Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/200

216 more Christian, a more evangelical doctrine in socialistic, nay, even in communistic teaching. It is only the right understanding of the true evangelical communion which can overcome the erroneous doctrines of communism.

At the Philanthropic Congress of Brussels, it was only laymen—physicians, men of science, the followers of industrial pursuits, and statesmen—who came forward as servants of the gospel, promoters of the kingdom of God! I would have wished to have seen there bishops and priests, nay, even the Pope himself. And why not: if they would be faithful to the traditions of the Christian church? At the commencement of the new community, it was the pious clergy who taught the people to cultivate the earth and to ennoble all the gifts of life. But that labor has now become considerably more difficult, and demands new studies.

One day, towards the end of the Congress, I received a written communication, purporting that King Leopold wished to make my acquaintance. I declared my readiness to obey the king's commands, and requested that his majesty would name the day and hour, which was done, and at two o'clock the following day I betook myself to the royal palace, glad to become better acquainted with a monarch who lived in profound peace with his subjects, whilst revolution shook lands and thrones around him. Besides which, King Leopold had long excited a pleasant interest in my home, where my good mother had conceived an especial affection for this prince, as well as for Queen Victoria's husband, and always liked to hear them