LETTERS OF AN ENGLISH

TRAVELLER ON REVIVALS OF

RELIGION IN AMERICA.

THERE are many things we should probably estimate more fairly, if we could know how they strike a stranger. This remark may apply particularly to those singular phenomena, which have been always a part in the descriptions of what are termed " revivals ;" these have no chance for a just exposition in the hands of persons who describe rather what they participated than what they observed. Nor do they fare better with others who have indeed no personal concern in them, but yet must have prejudged them as partizans, because they are of sects who have not permitted or sought " awakenings," or belong to that greater class who are hostile to these excitements, from constitutional coldness, or aversion to earnest piety in every form.

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The Letters from our Englishman seem to us to come as near to a calm, dispassionate, intelligent, and serious judgment, as is to be expected. Their object is rather to describe than explain. But there is often a very fine remark upon occurrences related, by which light is thrown on the general subjects affected by them. In truth we have here an account of revivals to which one who seeks information as to what they are, and what are their results and tendencies, may be safely directed.

We feel confident, from comparing his statements with what we have ourselves known respecting these "awakenings," that this author has rightly characterized them. He gives us many very interesting facts which shew a close and an honest observation. He is as careful to tell what is favorable, as what wears a different aspect.

There is here no indiscriminate censure. The observer has separated things accidental from the more essential and universal phenomena. His thoughts are not thrown off in haste, but have the weight of mature reflections. He writes seriously, yet in a cheerful and easy style. Without a particle of bitterness he tells of evil conduct, and blind errors; and while rigidly just, is temperate and conciliatory. Above all is there no rude sporting with that which is solemn in itself, however degraded by unfortunate alliances. There is a sincere reverence for conscience, even the deluded conscience of the bigot and enthusiast. And we are not made to forget that after all, an attempt to revive religion in decayed souls, is a work for the good and the wise to foster wherever they can consistently do it, by zealous efforts and by fervent prayers.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

INFLUENCE OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS ON SOCIETY.

GRATIFYING as it may be to see the many advantages resulting from Sunday schools, and the good effected by them within our own observation, still to know how far their influence extends, will not only greatly increase our pleasure, but show that they well deserve all the aid and support that is given them. We propose therefore, to exhibit in some measure that effect on society, which we consider to be an important feature in these institutions. Perhaps in doing this we may be able to convince

those, who are doubtful of their utility, and to give new stimulus to the efforts of those who are engaged in them. We would hope also that such a view of the subject may prevent the teachers from confining their attention within the narrow limits of the school in which they are engaged, and by opening to them a more extensive prospect of the influence they are exercising, inspire them with new courage to persevere.

It is well known that the situation of many of the children who attend these schools, is such, that it is impossible they should receive religious instruction unless it be given them at a Sunday school. Burthened as their parents are by domestic duties, and the many cares attending poverty, they have no time for such a task; they are indeed in many cases insensible of its importance, and if their children obey them with tolerable docility, they ask no more. In the lowest classes of society, therefore, what is there to counteract the power of temptation? A child has nothing to deter him from vice except the fear of instant punishment. It may be that the age of childhood passes unmarked, but the youthful mind has not remained inactive, the seeds of vice have been sown. Perhaps the timidity natural to this period of life still remains, and guards it for a time from open violation of the laws of society; but every temptation weakens this feeble restraint, until at length it yields, and a decided step is taken in the path of vice.

These remarks apply also to a class of persons, who are not placed in a situation of absolute dependencewho find their daily wants supplied, who are ambitious to have their children attend school, and desirous to promote their improvement. But it is by hard industry that this

is accomplished. The father is constantly at work, and the mother finds it no small task to attend to the merely temporal wants of her family. They may feel that more should be done, but they want the time and the ability to do it. They desire to embrace some opportunity to instil into the minds of their children religious principles, to point out the path of duty, to speak of their little faults, and to have them overcome, but the constant and imperious calls of their various occupations render this nearly impracticable. After a day of labor they are not like many permitted to enjoy the comforts of a social fireside; with them the time for rest only comes when nature is exhausted, and they must repose. While they are industriously employed, the hours for amusement are spent by their children, with their playmates who are not particularly inquired about, or known to their parents; and as disobedience is seen not instantaneously, and vice in all its train comes not in a day, they are unheeded until too late. The first act of disobedience is witnessed with astonishment, and meets a merited rebuke, but it is soon forgotten. It passes inperceptibly from one degree to another, till it is found necessary to resort to punishment. Incautious methods are adopted-an attempt is made to excite fear which only meets a stern repulse, and the strength of authority is met with an equally stern resistance. Nearly disheartened, the troubled parent tries the mild accents of love, and reasons with feeling and affection, which if tried at first might have been successful, but now a deaf ear is turned to such gentle admonitions. The causes which led to this desperation are easily told. The first transgressions were not properly attended to-religious principles were not implanted in 19*

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the mind to prevent its being overcome by those temptations which it met on every side; its companions and associates were unknown. Free and uncontrolled, it was left to its own inclinations, and these propensities, which had gained an ascendency in the mind, could not be at once eradicated. The authority of the parent was soon overcome, and with the vicious companions who lured them on to ruin, they go forth into society and become its pests. They do not fall singly, for as no one is without the power of giving an impulse either for vice or virtue, so even these pitiable youths have an influence. Their example seduces others the circle enlarges, until the strong arm of the law secures them after having been the destroyers of many, who but for them would have still been virtuous and happy. And in how many instances has it been necessary for the parents themselves, to call in the aid of the law. Suffering like theirs can hardly be comprehended but by those who have witnessed them.

Well might the philanthropist try to do something in so good a cause, as that of rescuing immortal beings from moral death, who are thus verging toward destruction and drawing others with them. There are objects enough on all sides to excite his compassion and stimulate his efforts there is sickness and suffering, poverty and distress; but even these calamities are light when compared with this moral degradation of the youthful mind--this total disregard of parental authority and this career of wickedness, which the arm of justice which stays the offender in his course, alone has power to arrest. Well may he say when he sees this, that his exertions are almost ineffectual, for they came too late. Well may he ponder and consider, and on reflecting ask