Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/185



having explained the matter to me, I was not surprised when, on the morning following our visit to Nuiore, we descended to the workshop at the usual hour. This proceeding was, it is true, strongly contrary to the prejudices of my early training; yet I could not but acknowledge that there was much reason in the view taken of the matter. Day of rest as it was, the ordinary wants of the body had to be attended to; and not least among these was considered the exercise necessary to keep the body in health. On this day, accordingly, all performed about one-half of their usual morning task. But not only was the labor thus reduced by one-half: the proceeds were scrupulonsly set apart as a contribution to the general fund. This, as we liave seen, was a fund devoted to the noblest purposes. The only direct benefit to the worker from the morning's labor was the maintenance of his physical and moral health.

It was now I first obtained some insight into the religious thought of the period. Though somewhat staggered by many things that ran counter to my preconceived opinions, I could not help seeing that these people were religious in the highest sense of the term.

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