Amalekites
that were smitten "hip and thigh"? Well, I am an Amalekite, and no more
expected to be knocked over so than they did.[343] I have read with
extraordinary pleasure Frank Peabody's sermon on "Faith and Freedom." I
saw it in the "Index." I don't know when I have read anything so fine,
from any of our young men. . . . As to the limitations of free-will, even
more marked than those of heredity and association are those imposed
by the law of our nature. I am not free to think that two and two make
five, or that a wicked action is good and right. But am I not free
to pursue the worst as well as the best? But I am not fit to discuss
anything.

To the Same.

Dec. 13, 1877.

YESTERDAY the mail brought me Furness's new book, "The Power of Spirit,"
and I have already read half of it. It seems to be the finishing up
of what may be called his life-work, that is, the setting forth of the
character of the Master. The book is very interesting, and not merely
a repetition of what he has said before. To be sure, I cannot go along
with him when he maintains that the power of Christ's spirit naturally
produced those results which are called miracles. You know what Stetson
said,--that if that were true, Channing ought to be able to cure a
cut finger. But the earnestness, the eloquence, the spirit of faith
pervading the book are very charming. Look into it, if you can get hold
of it. The chapter on Faith in Christ is very admirable, and that on
Easter is a very curious and adroit piece of criticism. I wish that
Furness would not be so confident, considering the grounds he goes upon,
and that he would not write so darkly upon the materialism of the age.

[344]To the Same.

ST. DAVID'S, Feb. 1, 1878.

How I should like to take such a professional bout as you have had! Now
I wish you could sit down by my side and tell me all about it. I think
preaching was always my greatest pleasure; and in my dreams now I think
I am oftenest going to preach. People try to sum up the good that life
is to them. I think it lies most in activity. Bartol, and that grand
soul, Clarke, discussed it much.

To the Same.

May 13, 1878.

DEAR FRIEND,-I am so much indebted to your good long letters, that I am
ashamed to take my pen to reply. . . .

Your Sanitary Commission Report came to hand two days ago, and I began
at once to read it, and finished it without stopping, greatly interested
in all the details, and greatly pleased with the spirit. W