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N. i PERSONAL NARRATIVE OP A TOUR THROUGH A PART OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA : WITH NOTICES OP TfttB HiarORY AND INSTITUTIONS OP MKTHOIHSM IN AMERICA. C'ONTAININO ALSO THE IIVTH PAR'S, HERETOFOIIE OmTfXD IN THK AMSRIOAN KDITIONS. BY JAMBS DIXON, D. D. THIRD EDITION. PUB.LISHED BY LANE J) 4 18S"0 * ^ /*'■ / PREFACE TO THE THIRD AliERICAN EDITION. In the first American edition of this book, the Finn Part was omitted. This omission was thought to be amply jus- tified by the fact, that, out of the 106 pages wUch that Part contained, between 80 and 90 consisted oi extracts from American documents. But additional reasons were not wanting. From Dr. Dixon's own statements, as well as from the whole tenor of his quotations, it is apparent that he was not in a position to write intelligently upon the .subject. His readmg h|» been confined, almost entirely, to one side of the question, and the result is as might have been expected. It appears that he had never seen even the Journal of the General Conference of 1844 when he wrote, and knew nothing of any documents bearing on the question, except such as the compilers of the " History of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South," chose to incorporate m that work ! It is an ungracious task to say such things of an author in the Preface to his own book. I avoided it in the former editions, of choice ; but my course in the matter has been so greatly, and in some cases so disingenuously, misinter- preted, that no alternative is left but to publish the omit- ted portion of the work : and my duty, as editor, demands, at least, as strong an expression as is given above in regard to its merits. J. M'Cuntook. Jan, 9, 1850. D^ ) ADVERTISEMENT. This volume has been prepared for publioatioii under the influence of one only sentbnent ; namely, a desire to make the Methodist body in England acquainted with the state and progress of their lyitem of religion in the United States. The author is not conscious to himself of any peculiar Inas in his opinions ; his aim being simply to state facts as they presented themselTcs to his attention, and leave his readers to draw their own inferences. Not being a political agent, he has not felt himself called upon to enter — except incidentidly— into questions of civil government. His general impression is, however, that the Americans possess a larger amount of social prosperity than any other people upon earth. But the vexed question of republicanism lies beyond his purpose ; and he begs to inform his reader beforehand, that whatever he may meet with is not to be construed into an expression of opinion for or agahist this or any other form of government, but simply as historical. One thing, however, bearing on tUs subject, may not be deemed out of place : it is, that the author's impressions of the true greatness of his own country were never so strong as during his visit to the States. America is the ofiispring of England. England has been reproduced in America. The character of the parent is seen in the athletic growth of the son. The blood, the relig^n, the ideas, the opinions, and, in substance, the institutions, of England exist in the United States. On this soil the Anglo-Saxon race is assert- ing its supremacy on a gigantic scale, and with a rare ADYBRTIflBMBNT. energy and vigour. It is a singular phenomenon, wluoh every visitor must perceive at once, that his own country's type of humanity is predominant. People from all nations in Europe are seen in large numbers on the western conti- nent; but they all become Anglicised. Just as the "father of waters/' the Mississippi, receives the innumerable tribu- tary streams which flow in every direction to swell and deepen its flood, and then in turn are blended with and become one with the parent current ; so, in like manner, all the races which flock to America feel the force, do homage to the superiority, and fall into the current, of Anglo-Saxon life. In two or three generations nothing of the German, the Dutchman, the Frenchman, the Celt re- mains, but his name. He has lost his foreign distinctness, much of his physiognomy, and all the peculiar character- istics of his origin; so that the true identity existing between England and America is an identity of race. Other things are but the external adomings of the same soul and body, the same mental and material organization. England's sons, language, sentiments, freedom, enterprise, courage, religion — all live in America ; and are imiting to form the greatest empire of race on which the sun ever shone. England consequently reappears on American ground; and it is impossible Mstorically to separate the destinies of the same people ; the annals of the Anglo-Saxon race must ever include the American branch. The survey now presented to the public can lay claim to nothing more than an outline. It would require much more leisure and information than are in the possession of the author, to give a fuU, a complete, narrative of — as he conscientiously believes — the most gigantic and extraordi- nary development of religious truth which has taken place in modem times. The work, even in its present state, appears under some disadvantage, from the fact that, when in the States, the author had not the most remote idea of writing a book; .*^ 6 J ADVBBTISBlfBNT. hii notes were consequently not taken with any view to such a purpose. From this circumstance his materiel was necessarily scanty; but the scenes through which he passed, and the facts and incidents which came before his atten- tion, were very vividly impressed upon his memory. He has had consequently to draw largely on this resource. With what success, those on the spot alone can judge ; but he is persuaded that, though many things may not be *so full and circumstantial ais if he had entertained the intention of publication, yet he is certam that no fact is falsified ; and no scenery, whether of nature, society, or religion, has received an untrue colouring. In addition to the desire, as before stated, to give infor- mfction respecting the state of the Methodist Church, as the predominating motive, the author feels himself under an imperative obligation, as a mere matter of justice, to communicate his impressions respecting his reception by the American body. If they received the messenger of the British Conference with affectionate respect as such, is it not fitting that their good-will, their fraternal regard, their unabated affection towards the parent body, their continued unity and oneness with us in spirit and faith, should be made known ? And, moreover, as it has pleased Ood to bless, to prosper, to enlarge, and to render triumphant that Church which, in its ecclesiastical form, was planted by John Wesley, and nurtured by some of his most distin- guished sons in the gospel ; does it not seem proper that such an occasion as a visit to this Church should, in some way, be connected with a report of its actual state ? With these impressions, though with great reluctance, the author is impelled to publish this volume, not doubting but that the hearty good-will of the American Methodist Church will be as heartily reciprocated by the Methodist body in this country. Bimwnghamt March 26pointed to America— Reflections on these Agents — TheClasa* Meeting 805 CHAFTEB m. Application to Mr. Wesley for Missionaries— Messrs. Boaidmaa and Pilmow m>pointed— Account of the State of Things— Messrs. Asbnry and Wright — Account of the fonner— The Spirit of the Clergy— Mr. Jarratt— Thomas Rankin and George Shadford arrive— First Conference 316 CHAPTER IV. The Revolutionary Period- Messrs. Rankin, Shadford, and Rodda depart for England— Adventures of Sltadford— Asbury determines to remain— His Exei- cises of Mind— Finds Refuge in the House of Judge White— Persecutions of Messrs. Hartley and Garrettson— Mr. Janatt— Reflections on the Revolu- tion— John Calvin's Dogmar-Qriginates the Revolution— Its Success . . aS8 CHAPTER V. Measures preparatory to the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church— ^ implication of the Peofde to Mr. Wesley— His Advice— Dr. Bangs's Account —The Church formed— Success S4S CHAPTER YL The new Ordet of Things— Mr. Asbury becomes the real Bishop of the Churclh —His Cliaracter and Qualifications for the Office— Dr. Coke exceeds his Powers— Certificate — The Ei^scopacy 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 •. 837 Virginia 333 North Carolina 3S4 South Carolina 335 Georgia 337 Florida 348 II. — THE HITDBOy AND LAKE LINE. Troy 3*7 Vermont 8S7 Black River •. 359 Oneida 363 Genesee 303 Erie 305 North Ohio 300 Michigan 307 North Indiana 307 Rock River 300 III. — THE OHIO LINE. Pittsburgh 380 CMjio • 381 Louisville 388 Kentucky 388 Holston 389 Indiana 393 Tennessee 3^ iy.~THE MISSISSIPPI LINE. Iowa 400 Illinois 400 Missouri 407 St.Louis 407 Arkansas 408 Memphis ^ 409 Mississippi 409 Louisiana . . . .^ 410 Alabama ■ 411 Texas 413 East Te^tas 413 Oregon , , 413 Indian Misaions 413 12 if dOVIBKTS. PARTY. MBA8UBBS ADOPTED BT THB METHODIST EPISCOPAL OHUROH ON THB SUBJECT OF SLAYBRT. H CHAFTEB L Laws on the Sutgect— Preachers from the beginning held aati'Slaveiy Views— Opiwsition of the Planter*— The power of the separate States— IMOcalties arising from this Page 4SS CHAFTEB IL The Wesleyan Methodist Connexion— Agitations— The Address of the British Conference— Orange Scott— Debates at the General Conference— The Spirit of Compromise prevails— Fails to heal the Breach— Agitations proceed— ' Separation— The New Community established 44S CHAFTEB m. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South— Progress of the Movement after the former Division— Change of Opinion in the Baltimore Conference— Con- demnation of Harding— Confirmed by the General Conference— Bishop An- drew's case— Debato»— Resolutions against him— Rrotest of the South. . M5 CHAFTEB IV. Organization of the Church South— Preliminary Proceedings— Convention— Measures taken— Settlement— Real position— Reflections 914 '# TOUR IN AMERICA. PART I. PSBSONAL NABBATIYB CHAPTER I. Hie Vojaga— Company on Boaid— Sunday—Reflecttons— AHinttc— Ajtta^on — 8team*Fbwer— Mimdes— BankB of Newfooodland— A ftiow>lt0nn>— Batt- fax— NoTft-Scotiar-PHaengers— Morality. Ws went on board the <' Acadia," Captain Stone, at Liver* pool, bound for Boston, on Saturday, April Stb, 1846 ; ft beautiful vessel, well fitted up with a fine and •pftoiouf saloon above deck. I found my friend, Mr. Kaye, had engaged for me one of the best berths, which I wmt at once to possess. I had not been there long, before a Quebec gentleman entered to share it with me,-Hi good- looking, open-faced man; and, as I supposed I moat necessarily have a cabin-mate, I thought myself weU suited in my companion. This, however, was evidently not the impression of my friend. Whether he was alarmed ftt the sight of a parsonic name on my trunks, or unoontfortftble on other grounds, I know not; but he instantly became fidgety, exhorted me to go to the purser, and get a ber^ 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 cbaage for himself, if I left him alone. In a few mbutes he came for his luggage, having obtamed a berth " forward ;" ftodt on seeing thie purser, he told me they had agreed to leave m 14 TOUR IN AMBEfCA. 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 selectmg 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 c(Hmer-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, T submitted, rather reluctantly, to my fate. This seat, how- ever, turned out to be on the right hand of the chair of the second table. The company one falls m with on board ship, is very important. The manners, temper, conversa- tion, 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 80 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 ofiicer of the royal iiavy, dressed in his uniform and the insignia of his nmk. We looked upon him with interest. He proved to be, as is generally the case with men in his situation, a complete gentleman, courteous, urbane, and communicative. A more beautifully placid and benevolent countenance cannot be knagined. He had been in the service forty years ; had travelled in most parts 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 Enghsh country gentleman of the old school. It turned out that bis home %. PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 16 f was Baltimore ; and, if he 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 deckj 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 coimtry, once very popular, now very low. This gentleman sat exactly oppo- site 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 foimd 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 hved near Plymouth, the landing-place of the "Pilgrim Fathers;" had seen all America ; thoroughly imderstood the character of its institutions, civil and rel^ious ; 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 d<^- matism, 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 thb 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, forme to preach. He consented, on the condition that the discourse was short ; stating, that it would be- incon- ;Venient for the men to be engaged for a long time. On ■%■■ .-:&' 16 TOUR IK AMERICA. going to the desk, I found the crew and passengers in their places, — the former neat, clean, and weU-hehaved, and the latter perfectly orderly, and some of them appa- rently devout. There sat beneath the desk as clerk a fine young officer, dressed in his official habiliments. He re- sponded most nobly, and like a person accustomed to the employment. Wh^ 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 Hynms were a great solace. Nothing is broad, deep, and elevated enough for the soid 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 calcu- lated, 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 majestie 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 shakmg him in his rage. Our noble vessel was no more in the jaws of the Atiaotic than PART I.—- PBB80NAL NARRATIVE. 17 a lap-dog m those of a lion. The wind blew right a-head, and met us in the teeth, dashing the waves and spray furi- ously agamst our bow. We had not to encounter a storm, in the usual sense of the expression ; but our old sea-oflBcer, of forty years' standing, declared he had never seen th<) sea so rough. We were, probably, encountering the effects of distant hurricanes. The agitation and swell were inde- scribable. 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 foiur or five days, the effects on the passengers being such as are usual in f. ese 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 caiculated 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 their beds, some lying in mummy fashion, as if deprived of the cha- racteristics of animated, talking, and thinking beings ; and others, more resolute, or a httle 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 s<«ie sort of eqmlibrium, 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 mat- ters. 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, M TOUR Xir AlflRXOA. in case he posseu and indulge A certain faiiidioiisness in the sight of thinge not veiy delicate, he may pay the penalty of his sensittyeness 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 am- bition or desire to describe the icnsationi peculiar to these 8ea-ad?entures 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 soUd 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 uplo snow-storm, ing confined to » I had never pace of fifteen antly, in quan- t have covered ive us a notion ind Nova-Sco- )crgp, however, e midst of the fht, and many nded, and,- by uch delighted ied this plea- aot daring to two b^re, On inquning if «he knew ionary there, n» and lived anticipated nd converse m, and the lis gratifica- alutations. ' Kova-Sco- es. It had dreary and ave given a tself, I was advanced, t sight of land again in crossing the Bay of Fundy ; but w«re cheered by the expectation of seeing the shores of the Uflilad States. This expectation of soon landing produees mighty changes in the appearance of eveiybody. Countenanoes which before had been bilious and gloomy, brightened up ; parties whose lips had been closed by taciturn pro- pensities 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. Be- fore 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 be- lieve that they were shared by others ; and, moreover, the sight of one of these fellow-passengers now, Qi* 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 to» to re- cord 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, mani- fested 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 gen- 22 R m AMSRIOA. tlemen, signs of strong emotion when conversation recalled their thoughts and feelings to their parents and homes. Let us do justice to icfui in all conditions of his existence. It is a pleasure to meet with exhibitions of filial piety any- where, but especially so in such chrcumstances. And, so far as my observation went, the morality of our little com- munity on board the " Acadia" was unsullied by any ex- ternal vice. CHAPTER II. Boston— The Sabbsth— Changes of Doctrine— Methodist Preachen' Meeting •t the Book Depot — Bunker Hill— The Conunon— The State-Hbose— Churches— The City— Daniel Webster— Set out for New- York— Railroad (|. Cars— The Country— New-Haven-The Sound— Scene on board the Steamer —New-Tork Harbour. ^ On Sunday, April 23d, 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 impossi- ble 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 ob- server 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 along- side the wharf, and step from the ship to the shore. We reached the landing-place about five o'clock in the after- noon, 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 portman- teaus, I should be the last of the batch, and should be driven far into the dark ; saying, at the same time, he PART I.