Personal narrative of a tour through a part of the United States and Canada: with notices of the history and institutions of Methodism in America

Front matter

OF

A TOIJR THROUGH A PART OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA :

WITH

Part I. Personal Narrative

The Voyage— Company on Board — Sunday — Reflections — Atlantic— Agitation — Steam-Power — Miracles — Banks of Newfoundland — A Snow-storm— Halifax— Nova-Scotia — Passengers— Morality Page 13

CHAPTER n.

Boston — The Sabbath — Changes of Doctrine — Methodist Preachers' Meeting at the Book-Depot — Bunker's Hill — The Common — The State-House — Churches — The City— Daniel Webster — Set out for New-York — Railroad Cars — The Country— New-Haven — The Sound— Scene on board the Steamer — New- York Harbour 22

CHAPTER m.

New- York — Harpers' Printing and Publishing Establishment — The Methodist Book-Concern — The Exchange and Custom-House— Excitement respecting an anticipated Revolution in England — Charitable Institutions — The City — Leave for Baltimore— David Creamer, Esq. — The Journey — New-Jersey — Newark— Princeton— Trenton— The Delaware— Philadelphia— The Chesapeake Bay 36

CHAPTER IV.

Baltimore and Washington— The City and Capitol— The Senate— General Cass — Captain Fremont — Mr. Calhoun, &c. — The House of Representatives — Debate — Visit to the President — To the Vice-President — The National Institution— Baltimore — The Sabbath — The aristocratic air of the place — Leave for Cumberland — Slavery — Harper's Ferry — Cumberland — The Alleghany Mountains — A Mirage on the Mountain — Brownville — The Monongahela — Scenery of the banks 52

CHAPTER V. .

Pittsburgh — Lodge at the St. Charles — The Conference— The Bishops— The Preachers — Bishop Soule — The Southern Ministers— Public Services — The Company at the St. Charles — The Town — Manufactures — The African' Church — Preach to the Blacks — Curious Scene — Leave Pittsburgh— Take leave of Bishop Soule — His Character — The Ohio— Wheeling— Bishop Campbell— Mesmerism 84

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VI.

Cincinnati— Mr. Smith— Auburn— A Storm in the Country— Bishop M'llvaine's Country Residence — A Fire— The Sabbath— The City — Start for Sandusky — The Forest— Difficulties of clearing Land— The Railroad through the Forest — A Stage Journev— Arrival at Urbana— Arrival at Sandusky Page 101

CHAPTER VII.

The Lakes— Erie — Pass down — Buffalo — Niagara River— Scenery on its Banks. —The Falls of Niagara— Canada— The People— Visit the Battle-Field of Lundy's Lane — The Suspension-Bridge — St. Catharine's— Hamilton 10ft

CHAPTER VOL

Ontario— Toronto— Dr. Ryerson— Sir F. B. Head— Bishop Strachan— The City — Departure for Kingston — Mr. Robinson— Mr. Bolton— Coburg College — Kingston— Pass up the Bay of Quinti— Belleville — The Canada Conference — The Union — Return to Kingston 129

CHAPTER IX.

The St. Lawrence— The Thousand Islands— The Rapids— Montreal— The City —The Cathedral— The Methodist Chapel— Storm— The Earl of Elgin— The Romanists — Passage to Quebec— The City — The Plains of Abraham — General Wolfe— Fortifications — A Rural Repast— Falls of Montmorenci — The French Habitans — Reflections on Canada - 138

CHAPTER X.

Return— Pass the St. Lawrence— Lake Champlain— Plattsburgh— Whitehall- Journey by Stage— Troy — Albany — The Hudson— Arrival at New-York— 111 — Doubtful respecting being able to return Home — Resolved to do so— Depart for Boston — Embark on board the "America" — Passage — Arrival at Home 159

CHAPTER XI.

Reflections on America — Unfairly dealt with by Travellers — A religious people — This necessary to explain their state— The real Americans not hostile tQ England — Their peaceful and prosperous condition — Education, the prinples on which it is conducted — The force of Christianity in its simply divine authority— The American's trust in this— Public Worship and the Duties of Religion— Slavery partly removed by the influence of Christian principle 166

CONTENTS.

