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Christianity or Europe
a fragment
(Written in the year 1799)
It was a beautiful, luminous time where Europe was a Christian land, where a single Christendom dwelled within this part of the humanly organized world. A great communal interest connected the most remote provinces of this vast spiritual realm.—Without large worldly possession, one leader directed and united the great political forces.—One innumerable fellowship, to which everyone had access, had stood immediately beneath that leader, and had enacted his intimations and had strove with zeal to secure his benevolent power. Every member of this society was was honored everywhere, and when the common people sought consolation or help, protection or advice from a member and abundantly provided gladly for his various needs, so it also found protection, respect, and consideration amongst the most powerful, and everyone looked after these elect, endowed with miraculous powers, like children of heaven, whose presence and affection spread manifold blessings. Childlike trust linked people to their proclamations.—How joyfully everyone could fulfill their mundane day's labor, for through these holy people, a secure future is prepared for him, every misstep forgiven, every discolored spot in life cleaned and purified. They are the experienced helmsmen on the great unknown sea in whose care