— PXB80NAL NASRATIVE. would help me to open them, and speak to one of the offi- cers. 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. Tins business being finished, I wended my way to the Revere Hotel, recommended by Mr. Weston, the American gentleman b€fore 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 ^p the city, to be strictly observed by the descendants of the pilgrim fathers. They have very much changed their creed from stem Calvinism to the liberal system of Ghan- ning ; 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, how- ever, a painful reflection, that the churches of su^h 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 accord- ing to the truth, yet the bold, broad, deep faith of the pil- grims 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 an- nounced in their pulpits. Is not this an instance of reac- tion ? 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. After divine service. Dr. Hitchcock made his appearance. As toon as he entered he exclaimed, " Why, I am sure I M T01TK nr AMERICA. have seen you before. Did not jou preach missionary- sermons at Jewin-street, London, on such an occasion, and at such a time ?" " Yes, I certainly did," was the reply. "Ah, then, I heard you; I was stopping at Mr. Cave's; and you gave out the words, * Those dark Americans con- tort :* now that was too bad." I had, of course, to ex- plain that the hjrmn, which was composed more than a hundred years ago, could not relate to the Ev^opean popu- lation of America, but to the aboriginal inhabitants, the Indians. The effect of seeing a man who knew me was like magic. The pain left me, and I willingly took his ad- vice to put off all idea of operati make my ssible. He reachers of They had r more of onversation ag Enghsh )iir affairs, btained in- ^ ectmg the Toceeding. >od friend Stevens had hured a vehicle to take me through and round the city. We set off in grand style, after the American fashion, dashing away through the crowded streets, and were not long before we were neatly jammed in the narrow space betwixt the body of a cart and its wheel. The collision broke no bones, and did no damage to our vehicle, though pretty severe, and sufficiently alarming to any one but a Yankee. My companion drove me to Bunker Hill, the scene of the famous battle of that name, and one of the first fought in the war of independence. The battle-ground is now surmounted by a pillar commemorative of the event. The site on which it stands has not much the appearance of a hill, being only sixty-two feet above the level of the sea. The foundation-stone was laid by La Fayette, on June 17th, 1825, being the jubilee, or fiftieth anniversary, of the battle. Its form is that of an obelisk, thirty feet square at the base, and sixteen feet four and a half inches at the top. The height from the base is two hundred and twenty-one feet. At the summit of this piUar is an empti- ed chamber, seventeen feet high, and eleven feet in dia- meter, with four windows, commanding a view in the direction of the four points of the compass. Ascending the steps of this monument, we obtained a most magnifi- oeut view of the city, the sea, and the surrounding coun- try. The town, or rather three or four towns, as seen from this point, are curious enough. Boston proper is built on a peninsula, three miles long and one broad ; chosen pro- bably as furnishing the means of defence against the at- tacks of the Indians ; so, at least, it struck me at the time. But the modems have managed to add to it what is called South Boston, formerly a part of Dorchester, and East Boston, anciently Noddle's Island. The peninsula had originally an uneven surface, and the place received the name of " Trimountaui," so called from its three hills. The new portions are connected with the old and principal city 2 TOUR IN AMBRIOA. by various bridges and feny-boats, all of which are seen from the monument. The place may not resemble Venice m its chief features, but it is Venetian in the fact of its ap- parently standing, ii' not in, yet very much surrounded by, water. My friend seemed to doubt whether I should have the magnanimity to ascend this mcmument of American prowess and independence, and was evidently surprised when he found that it was my purpose to do so. In such circum- stances, however, I thought the wiser way was to forget past quarrels, and make the best of present opportunities of observation and pleasure. It is of little use to cherish old grudges ; and, certainly, it can indicate nothing but folly for Englishmen and Americans to entertain ill feelings on account of national differences. After descending from the monument, my kind con- ductor hastened to the Common ; a fine piece of ground, ornamented with trees, which is, in point of fact, what we should call " a park." This Common is the public prome- nade of the good citizens of Boston, who resort to it for fresh air and recreation. This place possesses, also, some Methodistic traditionary fame. Let my friend Stevens give the history :-»" In the centre of the Bfston Common still stands a gigantic elm, the crowning ornament of the beau- tiful scenery. On a fine summer afternoon in July, 1790, a man of middle age, of a serene but shrewd countenance, and dressed in a style of simplicity which might have been taken for the guise of a Quaker, took his stand upon a table beneath the branches of the venerable tree. Four persons approached, and gazed upon him with surprise while he sang a hymn. It was sung by his solitary voice ; at its conclusion he knelt down upon the table, and, stretching forth his hands, prayed with a fervour and unction so un- wonted in the cool and minute petitions of the Puritan pul- pits, that it attracted the groups of promenaders who had come to spend an evening hour in the shady walks, and by I f PART I.— PBBSONAL KABRATIVB. 27 the time he rose from his knees they were itreAitting in processions from the different points of the Oommon to« wards him. While he opened his small Bible, and preached to them without notes, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power, the multitude grew into a denae ISMH, three thousand strong, eagerly catching every utterance of the singular stranger, and some of them receiving bb mes- sage into ' honest and good hearts/ That bold evangeliat was Jesse Lee, — the founder, under Ood, of Methodiim in New-England."* After exploring the Common, we visited the State- House, that is, the parliament-house of the State of MaiM' chusetts, standing on elevated ground at the upper end of the Common. The House was in session, and, at the time, engaged in their legislative functions. We met, on entering, in one of the lobbies, a tall, athletic gentleman, about sixty, his face and brow being marked with intelU' gence and deep thought. He belonged to the Senate, or Upper House ; and, after shaking hands with Mr. Steveni, was introduced to me as one of our brethren,—- a noble Methodist. On leaving the Senate, wc entered the Houee, as it is called, meaning the House of Representatives. We were conducted into the body of the chamber, and took our seats amongst the members. This being the first time I had seen an American legislative assembly, I, (4 course, felt curious to see and hear all I could. The hall is circular, or semi-circular, the seats of the members rising gradually above each other in amphitheatrical style, each being understood to belong to the gentlemen returned for certain constituencies, and furnished with a desk for the convenience of writing. The debate going on was not very interestmg, having relation to a fishery. We beard threo or four speakers. There was nothing that could be desig* nated eloquence ; for who could be eloquent about catcb- * Stevens'n " Memorials of the Introduction of Methodiim into the 8Mt«m SUtes,** pp. 1, S. ^8 TOUR IK AMBRIOA. ing fish ? But we had good sense, and no more unperfec- tions of English and of style than may be heard any day in our own House of Commons. The chamber was nearly full of members ; every man seemed to be attending to his duties, and intent upon the business that was before him. We saw here portraits of all the old Puritans of former tunes; such as Winthrop, Eliot, and others; a fine group of noble heads and glorious characters. But the chief at- traction was a statue of Washington, by Chantrey. With- out pretending to any great skill in the fine arts, this statue arrested me certainly more than any work of sculpture I ever beheld. The form, the drapery, the attitude, the features, the expression, are exquisitely given. The great patriot met, in Chantrey, an artist worthy of himself. By the by, it struck me that some of the features of Washing- ton and John Wesley are much alike. Washington's fea- tures, indeed, seem to be larger and broader than Wesley's, and may not present to view so prominent and beautiful a profile ; but the lower part of the face appears very much to resemble that of Wesley, and the expression is very similar. From this central point of interest we made our way through the entire city, and beheld its churches, public buildings, shops, and private dwelUngs. Some parts of Boston have an air of antiquity, somewhat unusual in an American town. Faneuil Hall, erected in 1742, is much celebrated, and is, m reality, a fine building. The old State-House, at the head of State-street, is also a venerable pile. It was originally built in 1658 ; and, after suffering from fire, was rebuilt in 174*7. It is said there are seventy- three churches in the city, of various dimensions and archi- tectural beauty. I was most attracted, through the powe^ of association, with those which were occupied by the Puritan fathers. The old churches bear the stamp of the plain, simple, spiritual faith of their founders ; the curious will meet little to gratify taste, but the serious Christitn PART I.— PBBSONAIi NAIOIATIVB. ■^ much to elicit reflection. The shops are handsome, and apparently well furnished ; and ui the suburbs there are fine private houses. The city of Boston is thought to be more like an Enghsh town than any other in the Union, and this opinion is well founded ; but the resemblance is not exact in all respects. Many of the shops are stores ; the private bouses are not laid out in our style, but often much better, being more spacious and airy ; the windows and ventilation are different, being framed to suit the state of the climate ; and the hotels, the accommodation, the attention paid, so far as I was concerned, far exceeded any- thing ordinarily to be met with in England. The Bostonians are considered the most intellectual and cultivated community in the United States. But of this my opportunities furnished no means of judging. They seemed, indeed, different from the New- York people ; the latter exhibiting a much more commercial character. But do they excel the people of Baltimore ? Not, it struck me, in gentility of bearing, though they may outvie them in intellectual strength and cultivation. At any rate, they have taken the lead in all social and political movements of any consequence. They form the true Yankee stock, among whom the name originated, and their sentiments and opinions have given law to the whole Union. I just saw the shadow of their great citizen, Daniel Webster, passing in the street ; who had returned from his senatorial duties to attend the obsequies of a beloved son, who had fallen in the Mexican war ; and, to complete the affliction, it was thought by the time the remains of the son had arrived in Boston, a daughter would have ceased to exbt, and be pre- pared to share the same grave with her brother. Such are the events of every quarter of the world ! Neither talent nor station can ward off the misfortunes and sorrows of life. The people were not wanting in sympathy ; but what sym- pathy can reach such woes as these ? llThe day after visiting Boston, I set out in company with ^ TOUR IN AMERICA. Mr. Stevens, who, with his wife and other parties, was going to New- York, on their way to the Conference. We travelled by railroad to New-Haven. This was the first time I saw an American " railroad-cai," as it is called. My reading had furnished me with a good stock of preju- dice, and I expected anything rather than an agreeable journey. Bad rails, jolting carriages, disagreeable and odious accommodation, with the likelihood of getting off the line, and being maimed or knocked on the head, were the several ideas which filled my mind. First appearances did not tend to remove these impressions. The carriages looked like great monstrous machines; the wheels much larger, and the bodies prodigiously higher, than in our own country. These feelings were soon dissipated. I found myself in a spacious saloon, with an aisle, or path-way, down the middle, and high enough for the tallest man to stand or walk upright. The seats appeared more promising still. They were placed across from the aisle to the win- dow, and intended to hold two passengers each, beautifully Imed and cushioned with velvet. These seats were so con- structed as to turn up, and form a sort of family pew, in which the inmates might sit face to face. These compart- ments, so formed, accommodate four persons ; who might, if they chose, hold a friendly tHe-d,-tHe as they journeyed on. The saloon is windowed from end to end ; and these windows draw up and down to admit the fresh air, at the discretion of the passengers. Each of these saloons is also furnished with an excellent stove, heated as the weather may require. I know not exactly how many persons one of these rooms will accommodate, but certainly not less than sixty or eighty, and they are generally full. The speed is not so rapid as our first-class trains, but eqt^I to some of those which move at a moderate rate. Travelling on, I began to think the thing was not so very bad. Apprehension of an overthrow soon gave way to confidence, and, so far as safety was a question, the mattier PART I.— PBBSONAL NARRATIVE. 81 was settled. But then the great room, and the juxta- position with all these Americans ! What of this ? I soon found occasion to be satisfied with this matter also. By the spaciousness of the saloons, and the means of mode- rating the atmosphere as occasion required, we obtained good air ; much more so than in the draughts or heated carriages in our own country. Then, again, the windows being continued from end to end on each side, we were spared the mortifying disappointment always felt when a fine view is within range by one of our lines ; we could gaze for a considerable length of time, and to a great ex- tent, upon every object worth notice in the country. The landscapes obtained in this way were often very fine and picturesque. The state of the country, the progress of cultivation, the buildings and towns, and, in fine, everything going on within sight of our route, might thus be pretty accurately seen. And then to be brought into contact with the people, — ^what can be so interesting to a traveller as this ? He is in search of living men ; he desires to wit- ness their habits, to judge of their character, to hear their conversation, and to join in it. A "railroad-car" in Ame- rica furnishes fine opportunities for all this. These con- siderations soon put an end to my disquiet of mind, and I began to think that, in this affair, the Yankee had improved on the Englishman; and that his mode of constructing carriages, and managing railroad business, did no discredit to his sagacity and business talent. The country through which we journeyed did not pre- sent many points of interest. The cultivation was on the whole good ; but the soil rocky and poor. The season, I found, was not so far advanced as in our own country when I left it ; and now, towards the end of April, but little vogotation appeared. The Americans declaim against our biful hedge-rows ; I suppose, on the principle of people who, not possessing an advantage themselves, are jealous in the case of others enjoying it. Be this as it TOUR IN AMimOA. may, there are few, loaroely any, quiok^set hedges in America ; and I was told that the Knglish thorn would not grow in their climate. Nothing oan be more odious than the fences of the country ; the landscape is perfectly de- formed by their appearance. The fanners employ long pieces of wood, no doubt cut up for the purpose. These aro laid lengthwise, crossing each other at the end, and piled up one upon another a sufficient height to keep their cattle from going astray. This mode of fence causes the whole country to look like one prodigious wood-yard ; and, in the absence of this wood, stone is employed. The en- closures are of greater or lesser extent, in which cattle and sheep are seen grazing, or com growing, as the case may be. The villages and towns on our route appeared very pretty; the houses being chiefly built of wood, painted white, and the window'blinds green. By these means an air of great cleanliness was secured, and many of these wooden buildings rose to magniflcenoOi hairing a moi^ion- like appearance. I found afterwards that houotes thus built of wood are capable of excluding wind and .reather, and securing as great an amount of comfort and warmth 08 the more substantial erections of brick or stone. Springfield, the seat of one of the goremment armories, is a beautiful place ; the whole country having a most pictu- resque appearance, well cultivated, and the soU much bet- ter than any we had i|!tiEiised over, ^ur line, for many miles, lay by the side of the Connecticut ; and, as this was the first of the great American rivers which I had seen, I felt greatly excited by its appearance. It is a magnificent stream, though vastly inferior to many which I afterwards visited. The banks are very beautiful, and rich in meadow- land, studded with farm-houses and peaceful villages. ' 1% reading furnished me with some reminiscences respecting the first occupancy of this country by European settlers. How difierent now to the time when Indian tribes paddled their canoes in these waters, and disputed with the white PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVB. 88 I man, by war, by stratagem, by fire and blood, the posses* sion of the soil! These sanguinary contests had taken place on every foot of ground we were traversing. Women and children had been cut off, and taken into a cruel cap- tivity, in the absence of the men ; and it was not till a vast amount of human life had been sacrificed, that peace and abundance were made to take the place of a ruthless con- test, which ended in the extirpation or banishment of the original lords of the soil. Peaceful flocks were now graz- ing, watched over by the children of the villages, where the war-whoop and the scalping-knife used to hold dominion. We finished our railroad journey at New-Haven, and embarked on board a steamer. Our course lay down the Sound, skirted on one side by the Connecticut shore, and on the other by Long Island. The Sound is a most mag- nificent inlet to New- York from the great Atlantic. Being now on board an American steamer for the first time, I was intent upon seeing whether the people indulged in those tobacco habits which travellers have almost uniformly attributed to them. We had been pretty free from any- thing offensive in the railroad car ; and I began to doubt whether the reports were true, or to think they were exag- gerations. I was soon undeceived. The practice in ques- tion was almost general ; and nearly the whole deck soon became coloured and almost impassable. Among the rest of the passengers were two young people, male and female, who were evidently not man and wife, but in the probable way of becoming so. ThejP^ were very respectable in their appearance and attire, — the young man having the bearing of a farmer of the first class ; and the lady, it is to be pre- sumed, a fanner's daughter, of prepossessing appearance, dressed very genteelly, and withal wearing, what seemed to be pretty generally the fashion in America, a green veil. Our young couple, of course, avoided the public, kept themselves in close quarters in one comer of the deck, and were in ardent conversation. In pacing backwards and 2*- *Vf.