Thus, in the cold wintry night of a dark sorrow, did the good mother plant a living seed of truth, that afterwards sprang up into a vernal flowery Eden, that bloomed in the boy’s heart with an eternal beauty.

When the early spring came, Gotleib looked calmly and lovingly on the beloved mother, who was leaving for the inner world.  Death was beautiful to him now; it was simply the new birthtime of a mature, living soul.

The spirit of the mother’s love seemed to linger over the home of his childhood, and it was a great sorrow to leave the cherished spot; but, his mother told him he was to seek a brother of hers in the distant town of Heidelberg.  As Gotleib turned from the now voiceless home of his parents, a fervent desire arose in his heart that he might again be permitted to dwell beneath this sheltering roof and amidst its living associations.

The boy went forth into the unknown world, with a living trust in his heart in the great God.  His was a simple, childish faith, born of his love—­to him God was not a mystery.  It was a Divine personality he loved.  Jesus had walked the earth, and his father and mother also—­all were now spirits, none the less to be loved and trusted than when upon earth; but now they were to him in transcendent states of glory.  The Lord Jesus, as being infinitely great and glorious, was the alone One to whom he now looked for help—­though ever as he knelt to pray to GOD, he felt that his angel-mother bowed with his spirit, and by her prompting beautiful words of humiliation and praise came to him, that he himself could never have thought of; hence the affections of his heart all grew up into the inner spirit-world.

And years passed in the good town of Heidelberg, years that brought blessings to the orphan boy as they flew.  The God in whom he trusted had provided for him—­had awakened a friendly kindness in many warm hearts.  And Gotleib, who was at first designed by his relatives to spend his days over the shoemaker’s awl and last, at length found himself, by his own ardent exertions and the helpful kindness of others, a student in the University.  This was to him a most pure gratification—­not because of a love of learning, not because of ambition, to attain a position before his fellow-men.  Oh! it was quite otherwise with the good youth—­he had one object in life.  The hope that his dying mother had awakened in his heart was the guiding star of all his efforts.  That little maiden created for him, and to be supported by him!  The image was ever before him.  Yes, he was a student for a high and noble use.  Science was to be to him the instrument of a life of love and blessedness.  To do good to others, and thus to provide for the maiden, was what led him to the arduous study of medicine.