Part II

HISTORICAL NOTICES OF METHODISM IN AMERICA. CHAPTER L

Introductory remarks— Mr. Wesley's great talent for government— The confidence reposed in him — His disinterested encouragement to all who were capable of rendering service to religion — Became the bond of union to the first Methodists in America Page 198

Chapter II

The Introduction of Methodism into New-York — Philip Embury — Begins to preach — Captain Webb — The first Society — Preaching-Houses — Robert Strawbridge commences preaching in Maryland— Freeborn Garrettson — Captain Webb's ]abours in Long Island and Philadelphia— Attempts to get Mr. Benson appointed to America— Reflections on these Agents — The Class- Meeting 205

CHAPTER IH.

Application to Mr. Wesley for Missionaries — Messrs. Boardman and Pilmoor appointed — Account of the State of Things — Messrs. Asbury and Wright — Account of the former — The Spirit of the Clergy — Mr. Jarratt— Thomas Rankin and George Shadford arrive — First Conference 218

Chapter IV

The Revolutionary Period— Messrs. Rankin, Shadford, and Rodda depart for England — Adventures of Shadford — Asbury determines to remain— His Exercises of Mind— Finds Refuge in the House of Judge White— Persecutions of Messrs. Hartley and Garrettson — Mr. Jarratt — Reflections on the Revolution— John Calvin's Dogma— Originates the Revolution— Its Success . . 223

Chapter V

Measures preparatory to the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church — Application of the People to Mr. Wesley — His Advice— Dr. Bangs's Account — The Church formed! — Success 242

Chapter VI

The new Order of Things — Mr. Asbury becomes the real Bishop of the Church — His Character and Qualifications for the Office — Dr. Coke exceeds his Powers — Certificate — The Episcopacy defined and guarded — Mr. Wesley's Offence at the Use of the Term " Bishop" — Letter to Asbury — Dr. Coke in Difficulties respecting the Address to Washington— And on Slavery— The Church takes its Standing among the Institutions of the United States . . 254

CONTENTS.

Chapter I

The doctrinal Basis of the Church — The Articles of Religion— This places the Church on a system of dogmatical Truth— The Difference between this and the English system Page 265

CHAPTER H.

The Federal Nature of the Church — The Idea of Unity — How secured — Doctrinal— Visible governing Power — Episcopacy 269

CHAPTER m.

The Methodist Church in its Subdivisions— The Circuit and Station— The Station an innovation — The Quarterly-Meeting Conference— Its Powers . . . 274

CHAPTER IV.

Subdivisions continued— The District — How constituted— The presiding Elder — Rules and Laws — The several Orders of Ministers 278

CHAPTER V.

Subdivisions continued — The Episcopacy- Bishops, how appointed— Laws and Regulations — Reflections — The Division of Labour amongst the Bishops —

Names of those who have received this Office — Purity of Election — Popularity 281

CHAPTER VI.

Subdivisions continued— The Annual Conference— How constituted— Its Functions— Elects Delegates to the General Conference 288

CHAPTER VII.

Subdivisions continued — The General Conference — Dr. Bangs's Account of its formation— Its Fundamental Powers— Principles— Reflections 289*

CHAPTER Vin.

Subdivisions continued — The Author's presence at the Pittsburgh General : Conference — Impressions— The Bishops— The Ministers— Mode of Debate- Decorum and Order— Questions at Issue— Mode of conducting Appeal Cases —Reflections 295

CONTENTS.

Part IV. Territorial Progress Of The American Methodist Episcopal Church

I. — THE ATLANTIC CONFERENCES.

Page.

Maine 310

New-Hampshire ; 312

New-England 313

Providence 318

New- York 319

New- Jersey 324

Philadelphia '. 325

Baltimore 327

Virginia 332

North Carolina 334

So nth Carolina 335

Georgia 337

Florida 343

II. — THE HUDSON AND LAKE LINE.

Troy 357

Vermont 357

Black River ■ 353

Oneida 363

Genesee 363

Erie 365

North Ohio 366

Michigan 367

North Indiana 367

Rock River 369

III. — THE OHIO LINE.

Pittsburgh 380

Ohio 381

Louisville 388

Kentucky 388

Holston 389

Indiana 392

Tennessee 393

IV.— THE MISSISSIPPI LINE.

Iowa 406

Illinois 406

Missouri 407

St. Louis 407

Arkansas 408

Memphis 409

Mississippi 409

Louisiana 410

Alabama 411

Texas 412

East Texas 412

Oregon 412

Indian Missions 413

TOUR IN AMERICA.

