THE EXHILARATIONS OF THE ROAD 31 



fields or along paths that led to such charmed spots, 

 and was sure I would not be jostled or run over by 

 the rival chariots of the worshipers at the temple 

 doors. I think this is what ails our religion ; humil- 

 ity and devoutness of heart leave one when he lays 

 by his walking shoes and walking clothes, and sets 

 out for church drawn by something. 



Indeed, I think it would be tantamount to an 

 astonishing revival of religion if the people would 

 all walk to church on Sunday and walk home again. 

 Think how the stones would preach to them by the 

 wayside; how their benumbed minds would warm 

 up beneath the friction of the gravel; how their 

 vain and foolish thoughts, their desponding thoughts, 

 their besetting demons of one kind and another, 

 would drop behind them, unable to keep up or to 

 endure the fresh air ! They would walk away from 

 their ennui, their worldly cares, their uncharitable- 

 ness, their pride of dress; for these devils always 

 want to ride, while the simple virtues are never so 

 happy as when on foot. Let us walk by all means; 

 but if we will ride, get an ass. 



Then the English claim that they are a more 

 hearty and robust people than we are. It is certain 

 they are a plainer people, have plainer tastes, dress 

 plainer, build plainer, speak plainer, keep closer to 

 facts, wear broader shoes and coarser clothes, place 

 a lower estimate on themselves, etc. , — all of which 

 traits favor pedestrian habits. The English grandee 

 is not confined to his carriage; but if the American 

 aristocrat leaves his, he is ruined. Oh the weari- 



