[62] 1 John v. 13. The twofold use of the expression “believe on the name of the Son of God” in this passage is instructive.
[63] This story is not true; but it was believed at the time.
[64] “Many a Parisian scoffer, going to hear her in her drawing-room, which was open to all, returned,” says Sainte Beuve, “at least thoroughly subdued by her personal magnetism. Those who seriously believe in the intervention of Providence in the affairs of the world should not judge her too superciliously: 1815 was a decisive epoch, and to religious minds it may well have appeared that the crisis was grave enough to demand a prophet.”
[65] Really given to Madame de Krudener by a child of Stéphanie’s age, at a meeting similar to the one described above.
[66] The Governor of Paris.
[67] “He ‘has the honour of being presented’ to a lady; he ‘begs that they will excuse’ him, etc.; he says, ‘will you permit?’ as well as others. He is right, for he is a true gentleman, which is not quite so easy as some believe.”—De Maistre.
[68] Vie de Madame de Krudener, par M. Eynard.
[69] In the following conversation not only the sentiments but the words given are all those of Alexander himself. It was his habit to pay an occasional evening visit in the manner described above to those whom he esteemed. He was not particular as to their rank (some merchants’ wives had poured out tea for him not unfrequently), but they were always persons noted for piety and good works.
[70] These remarks on the influence of the Bible are taken from the conversations of Alexander with the Lutheran Bishop Eylert.
[71] A fact. Visitors to St. Petersburg during the reign of Alexander bore witness to the admirable condition of these institutions.