July 21, 1872
It does seem a long while since our separation, though it was
only a week and six days ago. We arrived in Paris safely last
Wednesday via Dover. It was rather trying to Mr. Tanaka. He
was very sick notwithstanding a calm weather. When we came to
Paris we were very much struck with the fine streets and beautiful
buildings, but felt pity with the people who take so much pain for
the outward show and vain glory, but are neglecting the soul's
culture.We left Paris for Geneva yesterday. Finding the journey rather tiresome, we stopped in this place last night, intending to take the early express train for Geneva this morning. When I started from Paris I thought it was Friday instead of the last day of week. But finding this Sunday I refused to travel to-day, though Mr. Tanaka was wishing me to go to Geneva with him this morning. I told him I cannot conscientiously travel on the Sabbath. Wherever I may be I must halt on the Sabbath to rest my soul on the Lord, except some unavoidable case. So Mr. T. could not urge me to travel with him to-day and went to Geneva with his French-speaking Japanese, asking me very politely to excuse him for his not staying with me here. So I am left alone in this strange place, although I do not feel lonesome at all. I went to the French Protestant church this morning, but I did not understand the preaching. I knew only that the preacher was earnest by hearing his exciting voice and noticing his constant gesture. The congregation was very small, about twenty ladies, five gentlemen, and a few boys and girls. Although the ladies dressed not very neatly and the gentlemen dressed with frocks like butchers, they appeared very attentive during the service; I trust that they were rich in the inward person, though poor in their apparel.
There is no single cloud in the sky, and the sun is shining brightly on the blue and tranquil stream of the Saone. I am so thankful for God's giving me such a privilege and freedom as to worship Him ac- cording to my conscience amongst strangers, without any fear or disturbance. I find the French keeping of Sabbath very different from New Englanders. The men and boys are fishing along the banks of the Saone, and the women wash the clothes here and there. All the drinking saloons are opened as it were some week day. So I can at once discriminate the Roman Catholic people from the Protestant nations.