^i 34 TOUR IN AMERICA. forwards, my attention was attracted to this scene ; and I observed that the young gentleman, about every five mi- nutes or less, poured forth a stream of tobacco saliva at the lady's feet. This, it is to be presumed, was by way of libation to his goddess , it was an offering of love. The thing seemed a perfect matter of course ; and neither the lady, nor anybody else, appeared in the least annoyed. It may be as well to dismiss this whole affair at once ; and I am sorry to say, that, though I saw occasion to differ in opinion with American travellers on many points, in this I was obliged to agree with them. The deck of steamers seems to be the favourite arena for this kind of exploit. I declare, I saw men, again and again, sitting under the awnings of their beautiful vessels, when it would have been quite as convenient, and often more so, to pour the con- tents of their mouths into the water as upon the deck; but they invariably preferred the latter, and rendered it next to impossible to move without treading in this liquid nuisance. Heaven is always propitious. In the midst of what was so offensive in man, nature presented great beauties and glorious scenery on every side. The entrance into New- York harbour on the side we took is very intricate, requir- ing great skill on the part of the pilot. We had to pass a place which English jack-tars, when New- York was a Bri- tish province, designated " Hell-gate," not a very religious, but certainly a very appropriate, name. It is a sort of whirlpool, and the waters are much agitated ; while the rocks in the river are of such a nature as to narrow up the channel, and render destruction certain if the exact course is not hit by the pilot's skill. In a bend of this intricate channel we were within an ace of running down a vebsel, which, turning the point unseen, and getting into the cur- rent, was rendered perfectly helpless in herself, and was exposed to the instant rush of our steamer. With great promptitude and skill our captain turned his vessel nearly jng^ of PART I.*--PBIIfiONAL NARRATIVB. 85 round, so as completely to avoid the ill-fated ship, and she passed safely down the channel. The sight for some mi* nutes was horrific. I felt perfectly certain, that nothing could save us from being brought into collision ; and, had this taken place, one or both vessels must have gone to the bottom very near the place so ominously named " Hell* gate." We wore spared this fate by a gracious interposi* tion of Providence. As we advanced, we obtained a good view of the build- ings on the banks of the channel. The villas of the citizens of New- York are seen on each side ; and many of them ure splendid and superb. The wealthy merchants and others seek repose from business, and invigorated health, in these princely retreats. Ship-building establishments, of great magnitude, arc found in these quarters ; and there is a goodly number of hospitals, asylums, prisons, and places of a similar description in view. New- York harbour itself breaks upon the view of the voyager on turning « promontory, all at once. The sight is dazzling. Nothing can be more imposing than the harbour, the shipping, and the city, thus bursting upon the astonished beholder. It is diflScult, without drawings, to convey a true idea of this magnificent port — one of the finest in the world. It is necessary to remark, that the city stands upon the fork of two great rivers ; one to the east, called East River, the other to the North, called North, or Hudson's River. Opposite this tongue of land, at a considerable distance, is the lower end of Long Island, which has the effect of land- locking the harbour, guarding it from storms, and breaking the swell of the Atlantic. By reason of this contiguity of Long Island, the harbour possesses all the qualities of a prodigious basin, with the tongue, on which New- York stands, projecting into its centre. This fine piece of water is entered by two channels ; the one from the Sound, which we passed, and the other immediately from the Atlantic. This latter entrance is so narrow, that it is capable of per- ■^ J*^ ^ S6 TOUR IN AMERICA. # feet defence ; and it seems impossible for any vessels to pass without being exposed to certain destruction from the raking fire of the batteries. The other inlet to the harbour possesses natural defences, as no ship of war can ascend the rocky and shallow channel we passed. The ships ai*e moored around the tongue on wfiich th^^^ city stands, which forms a sort of crescent with the out- ward circle projecting into the water. Many hundred ves- sels of all sizes, some of the largest class, lay at anchor around this point of land — if it can be called at anchor — for there is depth of water sufficient to permit them to touch the wharves without the use of the anchor. Here, in crescent form, these vessels lay, apparently all round the lower point of the city ; and many of them, ascending the two rivers, find a resting-place on the banks of these beau- tiful streams. From this it will appear, that in case Long Island was removed, New- York would be anything but a harbour ; and it would be altogether indebted to its rivers for a place of shelter for its ships. Long Island is the pa- tron saint of New- York, the guardian of its interests — indeed, the cause of its greatness. CHAPTER III. 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 Chesa- peake Bay. On making the landing-place we were met by Dr. Bangs, the historian of Methodism in America, Dr. Corson, au- thor of " Loiterings in various Countries in Europe,'* ' and two of the Harpers, who all welcomed our arrival with hearty greetings. I was appointed to take up my residence in the family of Mr. Fletcher Harper, who at once con- ducted me to his hospitable home. Besides Mrs. Harper, / PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 37 ly vessels to ion from the the harbour ' can ascend 1 wffich th^ ith the out-* undred ves- y at anchor it anchor — lit them to lor. Here, 1 round the ending the ihese beau- case Long ling but a its rivers is the pa- nterests — te Methodist it respectiog -The City— ew-Jersey — The Chesa- r. Bangs, nson, au- pe,'*'and val with esidenoe ice con- Harper, M sen., I here found a young lady recently married to one of Mr. Harper's sons, a countryvroman, fyom London, the daughter of Mr. Jeremiah Smith. Of course, I was at home at once ; had it not been so, I must have possessed a most morose and misanthropic nature; for everything was done for my comfort which friendship and afiection could sug- gest. This was the first private family I had been domi- ciled with in America ; and certainly the reception I met with, and the habits of the family, tended to give me a most favourable impression of the virtues of private life in the United States. But besides the order, decorum, and happiness, so appa- rent in this Christian family, the house itself struck me as one of the most perfect I had ever seen. Everything in America is executed on the most improved scale of com- mon sense. Not that there is any want of taste, of ele- gance, of decoration ; but the basis of every arrangement seems to be that of utility and comfort. This house, so excellent of its kind, is but a sample of the rest. It stood in one of the streets, was one of a row of houses of the same size and form, and was neither greater nor better in appearance than those by which it was surrounded. This gives some insight into the style in which the higher class of merchants and tradesmen in New- York live. I had only two days to spare for visiting the Uons in New- York, and therefore set about the business in good earnest. It is surprising how much may be done in a short time, when resolution and industry are brought into requir sition. On the first day, my good friend Mr. Harper con- ducted me through the city, showing me first his own establishment, the Methodist Book-Concern, the Custom- House, the Exchange, Trinity Church, Broadway, the land- side of the harbour, visiting several magnificent ships, warehouses, and the rest. ;; Mr. Harper's printing and publishing estabUshment is as remarkable as anything in the way of business can well be JT #■■ 88 TOUR IN AMERICA. imagined. Everything is done on the same premises. A great number of presses are at work ; and one, called the "Adams press," from the name of the inventor, is remark- able. It was partly self-acting, an instrument of the nature of pincers, or rather a hand, taking hold of the paper as a roller revolved, and placing it so as to receive the de- signed impression ; which, on coming from imder the cylin- der, was received by a child, and placed in order. I understood that this machine could print, if necessary, letter-press to an indefinite length, — ^if the paper would admit it, of miles in extent. I saw the workmen forming stereotype plate-models, — a curious process. Vast piles of these plates, having done their duty in time past, were lying in store for further orders. In these extensive pre- mises, a great number of females were employed in stitch- ing, and matters of that nature. These females were under the inspection of a Roman Catholic forewoman, of great intelligence and energy. She was from England, had lived in London; and, though a Romanist, had strayed into City- Road chapel, and, having heard me preach at that place, at once recognized me, and seemed well pleased to see any one from home. We had, on entering the work-room of these females, an example of American character and manners. How did Mr. Harper, one of the principals of the firm, and master of these people, accost them? Did he rudely vociferate his orders in dictatorial and impera- tive language, after the English fashion ? Ko ! On entering their apartment, he took ofif his hat, paid them the compli- ments of the morning, inquired after their health, and addressed them by the term " young ladies." Was this affectation ? Not in the least. It had all the appearance of habit ; and certainly in their bearing, dress, the absence of all sluttishness, these females deserved respectful treat- ment. This will be sneered at by many of our countrymen, as a specunen of Yankeeism. Well, be it so ; but, let us ask, Which is the man of breeding, the gentleman? — the ■*.-, -iJ PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 39 boisterous, imperious, swearing John Bull, giving his or- ders to his servants as if they were his slaves ? — or this American, thus addressing the people who supply the hands, the sinews, the labour, (though he may furnish the genius,) which are creating his fortune ? Besides the exten- sive business transacted at this establishment, these gentle- men have branch-establishments in various parts of the country, on a large scale. ^ This firm reprints many English books ; and, having nothing to pay for copyright and authorship, they are enabled to get out and publish our most approved works at a very cheap rate. By reason of these cheap editions of our literature, the fact is that English authors are more extensively known in America than in our own country. The light reading of the day, the leading periodicals, novels, and productions of this class, have a prodigious cir- culation. But standard works by our best writers, whether in history, philosophy, theology, or the sciences and arts, are in universal circulation. This importation of knowledge is, no doubt, a present advantage ; but it sadly militates against creative talent in the States. It is, indeed, con- sidering their youth as a nation, and the hard and material work they have to do, a matter of astonishment that the competition is so successful, and that America has furnished so many able writers. I was extremely sorry to perceive that the Americans exceed us as a novel-reading people. At every public place, the termini of the rail-road, landing-places of the steamboat, and often on board as well, numbers of lads are found vending this trash. The people in general, the ladies especially, are continually seen amusing or exciting them- selves by revelling in this world of fancy, often extremely vulgar and foolish. To give an instance : On one of my journeys by railroad, there sat before me a family, consist- ing of a husband, wife, and child, perhaps two years old. This mother and wife, a very genteel and lady-like person, m TOUB m AMEEIOA. got hold of one of these novels, and scarcely lifted her eyes firom her hook the whole of the distance they travelled, which occupied the greater part of the day. The husband, in the mean time, had the entire care of the little boy. It cried, and he patted it into good-humour ; it slept on his lap, and he fanned it ; it required food, he ransacked the reticule to find cakes and sweetmeats, and, in fact, was a perfect nurse. All this time the mother was completely absorbed in her tale, and took not the least notice of either husband or boy ; and, in fact, seemed unconscious that they were present, or that she had any duties to perform towards one or the other. This pernicious habit is eating into the American mind, and will produce sad and deleterious effects on a great scale. We went next to the Methodist Book-Concern, a large and well-conducted establishment. The premises are veiy extensive, being designed to facilitate both the printing and publishing departments. This institution is the centre of Methodist literature in the United States. As in this coun- try, this literature is of a somewhat distinctive charteter ; the Methodist press being chiefly, though not exclusively, engaged in the pubhcation of works emanating from the body, and designed for its use. The Christian Advocate and Journal, and the Methodist Quarterly Review, consti- tute the periodical literature of this establishment. But though the former of these works makes its appearance in the newspaper form, it partakes much more of the character of a magazine than a newspaper ; ■ the latter is what its name designates, and it is conducted with considerable ability. The standard theology of the Methodist Church being the same as our own, it follows, that the works of Mr. Wesley, and the most distinguished of our English writers, constitute the staple of their trade. Vast piles of these books are seen in their warehouses, prepared for cir- culation through the country ; and it is pleasing to know that the iaatniction, comfort, and encouragement which PAST I.— PBRSONAL NABAATIVB. 