"In the old times, the physician was also the priest, and consecrated to holy mysteries. The descendants of Æsculapius were considered a holy race, and among them were also women; the daughter of Æsculapius Hygeia, one of them, was called the Goddess of Health. Of this race came Hippocrates. We now talk about Hygeia, but we only talk. She must be recalled to earth, she must have room given her, and justice done her, if she is to present the earth with a new Hippocrates."—Vol. i. pp. 143, 144.
Family Affections in America.—"The family relationship between parents and children seems to me particularly beautiful, especially as regards the parents towards the children. The beautiful maternal instinct is inborn in the American woman, at least, in all its fervent, heart-felt sentiment; and better and more affectionate family-fathers than the men of America, I have seen no where in the world. They have in particular a charming weakness for—daughters, and God bless them for it! I hope the daughters may know how to return it with interest."—Vol. i. p. 337.
The American Thanksgiving.—"After breakfast, we went to church, for this day (Thanksgiving) is as sacred throughout the country.
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"Why have not we, why have not all people such a festival in the year? It has grown here out of the necessities of the nobler popular heart; it is the ascribing of our highest earthly blessings to their heavenly Giver. We, in Sweden, have many publicly appointed days for prayer, but none for Thanksgiving; it is not right and noble."
Such was Miss Bremer's appreciation of our Thanksgiving Festival, and thus it will be approved and followed in all Christendom, when the popular heart and voice shall bear sway. A national Thanksgiving Day!—If this could once be established in our own land, Americans would soon introduce its observance and cheerful festivities into every part of the world where they are found, and thus, our American Thanksgiving would be the example for all people.
The last Thursday in November has these advantages—harvests of all kinds are then gathered in—summer travellers have returned to their homes—the diseases that, during summer and early autumn, often afflict some portions of our country, have ceased, and all are prepared to enjoy a day of Thanksgiving. The unanimity was nearly perfect last November; still it would be better to have the day so fixed by the expression of public sentiment that no discord would be possible, but, from Maine to Mexico, from Plymouth Rock to Sunset Sea, the hymn of thanksgiving should be simultaneously raised, as the pledge of brotherhood in the enjoyment of God's blessings during the year. How this national festival can be made sure, we must leave to those who have the guidance of public affairs; but we do earnestly desire to see the last Thursday in November become the fixed time for this American jubilee.