Ernest, two years younger, was tall and slight; in disposition, mild,
calm and studious; his early faults of indolence and selfishness were
almost entirely overcome. He possessed refined tastes and great
intellectual power.
Jack, at twenty, strongly resembled Fritz, being about his height,
though more lightly built, and remarkable rather for active grace and
agility than for muscular strength.
Franz, a lively youth of seventeen, had some of the qualities of each
of his brothers; he possessed wit and shrewdness, but not the arch
drollery of Jack.
All were honourable, God-fearing young men, dutiful and affectionate to
their mother and myself, and warmly attached to each other.
Although so many years had elapsed in total seclusion, it continued to
be my strong impression that we should one day be restored to the
society of our fellow men.
But time, which was bringing our sons to manhood, was also carrying
their parents onwards to old age; and anxious, gloomy thoughts relating
to their future, should they be left indeed alone, sometimes oppressed
my heart.
On such occasions I would not communicate the sense of depression to my
family, but turning in prayer to the Almighty Father, laid my trouble
before Him, with never-failing renewal of strength and hope.
Pages:
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461