Part I. Personal Narrative

CHAPTER I.

The Voyage— Company on Board— Sunday — Reflections— Atlantic— Agitation — Steam-Power — Miracles — Banks of Newfoundland — A Snow-storm — Halifax— Nova-Scotia — Passengers— Morality.

We went on board the "Acadia," Captain Stone, at Liverpool, bound for Boston, on Saturday, April 8th, 1848; a beautiful vessel, well fitted up with a fine and spacious saloon above deck. I found my friend, Mr. Kaye, had engaged for me one of the best berths, which I went at

o o 7

once to possess. I had not been there long, before a Quebec gentleman entered to share it with me, — a goodlooking, open-faced man ; and, as I supposed I must i necessarily have a cabin-mate, I thought myself well suited in my companion. This, however, was evidently not the impression of my friend. Whether he was alarmed at the sight of a parsonic name on my trunks, or uncomfortable on other grounds, I know not ; but he instantly became fidgety, exhorted me to go to the purser, and get a berth to myself ; saying, that I should have more influence than himself. I concluded this was perfectly unnecessary on my part, feeling quite sure he would accomplish the change for himself, if I left him alone. In a few minutes he came for his luggage, having obtained a berth "forward;" and,

oo o 7 o 77

on seeing the purser, he told me they had agreed to leave

TOUR IN AMERICA.

me "alone in my glory." This, to me, was joyful news, and seemed a good beginning.

It is customary for passengers to choose their seats at the table, and they who are first on board have the best chance. Being in good time, I had the opportunity of selecting my own place. My friend, Mr. Willey, who went on board with me, and knew much more of such matters than myself, fixed upon a corner-seat, saying it would be out of draughts. For my part, I did not much like it, inasmuch as I thought it would place me at the lower end of the table. I had no objection to a midway place, but felt unwilling to be at the very bottom, and out of the way of everybody. However, for the reason above mentioned, I submitted, rather reluctantly, to my fate. This seat, however, turned out to be on the right hand of the chair of the second table. The company one falls in with on board ship, is very important. The manners, temper, conversation, disposition to accommodate, are vital points in such contiguity ; and,, in the many squalls which must take place in a voyage at sea, it is possible for people, closely packed, to make themselves and others very unhappy, if so disposed.

When dinner was announced, I took my place in my new locality, somewhat curious as to what the issue would be. The chair was taken by an elderly officer of the royal navy, dressed in his uniform and the insignia of his rank. We looked upon him with interest. He proved to be, as is generally the case with men in his situation, a complete J gentleman, courteous, urbane, and communicative. A more beautifully placid and benevolent countenance cannot be imagined. He had been in the service forty years ; had travelled in most pans of the world ; had passed through many interesting scenes : and willingly communicated his stores of anecdote and information. On my right hand sat an elderly person, a perfect pattern of an English country gentleman of the old school. It turned out that his home

PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE.

was Baltimore ; and, if lie might be taken as a sample of the citizens of that place, they are certainly a fine race of people. Before our meeting, I had seen a gentleman on deck, whose face and bearing arrested my attention. I said to myself, " There is something in you." I did not much like him, however, at first sight, because he seemed to resemble a famous statesman of our country, once very popular, now very low. This gentleman sat exactly opposite me. We looked rather askance at each other. He opened out very slowly, but did so by degrees ; and I suppose it was the same with myself. This gentleman I found to be one of the most intelligent and well-informed men I ever met. I afterwards understood he was an American of the old Bostonian school ; that he lived near Plymouth, the landing-place of the " Pilgrim Fathers had seen all America ; thoroughly understood the character of its institutions, civil and religious ; had travelled through Europe, and in some parts more than once ; was conversant with literary subjects ; knew all the leading politicians of his own country, and many in European nations ; and, like all such men, was extremely courteous, free^from dogmatism, and, though a decided American, perfectly open to conversation respecting their institutions, and equally willing to admit the excellency of other countries, especially that of England. I found this gentleman a most interesting companion. Thus ensconced in the outset of the voyage, other things being favourable, we had the promise of an agreeable passage.

