T he r eader ’

 
 

---

48 Chapter 10, Reading in the Humanities 
 
world. Searching for new patterns of harmony in everything from holistic health, psychology, 
and physics to ecology and social action, people are rediscovering the wisdom of the 
Tao
. 
Peace, Lao Tzu realized, is an inside job. Only when we find peace within ourselves can 
we see more clearly, act more effectively, cooperating with the energies within and around us to 
build a more peaceful world. The 
Tao
teaches that our actions have far-reaching consequences, 
stressing the importance of balance and the intimate relationship between ourselves and our 
environment. Seeing beyond the shifting tides of circumstance, we recognize the patterns of ebb 
and flow underlying all of nature. The 
Tao
teaches patience, precision, and timing. Detaching 
from problems, we discover solutions. We learn to stop resisting and flow with the natural 
patterns, bringing greater joy and harmony to our lives. 
[Dreher, Diane.
The Tao of Inner Peace
. New York: Harper Perennial, 1990, pp. xiii-
xiv.] 

---

Chapter 10, Reading in the Humanities 49 
 
 
NAME______________________________DATE________________SCORE______
___ 
TEST B
 
You will be asked to write an essay on several journal entries written by Reverend Martin 
Boltzius, a German who helped establish the Colony of Georgia in early to mid 1700's. While 
reading the historical passage below, consider the questions your textbook presented as tips to 
better comprehending historical material. They are repeated here as bulleted items. 
What is the position of the person who wrote the document? 
What were the author’s beliefs or biases, and how do they influence the document? 
Who was the intended audience for the document? 
How does the document contribute to understanding the times?
Saturday, the 16
th
of February, 1740 
Mrs. N’s youngest baby died yesterday evening and was buried today. In the afternoon I 
visited her and found her much strengthened in soul and body and saw in her an example of what 
it means when “My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” Before the child was 
carried away, she heard with right heavenly pleasure the song 
Alle Menschen mussen sterben
, 
sung by the people who had gathered for the funeral.
Tuesday, the 7
th
of February, 1749 
Last night the soldier’s child, who was taken in to be raised by the widow Meyer, died 
and was buried this afternoon as is our custom in accordance with the wishes of the father. This 
time many members of our congregation are afflicted by a kind of chest disorder and side 
stitches, which also afflict the children. Our dear Lord has heard our pleading and blessed the 
diligence of Mr. Thilo and Mr. Meyer so that all appear to be recovering. May He make them, 
and all of us, thankful for the intended periods of grace. It is no small blessing (this I often point 
out to our inhabitants) that we have two ministers, two school masters, and two doctors. 
Tuesday, the 18
th
of July, 1749 
This afternoon, when I returned home from the consecration, I learned to my sorrow that 
Bichler’s little boy had died from the horse’s kick. I visited him this morning, prayed with him 
and others who were present, and blessed the child. The parents had not expected it to die so 
quickly. Since yesterday the child was more often unconscious than conscious and therefore 
perhaps felt little pain. What he spoke in his fantasy were things that he had learned such as 
short verses and recitations from his ABC book. He was a very happy and well behaved child, in 
whom we had our joy. Now he is in a blessed place, to which his little brother, and a stepsister 
preceded him some years ago. 

---

50 Chapter 10, Reading in the Humanities 

---

NAME 
_____________________________DATE___________________SCORE_______ 
CHAPTER 11: Reading Literature, Poetry, and 
Drama