Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/343

Rh where they would scarcely receive thanks for all the kindness which I enjoyed there.

“The home of the pastor of souls ought to be hospitable!” said the good Pastor Coulin, when I thanked him for the beautiful hospitality which he and his family had shown to me.

And now let me linger somewhat upon these last days in my Swiss home, where, for the last time, I was able to partake of the refreshment of repose, such as can only be enjoyed in a home like this!

Do not let it, dear R——, appear too tedious for thee to linger yet a few moments with me. Soon, very soon, we shall cross the Alps, and then—proceed far out into the wide world; now, however, let us linger and rest a moment in the home beside the living waters!

I transcribe the following from my diary:

, August 15th.—A still summer rain has been falling ever since morning; it seems to us all like pleasant music, because, for the last two months there has been no rain here, and the earth thirsts and languishes for it. The nightingales sing no longer in the wood, and the great walnut tree is now bearing fruit, and pears and plums are ripening around my quiet home, where every thing is alike good, pleasant, and peaceful.

I have spent the morning in reading, and in the comparison of the ancient classical ideal of man and life with that of more modern times; that is to say, of Christianity. The differences are, in many respects, great, but in none greater and more striking than in