Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/299

Rh great grief to the true Genevese, and they speak violently against the encroaching church, which they, in the mean time, assure themselves they need not fear. The polemics against it, either written or spoken, are really extraordinary. But I would first ask these learned, protesting gentlemen, whether it would not be better to inquire what it is in Catholicism which is the cause of its present progress, and which leads so many noble-minded, so many thinking, earnest individuals to be attracted to this church? Because, to attribute it merely to error and delusion is an injustice at once to probability and to human nature. Ought they not to inquire whether there are not doctrines in this church which the reformed church has too hastily abandoned, and which it must resume and elucidate, before it can overcome the Roman Catholic Church, by itself becoming Catholic, in the higher significance; that is, universal, all-embracing? I have long had a presentiment of there being such treasures to be found, both for the heart and mind, in the old church; but I will seek more decided knowledge on these subjects. I will inquire in Italy!

With the perfect married couple, Husband and Wife Gasparin, I have become earnestly well acquainted. They invited me to dinner-parties and soirées. I begged them to afford me “hospitality of the soul,” which it is not in the power of all to give, but which was not difficult to them, if—they would. They most kindly understood my desires, and permitted me the enjoyment of quiet hours in their domestic circle—quiet, earnest conversation. We did not agree—it was not possible for us to