26 February–4 March 1855

Annenkov has been appointed chief of the Commissariat of both armies. Gorchakdv replaces Menshikov. Thank God ! The Emperor died on February 18, and to-day we are to take the oath of allegiance to the new Emperor. Immense changes await Russia. One must work and be strong to take part in these great moments of Russia’s life.

Have twice these last days worked at my project for the reorganisation of the army for several hours at a time. It progresses with difficulty, but I do not abandon the idea. To-day I received communion. Yesterday a conversation about Divinity and Faith suggested to me a great, a stupendous, idea to the realisa- tion of which I feel capable of devoting my life. That idea is the founding of a new religion corresponding to the present development of mankind : the religion of Christ but purged of dogmas and mysticism — a practical religion, not promising future bliss but giving bliss on earth. I understand that to accomplish this the conscien- tious labour of generations is necessary. One generation will bequeath the idea to the next, and some day fanaticism or reason will accomplish it. Deliberately to contribute to the union of man by religion, is the basic thought which I hope will dominate me.