41 these writings are so well calculated to aflbrd, will atllM find their way into the log-hut of the backwoodsouui, to the negro in his bondage, to the Indian m his expadiato, aftd to the abodes of the more wealthy citizen. But though the fathers of the Methodist bodfr on thii side of the water are in general circulation, yet the Ame- ricans are not destitute of sterling and valuable wKtingi of their own. Theology, sacred criticism, speoimeni of ^pulpit eloquence, biography, narrative, abound among them. * But, as in the case of the community at large, the Method- ist body is too busy ; is too extensively engaged in the vocation of the evangelist pioneer; has too mttoh rough work to accomplish in clearing away rubbish md laying the foundations of theur church; is obliged to carry on operations on too extended a scale, and in the midit of populations demanding mcessant pastoral and miniiterial care; to make it possible to devote themselves, in any numbers, and to any extent, to recondite studies. The Methpdist press, notwithstanding these disadvantftgei, ifl effecting good service for religion, and the pro|^eis of general knowledge. As their college? become more eiH- cient, as residence and leisure are accorded to the pro- fessors, as facilities for study and learning are fun^thed, so doubt the religious literature of the church will become progressively much more rich and elevated. But at present this Book-Concern must be chiefly con- sidered as a centre of religious light and influence, in aid of the living ministry. In this view of the subjeot it will be seen as possessing immense value and importance. Ite immediate and great purpose is now to promote the work of God, to incite to pious and zealous activity, to confer instruction on the privileg^es and duties of the religious lUle, and to point<#it the way to heaven. It deals but little in speculation. The condition of the Church will not allow of this. It is not sufficiently advanced to find leisure for either the. higher or the more polished subjects of religioua ?;{■< 4i TOUB IN AMBRIOA. literature. The philosophy, the poetry, the refined abstrac- tions of theology, must, in every case, rest on the founda- tions of general knowledge. To lay these foundations is, at present, the business of the Methodist Church. In this department they are making admirable progress ; and, this being the vocation of the institution, its utmost energy is devo^'^d to this object. Its radiations of light reach through thousands of miles, to the remotest extremities of the Union ; ita vobo of exhortation, of admonition, of reproof,^|t^ of warning, is heard in the wilderness, the village, thevjp city, of every part of the continent ; its life, like electrical fire, is fusing itself into the masses of the population ; and its lessons of divine truth are, as we trust, laying the basis of a pure, holy, practical Christianity, as extensively as the habitaticma of this numerous people. In connexion with these premises is the committee-room, for the management of missionary affairs ; a plain and hum- ble place, with an elevated seat for the chairman, and wooden benches for the members. Suspended upon the walls of this room were the portraits of the bbhops of the church, Uving and 'dead, plain, but intelligent and sedate men ; Bishop Asbury standing out from the rest by his ro- bust character and fine features. On the prembes was a vile picture of Dr. Newton. 1 remember, at the time of the doctor's visit to the States, reading a newspaper de- scription of his person and preaching, in which the moral painter said, among other things, ** with a little of the d — 1 in his eye." The author of this sketch might have been the real painter of our beloved countryman ; for he has most certainly put a sufficient quantity of the evil one in his eye. This is unreal ; there is no demon there ; nature, or grace, has done just the reverse, and given to that eye, with its intelligence and genius, the bold^ .dlf^ct, simple expression of truth and honesty. We visited the Exchange and Custom-House ; splendid buildings, finely laid out for business, and competed of PilRT I.~PBRSONAL NARRATIVB. 43 massive blocks of granite. To obtun a new view of the city and harbour, we mounted to the top of one of these edifices, and were well repaid for the trouble. The city was seen to a great extent, with its churches, public buildings, and busy streets ; and the harbour, the sea. Long Island, and the adjacent country, appeared in all their beauty and glory. Mr. Harper, who was known to the heads of these es- tablishments, introduced me as an Englishman just arrived. They were very solicitous for news, and desirous to elicit my opinions respecting our state, and the probabilities of a revolution. We had sailed from Liverpool on the Satur- day previously to the great Chartist meeting held on Ken- ningtoc Common on the following Monday ; so that our packet carried out the announcement of the intended de- monstration, without its solution. This produced great excitement and apprehension as to the result. These gen- tlemen pressed me as to the real facts of the CjEuse, and the probabiUties of revolutionary success. This they did, not in the spirit of glorying, or desire of conquest on the side of the Chartists, but, on the contrary, of a real sympathy with our country, and of anxiety for the preservation of the public peace ; but they evidently entertained strong apprehensions. I endeavoured to dissipate these alarms, and told them I was certain we should have no revolution ; that the Chartists had no hold in the country, they were mere chaff, a bubble on the surface of the waters, and that the government would gain a very easy victory. ** Well," said they, " the queen is gone to the Isle of Wight ; the ministers must have some reason for dread, or they would not have advised her removal to that place." It was re- plied, that she was partial to that residence, and her cir- cumstances made it necessary for her to seek the quiet and bracing air of that retreat ; that there was nothing at all in that fact. " Well, but then there is Ireland," it was said ; " the Irish are threatening a rebellion ; and will not they u TOUR IN AMBRIOA. and the Cbartists coalesce, and bring about a revolution ?" The answer was, If any other parties had employed the language which the Irish agitators had made use of, there would be reason to fear ; but the bombastic bellowing of these people, which had been heard so loud and so long, would come to very little ; and, moreover, it was question- able whether they would really make any movement at all, inasmuch as the assassin never made his purpose known ; and it was very unlikely that these men would proclaim their rebellious purposes, in case they really intended to revolt. In the course of these conversations the Chartists were called " the people." It was replied, that they were not " the people ;" and that the real people of England were a very different class ; were well satisfied with their institutions, and would certainly defend them, and have the ability to do so successfully. From these interviews and conversations I felt con- vinced, that the class of men with whom I thus casually held intercourse had no sympathy with the malcontents of either England or Ireland ; and that it was their anxious desire that we might escape the dangers which threatened us. Whether my notion be true or not, or to what extent, I know not ; but I certainly fancied, at the time of these conversations, (for in substance they were constantly oc- curring,) that some of the parties seemed somewhat re- lieved of their fears and anxieties. Be this as it may, it was a pleasure to deal faurly by one's country; and a greater pleasure still, to find that the true, the genuine, the home-bom Americans were not so inimical as to desire her overthrow. At dinner with a party of ministers, and other friends, the conversation turned on our institutions compared with the American : and some reflections being in pleasantry made on our queenly oflice and the aristo- cracy, this called up Mrs. Harper, jun., our countrywoman, who most heroically defended the queen and nobility, na- turalized, as I suppose she was, as an American. Her i PART I.— PBBSONAL NABBATIVE. 45 kmd-hearted father-in-law, I perceived, delighted to put her on the defensive, which always called forth a fine burst of English feelmg. How long does it take to extin- guish the love of home, of country ? In fine natures, this can never be effected ; it is an undying, an immortal passion. The next day our good friend Mr. Francis Hall, and other friends, took me to see the charitable institutions be- longing to the city. We visited a hospital, presided over by Dr. Rpcese, a Methodist physician ; a man of remarkable energy, and of great celebrity in his profession. We then made our way to an establishment, a Befuge, half prison and half school, for the reformation of young delinquents of both sexes. This institution we found, also, under the management of Methodists. The matron, a strong-minded and sensible woman, took us to view the female depart- ment; and from her, as well as from the master on the other side, we were informed that their success was very considerable, that many of the boys and girls, through the influence of this institution, turned out good and virtuous citizens. The Dumb and Deaf Asylum has been so often described by such writers as Basil Hall, Charles Dickens, and others, that it cannot be necessary to enter into" de- tails. The inmates, however, are the most interesting class of human beings which can well be met with. Na- ture seems, in some measure, to have compensated the loss of one sense, by giving peculiar delicacy and vividness to others. As everything is done by the eye, this organ seemed to possess extraordinary flexibility and power. The whole soul appeared to throw herself into this bright and beaming orb. Such expression I never saw. Let us mention one incident. I desired the principal to convey to them, by the usual means, our sincere thanks for their kindness in allowing us to put them to the trouble of go- ing through their various exercises for our gratification. The expression on their countenances, and in their gestures, but especially in the eye, when this was conveyed to them, mpg- 46 f TOUR IN AMinUOA. was indescribable. At bow imAll a cost is it often in our power to excite emotions of plofMurii ! Who would not do this in the case of those who arc shut Ottti by the inscruta- ble providence of God, from so many sources of enjoyment ? But that which most interested mo, in this day's excur- sion« was the African Asylum for the orphan children of jieople of colour. Here, agaHn, wo found Methodists en- gaged in thj entire management of the institution. The master, mistress, and teachers were all of our own persua- sion. The design of the establithmont is to provide a maintenance and education for the orphan children of the poor a£9icted African race. The name, the wrongs, the colour of these children, I must confess, awakened all iny sympathies. The building was spacious, and wears the appearance of perfect order and cleanliness ; and the do- mestic portion of the business is evidently well conducted., the children having the look of health and happiness. We were taken into the schoolroom to see the little orphans ; and what a sight! They were of all imaginable colours; and nearly of all sizes ; some almost infants, and others nearly grown up. What seemed most astonishing to the ignorant in such matters, wae the fact that some of them were, to our unpractised eye, perfectly white ; not exactly the white of the Europewi, but pale, delicate, and very beautiful. The countenance had altogether lost the negro cast, — thick lips, prominent cheek-bones, woolly htur, and all the other characteriatici ; and, in their place, the aqui- line nose, black, straight hair, in most cases a beautiful mouth, gave them a Circassian cast, without the florid com- plexion and vivacity of the race. Why these fine and beautiful specimens of human nature are treated as Afri- cans in the United States, and on this flimsy plea oa^ out of society, who can tell ? Others of these children, how- ever, had retained the perfect African physiognomy, and were as black as jet. Indeed, this interesting group va- ried from white, tlvrough every ik^ule of colour, to perfect PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 47 ebony. There sat oae little creature at her desk, scarcely high enough to reach its edge, perfectly black, and an inimitable picture of docility and happiness. The image of this child can never be forgotten I Poor African, it had no consciousness of misfortune or trouble, of degradation and injury ! To know that that innocent httle creature must grow up in the midst of a system of proscription, and be punished as long as life shall remain, for no other ima- ginable crime than the colour of its skin, is painful to think of, but absolutely certain. These forlorn children were put through their school- exercises, and evinced no deficiency of intellect, but, on the other hand, great acuteness and aptitude to learn. They sang us some of their sweet and pathetic ditties, having relation to their circumstances ; which, with the thought of their fate, went to the bottom of one's soul, and stirred every emotion. Beint'' presented with some little gratuity to procure them sweetmeats, their happiness seemed com- plete ; and we took our leave in the midst of their child- like farewells ; but on our own part with something more than even powerful emotions. On our return we called to see the Croton water-works, connected with a remarkable aqueduct of that name, thirty- three miles in length, thrown over gulhes, rivers, valleys, ravines', and all sorts of impediments, to the point which we visited ; from whence it pours its life-giving streams by innumerable pipes through the entire city. The city of New- York, the commercial metropolis of America, bears all the marks of increasing wealth, and of H great destiny. Its mercantile establishments, its banks, its shops, its hotels, are oa^^the most magnificent scale. Wall-street, Broadway, and other streets, ai£ equal to any- thing which can be imagined, as thoroughrares and places of business. The pubUc buildings, except those which are connected with trade, are not first-rate. Romanism never established itself in this place ; and Bomanism alone, of all 48 TOUR IN AMBBIOA. religious Bystems, has left great eccksiastioal monuments behind it : where it has not prevailed, we look in vain for anj splendid specimens of antiquarian graadenr. Here are pretty churches ; as Trinity, a very beautiful specimen of architecture ; but it is like an infant in a costly dress, com- pared with the old remains of Europe. Aristocracy, an- other element of greatness, which has left behind ncble remains of feudal grandeur, never obtained here ; and is now more out of vogue than ever. We have no venerable castles, manor-houses, mansions, from this quarter. Riches will produce their accustomed results at a future day; but not yet. At present the laws of property dissipate large fortunes, by dividing them equally among children ; and even the demi-aristocracy, such as it was at the pe- riod of the Revolution, is now very much brought down to the American level. It seemed strange, in such a city, to see no gentlemen's carriages with footmen in livt^ry. They may, for aught I know, exist to some extent ; but as far as I recollect, I never saw one. This may be considered a good or an evil, according to the taste and notions of men ; but to people who witness these pageants so con- stantly and in such numbers in this country, the contrast is striking. The streets of New-York are very spacious ; and what adds much to their beauty and comfort, is found in their being planted with fine chestnuts and poplars, which tluow their agreeable shade over the foot-passengers. I had no opportunity of attending any religious service, so that I cannot speak on such questions as pulpit elo- quence, the manner of conducting worship^ the numbers Mid spirit of the auditors, and the fervour or decorum ob- servable in tl^e assemblies. But the peoj^e and minis-i^ ters whom I haJ the pleasure of meeting, appeared to me to be very intel%ent, thoughtful, and eminent Christians. Our people, indeed, were going to regard the day I left as a day of fasting and prayer, for God's blessing on ^e Con< e PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 4» fcrence ; — a most laudable arrangement. They urged me to stay to preach, which I desired to do ; but had I done so, I must have sacrificed Washington ; and this could not be thought of. Hence, after spending two of the most interesting days of my existence, I prepared to start for Baltimore on the Friday morning. * Our party consisted of the Rev. James Porter, a preside ing elder in one of the New-England Conferences, and au- thor of a good and heart-stirring little volume, called "The True Evangelist," — and David Creamer, Esq., a merchant living at Baltimore, with others. This gentleman left an employment dear to his heart, at New- York, for the pur- pose of accompanying me to his native city. He had been employed for several years in studying the hymns and po- etry of the Wesleys ; and was, at the time, employed in bringing out a work, partly historical and partly critical, through the press, on this interesting subject. He had spared neither trouble nor expense in the pursuit of his object, employing all sorts of agents in Europe to collect every edition in existence of Charles Wesley's poetic effusions. I am not able to give an opinion of this work, as it was not published at the time I left ;* but from a portion of " copy" shown me on our route, I judged it would prove an acceptable and useful addition to the literature of the American Methodist Church. It had been submitted to the inspection of a committee of the Baltimore Conference, who reported favourably, and the Conference reconunended the work to the public. This gentleman, like all fine enthusiasts, seemed to live in Wesley an poetry. It was his ideal of everjrthing beautiful and glorious ; his mind was fascinated and absorbed in his theme ; he discoursed not of politics, or merchandise, or material things, but of Charles Wesley, of sacred songs, of metres, sublimities, and devotional praise to Ood. It was really refreshing to see a young man, a * [Tho work has since been published, under the title of Methodist Hymnolo* gy ; and is now on sale at the Methodist Book Concem.] 