On the following morning, Sunday, while at breakfast, an officer came with Captain Stone's compliments to desire me to conduct divine service. To this I cheerfully and thankfully assented. Going to the captain, I asked him if it would comport with their usages, and be agreeable, for me to preach. He consented, on the condition that the discourse was short ; stating, that it would be inconvenient for the men to be engaged for a long time. On

TOUR IN AMERICA.

going to the desk, I found the crew and passengers in their places, — the former neat, clean, and well-behaved, and the latter perfectly orderly, and some of them apparently devout. There sat beneath the desk as clerk a fine young officer, dressed in his official habiliments. He responded most nobly, and like a person accustomed to the employment. When the service was concluded, this young officer came to me, (he proved to be the surgeon of the ship,) and said, " Perhaps you may have some knowledge of the name of my grandfather. My name is Paley. I am the grandson of Archdeacon Paley.' ' I assured him I was perfectly acquainted with the writings of his great and honoured relative, and, like everybody else, greatly esteemed them. This young gentleman bears a striking resemblance to the pictures of the archdeacon ; and appeared perfectly frank, open-hearted, and honourable.

Sunday on board ship is a melancholy day ; at least so it proved to me. The thought of the assemblies of the saints ; the order and religion of the study, the closet, the family ; all now broken in upon, by the strife and agitation around : — this, together with great anxiety for those left behind, pressed painfully upon my mind. Wesley's Hymns were a great solace. Nothing is broad, deep, and elevated enough for the soul in her solitude, her sorrows, and her joys, but sacred poetry, connecting one with the Saviour, with the mysterious, with the eternal. The sea is calculated to heighten this feeling ; for what is the ocean, but a mirror of God's infinity ? and what the roar of its mighty waters, but the voice, the poetry, the music, of that infinity ?

On leaving Cape Clear, and entering the Atlantic, we were met by its surges as if in regal wrath ! The majestic ocean seemed perfectly infuriated by the invasion of his domain. I could compare this seeming anger to nothing but to that of a mighty animal taking up a diminutive one in his teeth, and furiously shaking him in his rage. Our noble vessel was no more in the jaws of the Atlantic than

PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 17 a lap-dog in those of a lion. The wind blew right a-head, and met us in the teeth, dashing the waves and spray furiously against our bow. We had not to encounter a storm, in the usual sense of the expression ; but our old sea-officer, of forty years' standing, declared he had never seen the sea so rough. "We were, probably, encountering the effects of distant hurricanes. The agitation and swell were indescribable. The "fountains of the great deep" seemed as if " broken up ;" and from beneath, as well as from every point of the compass, the waters presented the appearance of universal anarchy, confusion, and agitation.

This state of things continued for four or five days, the effects on the passengers being such as are usual in these cases. The ladies were entirely absent, cooped up in their cabin, or rolling in their berths, as the case might be ; no doubt amiably bearing with good temper such feelings as a bilious stomach is calculated to excite ; and, being fellows in misfortune, expending upon each other those delicate sympathies which companionship in misery always produces. The gentlemen were seen, some groaning in then beds, some lying in mummy fashion, as if deprived of the characteristics of animated, talking, and thinking beings ; and others, more resolute, or a little less miserable, than their fellows, were seen staggering about deck, eagerly hastening, every now and then, to the sides of the ship for a purpose not to be named. One wo-begone French Canadian fixed himself in a camp-chair near the chimney, to keep himself warm, and, with a rare heroism of the passive sort, continued to occupy his post nearly to the end of the voyage. By this means he preserved some sort of equilibrium, and held up in the midst of the general discomfiture. For myself, I was as good a sailor as any of them ; and much better than the majority. Resolution does great things in these matters. If a voyageur wishes to have a feat of sea-sickness, as an adventure, to put into his book, he may easily obtain one ; the power of sympathy will soon do its work : and.

TOUR IN AMERICA.

in case he possess and indulge a certain fastidiousness in the sight of things not very delicate, he may pay the penalty of his sensitiveness by becoming just as loathsome as any of those which excited the disgust of his olfactory or other nerves. For my own part, I entertained no ambition or desire to describe the sensations peculiar to these sea-adventures in my own person, resolutely braved every temptation to yield, which were sometimes forcible enough, and nearly altogether escaped.

But the effects of these agitations of the sea, in other respects, were very singular. I was obliged to stuff some solid material on both sides when in my berth ; in the one case, to keep me from rolling against the hard side of the ship ; and, in the other, to prevent the more serious catastrophe of tumbling out upon the floor. Some of the passengers had the precaution to employ the carpenter to fasten a board to prevent the last disaster ; but I contented myself in the use of trunks and other appliances, and by these means preserved my balance.

