daughters, my family was increased by five persons through his
arrival.[118]

The completion of the school-house was now pushed on with zeal; but it
was 1822 before we got it finished. Our life from this point becomes so
complex that it is impossible to do more than just mention what applies
to the Association formed by our still united members.

In 1823, Middendorff's sister's son Barop, till then a divinity
student in Halle, visited us; and he was so impressed by the whole
work that he was irresistibly driven soon afterwards to join us in our
life-task.[119] Since 1823, with the exception of such breaks as his
work in life demanded, he has been uninterruptedly one of our community,
sharing in our work. At this moment[120] he is in Berlin, serving his
one year with the colours as a volunteer, and devoting what time he has
to spare, to earnest study, especially that of natural science. We hope
to have him back with us next spring. In the autumn of 1825 Langethal
became engaged to my wife's adopted daughter, who had come with her from
Berlin; and Middendorff became engaged to my brother's eldest daughter.
Ascension Day 1826 was the wedding-day for both couples. Heaven blessed
each marriage with a daughter, but took back to itself the little one of
Langethal.

Still another faithful colleague must I remember here, Herr Carl from
Hildburghausen, who has been since New Year's Day 1825 a member of our
Institute, his particular work being to teach instrumental music and
singing. He lives and works in the true spirit of the Institute, and is
bound up heart and soul with its fortunes.[121] Of other teachers, who
have assisted us in the Institute for greater or less time, I need not
speak; they never properly belonged to our circle. Amongst all the