Christian, and thus have attained that mental harmony which was necessary to him. It is true, too, as you say, that we always feel a melancholy imperfection in what he writes. But I love to think of those other spheres in which so pure and rich a being shall be perfected; and I cannot allow his faults of opinion and sentiment to mar my enjoyment of the vast capabilities, and exquisite perception of beauty, displayed everywhere in his poems.’
‘March 17, 1836. — I think Herschel will be very
valuable to me, from the slight glance I have taken of it,
and I thank Mr. F.; but do not let him expect
anything of me because I have ventured on a book so
profound as the Novum Organum. I have been
examining myself with severity, intellectually as well as
morally, and am shocked to find how vague and
superficial is all my knowledge. I am no longer surprised
that I should have appeared harsh and arrogant in my
strictures to one who, having a better-disciplined mind,
is more sensible of the difficulties in the way of really
knowing and doing anything, and who, having more
Wisdom, 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 prob-