But this motion was not by any means the only one. The giant ocean not only shook the ship, making every timber creak as if some of her bolts and screws must every moment give way, but a similar trial of the timbers of the human frame was equally produced by the conflicting agitation. This to me was a matter of curiosity and observation. The motion seemed to pull, jerk, toss, twist one in every possible manner. Now the action would be rolling, then longitudinal, pulling ahead and then astern, backwards and forwards, as if an irresistible power had resolved to make sport with one.

During several days we made but slow progress. But that we made any progress at all, was a remarkable proof of the genius and the mechanical skill of man. Nothing gives so striking an illustration of the wonderful effects of steam-power, as progress made in such circumstances. The waves were constantly rolling against us ; driven by a

PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE.

mighty swell which, no doubt, was increased in strength by the accumulated impetus of storms, currents, tides, all flowing in the same direction, and meeting us in all their power. And yet we made way against this combination of adverse elements. We appeared in some sort to beat nature in a battle with her mightiest forces. How amazing this power! There must be something providential and divine in this. God seems to have bestowed upon man the means of surmounting the difficulties of his position, and of overcoming even the ordinary current and course of his own laws, as they are developed in tides and winds. We decry miracles ; what is a steamboat crossing the Atlantic, in the midst of opposing powers, but a miracle ? Have we not here a force above nature ? What is this but a miracle, in the sense in which miracles are generally described ? Is not a miracle the mastery of natural elements by mind, whether immediately by God, or mediately by his commission to man ? Do we not in this, and in similar things, perceive the God of providence intrusting to man a physical and a social power, perfectly distinct and isolated above the laws of nature, so far as this is concerned ? Do we not see the mighty machine, instinct with artificial life, — imparted, it is true, directly by the skill of man, but given to him by the teaching and providence of God, — majestically riding above the storm and the waves, in despite of all opposition ? If in this — may we call it humanized ? — miracle we behold nature beaten in some of her forces and forms of power, why may not miracles, on a higher scale, and for more sacred purposes, wrought by the immediate interposition of God, be true and real ? We are surrounded by mysteries and miracles, if we had eyes to see them ; and certainly one of the most remarkable which are made visible is, that man's skill and science should be able to achieve so great an exploit .as to impel a ship of fifteen hundred tons across the ocean, in despite of the united forces of wind and waves.

TOUR IX AMERICA.

Nothing more occurred in our outward voyage of any consequence, till we arrived on the banks of Newfoundland, when whales appeared, snorting and blowing above the surface of the mighty deep, and a remarkable snow-storm. The whales I was not permitted to see, being confined to my cabin ; but the snow-storm was such as I had never witnessed before. It continued for the space of fifteen hours : during this time it descended incessantly, in quantities which, had they fallen on the land, must have covered the surface to a great depth. This storm gave us a notion of the miserable condition of Newfoundland and Nova-Scotia, from which direction it came. No iceberg, however, appeared, and we continued our course in the midst of the dismal scene around us.

We made Halifax in the middle of the night, and many of the young and active spirits on board landed, and. bv moonlight, perambulated the place, being much delighted to set foot again on terra -firm a. I was denied this pleasure, being still confined to mv berth, and not darino- to stir to encounter the climate, which, a day or two before, had sent us the present of the snow-storm. On inquiring of a lady, who was about to land at Halifax, if she knew Mr. Bennett, our long-tried and excellent missionary there, she told me she was well acquainted with him, and lived nearly opposite to his dwelling. One of my anticipated pleasures, on reaching Halifax, was to see and converse with this venerable and eminently useful man, and the other missionaries : but, being deprived of this gratification, all I could do was to send my Christian salutations.

The next day we steamed along the coast of Nova-Scotia, which was clearly in sight for many leagues. It had the appearance of sand-hills, and seemed most dreary and barren. No doubt a nearer approach would have given a different view ; and a sojourn in the country itself, I was told, would, in a short period, as the season advanced, have banished the illusion altogether. We lost sight of

PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 21

land again in crossing the Bay of Fundy ; but were cheered by the expectation of seeing the shores of the United States. This expectation of soon landing produces mighty changes in the appearance of everybody. Countenances which before had been bilious and gloomy, brightened up ; parties whose lips had been closed by taciturn propensities were now opened, and their tongues unloosed ; those who had confined themselves very much in their cabins, spending the time as best they could, were seen stretching their necks on deck, to gain a first glimpse of land ; and many who seemed, up to this time, to take little interest in those about them, became very friendly. Before parting, a sort of confraternity was established. Family interests and affections appeared to have grown up ; and a number of strangers, who never saw each other before, parted as if bidding adieu to near relatives. These were certainly my own feelings, and I have reason to believe that they were shared by others ; and, moreover, the sight of one of these fellow-passengers now, or at any time, would gladden my heart in a manner very unusual with the casual knowledge of men met with on land.

