Besides, Many Of These Deluded People,
With The Best Meaning, Actually Lose Their Reason, And Become
Miserable, The Dread Of
Damnation throwing them into a state which
merits the term; and still more, in running after their preachers,
expecting to
Promote their salvation, they disregard their welfare
in this world, and neglect the interest and comfort of their
families; so that, in proportion as they attain a reputation for
piety, they become idle.
Aristocracy and fanaticism seem equally to be gaining ground in
England, particularly in the place I have mentioned; I saw very
little of either in Norway. The people are regular in their
attendance on public worship, but religion does not interfere with
their employments.
As the farmers cut away the wood they clear the ground. Every year,
therefore, the country is becoming fitter to support the
inhabitants. Half a century ago the Dutch, I am told, only paid for
the cutting down of the wood, and the farmers were glad to get rid
of it without giving themselves any trouble. At present they form a
just estimate of its value; nay, I was surprised to find even
firewood so dear when it appears to be in such plenty. The
destruction, or gradual reduction, of their forests will probably
ameliorate the climate, and their manners will naturally improve in
the same ratio as industry requires ingenuity. It is very fortunate
that men are a long time but just above the brute creation, or the
greater part of the earth would never have been rendered habitable,
because it is the patient labour of men, who are only seeking for a
subsistence, which produces whatever embellishes existence,
affording leisure for the cultivation of the arts and sciences that
lift man so far above his first state. I never, my friend, thought
so deeply of the advantages obtained by human industry as since I
have been in Norway. The world requires, I see, the hand of man to
perfect it, and as this task naturally unfolds the faculties he
exercises, it is physically impossible that he should have remained
in Rousseau's golden age of stupidity. And, considering the
question of human happiness, where, oh where does it reside? Has it
taken up its abode with unconscious ignorance or with the high-
wrought mind? Is it the offspring of thoughtless animal spirits or
the dye of fancy continually flitting round the expected pleasure?
The increasing population of the earth must necessarily tend to its
improvement, as the means of existence are multiplied by invention.
You have probably made similar reflections in America, where the
face of the country, I suppose, resembles the wilds of Norway. I am
delighted with the romantic views I daily contemplate, animated by
the purest air; and I am interested by the simplicity of manners
which reigns around me. Still nothing so soon wearies out the
feelings as unmarked simplicity. I am therefore half convinced that
I could not live very comfortably exiled from the countries where
mankind are so much further advanced in knowledge, imperfect as it
is, and unsatisfactory to the thinking mind.
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