strengthened by its exercise; and it was proposed to seek the higher profit and pleasure which might arise from personal intercourse. In this spirit, a Deputation was appointed to make a fraternal visit to the churches of tha land; to assure them of our Christian esteem and affection; and to bear home again the responses of kindness and confidence. The churches of America have shown their eagerness to participate in this communion; not only by WITH THE EARNEST DESIRE THAT IT MAY PROMOTE the temper in which they received the Deputation, THEIR MUTUAL AFFECTION, AND THEIR UNITED DEVOTEDNESS TO THE WORLD'S SALVATION, BY THE DEPUTATION. PREFACE. It must be admitted that enough has been recently written on America, unless it were better written, or occupied some new field of discourse. The execution of the following volumes must be left with the judgment of the public; but the authors may claim the advantage of having occupied new ground. Notwithstanding the numerous communications made by travellers within these few years, relative to this interesting country, the ample felds of Nature and Religion remained almost unexplored and unreported. Happily, these subjects are in keeping with each other, since to illustrate one is to assist the conception of the other; and happily, too, they were most in accordance with the taste of the writers, as well as in the very spirit and design of their mission. Religion, indeed, must be considered as the great subject of inquiry; and if nature and outward circumstance, in the form of narrative, are associated with it, it is from a desire of commending to the memory and heart, with greater facility and power, the things that are "invisible," by "the things which do appear." The Congregational Union was formed in the year 1831. It had been several times contemplated; and at length arose, partly from the growing exigencies of the times, and partly from the improved spirit in the churches. It was felt that, in pleading with unwavering resolution for the principle of independence, under difficult circumstances, we were liable to adopt a limited view of its import; and that it was desirable, on every account, to convey the acknowledged strength and efficiency of our individual churches to those churches in an associated capacity. The attempt has been successful beyond the expectations of many; and it is earnestly to be hoped, that, since the sign of our religion is Union, and the spirit of it Love, its success will be complete. One of the best and earliest effects of this union was, to express sympathy to kindred fellowships, without restriction from national bias or geographical boundaries. An affectionate correspondence was soon opened between it and the Presbyterian and Congregational bodies of the United States, which afforded much gratification. Affection was but equally by the celerity with which they determined to send their delegates in return; while the efforts which we have already made have certainly disposed us the more fully to renew and perpetuate the delightful intercourse. One should have thought, that such a movement on the part of churches in different regions of the globe, could have been viewed only with unmixed satisfaction and jo, Yet the Deputation, on returning, have concern, if not surprise, to find that, in some quarters, and in the name of religion, their mission has been open to misrepresentation, and their motives to misconstruction. They trust, however, when it is found that their mission was as catholic as the religion they profess; that they had no political or party purposes to accomplish; that their embassy was one of fraternal and Christian charity-to express love and to invite love-nothing more and nothing less-that justice will be done to a service which, apart from the manner of its execution, demands only the approbation of the generous and the good. Whatever may be the ultimate conclusion of those who have indulged in hasty, and perhaps prejudiced objection, their judgment is fixed unalterably fixed. They have reason to regard it as one of the noblest acts to which the church, in recent times, has given herself; they are confident that, if rightly sustained, the consequences will be most felicitous; and they must regard it, in itself, as among the most cheering signs of the times, if, indeed, the union of the church is to anticipate the conversion of the world. It was no part of the engagement, that the visit of the Deputation should issue in an extended and published report. But they have been ready, with such ability and opportunity as they might command, to obey urgent request; and the more so, as the interest which the mission has created in their minds, disposes them to contribute to the utmost to render its effects extensively and permanently beneficial. They have felt that this part of their undertaking is attended with delicacy and difficulty, Every statement is likely to be seen through the medium of opposite habits and partialities; and on that account alone, while it gives pleasure to one party, it may give offence to the other. All offence, indeed, might have been easily avoided, by avoiding discrimination; but to write without discrimination would be to write without profit. They have confidence in the manliness of the American character to believe, that candid remark, when meant for improvement, will