8 50 ••»'■ TOUR IN AMERICA. merchant, in active life, enabled to turn liis thoughts so completely from " buying, and selling, and getting gain," as to devote his time and energies to a subject so delicate and sacred. But these Americans are an amazingly ener- getic race ; and, besides, everybody has scope, room, en- cd&ragement. To develop everything having life, soul, intellect, seems ta be the American principle, whether found in poetry or prose. The public, and the churches as well, glory in any man, no matter whether lay or cleric, belonging either to the category of talent or piety. Their rule evidently is, to give everybody a chance, to foster, to prompt, to lead on, and make the best of every one's facul- ties and power. Talent is sure to meet with a market ; it is admired, applauded, honoured, and, when connected with piety and goodness of character, cannot fail to elevate its subject to an honourable position in the Church. Our route lay througli a portion of New-Jersey, em- bracing Jersey City, Newark, New-Brunswick, Princeton, Trenton — ^famous in the history of the Amepican war, as the scene of one of Washington's victories, and the capital of New-Jersey. Here we crossed the Delaware into Penn- sylvania, and travelled by its intern bank to Bristol, and thence to Tacony. This town is six miles above Phila- delphia, where we embarked on board a steamer, and reached the city by water. The scenery was most magni- ficent ; made so by the breadth and sweep of the river ; the banks being rich, fertile, varied, and well cultivated ; and, moreover, studded with excellent houses, and beauti- ful mansions and villas. There stood the Quaker city, peering towards skies as bright as those of Italy, resting on the bosom of a country as fertile as imagination can conceive; touching one of the finest rivers and bays in the world ; receiving and giving a rich and varied com- merce ; and presenting to view the general aspect of in- dustry, vu*tue, peace, and happiness. It seems impossible that William Penn, the great Quaker, could have selected PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 51 a finer site for his city. If anything can be perfect in this world, one would isay Philadelphia presents a perfect ground-plan and locale for the abode of man. Thib is considered by the Americans themselves as their most beautiful city. Taken as a whole, it may be so. The as- semblage of favourable circumstances seems complete. Earth and sky, land and water, all combine to produce this effect. Nature has certainly selected this spot as for the pui'pose of showing, in the beauties of even a ruined world, some faint outline, some faded image, of what Paradise must have been. But yet I did not Uke Philadelphia as a city. It is too uniform ; a beautiful landscape cannot be imagined with- out variety. Is not this principle of variety equally neces- sary in everything else having extent, space, magnitude ? A city is not Uke a cottage, a lodge, a little box. There may be uniformity, and yet taste may not be ofifended ^j but place these neat boxes in a row, in a straight line, of, say a mile or two long, without anything to relieve the eye, and then it will be found that the straight line without u curve, the uniformity of buildings, unbroken by any variation in height and elevation, streets crossing each other at right angles, and at equally measured distances, produces impressions which are not in agreement with our notions of the beautiful. The houses, indeed, are not ex- actly uniform ; but the streets are perfectly so, securing ventilation and a good circulation of air, but giving the notion of a town in livery, dressed in the prim costume of the people who founded the city. The Quaker mind has left its impress on the material form of their city ; though it is to be feared the Quaker spirit has long since evapo- rated. I saw very few persons in the garb of Friends ; though some few were observed passing along in grave and sober dignity. The population is now perfectly miscella- neous, as much so as any other place, and its peculiarities are only seen in the town itself. # *% 52 TOUR m AMERICA. The Friends, in their own home, have been far outstrip- ped by other religious denominations. Time would not allow u» to remain long. I had only an opportunity of running into one or two public buildings ; of passing down a few streets, so as to obtain a general idea of the place ; of getting a hasty dinner, and then start- ing off towards Baltimore. I promised myself the plea- sure of a second visit, which could not be accomplished ; so that my adieu to Philadelphia proved to be final. We travelled partly by railroad and partly by steam, which, by reason of the diversity both as to mode and scenery, is very pleasant. In this excursion we crossed or sailed upon the Delaware, Elk river, the Patapsco, and Chesapeake Bay. The latter, on the portion we traversed, had widened into a sea, and had a most magnificent ap- pearance. CHAPTER IV. Baltimore and Washington— The City and Capitol— The Senate— General Cass —Captain Fremont— Mr. Calhoun, dec— The House of Representatives- Debate— Visit to the President— To the Vice-President— The National Insti- tution—Baltimore—The Sabbath— The atistoc^tic air of the place— Leave for Cumberland— Slavery— Harper's Ferry— Oumberland— The Alleghany Mountains— A Mirage on the Mountain— Brownville— The Monongahela— Scenery of the banks. We reached the city after dark, having travelled one hun- dred and eighty-four miles. We were met by the Rev. Thomas B. Sargent, who conducted me at once to my appomted place of abode, the residence of a widow lady of the name of Wilkins, with three or four daughters, and a great number of black servants. This lady, I found, had entertained the Rev. Richard Reece, Dr. Hannah, Dr. New- ton ; and, in fact, all our brethren who had visited the States as a deputation from England. She evidently re- tained a very pleasant recollection of these visits. Her eulogies of the vbnebablb and Rev. Richard Reece were PART L^PBRSONAL NARRATIVE. 68 perfectly enthusiastic. His fine person, urbanity, piety, and labours, had left a deep impression on her mind. Nor had the excellent qualities of the other brethren been less cherished. Indeed, they were recollected with great ad- miration by all. The eloquent labours of Dr. Newton will not lose their impression at Baltimore, nor indeed at any other place he visited, during the existence of the present generation. They are engraven indelibly on the hearts of many himdreds and thouands of grateful and admiring people. Dr. Hannah was a young man at the time of his visit ; but many of the preachers especially speak of his sermons as amongst the best and most finished specimens of pulpit eloquence they ever heard. I found, indeed, that the ministratiopp cf all my predecessors had left a most happy fragrance 1 n:d. Their memory is cherished, their services affectioi .i n^ appreciated, their mission honoured, the bonds of brotherhood strengthened, and the character of England, as well as Enghsh Methodism, is judged of by these specimens of the manners and spirit of the father- land. It became evident to me, that the religious public, our own people at least, are not disposed to take theur cue of England from newspapers, political sources, or the disputes of diplomacy ; but from the men of their own community who may be sent over, and from the general body of Methodists. I had known Mr. Sargent in both England and Ireland, on his visit to this country, as the companion of Bishop Soule. His fine spirit had lost none of its elasticity, or depth of affeclion. His recollections of our country, of the men he had met with, of the conference, of any, the least, attenti relievo, representing the rescue of Smith by the interposition of Pocahontas ; the landing of the Pilgrims ; Daniel Boone's conflict with Indians ; and Penn treating with the Indians at Coaquenac. To other attractions of the rotunda has lately been added, Greenough's splendid statue of Washington, a colossal figure, in a sitting posture, twice as large as life. The library-room of the west of the rotunda is ninety-two feet by thirty-four, and thirty-six feet high, and contains up- wards of twenty-eight thousand volumes. Tliere is here PART I.— PBRSONAJi NABHATIVE. 51 also a valuable collection of hbtorical medals, designed \fy Denon, the Egyptian traveller; and paintings, statuary, medallions, &c., a/e distributed about the room. The senate-chamber, in the northern wing, is seventy-eight feet long, and forty-five high, and of a semicircular form. The vice-president's chair has a canopy of rich crimson dra- pery, held by the talons of an eagle. In front of the vice- president's chtur is a light bronze gallery, chiefly appro- priated to ladies. Above and behind the chair is a gallery, supported by fine Ionic columns of variegated marble, from the Potomac. The walls richly ornamented with stucco, the magnificent chandelier, the gorgeous lamps and furniture, &c., give the room au imposing appearance. Adjoining the senate-chamber, is the office of the secretary of the Senate. Under this room i*: the apartment in which the Supreme Court holds its sittings. It is nearly as large as the senate-chamber, but is much less elegant. The hall of the House of Representatives, in the south wing, is semicircular, like the senate-chamber, but larger, being ninety-six feet long and sixty feet high. The dome of the hall is supported by twenty-four beautiful colunms of the Potomac marble, with capitals of Italian marble, of the Corinthian order. The seats are so arranged that the members face the Speaker, whose chair is considerably elevated above the floor, and approached by avenues that radiate from the chair as a centre. A gallery for men sur- rounds the circular wall opposite the Speaker ; and that appropriated to ladies is in the chord of the arc at the back of the Speaker's chair. The room is ornamented, like the senate-chamber, with fine statuary tod paintings, and its whole appearance is imposing and elegant." Such is the capitol. Some persons look upon objects of art as connoisseurs, having some knowledge of its pro- ductions ; others judge of everythmg merely by such sense and feeling as nature alone suppSes. There are advan- tages and disadvantages in both cases. The conndisseur 3* # 58 TOUR IN AMERICA. -will be able to detect flaws, blemishes, and beauties, which the other will not be able to see ; but the latter will be capable of a true impression, as a whole, which the critical taste of the former may prevent. Without any pretensions to be a connoisseur, we may be allowed to refer to such impressions as these various objects made at the time. Some of the pictures were found to be very impressive, from the grandeur of the ideal. I was struck with what seemed to me to be a very delicate design in the picture representing the surrender of Cornwallis. Washington is placed in the back-ground, on horseback, at a considerable distance, looking on with intense interest, while an inferior officer approaches the British commander, for the purpose of recdving his sword. But, when near, instead of de- manding the sword, he is seen stretching out his hand, and offering it in friendship and peace to the vanquished general : the effect is irresistible. Cornwallis is subdued ; serenity and benignity beam in his countenance, and the two ene- mies meet as brothers. The surrender of his sword, by General Burgoyne, is perfectly different. The American officer is seen approaching in an imperious and commanding attitude ; and Burgoyne is represented as giving up his sword under the influence of tumultuous passions, resent- ment, pride, and contempt, though conquered. Such is the fate of war. Here are two high-minded soldiers, the pride and glory of the British army and nation, surrender- ing themselves and their glories to men, no doubt, whom, when they took the field, they considered a despicable foe ; probably, not as soldiers at all. Great issues turned on these two events, — the independence of America, and the humiliation of England. The pictures of the embarkation and landing of the Pil- grims are exquisitely impressive. In the first, the minister of the church in Holland, the Rev. John Robinson, ^hc could not sail with the first expedition, on account bif the duty of taking care of the flock left behind, is seen in the PART I.— PEBiONAL NARRATIVE. 59 ities, vrhich iter will be the critical pretensions er to such i time, impressive, with what he picture $hington is >nsiderable an inferior e piu-pose ad of de- hand, and d general : ; serenity • two ene- sword, by American nmandinff g up his IS, resent- Such is Hers, the iirrender- t, whom, able foe ; imed on and the thePil- minister on, jfiic t of the nin the attitude of prayer, bare-headed, with outstretched bauds, and eyes lifted up to heaven. At a short distance there sits a venerable figure, the personification of calm, contem- plative, abstract, and believing piety, — his hand resting on the pages of an open Bible, through whose sacred teaching he appears to be looking into the invisible, the future, the divine, with unruffled composure and hope. A little in the back-ground the form of a matronly female (a real character who distinguished herself greatly by her piety and forti- tude) is exhibited in the costume of the times, attending, with profound and reverent looks and feelings, upon these devotions. Groups of children and young peopl'^ hang around, with a mixture of awe, surprise, hope, and youthful joy, depicted in their countenances. I never saw rehgioii materialized so pei-fectlyas in this picture : it cost an efibi-t to get away. AH the graces may be said to have their type in this canvass. Wisdom, devotion, faith, meekness, love, courage, hope, all beam in those heaven-illumined countenances. They appear as if they had some fora- thought, some prescience, of their great destiny. Any looker-on would think that they were either dressed in their bridal robes for the " wedding-supper of the Lamb," or that they were under the influence of some extraordinary inspiration, preparing them for great and glorious work. The artist seems most fully to have caught and compre- hended the morale of that greatest event in American history. The picture of the Baptism of Pocahontas, an Indian princess, is very striking ; and, coupled with her marriage to an English gentleman, is an interesting historical fact. She is represented in a kneeling posture, while the venerable clergyman is performing the rite. Her figure is beautiful, her face interesting, and the whole effect is exquisitely im> pressive. Poor Indians ! Had this laudable beginning of the admixture of the races been continued, how different would have been their fate ! -••# i^- ea TOUR IN AMERXOA. '^'■S... Some of the alto relievoi are very fine. One, which represents Daniel Boone's conflict with an Indian, disputbg, in fact, for the dominion of Ohio, i« fearful. The passions of the savage warrior are exhibited to the life, in dreadful ferocity. The two men are wrcitling in personal combat ; and each is employhig the weapons of their respective modes of attack and dtfenoo. The catastrophe is not given ; but, of course, the child of nature, the lord of the forest, was obliged to yield to the white man, — a distressing emblem of an historical fact. The passions, the ferocity, the undying resolution, the tenacious grasp, the courage of that Indian chief, and his fall, were only representative of the dispositions and of the doom of then* race. They strug- gled, 08 he struggled, through the long years of their eventful story; and as he fell beneath the blows of his antagonist, so their nations and tribes fell before the aggres- sions of a superior foe. While we were examining these works of art, it was announced that the Senate had broken up. This was occa- sioned by information just brought from the city, that one of their nuniber, a Mr. Ashley, wai dying. We hastened to the Senate-House ; and to me it seemed a great disaster, as I desked to hear some of the members in this first assembly in the United States. In some respects it was an advantage, however, inasmuch as it gave * : an oppor- tunity of entering the body of the hall, and nolding per- sonal intercourse with many of the members. Our friend Mr. Slicer,* who seemed perfectly at home with the senators, knew them all, and appeared to be much respected, introduced me to many ; telling them who I was, and in- forming them of the nature of my mission to the States. They all shook me cordially by the hand, welcomed me into their country, and expressed the hope that I should be pleased and gratified. Among the gentlemen to whom I was thus introduced, were General Cass, Colonel Benton, * Oae of tbe chftpkUfli of Cougr«M. ^: PART I.— -PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 61 One, which I, disputmg, be passions in dreadful al combat; respective phe is not lord of the dbtressing »e ferocity, courage of entative of rhey Strug- 's of their )W8 of his ihe aggres- irt, it was was occa- % that one 3 hastened t disaster, this first ts it was an oppor- ding per- )ur friend with the ■espected, s, and in- le States. )med me I should to whom Benton, General Foote, Colonel Davis, Captain Fremont, Mr. Cal- houn, and many others. Of course, I looked with some attention upon General Cass, many of whose violent and belligerent speeches against this country, in connexion with the boundary and Oregon questions, I had read; and, moreover, who was then understood to be a candidate for the office of President. He is a stout, athletic man, about the middle size, but, for an American, rather corpulent and sanguiferous in his appearance ; and, if his physiognomy did not greatly deceive me, he is a man of strong passions, capable, one would say, of being exalted into the furioso. His keen eye turned upon me, as I imagined, with a some- what sinister glance ; and, after a few remarks of no im- portance, beseemed glad to get away. Colonel Davis had been wounded in the Mexican war ; was just recovering, but limped very much. This officer had greatly distin- guished himself, but seemed, by his modesty, to be uncon- scious of his own fame. We had considerable conversation with this gentleman about Mexico and the war; and ho showed himself to be a most amiable and well-informed man. Captain Fremont, who is the son-in-law of Colonel Benton, is a first-rate man. He conducted two or three scientific expeditions, for the purpose of exploring various portions of Oregon, California, and the Rocky Mountains, and making observations on altitudes, levels, rivers, soils, mountains, &c. His reports of these journeys, now in my possession, are most interesting and able productions. But he showed, in one of these missions, that the man of science can also become the man of war. Believing that a certain course would be favourable to the political interests of his country, he Idid aside the sextant for the sword ; and it was very much owing to . nis exertions that California be- came American. But we had most conversation with Mr. Calhoun. This distinguished senator is now in the autumn of life, — ^the leaf is yellow. He is tall and thin, with an upright and erect ?