ere mingled with the mere peasants--the Pastor's family sat
nearest to the reading-desk--that, was the only place distinguished
from the others. The building, like most of its era, was plain and
un-ornamented--some passages from Scripture were written on the walls,
in different places, but these were its only decoration. As I sat,
awaiting the commencement of the service, I could not avoid being struck
by the marked difference of feature, observable in Protestant, from what
we see in Roman Catholic communities--not depending upon nationality,
for Germany itself is an illustration in point. The gorgeous ceremonial
of the Romish Church--its venerable architecture--its prestige of
antiquity--its pealing organ, and its incense--all contribute to a
certain exaltation of mind, a fervour of sentiment, that may readily be
mistaken for true religious feeling. These things, connected and bound
up with the most awful and impressive thoughts the mind of man is
capable of, cannot fail to impress upon the features of the worshippers,
an expression of profound, heartfelt adoration, which poetizes the most
commonplace, and elevates the tone of even the most vulgar faces. Retsch
had not to go far for those figures of intense devotional character his
works abound in--every chapel contained innumerable studies for his
pencil. The features of the Protectant worshippers were calm, even to
sternness--the eyes, not bent upon some great picture, or some holy
relic, with wondering admiration, were downcast in meditation deep, or
raised to heaven with thoughts, already there. There was a holy and a
solemn awe in every face, as though in the presence of _Him_, and in
_His_ Temple, the passions and warm feelings of man were an unclean
offering; that to understand His truths, and to apply His counsels, a
pure heart and a clear understanding were necessary--and these they
brought. To look on their cold and stedfast faces, you would say that
Luther's own spirit--his very temperament, had descended to his
followers. There was the same energy of character--the indomitable
courage--the perseverance, no obstacle could thwart--the determination,
no opposition could shake. The massive head, square and strong--the
broad, bold forehead--the full eye--the wide nostril, and the thick
lip--at once the indication of energy, of passion, and of power, are
seen throughout Saxony as the types of national features.

The service of the Lutheran church is most simple, a