be candidly received; and if comparison and discrimination should sometimes reveal defects on our own part, they cannot think that it must necessarily give offence. They have sought to fulfil their commission in forgetfulness of prejudice on the one hand, and partiality on the other; and they will not suppose that, on this ao587 count, they will be deemed worthy of blame or sus picion. It were ungenerous of them not to do justice to America; but it were unnatural of them to depreciate England for the purpose of exaiting America They are truly sensible that their mission is one of pare charity; they would deeply regret that it should not be consummated in this spirit; and should it seem to be otherwise, in any instance, they crave of the reader to supply the charitable con-, struction which may be wanting in the writer. The circumstances of time, of distance, and of the Deputies having, during the visit, kept separate notes, made it requisite, in preparing the following volumes, that there should be a division of labor. It will be seen that the report on Canada and Pennsylvania, and the arrangements of the Statistical¦ Tables in the appendix, rested with Mr. Matheson; for the remaining portions, the other member of the Deputation is responsible. They cannot allow themselves to commit this London, April 28. 1835. work to the public, without a distinct and grateful acknowledgment of the manifold kindnesses expressed to them during their residence in the United States. Especially they desire to assure those friends who so readily made them a home in their own families, when they were so entirely separated from their endeared connections, that they do and must retain a deep and indelible sense of their affectionate and self-denying attentions. On the whole, as the fruits, at the time, were unquestionably good, may it not be hoped that they shall abide and improve with years? And by such intercourse, maintained on Christian principles, why may we not expect that the churches of the two countries shall become ONE; the people become ONE; and their efforts to benefit the world one; tull all nations shall be blessed, even as England and America are blessed? And England and America the more blessed, for the common deed of righteous ness and love? NARRATIVE. LETTER I. served in silence. Every thing was raised from its MY DEAR FRIEND-I remember when called to ordinary state of being, and was full of power.separate from you, that I promised to supply you ed and prompt attention of the sailor; the subThe calm earnestness of the captain; the awakenwith a narrative of our visit to the Western world. I originally meant to do this by a succession of let-dued anxiety of the passenger; the straining and ters, transmitted from date to date, as I might groaning of the vessel; the roaring and battling of change the place of observation, or find opportunity the waters as they resisted our impetuous course; to copy and forward my impressions. Such, how-were full of sublimity. At such a time, the snapever, was the pressure and continuity of my en- ping of a cord or the starting of a plank might gagements, as to make this quite impracticable. All have brought not merely disaster, but death. But that I could do was to take hasty notes, to defend the ocean, what shall be said of it? When it rose me from the treachery of the memory; in the hope in all its mightiness, and shut up our view, which that I might afterward give them such form and was before illimitable, to a small span in the heacorrectness as might render them intelligible and vens; when it stood around our little bark in unacceptable to you. I now propose to fulfil this duty; broken mountains, as once it did around the Egyp and I have the persuasion that, under the circum- tians, threatening to ingulf us in an instant and for stances, you will receive it as a real, though a late, ever; then I had an advanced and unutterable conredemption of my promise. ception of nature and of Omnipotence. In crossing our channels, and in running along our coasts, had thought I knew what the sea was; but I was then satisfied I had never seen it before. On the morning succeeding the very solemn and affecting valedictory service at Zion chapel, I left town for Liverpool. On arriving at that place, I was sought out by my esteemed friend Mr. Bulley, and kindly urged to make his house my home. Here I was joined by Mr. Matheson, who was to be the companion of my travels. Every thing had been arranged by our friend for our departure; and we had only to realize and confirm those arrangements previously to our sailing. I will not trouble you further with sights. We did not see the icebergs nor the sea-serpents. We were told that we saw some whales; but I should fear to avouch it. Indeed, we were now beginning to look for the land, as decidedly the most interesting came on, and made us in turn fearful of the object object. But while searching for it, calm and fog The Europe, in which vessel we had engaged our hard to bear so near to our haven. Every wish was of our anxious search. This pause to our hopes was passage, was announced to sail on the 16th; but we had hope that as the tide would not serve' till two now directed to the pilot-boats; and when at length o'clock, and as the wind was not promising in the one was discovered, like the wing of a bird through