has more Reverence too. All that
passed at your house will prove very useful to me; and I trust
that I am approximating somewhat to that genuine humility
which is so indispensable to true regeneration. But do not
speak of this to--, for I am not yet sure of the state of my
mind.'

* * * * *

'1836.--I have, for the time, laid aside _De Stael_ and
_Bacon_, for _Martineau_ and _Southey_. I find, with delight,
that the former has written on the very subjects I wished most
to talk out with her, and probably I shall receive more from
her in this way than by personal intercourse,--for I think
more of her character when with her, and am stimulated through
my affections. As to Southey, I am steeped to the lips in
enjoyment. I am glad I did not know this poet earlier; for I
am now just ready to receive his truly exalting influences in
some degree. I think, in reading, I shall place him next to
Wordsworth. I have finished Herschel, and really believe I
am a little wiser. I have read, too, Heyne's letters
twice, Sartor Resartus once, some of Goethe's late diaries,
Coleridge's Literary Remains, and drank a great deal from
Wordsworth. By the way, do you know his "Happy Warrior"? I
find my insight of this sublime poet perpetually deepening.'

* * * * *

'Mr. ---- says the Wanderjahre is "_wise._" It must be
presumed so; and yet one is not satisfied. I was perfectly so
with my manner of interpreting the Lehrjahre; but this sequel
keeps jerking my clue, and threatens to break it. I do not
know our Goethe yet. I have changed my opinion about his
religious views many times. Sometimes I am tempted to think
that it is only his wonderful knowledge of human nature which
has excited in me such reverence for his philosophy, and that
no worthy fabric has been elevated on this broad foundation.
Yet often, when suspecting that I have found a huge gap, the
next turning it appears that it was but an air-hole, and
there is a brick all ready to stop it. On the whole, though
my enthusiasm for the Goetherian philosophy is checked, my
admiration for the genius of Goethe is in nowise lessened, and
I stand in a sceptical attitude, ready to try his philosophy,
and, if needs must, play the Eclectic.'

'Did I write that a kind-hearted neig