion.
He thinks it would throw great light upon the subject; and no doubt,