opening of the day, that we might pass our Sabbath the opening mists, there was universal joy. in quietude. With this doubtful hope we partici- should make a decided movement towards our port. We felt as if, on getting the pilot on board, we pated in the morning worship at Dr. Raffles's, and had an especial place in the prayers of the church But the breeze was still faint, and the fog heavy. and congregation. At the close of the service the Fogs, it is understood, prevail very much at this word was- The wind serves-all on board imme-season of the year for many days; and they arise diately." We obeyed the summons; parted with our friends; joined our vessel; and committed our selves to the ocean and to God. The passage is now so regularly made, and it has been so often described, that it is needless to offer particulars. Our packet is considered one of the finest on the line; it is fitted up in the most handsome style; it has a table not inferior to our best inns; it is indeed a floating hotel. Our company, too, composed as it was of all professions and pursuits, was respectable and agreeable; they were rather disposed to respect than to depreciate us on the ground of our ministerial character; we parted with many of them with much regret, and after ward in our travels met with some of them with sincere pleasure. Indeed, every thing was acceptable and pleasant, with the exception of close air, coffin-like cabins, restless but confined motion, and -the sea-sickness. These deductions, unhappily, belong to a sea life; and though the allowance made for them may be various with various persons, I think it is uniformly considerable; for I have always observed that both the sailor and the passenger equally admit, that the quick voyage is the good voyage. from the sudden return of hot weather, which disWe moved slowly through the Narrows into the solves the ice, and produces immense evaporation. expanding bay, and dropped anchor in the evening In the morning we quitted our vessel for a steamoff Staten Island, and about six miles from the city. thing from sight; we lost, therefore, for the present, boat. The mists were still heavy, and veiled every the view of the bay, which is admitted to be exceedingly good. This, with a new world before us, was but a slight disappointment. About ten o'clock I sprang on the landing at New-York, and realized the presence of a country, which had long dwelt as a picture of interest and of hope in my imagina tion. We made the best of our way to Bunker's hotel. Our first inquiry was for single-bedded rooms, as we understood that to be the only matter of doubt. They were readily obtained; and a black servant was commissioned to conduct us to them. After dressing, our first concern was, to use our retirement in acknowledging the Hand which had conducted us safely over the great Atlantic; and in committing ourselves to its renewed guidance, now that we were strangers in a strange land. You know my admiration for the ocean; I had Before we retired to our rooms, we had expressed one opportunity of seeing it in its majesty. We a wish for some refreshment; and I expected, on were in a smart gale of wind for a day and a half. coming down, to see a little breakfast-table set for Unwell as I was, I could not forego the unobstruct-us. Nothing of this sort was, however, visible. ed enjoyment of the scene. I got on deck, and secured I went into the bar-room, and looked at the papers, myself as well as I could by the cordage, and ob- still waiting for a summons to the anticipated re freshment. At last I approached to the bar, and ven-only sufficiently inclined to ensure a good drainage, tured to ask for it. The master of the ceremonies, and of course supplies great facilities for the transit without speaking, placed a small basket of biscuits of goods. At present, Liverpool does by far the and a plate of cheese before us as we stood. We greatest amount of business; but, because New were amused, as well as disappointed; and, as we York has more home trade, there is with it seemed to be without choice, we partook of the greater show of mercantile activity and life. supply that was offered. We thought, at least, that. This city is really worthy of the reputation she the little set-out had been for us; but while we were has for the frequency of the fires. There were six busy with it, two or three gentlemen came up, and, to my knowledge in ten days. They appear to without permission, or without seeking a separate arise partly from wood being the common fuel, Knife or plate, claimed a share. We asked for a which is less safe than coal; and partly from flues glass of wine; a glass was literally supplied, and being carried through frame-buildings, which is the decanter restored to its place. When our repast very hazardous. Some, however, as with ourwas over, we still waited in the bar-room, and must selves, are intentional; persons of bad principle nave shown some of the awkwardness of strangers. and embarrassed circumstances abuse the benefit of At length our host was conscious of this, and came insurance, and seek to save themselves by fire, with an apology for having forgotten to show us to a reckless of whom they destroy. sitting-room. We were then introduced to a handscine withdrawing-room, which was open to other residents at the hotel. tations in the spirit in