Letter 033 Paris, 13 August 1875
Dear Theo,
I wanted to write you earlier. I am happy that Father has accepted the nomination at Etten; in the circumstances, I think it right that W. and A. [their sisters] are leaving together. I would have liked to be with you all that Sunday when you went to Helvoirt 鈥?did I write you that I spent the day with Soek and his family at Ville d鈥橝vray? I was surprised to find three pictures by Corot in a little church there.
Last Sunday and the previous Sunday, I went to church to listen to Dr. Bercier; I heard him preach on 鈥淭outes choses prouveront le bien de ceux qui aiment Dieu鈥?[All things work together for the good of those that love God] and on 鈥淚l fit l'homme 脿 son image鈥?[God created man in his own image.] It was beautiful and noble.
You should go to church every Sunday if you have the time; even if the preaching is not good, it is better to go; you will not regret it. Have you been to church to hear the Reverend Mr. Zubli?
On the list of engravings that hang in my room, I forgot the following:
N. Maes The Nativity Hamon 鈥淚f I Were the Sombre Winter鈥?p style="line-height:25px;text-indent:32px"> Fran莽ois Last Summer Days Ruyperez The Imitation of Jesus Christ Bosboom Cantabimus and Psallemus I am trying to get another engraving of Rembrandt鈥檚 鈥淏ible Reading鈥?for you; if possible, I will send it to you in the first box of pictures. Did I send you a lithograph of Troyon鈥檚 鈥淢orning Effects鈥?and Fran莽ois鈥? 鈥淟ast Summer Days鈥? If not, tell me. I have duplicate copies of them.
And now, be as happy as you can; do well and don鈥檛 look back if you can help it.
Believe me, always your loving brother, Vincent
My compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Tersteeg and Mauve. Also to the Van Stockums, Haanebeeks, Aunt Fie and the Rooses!