New England Diary

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Nontheological reclusion

Saint Jerome, who lived as a hermit near Bethlehem, depicted in his study being visited by two angels (Cavarozzi, early 17th Century).

β€œThe peculiarity of the New England hermit has not been his desire to get near to God but his anxiety to get away from man.’’

β€” Hamilton Wright Mabie (1845-1916), American essayist, editor, critic and lecturer