which they were given; and were refreshed by intercourse with brethren whom we had known and esteemed in the Father Land. In the afternoon of the day, we were kindly waited on by Drs. Cox and Peters, and the Rev. W. Patton. They came as a deputation from the While I give you this incident as illustrative of Third Presbytery, which was then in session. They manners, you are not to suppose that the other ar- stated that they were mstructed to invite us to alrangements of the house were on a level with this:, tend its sittings, and to accept of accommodations they were excellent. But the case was, our appe- which had been made in Mr. Patton's family, in tite was out of time. The breakfast hour was past,, expectation of our arrival. We accepted the inviand the dinner hour was not come; and the American inn, while it provides bountifully for periodical hunger, has no compassion for a disorderly appetite. There is one hour, one table, one meal, one summons; and if you are ready, you may fare very well; if you miss the opportunity, you must digest the consequences as you can. It was interesting to see how readily the American, with his love of freedom, submitted to these restraints, while John Bull insists on naming his own dinner, at his own table, at his own time, and in his own room. He has certainly more independence in his habits, if not in his opinions, than his transatlantic bre thren. LETTER II. MY DEAR FRIEND-On the following day, according to the previous arrangement, we changed our habitation, and did honor to the invitation of the Presbytery. There were about thirty persons present. We were received by the Moderator, in the name of the body, with affectionate respect. We were glad to observe their methods of business.liar in our committee meetings. Several subjects They are similar to those with which we are famiwere discussed and disposed of; but they were only of ordinary interest.. license. His examination at this sitting was theoIn the afternoon a young man was on trial for his logical. He read a theme which discovered fair talent and true piety. It was pretty closely discussed. I could see that the examiners we not quite agreed among themselves. This circumstance gave an unnatural perplexity to the subject, as well as to the person examined. He obtained, however, the favorable suffrage of his brethren. We had declined all application for ministerial service on the Sabbath after our arrival. I had suffered so much in the voyage as to leave me unfil for it; and besides, I was anxious to improve an ocdifficult to secure as our stay advanced. On the casion for hearing, which I foresaw it would be more morning of the day we attended at Laight-street church, and united in the thanksgiving and prayers which Dr. Cox affectionately offered on our ac After disposing of our snack and our host we na turally desired to see something of the wc around us. We walked up the Broadway. It is every way the principal street: its width is about that of Piccadilly, and its length about two miles and a half. It meets the eye well. The straight line it offers to the sight is relieved, in some measure by the foliage of trees and the towers of churches, while it conveys to the imagination a sense of magnitude and importance beyond the reality. My first impressions from the objects were such as these The habitations, from frequently having the Venetian or other shutters closed, as the readiest mode of excluding the sun, affected me painfully, as though death had entered them. The ordinary signs of health could not be so prevalent as with us; for I was continually saying to myself, How ill that man looks. The shops are not at all English; they are Parisian; indeed, nowhere but in England can you meet with that shop-front which is so indicative of wealth, or the security of property, and of tact for catching the eye of the hasty passenger. The ladies, who were using the Broad-count. It was an affecting thing, after traversing way as a promenade, struck me as of less stature time to an act of worship, in a strange land, with the great deep, to commit one's self for the first than ours. Those who aspired to fashion, used Pa- the people of God; and it was the more affecting risian dresses; and they had a mincing tread, which from the strong resemblance it has to what we must was meant to be Parisian, but is certainly not so; it is affectation, and therefore disagreeable. enjoy at home. The order of service, the singing, New-York is the counterpart of Liverpool; they the hymns, the tunes, the sermon, the devout aspect have grown remarkably together. At no very dis- of the congregation, were as our own. It brought tant period, they both had some 5,000 inhabitants; one directly into a state of fellowship; it destroyed they have advanced almost thousand by thousand, the sense of distance, and disposed one feelingly to and are now nearly equal in population. In point say, of site, Liverpool has the advantage. It springs boldly from the water, and, by its various elevation, presents more picture to the eye; while for water conveyance, and the mere purposes of business, the advantage is with New-York. It stands on a plane "No more a stranger or a guest, In the evening of the day we went to the opening of a free church. Of the nature of this class of provision for the religious wants of the people, I |