Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter xv. residences, living, schools, and society--being the most useful chapter in the book. Comfort--that household god of the Englishman--finds but few temples in this country dedicated to his worship. His service is but little understood, and therefore few set up his image. Indeed, it is difficult to say how, or where, he could be enshrined in most German rooms, amidst the absence of those things, which, in our eyes, can alone invite his presence or stay. Large apartments, gaudy chandeliers, polished mirrors, and damask furniture, though all very well in their way, are not the offerings he requires, and notwithstanding his resemblance may thus appear to be here, it is only an illusion; for the clattering of your booted heels upon naked floors, have already provoked to instant flight his gentle spirit. Then again, who can imagine comfort, sitting in the same room with a German stove? That dark and unsightly promoter of sloth and apoplexy. vol. I. M That sullen, unenjoyable, inhospitable looking thing. That black mass of deformity, and unfriendliness; where neither muffins can toast, nor cheerful kettle sing! Hippocrates declared pure fire to be the moving principle of life, and as the before-mentioned household deity is believed by the English, to bear a close affinity to that element, and therefore to delight in its proximity, he is enshrined accordingly. His throne is the chimney-piece, above and around which all may perceive the reflection of his joy-, giving beams. Approach, and you feel the presence of the kindling God. But your footstep must fal
