We have been saying, Lucy, that 'tis the strangest thing in the
world people should quarrel about religion, since we undoubtedly all
mean the same thing; all good minds in every religion aim at pleasing
the Supreme Being; the means we take differ according to the country
where we are born, and the prejudices we imbibe from education; a
consideration which ought to inspire us with kindness and indulgence to
each other.
If we examine each other's sentiments with candor, we shall find
much less difference in essentials than we imagine;
"Since all agree to own, at least to mean,
One great, one good, one general Lord of all."
There is, I think, a very pretty Sunday reflexion for you, Lucy.
You must know, I am extremely religious; and for this amongst other
reasons, that I think infidelity a vice peculiarly contrary to the
native softness of woman: it is bold, daring, masculine; and I should
almost doubt the sex of an unbeliever in petticoats.
Women are religious as they are virtuous, less from principles
founded on reasoning and argument, than from elegance of mind, delicacy
of moral taste, and a certain quick perception of the beautiful and
becoming in every thing.
This instinct, however, for such it is, is worth all the tedious
reasonings of the men; which is a point I flatter myself you will not
dispute with me.
Monday, Jan. 5.
This is the first day I have ventured in an open carriole; we have
been running a race on the snow, your brother and I against Emily and
Fitzgerald: we conquered from Fitzgerald's complaisance to Emily. I
shall like it mightily, well wrapt up: I set off with a crape over my
face to keep off the cold, but in three minutes it was a cake of solid
ice, from my breath which froze upon it; yet this is called a mild day,
and the sun shines in all his glory.
Silleri, Thursday, Jan. 8, midnight.
We are just come from the general's assembly; much company, and we
danced till this minute; for I believe we have not been more coming
these four miles.
Fitzgerald is the very pink of courtesy; he never uses his covered
carriole himself, but devotes it intirely to the ladies; it stands at
the general's door in waiting on Thursdays: if any lady comes out
before her carriole arrives, the servants call out mechanically,
"Captain Fitzgerald's carriole here, for a lady." The Colonel is
equally gallant, but I generally lay an embargo on his: they have each
of them an extreme pretty one for themselves, or to drive a fair lady a
morning's airing, when she will allow them the honor, and the weather
is mild enough to permit it.
_Bon soir!_ I am sleepy.
Yours,
A. Fermor.
LETTER 51.
To John Temple, Esq; Pall Mall.
Quebec, Jan. 9.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account