Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-09-15
Q he fireman.
MONTPELIER. VT.
WEDNESDAY. SEPT. Is, 1880.
Switzerland.

world to be seen. These many continually
snow covered mountains keep the air
from being heated For the hot term of
summer Switzerland must ever take the
palm in keeping cool. We were very
chilly in the villages during the month.
while you were almost melted with the
heat.
Switzerland reminds US much of Yer
mont. The range of hills lower than the
snow one is often very similar, both in
formation and evergreen look. If Yer
mont had only hundred feet or 50 Of
barren rocks shooting above its evergreen
hill sides, and then here and there some
snow capped nights above them, she
would be Switzerland indeed. But in all
other respects, this sight of mountain
hight and snow excepted. she is the equal
of Switzerland as a summer resort, in our
judgment and in her society very far
superior. Some more capital needs to be
put into various and pleasant facilities
for travel and pleasure excursions, more
attention to the beauteous growth of her
villages, and very much more attention to
the making of excellent drives on the
common road then thorough advertising,
aud we see not why Vermont could moi
derive a: large pecuniary benefit from
travel aud summer residence of the peo-
pie. The German and the Englishman
are largely monopolizng Switzerland for
summer residence. 1t is land that seems
to awaken no jealousies bet Seen. govern
ments. Its long time freedom makes it
one of the most comfortable lands to visit
Everybody is industrious and the,traveer
or temporary resident is not annoyed by
that worst of all European pests, the con-
slant sight and song Of beggar. Its
mountains also have long bid defiance to
the nations, and while presenting worth
lessness TO the covetous, hold out refuge
for the eagle principle of freedom in the
breasts of true men.
One feature is quite remarkable in the
scenery of Switzerland. 1t is the ever
flowing streams down her magnificent
mountain sides. They are all narrow bul
very long, some of them falling eight and
nine hundred feet. 1t is beautiful sight.
Some of them are thin as white veil, and
others never reach the foot of the hill as
stream, but only as gentle rain. They
come from the melting SHOWS on the
nights above. and when near them often
entirely their sources are out of sight
They furnish the most excellent water for
drinking. The streams and the snow are
everywhere in sight as one travels on land
or water The villagers live in sight of
perpetual winter as they pursue their toll
in heat or cold.
Switzerland is as Mexico in some re-
ligious aspects. Did you know that all
the property Of Romanists here as there
is held by the government, and occupied |
by them on the ground Of good behavior? !
Ii is so. We were searching for Protestant
worship at Lucerne that marvelouslv |
pleasant summer resort, where we heard |
more English on the street than in any
other small place in Europe, helping Us
feel at home The services we sought
were those Of the Scotch Free church. |
We saw their notices Of place and time |
Coming up to the church we hesitated to
60 init was a Romsh church. There
were the pious devotees Of that church
sitting in row on bench in the vest-
hue, and looking toward the holy altar.
and one young priest with them. There
were the grated iron doors dividing the
rooms, and shutting up the main church
when the priest pleased And on those
doors were hanging all sorts of baby
things, as little wax legs, arms, and 80
forth, as offerings and remembrances of
what had been done there by some saint
to whom they had prayed. We looked
through this CRATE, and fact, there, in the
main church, sat Protestant audience
only. We entered, by the signs Of Romish
miracles, determined if not all right we
could back out Soon we saw Scotch
clergyman enter from the side door into
the altar space, in front of the high cover
ed altar. He began a service of Bible
reading, followed by singing. Then be
offered an extemporaneous prayer of such
simplicity, plainness, comprehension,
praying with great sweetness of spirit
for such as were in darkness. He preach
ed only As the Free Church Scctchman of
intelligence breaches, without note, and
an excellent sermon. After service We
sought IN explanation. We had never
seen or heard Of it being done in this
fashion before. Ii was ahead of Mexico,
little, that Protestant mission service
should be held in regular. living. ROM
lsh church, We found that the govern
ment Of Switzerland exercises its right. as
proprietor, holding this confscated prop
erty, and only permitting Romanists to
occupy it, to rent it TO another deDomina-
ton at the time Of day when it is not &C.
cupied by that denomination they simply
permit to occupy it. All this is reasonable
and right. But we could not help think
ing, why do not other evangelical denom-
nations in the world open missions on
this principle, though expensive, as well
as the Scotch Free church, which has
several missions in Roman churches?
Let them take a hint. There are too
many unmproved opportunities for
spreading the gospel for want of brave
and liberal souls.