*■ et TOUR IN AMEKICA. bearing. His face is full of intelligence, of the sharp and iicute kind ; he looks as if it would be perfectly natural and easy in him to catch a boor while bungling in his lo^c, and quite as easy to trip up his heels. With a visage somewhat elongated, pale, after the American fashion, there beams a keen eye, not devoid, however, of benignity, sur- mounted by a good, square, but not very lofty brow, with snow-white hair, turned back after the clerical fashion. We spent considerable time in the body of the hall in conver- sation with this gentleman. He seemed anxious respecting our country, and European affairs in general ; and urged the usual questions respecting the Chartist riots, the state of Ireland, the prospects of a revolution, and all the rest. The cnstomary answers were given. I came from the pre- sence of Mr. Calhoun with the impression that I had seen and conversed with a really great man ; one of the first, if not the very first, I had met with in the United States. I was grieved not to hear him speak. He had just been delivering an interesting speech on a message that morning received from the President on a very important subject. However, as we were not permitted to hear, we were much pleased to see, so distinguished a citizen and statesman. The House of Representatives were in session, and we hastened from this conversation to listen to the debates. The President had that morning sent a message to the two Houses, recommending a military intervention in the affair of the Yucatan civil war, then raging between the Indians and the people of Spanish descent. This promised to be an interesting topic. We heard some five or six gentlemen deliver their sentiments. Their mode of debate seemed peculiar. Very little was said on the merits of the question ; almost all the speakers argumg on constitutional points, as to how the matter could be rightly disposed of, how it could be made to agree with this and the other rule of the House, and the provisions of the law. This, of course, prevented all efifusions of eloquence, all fine bursts PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 68 of feeling, all argument on the real question. A dry detail of opinion on the subjects mooted was nearly all we heard. One gentleman, indeed, Mr. Joseph Ingersoll, was impas- sioned and eloquent, and indicated that he was in poUsea- sion of considerable powers of debate. There sat in the chair one of the Winthrops. Honoured name ! Descended from a good stock ; the first, one of the fathers of America, and his descendants among the most virtuous and patriotic of the citizens. It is delightful to see talent and virtue hereditary ; and the expectation and belief were expressed, that the present worthy Speaker of the House of Repre- sentatives would some day be the President of the United States. From thus examining the capitol, conversing with the senators, and listening to the members of the House of Representatives, we hastened to the President's house, to see if we could gain access, and be favoured with an inter- view with the first magistrate of the republic. On our arrival we met with a black man, the only servant of the President we saw ; and, on asking whether it would be possible to obtain an interview, he said he saw no diffi- culty in the case, but would inquire. He went, with Mr. Slicer's compliments, and soon returned with a message that the President would be very happy to see us. We were ushered, not into a drawing-room, or state-apartment, hxu into a business office, with desks, tables, pens and ink, bundles of state-papers, and books on business. And there stood to receive us, to shake us by the hand, to bi I us welcome, the chief of the greatest republic, if lot the greatest state, in the world. He accosted us very kindly, and bade us be Seated, at the same time lesuming his own chair. My embarrassment left me in a moment. I had felt some little trepidation at the idea of being brought into contact with a man so high in station. His demeanour, however, soon dissipated this feeling. There was no state U 64 TOUR IK AMERICA. etiquette observed, no ceremonies but such as common courtesy demanded, and might be performed by the plainest person ; no court dress, no cooked hat, no sword and sash, no bowing the knee, no kissing of hands, and, moreover, no peer of the reahn, or officer of the court, necessary to gain an introduction : a black boy, to obtain his master's assent, and to show us the way, seemed all that was expected. With our European notions, this did not really look like an introduction to the head of a mighty nation. Truly this American repubhcanism must either be considered as a great retrogression into the ages of social simplicity, when shepherds and farmers left their flocks and ploughs to command armies and govern states, and then returned to their avocations ; or else it must be considered as a vast stretch into the future, the anticipation of something to come, the Inodel of a perfectly new order of things. It is most assuredly not identical with what has been, and con- tinues to be, in the Old World. Is this simplicity agreeable to nature, to common sense, to the truth of things ? I con- fess, these questions puzzled me at the time, and continue still to puicKle me. There is a fascination, a charm, about royalty, greatness, courts, presentations, and all the em- broidery connected with these things, which niake it difficult for one to think that there b no reality in them, — that they can be done without. So much of power, of influ- ence, of government, have stood connected with the old names, end insignia of thrones and courts, that many of us cannot dispossess our minds of the idea that there is great use, though we may not know how, in these external ac- companiments of states. Here, then, we were, four Methodist preachers, and one merchant, snugly ensconced in a government office, a soi^ of counting-house, with President Polk, one of the greatest men, by position, in the world ! Who could foi^t some of the documents which had issued from this centre of power* this heart of American drplomacy ? Decrees had PART I.— PSBSONAL NABRATITB. 65 been framed here vhich had thrilled through the body politic in every part of the world, producing nughty palpitations of heart, and convnlsive throes ! Who oonld forget some of President Polk's own " messages," directed from this very desk, and carried probably by the black boy to their destinations ? The policy and messages of this very President have produced strange emotions. They once filled Great Britain, if not with consternation, yet, at any rate, with indignation ; they put the Parliament of England into a ferment, and called forth the impassioned eloquence of men of all parties ; they made it expedient to emjAoy the diplomatic skill of Lord Ashburton,* esteemed, at the time, one of the most sagacious peers of the realm ; they led to treaties but little relished, and much condemned by some of the best sons of the British empire ; and they resulted in the political exaltation, strength, and aggran- dizement of America. Some of these messages, moreover, moved the military forces of the republic, by land and, sea, to the invasion of Mexico ; to the victories of Taylor and Scott ; to the spoiling of a feeble people ; and led to the annexation to the States of a territory, but li^e, if at all, inferior to the whole of Europe. These are some of the effects produced by the decrees sent forth from this place, with the signature of this plain little man. Things are not then to be estimated by the appearance. The room is com- mon, but it is the centre of mighty forces; the President appears destitute of the forms of majesty, but possesses its reality ; the missiles lying about are not artillery, swords, and helmets, but they move, they shake the world. And what of President Polk himself? He is small of stature, and the opposite of corpulent. There is some- what of a cadaverous and American lock about him ; but he is grave, thoughtful, meditative, and slow and mea- sured in his speech. A thin face is surmounted by a fine brow, and his features indicate great decision and * (The Ashlmrton treaty was made under Tyler's administration, not Folk's.] 66 TOUB IN AMERICA. unconquerable firmness. President Polk's demeanour is perfectly simple, his conversation natural and easy, his dress plain, after the American fashion, and his whole c nnts, and was here unequivocally asserted. Well, but Canada, and the British provinces ! These ai*e in America, they constitute a portion of its territory, they are in the possession of an independent power ; and this pre- supposes poUtical rights and duties on the part of Great Britain. Does the fact that these possessions are colonies, and not independent states, deprive the parent state of the right to interfere in general questions ? This seems to be the notion, the dogma, assumed. Time must solve this point. It was also said by some one respectmg the Mexi- can war, that the American armies might as well have finished the work of conquest, and taken the entire coun- try, as they would certainly possess it some day. To this the President replied, " Ah, but the apple is not yet ripe !" " Not yet ripe !" Who does not see the meaning of this V When it is "ripe," it will fall. ■re made our bows, shook hands, and parted. Our indefatigable friend, Mr. Slicer, had not yet satisfied his own kind intentions ; and took us at once to the Vice- President's room. We gained an easy access. Here we found one of the most handsome men it was ever my plea- sure to see. Vice-President Dallas is somewhat beyond middle life. He possesses a fine and engaging person ; a countenance perfectly ruddy and blooming, an unusual thing in an American ; dark eyes, bright as the morning and evening stars ; his brow is good and spacious, with hair white as snow. We remained here about half an hour, talking on the usual European and American topics. This gentleman had the kindness to present me with a copy of Hickey's " Constitution of the United States," writing his name in the title-page, together with a large bundle of state-papers, prepared by order of Congress, on the subject of Mexico and California. From the rooms of the Vice-President we went to visit the Patent-Office. The large upper room is two hundred and seventy-five feet in length, and sixty-five feet wide, which is appropriated to the collections of the National Institution. Here was a most superb collection of plants, minerals, and specimens of the American animal kingdom. The enormous birds, serpents, and animals of South America exhibited in this room, are most remarkable. But the two things which attracted most of my attention were, a collection of bugs, and General Washington's camp-equipage. Being somewhat personally interested in the first, "" the ground of old acquaintance' sake, they could not be regarded but with some emotion. The prodigious size of some of these creatures is frightful. They are more like reptiles than anything, else. The idea of having these mons' 'US vermin in bed, crawling about, and sucking one'b '!ood, is perfectly horrifying. Their "local habi- tation ' is in the hot and sunny south : had they found m 68 TOUB m AMERICA. a home in the north, I should have had ample expe- rience of theh nocturnal visits ; — ^bad enough as it was, but the warfare of the night must have been ten times worse, if these southern gentry could have lived in the regions I visited. The camp-equipage of Washington is entire. His mili- tary costume, his tea-kettle, his gridiron, and all the rest of the utensils employed in the camp-life of the general, are sacredly preserved. And here hang the very coat, vest, small-clothes, boots, spurs, sword and belt, of the great patriot! The identical clothes he wore when com- manding the forces of his country, gaining the victories of independence, -establishing the nationality of the colonies, and paving the way for a new order of things in the world, are kept as relics, with as much care as a saint's coat in a Popish church. Who could look upon these things with- out deep feeling ? The country is studded with his statues ; but I confess I could not view these effigies of Washington with the same feelings as possessed me when standing be- fore the mute, but in some sort speaking, costume and habiliments of war which he had actually worn. It seemed as if his own spirit were present, though unseen. Is this feeling superstition ? Does hero-worship originate in this class of sensations ? The Americans next to adore, with reason, the founder and father of his country. So pure, so disinterested, so exalted a patriot never adorned the an- nals of time. Moreover, he is beheved to have been a true Christian. His whole career is said to have been mixed with much prayer. He was known to have retired to the woods, away from the bustle of the camp, on all emergen- cies, to acknowledge and seek direction from God. His great battles were always so prefaced ; and the more press- ing the emergency and desperate the state of affairs, the more he was observed to frequent the solitudes of nature for purposes of devotion. Bishop Asbury says, on occa- sion of his death, "At all times he acknowledged the pro- PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVB. 69 vidence of Ood, and never was ashamed of bis Redeemer : we believe be died not fearing deatb. In bis will be or- dered tbe manumission of bis slaves — a true son o( liberty in all points." How different a cbaracter is Wasbingtou to sucb charlatans as Bonapai-te, and men of bis class I and how equally different tbe issue of their work t Had be lived in the times when greatness in men was thought to be divine, and thejb in consequence, were deified ; bad shrines erected to their honour, and became objects of popular adoration — ^bad Washington Uved in these times, he would have been tbe god of America. As it is, be is their model-man. If they cultivate his spirit, adhere to bis maxims, imitate bis moderation, and preserve and work out bis iv "^ and judicious theories of government, they must prosper. We turned our backs on the city bearing tbe name of this wonderful man, and which was projected by bis ge- nius, with deep feeling. We had collected ample material for reflection. The things and the men there seen, were not Ukely to be lost sight of: they could not, they never can, be forgotten. Our good friend, the cbapldn, pressed me very urgently to remain over tbe Sabbath, and take bis place by preaching to tbe Congress. This I sboi^d gladly have done, but bad engaged to officiate in Baltimore, We arrived in that city late in the evening, well repaid for our day's excursion. The Sabbath came ; as bright and glorious a day as ever dawned on earth. It was the first I had fully spent in America, and brought with it the rest and spiritual exer- cises I bad long sighed to enjoy. I preached twice, to large and apparently very serious and devout cffligrega- tions. Here I felt quite at home, among our own people, just the same as in England. This was very different to the promiscuous and mixed groups I bad to address on board ship. Tbe worship was solemn, spuitual, And holy ; God was, as we trust, present, and the people " ibouted aloud for joy." 70 TOUR IN AMBRIOA. In tlio course of the day we visited two or three Roman Catholic places of worship, and among the rest the Cathe- dral, a splendid building, full of fine paintings. Here I saw, for the first and only time of my life, the railroad principle applied to the purposes of worithip. There was provided a ti'om-road to wheel round the pulpit, from some convenient nook, which was its common resting-place, to the centre of the building, where th6 officiating minister might stand and obtain a commanding position for address- ing the people. Nothing comes amiss to Papists ; they have the adroitness to press everything into the service of the church. It can be no matter of surprise, if, at some time, they employ steam-power to work their machinery, to ring their bells, to shift and move the scenery of their dramatic exhibitions ; and to work the innumerable springs, pulleys, and wires of their scenic worship. And, for aught we can see, the mummeries of the system might as well be worked by steam as by living men ; as no soul is required, the element of liquid smoke might serve perfectly, and save money. Whether from the power of association, or the reality of things, I know not, but I liked Baltimore as much, or more, than any city I saw in America. It is, indeed, a beautiful place. The houses are fine, spacious, and ele- gant. There is, moreover, an tax of aristocracy, which is seldom to be met with. It