And so the building rose and grew to perfection, and they found after
all that no better site could have been chosen for it; for from every
side as you approached it, it was seen to advantage, and the majesty
and power of it were made manifest. Outside, the design was so evident
in its grandeur that the mind was not wearied and perplexed by an
effort to understand; it was simply elevated to a state of enjoyment
bordering on exaltation--exaltation without excitement, and near akin
to peace. And the interior of the building as you entered it maintained
this first impression. Such ornament as there was touched you, as the
clouds do, with a sense of suitability that left nothing to be desired.
Art was so perfectly hidden that there seemed to have been no striving
for effect in decoration or construction, it looked like a work of
Nature, accomplished without effort, and beautiful without design; and
the mind brought under its influence, and left free of conjecture, was
gently compelled to revel in the peace which harmonious surroundings
insensibly produce. Disturbing thoughts vanished as being too common
and mean, too human, for such a place, and the spirit was soothed with
a sense of repose--of sensuous restfulness, really, for the pleasure,
as intended, affected the senses more than the intellect, which could
here make holiday.
Pages:
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142