112 INTKODUCTIOA
pervading Power whom I name without comprehending and trust without questioning; and it only strengthens my faith that evil is merely apparent, and hangs as a light cloud over the path which leads to good, as yet incomplete and by man imperfectly apprehended. Perhaps, therefore, I am less concerned about damnation than to many would seem prudent. A study of any of the natural sciences tends strongly to confirm us in fixed ideas of a universal order, and I cannot but think that you would find the pur- suit of some of these a great resource in solitude and a great aid in giving vivacity to all the impressions of the senses,
I do not at present meddle greatly with the fine arts, which is in accordance with my habit of resting myself by a frequent change of pursuits. I find that a few minutes are sufficient to concentrate my mind on almost any sub- ject. Poetry, of course, lags somewhat, the rather that you are not in the way. But, though much immersed in other studies, I am not wholly idle even in this. I talk about myself because I am but little out of my own society, and, in the present time of quiet, out-of-door mat- ters offer but little to say. Let me hear also about your own self. I suppose we shall meet ere long, and am
meantime. ^^ , .
Your friend,
J. W. Randall.
��T-. ,, Boston, Friday, Feb. 26, 1857.
Dear I^rank, ^ ' :>/
I answer you thus speedily because I suppose you would like to hear from me once more before you take final leave of Concord, which is, I suppose, before many days.
Having nothing important to relate, I open your last
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