Oh, my friend! Religion, and religion alone, can--I will not say comfort us--but save us from despair.

Religion alone can explain to us what without its help man cannot comprehend: why, for what cause, kind and noble beings able to find happiness in life--not merely harming no one but necessary to the happiness of others--are called away to God, while cruel, useless, harmful persons, or such as are a burden to themselves and to others, are left living.

The first death I saw, and one I shall never forget--that of my dear sister-in-law--left that impression on me.

Just as you ask destiny why your splendid brother had to die, so I asked why that angel Lise, who not only never wronged anyone, but in whose soul there were never any unkind thoughts, had to die.