Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/344

360 the doctrine of the aim and purport of life, and of the immortality of the human soul. The former, amongst the wise of antiquity, is confined merely to the perfecting of the individual as regards his relationship to the state. They know nothing of a life devoted to the service of humanity. And as regards the latter, there is always in the minds of the most enlightened, a constantly recurring doubt, like a cloud over their brightest yearnings. They stand hesitating over the question, “to be or not to be!” Such are Cicero, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius. Socrates believed more and hoped more, but still how feeble and dreamy, even in Phædon, are the images of a future life! How differently do Peter, Paul, and all the Christian prophets speak! New revelation—new inspiration!

Comparisons of this kind are the enjoyment of my soul. They are Alpine journeys, which invigorate instead of wearying. And I rejoice far more than De Saussure did, when from the newly attained summit I can survey the various branches and scope of the Alpine chain, which is denominated by me, the Education of the Human Soul.

Sunday, August 16th.—Morning family worship is already over. After breakfast, Nancy carried, as usual, the Bible to her father, who read from its pages the fourth Psalm of David, and at its conclusion made the following observations:

“Parents can love their children with an equal affection, and yet at the same time have for each, separate child a separate tenderness and care with reference to the child's character, or talents—