Symbols of the capital

Front matter

'% 4

SYMBOLS OF THE CAPITAL;

CIVILIZATION IN NEW YORK.

Preface

The subject of the following pages is American Civilization, as symbolized by the institutions of the chief State in the Republic. ISTo State so completely represents the characteristic tendencies of society in our country as 'New York. Superior to all others hi population, wealth and executive power ; containing a representative of every style of character and ability at w^ork in our new confederacy; closely linked with every interest in the Union; its condition is, perhaps, the best mirror in which we can behold the reflection of our present progress, and the obstacles that hinder our more rapid advancement.

The writer has selected the chief representative institutions of the capital city of New York, as suggestive of what life should be in every free common-

IV PREFACE.

wealth. The work is, therefore, concerned with local themes, only as they lead the mind to the considera tion of the great privileges and obligations of American citizenship. It is a sincere endeavor to aid the young men and women of our land in their attempt to realize a character that shall justify our professions of rej)ublicanism, and to establish a civilization which, in becoming national, shall ilhistrate every principle of a pure Christianity.

COE^TENTS

PAGS THE nUDSON ; OR, LIFE IN THE COUNTRY, .... "7

THE CAPITAL CITY; OR, SOCIETY IN TOWN, .... 35

THE CHURCHES ; OR, RELIGION IN NEW YORK, . . . 313