stood in an open space, but round
about it various species of pine-trees stood boldly grouped, and bowed
themselves not before the storm which howled in their tops. Several lay
fallen on the ground, but evidently from age; grass and flowers grew on
the earth, which these patriarchs of the wood had torn up with their
powerful roots. Among others, two tall pine-trees stood together: the
one was decayed, and seemed about to separate itself from its root; but
the other, young, green, and strong, had so entwined it in its
branches, that it stood upright, mingling its withered arms with the
verdure of the other, and yielding not, although shook by the tempest.
The expressive glance of the Assessor rested long on these trees; his
eyes filled with tears; his peculiar, beautiful, but melancholy smile
played about his lips, and kindly sentiments seemed to fill his breast.
He spoke to Petrea of a people of antiquity who dwelt in deserts; he
spoke of the pure condition of the Essenes, a morning dawn of
Christendom, and his words ran thus:

"A thirst after holiness drove men and women out of the tumult of the
world, out of great cities, into desert places, in order that they might
dedicate themselves to a pure and perfect life. There they built for
themselves huts, and formed a state, whose law was labour and devotion
to God. No earthly possession was enjoyed merely on account of pleasure,
but only as the means of a higher life. They strove after purity in soul
and body; tranquillity and seriousness characterised their demeanour.
They assembled together at sunrise, and lifted up hymns and prayers to
the Supreme Being. Seventeen hours of each day were devoted to labour,
study, and contemplation. Their wants were few, and therefore life was
easy. Their discourse was elevated, and was occupied by subjects of the
sublime learning which belonged to their sect. They believed on one
Eternal God, whose existence was light and purity. They sought to
approach him by purity of heart and action, by renunciation of the
pleasures of the world, and by humility of heart and mind to understand
the works of the allwise Creator. They believed in quiet abodes on the
other side of the desert pilgrimage, where clear waters ran and soft
winds blew, where spring and peace had their home; there they hoped to
arrive at the end of their journey through life."

There is no want of rays of light on earth; they penetrate its misty
atmosphere in manifold direct