is clear enough that aristocrats reside in this place ; and although the Americans decry this class of men constantly, yet there is certainly some- thing about a people, and institutions, of the aristocratic cast, which gives the impression of superior dignity. We were now, indeed, in one of the slave-holding States ; and from the specimen given in this and other places visited, it is pretty apparent, that the system of slavery tends to produce this spirit. Indeed, the slave-holder, in despite of the prejudices against the name, exhibits all the charac- teristics of a perfect feudal aristocracy. As X wderstood. PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 71 his house is, generally, in the case of the wealthy classes, a complete palace ; princely in its dimensions, its furniture, its ornaments, and its luxuries. How can it be otherwise, with a man who is the lord of a great number, not of vassals, but of slaves ? These poor creatures are the abso- lute property of the master, obedient to his behests, the panderers to his passions and appetitc«, and in all things the ser%'ants of his caprices. The young gentlemen and ladies, brought up in the midst of slavery, learn, as early ns they arc capable of authority, imperiously to command the service of the menials of their father. They sttr not without their attendance ; they are waited upon in the most trivial matters ; they are fanned when the weather is hot, and guarded in the most assiduous manner from the approach of the buzzing insect ; while all their wants are, if possible, more than anticipated by the black slaves. What is all this, if not feudal aristocracy, in its most re- volting features ? The lords of the European nations, when the institution existed in its most perfect glory, were never in so transcendental a state of power as these gentlemen. Their vassals, though low enough in the scale of humanity, were not so degraded as these Africans. The right of the f^eigneurs of Europe to exact the services of their serfs, never amounted to the absolute dominion of the slave- holder. Probably the rule of the Boman Catholic Church, which at firat, and for many subsequent years, was para- mount in this place, had something to do with this aristo- cratic character. The first colonists, as is well known, were of the Boihan Catholic pei'suasion ; and hence the cathedral, and other splendid churches, are now among the chief ornaments of the city. Sir John Calvert, after- wards Lord Bloltimore, from whom the city takes its name, was in early life a Protestant ; but afterwards, embracing the Romish faith, became the means of establishing that system of religion extensively in the colony. The present prelate in an American, the ^nt ever appointed to the see ; ■»i 72 TOUR IN AMBRIOA. gj^ ^Rn it having long been the policy of the Popes to select foreign- en, generally Irishmen. Baltimore is sometimes called " the Monumental City," by reason of the number of statues it contains. " The Washington Monument, at the intersection of Charles and Monument streets, is a noble specimen of architecture, both in design and execution. Built on an eminence one hundred feet above tide-water, it rises majestically above the city, at once forming its noble embellishment, and a conspicuous landmark to travellers and voyagers. The monument consists of a Doric column, rising from a base of fifty feet square, and twenty high. Its height is one hundred and eighty feet, including the statue of Washing- ton, which is sixteen feet. The base is ascended by a flight of twenty-eight steps ; the ascent to the summit is by a winding staircase, or flight of two hundred steps. Tlie cost of the monument, including the statue, was 200,000 dollars." This is, indeed, a noble pillar. The above description, though, no doubt, accurate in detail, gives but an inadequate notion of the majestic appearance of this splendid work of art. Heroes are not likely to be forgotten in America, any more than elsewhere. We have another called Battle Monument, erected to the memory of those who fell de- fending the city in September, 1814, at the comer of Cal- vert and Fayette streets. " The square sub-base on which the pedestal, or column, rests, rises twenty feet from the ground, with an Egyptian door on each front, cm which ar3 appropriate inscriptions, in basso relievo, of some of the incidents of the battle. The column rises eighteen feet nbove Ibe base. This, which is of marble, in the form of Boman fasces, is enriched by bands, in which are inscribed, in letters of gold, the names of those whose memory and patriotic valour the monument is designed to commemo- rate. The column is surmounted by a female flgiure, in marble, emblematic of the city of Baltimore. T^wlole -W" PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIYB. 7» height is ifty-two feet." Such ore some of the architec- tural ornaments of this city. But none of them equal the Popish cathedral. This, m point of fact, is the true monu- ment of the place ; and as far as such things are concerned, its distinction and glory. It reminds one of home, of Europe, more than anything I saw in the United States ; and tends to give this city a peculiarly European appear- ance. Such are the types of time. America is pre-emi- nently, in its whole appearance, the emblem, the type, of modem ideas ; but there is just one memorial of the past, of a defunct age. In the midst of the simple forms of re- publicanism, the activity of commercial Ufe, the humble and unostentatious churches of Protestantism, the cathe- dral cf Baltimore seems to stand as the catacomb, the mausoleum of departed ages ; and as a mighty fragment, a rock, separated by some great convulsion from surround- ing things. Nothing appears in unison ; it stands in soli- tude, in the midst of a vast population, having no sympa- thy to bestow, and receiving none from the young genera- tion around. On Monday morning, May 1st, we took an affectionate adieu of our dear friend Sargent, and the Baltimore people, and set out by the railroad fortOpnberland. Our party had now increased. Beside^||^. Porter; we here met with Dr. Pierce, the representi^i^ from the South Metho- dist Church to the Pittsburgh Conference, Dr. Bond, the editor of the Christian Advocate in New- York, and a gen- tleman and his son, planters and slave-holders, from thef Mississippi State, Methodists, and very agreeable persons.' The assembling of these parties in the same vehicle wa^ rather ominous ; nobody coidd tell to what it might lead, — ^whether the peace would be kept, or the tedium of our journey be relieved by a polemic war. The two doctors were amongst the heads and chiefs of the great controversy, which had been^ going on for the past four years, and wUoli'lURl ended in dividing the church; thd one by his 4 74 TOUR im AMIRXOA. pen, and the other by hii vivA voet eloquence. Mhej had been old friends ; and it waa pleating to »ee, that the un- dymg instincts of Christian love soon gained the ascendant. The knotty questions in dispute were forgotten, or only referred to in general terms ; and the North and South, at any rate, in this journey, met without collision. Our route lay along a very interesting country, partly in the State of Maryland, and portly in Virginia. We beheld a great number of slaves at work in the fields ; the first I had seen at their degrading labours. They exhibited no life, no activity, in their occupation ; but seemed to drag themselves along, as if existence were a weariness ; they plied their implements of industry, careless as to the amount of work done, or studious to do as little as possible. My companion, Mr. Porter, a stanch anti'Slavery man, descanted on the deleterious effecti of slavery on the soil itself; endeavouring to prove that Maryland and Virginia were worn out by this kind of cultivation. Whether it is so or not, I cannot pretend to determine ; but the whole country where these slaves were at work, has an extremely barren appearance. Such is the decree of God, that this enormous evil may wear itself out, and the planters be obliged to turn to the cultivation of such productions as may make it profitable to employ free labour. God ap- pears to curse with sterility the land cultivated by slaves. The planters, I was informed, were getting very poor ; and it was, apparently, becoming their interest to turn their at- tention to something else in the place of tobacco and the other productions on which slave-labour is chiefly em- ployed. We passed on, and soon loit tight of the hag- gard, dispuited, broken-hearted, oppressed slave. Those fields had witnessed the labcun', the tears, the blood, of their race, for generations ; and, for aught which appears,^ must continue to witness the ta' )e miieries in then: chil- dren, unless Heaven shall, in mercy, increase the intensity of his nudediction, and render the country o^jilitely PART I.~PBR80NAL NABRATIVB. 76 ley had the un- sccndant. or only Jouth, at [partly in e beheJd. te first I ibited no to drag w; they to the possible, fy man, the soil Virginia ber it is whole tremely bat this Iters be 'ions as 'od ap- slaves. r; and leir at- id the y em- 9 hag- Those )d, of pears, •chil- 9nsity fotely / sterile. Blit would this be any relief ? No ; these poor wretches would be sold, and sent farther south ; and if even the same fate should follow them into the Oarolinas and Georgia, still there are Texas, Mexico, and California, to be peopled and cultivated by this unfortunate race. The evil seems to be indefinite, eternal. Provision has been made, designedly or otherwise, by the conquests of the States, for the progress of this scourge, for all time to come. Harper's Ferry, a curious phenomenon of nature, lay in our line, and as it was our dining-place, and the Americans not being so exact, as to time, as the railroad authorities in this country, I obtained an interval, which, though brief, enabled me to take a look at the scenery, in itself pre-em- inently grand. " Harper's Ferry is situated in Jefferson county, Virginia, at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, at the passage of these streams through the Blue Bidge, upwards of one thousand two hundred feet in height. At this point, the two streams, in search of an outlet to the sea, and each, as it were, conscious of the insufficiency of its separate exertions to overcome the barrier that opposes its progress, united their waters, and, rushing in one impetuous current against the mountain, rent it asunder. Such, it is thought, was the origin of a scene which Mr. Jefiferson has characterized as ' one of the most stupendous in nature.' " The scenery is of the vrildest and most majestic cha- racter. Jefferson's Bock, named after Mr. Jefferson, and the spot where he wrote a description of the place, in his ' Notes on Virginia,' is a place of huge detached rocks, leaning over the steep cliffs of the Shenandoah, and look- ing into the mountain-gorge of the Potomac. Its top, al- most level, is twelve feet square ; its base, not exceeding five feet in width, rests upon the top of a large mass of rock jutting out from the hill. It is a wild ' eagles* nest,' which) as Jefferson truly declares, is worth a trip across the •■^•■■- 76 TOmi IN AMBRIGA. -«. ocean to behold. It is not, however, equal to thf enchant* ing scene presented to the view from the opposite mountain, about a mile and a half up, on the Maryland side. From this the beholder surveys with admiration a large extent of country, fields, woodlands, and plantations; whilst the beautiful Shenandoah, as it breaks upon the magic picture, appears like a series of beautiful lakes." Such is Harper's Ferry. It is very tantalizing to be within sight of a great object of curiosity, and not be able to reach it. This was our case. We were at the foot of this " rock," it stood towering above us ; and yet our time would not allow us to ascend. But so far as the slight glimpses which we could obtain, by nmning here and there to catch a bird's-eye view, the above appeared a tolerably correct description. And yet, after all, descrip- tive writing must always depend upon the vision, the brain, the nervous system, and the grouping powers of the obser- ver. Had we obtained our desired point of observation, no doubt, the prospect would Lave varied itself, in some degree, from the account given by other minds. In this journey our line lay, for many miles, along the meanderings of the beautiful Potomac. Nature, as if in bounty to man, had just left room enough for a road be- tween the banks of the river and very lofty and precipitous rocks. This made the route perfectly romantic, and the scenery beautifully picturesque and agreeable. The Ame- ricans have been charged with travelling slowly by their trains. The mystery, however, was, that they could get on at all in the midst of the elbows, curves, and bends of this serpentine course ; and yet, with the difficulties of this zig- zag kind of movement, we reached Ctimberland from Bid^ timore, a distance of one Imndred and seventy-eight mil^s, in about nine hours. Cumberland lies at the foot of the Alleghany moun^^ tainB; which we had now to cross in "stages" in dien%hti I'liad' d^teimined to remain h^re till' mornings being d^ PABT I.— PBB80NAL NARBATIYE. 77 Birous of gaining as complete a view as possible of these loftj regions. But I was informed that the proprietors of the "stages" never ensured a passage, unless they could obtain the full complement of nine, this being the number which one of the coaches would accommodate ; and, like- wise, that it was perfectly uncertain as to whether there would be any such number to cross the following day. Hence, no choice was left. I was unwilling to run the hazard of losing a day, and therefore preferred to mount the " stage," and cross the mighty barrier betwixt the east and the west. " The Alleghany Mountains, otherwise called the Appa' lacheSf from a tribe of Indians, who lived on the banks of the Appalachicola, (or Alleghany,) a river which proceeds from these mountains, are a part of that extensive range which is situated between the Atlantic, the Mississippi, and the lakes of North America ; and which runs in a direction from south-west to north-east, passing through the country of the United States, and giving origin to many rivers, that flow either into the Gulf of Mexico, or into the Western Ocean. As the Alleghany mountains form a principal part of the chain just alluded to, they often give their name to the whole group, l^is range commences in Qeorgla, stretches northward and eastward through the territory of Virginia, passes on in the same direction through Penn- sylvania and the northern countries, and terminates in the division of New-Brunswick. Its whole extent, according to Pinkerton, is not less than nine hundred geogi'aphicid miles. As it apjH^oaches its termination, the mass rises in height ; the chief summits are in New-Hampshire, and are reported to be nearly eight thousand feet above the level of the ocean. Besides the main ridge, there dre several others which are collateral to it, as the Iron or Bald Moun- tains, tbe White-Oak Mountains, and the Blue Mountains, — ^the Cumberland Mountains forming the exterior skirt toward the north-west. The breadth of the whole is often 78 TOUB IN AMERICA. equal to seventy miles." This was about the breadth of the mountain where we passed. ' Our cayalcade consisted of six or eight stages, all well horsed and manned. On leaving Cumberland we instant- ly plunged into the midst of rocks and precipices, the road meandering its course among gullies and cataraets, and then again by the side of the rising mountun. The scene was immixed forest ; for though the mountfdn, of course, consists of rock, yet, as is the case everywhere else, it was covered from the bottom to its most elevated sum- mit With noble trees. Having two or three hours before nigiit «ilosed the prospect from our view, I had conse- quently that space to look upon the scene as we. passed along. The impression was a very melancholy one, in exact agreement with the sombre aspect of all things around : — the stillness, the indefinite and mystic character of the forest, as if forming a sort of infinite labyriiitji; the stu- pendous rocks and precipices ; the moaning of the waters, as they rolled down the gullies, or dashed among the stones ; the wilderness itself, which seemed vocal with no note of bird or voice of man ; and then the gradual >ap- ]prfthe upon their neighbours, younger and stronger than them- selves, for supportl^'The space, however, -wras filled up ; no room was lost ; the generation now in their prime stood towering over the prostrate and decaying ; and innumerable young ones, of every age and size, filled every atom of soil left betwixt the living and the dead. Who could help thinking of human nature ? of the generations of the past, of the active spirits now occupying their place, soon to follow them ; of the young plants of humanity/so blooming, so beautiful, so sanguine, so full of hope and joy ; waiting for their turn, and impatient for the removal of the genera- tion standing in the way of their enterprise and ambition ? That forest was to me a lesson. It served to furnish matter for reflection in the darkness ; and as the sun retired, and hung around us the sable curtain of night, the moral seemed complete. Our long train of " stages," with their brilliant lamps, reflected by the foliage, presented a singular appearance, and not devoid of interest and beauty. Xt became very cold as we ascended the mountain, and we were glad to halt for supper. This was served, considering the character of the place, in very good style ; and, no doubt, we did it justice. After a good warming, we again renewed our journey. The road is designated "national," being pre- pared at the public expense ; but unpleasantly rough. The shaking and jolting, the up-and-down kind of exerc'se wc had to endure, made sleep in my case quite out of the question. Hearing a remarkable noise as we proceeded, I inquired of my companions what it meant; and* was informed that it arose from the merry-making of frogs. The sound was not a croak, but a chirp, very much like that of crickets by our fire-sides, only much louder. For many miles the mountain was perfectly vocal with the music of these happy creatures. How good is God ! All things serve him in their season. This concert of frogs broke the tedium of the journey and the gloom of ni^ht ; and it t >UB IN AMBBIOA. became my biimness to listen to this singular melody for several hours. # All my c<»apanions, being accustomed to this Idnd of travelling, slept soundly ; but I ** watched for the morn- ing" with great desire. At length it came. We had reached the summit of the moimtain, and were no| nlng to descend. The sun rose; and it was foitune to behold such a sunrise. As he ascej^dpiS the skies, they appeared tinged by the most beautiful and va- riegated colours imaginable. They were clothed ii^the most gorgeous dress ; the deep blue being relit ved' imd diversified by banks of clouds, their edges being tinged with all the colomrs of the rainbow. But on looking out on my left hand, I saw something which I took to be a prodigious lake ; and, being surprised at so singular a phenomenon i^pearing on the top of a moimtain, roused cue of my fellow- trsj^Uers, and asked, "What lake is that on the left?" He rubbed his eyes, and grumbled out, " I reckon there is no kdke HlM."