The book "Making English Morals Voluntary Association and Moral Reform in England 1787-1886" by Dr. John H. Waller provides a comprehensive overview of the development of moral values and their impact on society during this period. The book explores how the concept of morality evolved from a religious to a more secular perspective, and how it was shaped by various social, political, and economic factors. It also examines the role of voluntary associations in promoting moral reform and the challenges faced by these organizations in their efforts to bring about change. The book begins by discussing the religious roots of morality in England during the late 18th century, highlighting the influence of the Enlightenment and the Evangelical movement on moral thought. It then delves into the rise of secularism and the decline of religious authority, leading to the emergence of new moral frameworks that emphasized individual autonomy and humanitarian values. The author also explores the role of education in shaping moral values, including the establishment of schools and universities that promoted rational inquiry and intellectual freedom. One of the key themes of the book is the tension between religious and secular moralities, with the latter gaining increasing importance as the century progressed. The author argues that this shift towards secularism was driven by the growing awareness of the need for moral reform, particularly in the wake of the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution.

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