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Reading Mary, by Mary Wollstonecraft

I love the clarity of prose, and the quick pacing, though I find I have to go back sometimes because I skipped a word or two and literally have no idea what is going on. It is so interesting to learn past modes of religion. As ages have passed, our views of religion have changed so much. I cannot really consider the present mood of it here without shuddering. At least in past ages it mingled with scenes of nature and attitudes of passion. Now it seems we linger between the dregs of the Second Great Awakening and wishy washy agnostics. We are afraid to believe in something, really involve ourselves.

I keep downloading the books she references. I don't know where I will find time for all of this. I realize with each preface I skim how lacking is my history education. I find I still have a great desire for the eighteenth century.
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