The kind of cynicism that Russell discusses is also very explicit in the book of Ecclesiastes.

  The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
  Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
  There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
  I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
  And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
  I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.