This
was the outward showing of the inward spirit of Brook Farm. It was
lovingkindness exemplified; and to appreciative visitors the recognition
of this Christian Spirit in the encounters of everyday life was
exhilarating as a draught of new wine, wine from the press of Edom and
Bozrah.
* * * * *
After a little chat, Dr. Ripley and Mr. Hecker went away together,
leaving me alone with Mr. Hosmer, with whom I stayed until supper-time.
He questioned me as to all the details of the toboggan slide venture,
which I was quite proud to report as eminently successful and, after I
had told him everything, even to my gaining a new name, he said, "Well,
you have arrived all right. You have been initiated. These young uns
don't take anyone up and give them a name like that unless things go
suitably."
I did not know what being initiated meant, so he explained that while
there was no such thing as hazing at Brook Farm, it was sometimes a
little hard for new pupils to take their right places until the older
ones found out what they were like.
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