While mentioning passengers, justice requires me to record the fact, that, through the whole of the voyage, not the least unpleasantness, in word or deed, arose in any quarter. The captain was a most courteous and kind-hearted man. But to myself favours were shown from other quarters. Perceiving that I was suffering great pain, several young gentlemen, some of whom I had reason to believe were officers in the army going to Canada, manifested a degree of sympathy and attention not only very agreeable, but surprising, in young men full of life and spirits. But they had just left a home endeared to them, no doubt, by the attachments of parents, sisters, brothers ; and it seemed to be no constraint, either upon their nature or their education, to manifest sympathy and regard to a stranger in suffering. I saw, in some of these young gentlemen, signs of strong emotion when conversation recalled their thoughts and feelings to their parents and homes. Let us do justice to man in all conditions of his existence. It is a pleasure to meet with exhibitions of filial piety anywhere, but especially so in such circumstances. And, so far as my observation went, the morality of our little community on board the " Acadia" was unsullied by any external vice.

Chapter II

Boston — The Sabbath— Changes of Doctrine — Methodist Preachers' Meeting at the Book Depot — Bunker Hill — The Common — The State-House— Churches — The City — Daniel Webster — Set out for New- York — Railroad Cars— The Country— New-Haven — The Sound— Scene on board the Steamer — New-York Harbour.

On Sunday, April 23 d, after a passage of fifteen days, we made Boston. To an inexperienced eye, the approach to the harbour is extremely intricate ; and several points are well fortified. One channel is so narrow, and the works so completely command the entance, that it seems impossible for hostile ships to enter. The view of the city from the sea is exceedingly picturesque and beautiful. The greater part, standing on rising ground, presents to the observer the aspect of a place finely laid out, and adorned by numerous churches and public buildings. The water was sufficiently deep to allow us to place our noble vessel alongside the wharf, and step from the ship to the shore. We reached the landing-place about five o'clock in the afternoon, and were glad to set our feet again on solid land. The business of opening our trunks for the inspection of the custom-house officers immediately commenced. Standing quietly on the outside of the crowd, I was warned by my good friend, Dr. Paley, that if I did not bestir myself, and do something to get the officers to inspect my portmanteaus, I should be the last of the batch, and should be driven far into the dark ; saying, at the same time, he

PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE.

would help me to open them, and speak to one of the officers. Both these kind offices he performed ; and after the man had glanced at the contents, he went away, and Dr. Paley told me I must pay three shillings for the trouble of inspection.

This business being finished, I wended my way to the Revere Hotel, recommended by Mr. Weston, the American gentleman before mentioned, and found most comfortable accommodation. Having been advised by the doctor to have my face examined by a dentist as soon as I got on shore, the preliminaries of eating and drinking being over, I sent for one of these gentlemen. He was at church, and could not be obtained for some time. It may be proper to mention that the blessed Sabbath appeared, in our passage up the city, to be strictly observed by the descendants of the pilgrim fathers. They have very much changed their creed from stern Calvinism to the liberal system of Channing ; but seem to retain their church-going habits in the midst of the change. The streets were perfectly quiet, few persons were seen in motion, whilst every place of worship was filled with orderly worshippers. It is, however, a painfid reflection, that the churches of such men as Cotton Mather should now be occupied by a race who preach a diluted kind of Socinianism. The glory has, in this case, surely departed ; for though the rugged doctrines of the first settlers were not, in our views, exactly according to the truth, yet the bold, broad, deep faith of the pilgrims in the verities of grace, the work of the Saviour, and the sovereign providence of God, were certainly infinitely preferable to the meagre and flimsy philosophy now announced in their pulpits. Is not this an instance of reaction ? The bow, as in many other cases, was pulled too far ; and the consequence has been, that the perception of the error has led to a rebound on the other side.