^ He closed them again, and I could obtain no infoil|ttA(3<^^ I continued to gaze ; and felt certain that the object seen was the waters of a lake or sea, stretching to an indefinite extent, and losing itself in the distance, ^'fter ruminating in this imcertainty for some considerable ^inie/ ¥b occurred to me that possibly it might be the aurAoi:^^^ often referred to by eastern travellers. So it turaedHSttl^ We were at a great distance from either lake or sea ; but the sun had given the rising mist this peculiar appearance. No wonder that the pilgrims of t|te desert, in igiogination, quenched their burning thirst, and plunged their weary limbs, in one of these illusive seas. Attracted by the promise of water, they rushed towards a blessing which retired as they approached, and left them still a prey to thirst and misery. Had it been my lot to command a steamer, or vessel of any kind, I should not have doubted for a moment that the sea I fancied I saw, would furnish depth and space enough for her navigation. Such wre the "'* PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. m illusions of life ! A fow moments suffioed to dissipate these vapoury deceptions; it may, perchance, take a longer pe- riod to disenchant the soul of the haze around her being, arising from the unreal objects of desire and hope ; but the time is certain to come when the mirage will be dissipated, and the mountain scenery of life, rough and rugged, will appear in its true character. But a more gorgeous deception awaited us. Turning my eyes to the other side of the mountain, I beheld another most magnificent spectacle. This arose from the agency of the same causes ; the mist lying on the side of the moun- tain, and the beams of the rising sun shining upon it. But in this instance his rays were not absorbed, but reflected, and the appearance was not that of wafer, but of fire. How shall a description of this wonderful scene be attempted ? We have no analogies. It was unlike anything ever beheld by me. Nothing either in the heavens or on the earth wiSk furnish any tei.'ns of comparison or modes of illuBtraijlon. The point of observation in surveying the ba^utic^ijilf, the heavens is from below. We see all their gl6r.es ovet our heads. But in this case we were elevated above the phe- nomenon ; we did not look up, but down ; the magnified spectacle lay at our foet, — ^like the mirage on the other side the mountain, — stretching to an indefinite distance, ilgftiu, this spectacle had not the appearance of ntounta^ of clouds, heaped one upon another, variegated by tints and hues of many colours, their edges dipped in gold, and re- flecting every possible form of beauty; it was uniform, presenting the same aspect and colour ; the intensity of its brightness seemed not to admit of variation, th^>Hie ele- ment swallowed up all inferior forms, and absorbed them in its own indivisible purity and lustre. The arch of heaven, the raiotbow, the rising and setting sun, the brilliant noon- day,— none of these can give a notion of this splendid illusion. Its position was longitudinal ; its surface, its bo- »>m, like that of the ocean, seen from a lofty elevation, 4* 82 TOUR IN AMERICA. » presented itself to view as at a great distance uiow ; — reflecting the sun's beams back again to their fountam, and giving their dazzling brightness as if in emulation of the parent orb. To what shall we compare it ? It looked like a sea of glory ! I gazed and gazed on this lovely object, till dragged by the rumbUng motion of our vehicle be- yond the sight of the deceptive vision. We were soon lowered to the common level ; and, leaving these regions of splendour and magic ^andeur, virere called to move along the common road, in the midst of clouds and sha- dows. Notwithstanding all that we had seen on the mountain, we were thankful enough to get to Uniontown, warm our almost frozen limbs, and regale ourselves with breakfast. Those necessary duties being soon despatched, we hastened to Brownville, where a steamer awaited our arrival to con- duct us to Pittsburgh. The Monongahela, on which we embarked, descends from the mountain in this direction, and forms a fine navi- gation, meandering its course through a picturesque country to its destination. We now found ourselves in the great Valley of the Mississippi ; which, commencing at this point, stretches to the Rocky Mountains. These two ranges of mountains, in the geography of the continent, are held to be the barriers on the east and west of this prodigious tract of country. The immense space lying between us at the moment of our embarkation at Brownville, at the foot of th^ AUeghanies, to the great barriers raise(| by the Rocky Mountains, and separating the Western States from Oregon, is considered a part of this valley. The Mississippi itself may be taken as the centre line of this ^reat tract of country, stretching from north to south, prepared by na- ture herself as a drain for the waters descending ^iii^pi the east and west. We were now on one of these B#eams ; flowing, in the main, from the east, in a westerly course, to join the rivers descending in the opposite direction ; axui, PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 88 as it were, to meet in fraternal union in the aitng of i\w " father of waters." Everything now appeai'ed different. The cUmate hc' came genial and balmy, and the soil much richer ; regetu- tion appeared luxuriant ; the trees were giving out their foliage, and the shrubs and plants their colours and fftt^ grance more richly ; the skies were clear and lofty, tho sun warm and cY ring, while every breeze seemed to b©ftr lifo and vivacity on its wings. Th^ river was enchanting. From the edge of the waters the banks gradually sloped up so M to form a hilly embankment on each side, covered with various trees, now enriched with variegated hues. Th(^ channel of the river appeared to have been scooped out ol' the solid earth by some giant, power, its level being below the adjoining country, so as completely to embosom itn waters in overhanging woods. This beautiful, umbrageoui^, woody, sylvan scene was, it is true, broken in upon, now and then, by human habitations, little villages, and places of incipient commerce ; I>at, generally speaking, wo passed through silent and unbroken solitudes. TaMng a ehair, and placing it under the awning of the steamer, I gazed in a sort of intoxication, wonder, and ecstasy, in perfect silence, or, at any rate, unwilling to be disturbed for any purpose. I can never forget the effe,;t this scenery had upon my feelings, in this first sight of its peculiar loveli- ness. I looked till my eyes grew dun with the dazzlinjc iuxiu'iance of the ever-varying prospect, and my iJbraiii fairly ached with the attempt to form some notion of itn unique grandeur. On our descent the banks of the river became more pre- cipitous and rocky; and, for several miles above Pitts- burgh, the causes of its manufacturing greatness and wealth began to appear. For many miles beds of coal projected their crust and edge upon the banks of the river; and, here and there, the collier had employed his mattock and spade in digging out of the side of the hill this valiuibiu W'A' 84 TOUR IN AHBEIOA. article of manufacture. The trouble and cost of the ope- ration consisted in getting it out of the rock, and transport- ing it to its destination. A slide of plnnks, fixed at the mouth of the level, was placed, from whence the coals were rolled down into a boat below prepared to receive them. This was all the expense and labour attendant upon procuring this valuable article. The same is the case with iron ore. This is as abundant as coal, and is pro- cured and removed in the /tame manner. How diflerent is the oper>tJ!on in om* country ! It occurred to me, that one of . \r friends had a pit in this locali^.y, (Birmingham,) on rhicc he '««T,d just expended twelve or fifteen hundred ;>oi'nds, .'x> ascertain whether there was a bed of coal on liis vvoptrtj 'rbe Americans are saved this uncertainty and ixpeii.Ae RU.ogr;!ier. They know before they use a tool, that tiiiik exertions will not be in vam ; for they see the coal and iron challenging their labour, and inviting them to enterprise. The advantage of the rivalry of the two coun- tries, in this respect, is greatly on the side of the Americans. CHAPTER V. Pittsburgh— Lodge at the St. Charles— Tho Conforonce— Tho BUhops— The Preachers— Bishop Soule— The Southein Mlni»t<)rfi-~-^Publlc Set vices— The Company at the St. Charles— Tho Town— Manufactures— The African Church—Preach to tho Blacks— Curioi > Scono—Loavo Pittsburgh— Take loaY^ of Bishop Soule -His Character— The Ohio— Whoeiing— Bishop Camp- bell—Mesmerism. Wb made Pittsburgh about five o'clock. On calling with the other ministers at the Book Oonctm, I found I -was appointed to take up my board at the St. Charles Hotel. This excellent house was kept by Mr. Miller, who, with his wife, was very friendly. We met with several preachers domiciled with us ; all very agreeable and excellent men. I was at once installed as the entire master of a commo- dious sleeping-room ; and our party had the privilege of , - -ISiJinwi, ii#V !>. m PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 85 m meeting together in the evenings in the family parlour. This arrangement proved to be very agreeable to all par- ties, as it afforded the means of private intercourse apart from the general company. We took our meals at the public table. A large and spacious room was occupied for breakfast, dinner, and tea ; if any one chose supper, he or- dered it specifically, and' took it in his own apartment, lliis was our daily routine as to the common-place matter of seating an4 drinking. Our fare was excellent, made up of many sorts of the more substantial dishes and dessert every day, and all prepared in the best possible manner. We often iojmd an aggregate of not less than two hundred, scarcely ever few«r than one hundred and fifty. These par- ties consisted of travellers, men of business, inhabitants of the town, and, for the time being, of Methodist preachers. I soon found my position very pleasant; and the thing I most coveted was now put into my hands — an opportu- nity of observing American character and manners on h large and diversified scale. Being now fixed in my comfortable domicile, the next thing was to open my commission. It began with a diplo- matic blunder. My friend Stevens, from Boston, an inmate at our house, told me he would arrange with one of the senior brethren to introduce me to the Conference , and, in due time, call for me. Accordingly, in a while he made his appearance, and informed me he had spoken to one of the elder ministers, who had agreed to perform the duty of introducing me. We went together to the church where the assembly was sitting, and I made my way into the midst of the preachers. Happening to take a seat near my old friend, Dr. Durbin, i accosted him, and at first he did not know me ; but, soon recovering from this ateence of mind, he said, I had done wrong in coming in, that they were about to send a deputation to introduce me in form, and that I should have waited. I offered to retire; but he proposed to speak to the . shops ; and, on his doing so. y^A'' i '^ «k 8^6 TOUR IN AMERICA. they desired me to remain. In a short time they called me up ; and when I had delivered my credentials, Bbhop Hedding introduced me to the Conference, making sucli observations as occurred to him. In the fev/- remarks I made, the official short-hand writer entirely misreported me in one particular. He represented me as saying that vre, the English Methodists, were " all on one side ;" while the fact is, I said, " We were all on the side of liberty, of emancipation." By this interpretation of my remarks, 1 was made to assume the position of a partisan in the great dispute between the North and the South ; whereas no- thing could by possibility be farther from n^ thoughts or meaning. Were it not that I considered myself, not as a private person, but as the representative of the British Conference, and that they have an interest in the spirit and manner in which the person representing them was received, propriety would dictate that I should be silent on many things which occurred at this first meeting, and on many subsequent occasions. But seeing that the Method- ist body in England in some sort stood in my person, in tlie presence of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ame- rica, in fraternal relations, undoubtedly those who sent mc have a right to know how their greetings were received. They may, then, be assured that they were hailed in the most cordial, affectionate, and Christian spirit and manner. When the British Conference (for so the matter is. to be understood) was introduced to the American body, as a mark of respect and good-will, every minister present spontaneously, not by order of the chair, stood up, and paid the parent body the most profound and hearty respect. This was done in a manner not to be mistaken. Nothing trifling, formal, diplomatic, marked the movement. It was not the expression of mere courtesy to a stranger ; it was the manly burst of affectionate regard for a body to whom, I am perfectly sure, they feel the most devout attachment. After these introductory greetings were finished, one of the rsr PART I.—PBRBONAL NARRATIVE. 87 brethren offered a resolution, to the effect, that the British representative should be incorporated among themselves as a member of Conference, and should be invited to take part in their proceedings and debates, as he might find it con- venient, and be so disposed. This resolution was unani- mously carried. ■'■' Not content with a publte recognition, the five bishops came that evening to my lodgings to pay their respects ; not to me, let it always be kept in mind, but to the Method- ist Church in this country. This they did in the most handsome and hearty manner. The conversation turned, ns might be expected, on the affairs of Methodism in both countries. I found the Bishops, on this and all subsequent occasions, deeply interested in our affairs. Looking up to us as the elder branch of the great Methodistic family, from whence they received their own birth and blessings, they evidently entertain a most ardent attachment to us ; and, whether well or ill deserved, certainly a high opinion of our religious state. Whatever may be the fact respect- ing the sentiments and feelings of the political body to- wards the mother comitry, — ^and on this question my opinions differ from those who consider the great body of the American people as hostile to Great Britain, — most as- suredly, there is nothing of ill-will in the Methodist Bishops, ministers, and people, towards theh' brethren in England. All our old and distinguishing characteristics, such as the itinerancy, class-meetings, and other advantages ; the state of piety and experimental religion, the progress we were making, as well as our doctrinal fidelity ; were all matters of inquiry on the part of the Bishops. After an interesting and lengthy conversation on these and kindred subjects, we parted; certainly with a deep impression left on my mind, that the American Church w^s greatly favoured in its chief officers. ■'* Having given a narrative of conference proceedings else- where, the account need not be entered upon here. The # r 88 TOUR IK AMIBIOA. few remarks which remnin to be mode, must refer to men and things. I happened to bo placed in a most favourable position to see and hold intorcourio with everybody. All had free access to my room, and it was hardly over empty. The whole body of preachers, at ono time or another, called upon me ; and I had much very pleasant and profita- ble intercourse with them, i found them, in private, a most pious; intelligent, and woll*informed race of men. Their knowledge of their own system, economy, and con- stitution, I perceived, was exact and enlightened ; their experience of the working of the system of Methodism complete ; for many of them had been in the service of the church many years, and Iiad scon much of their country, together with its habits and manners. They were well- informed on all American aflfuit's, and took a lively interest in their country's weal ; and, moreover, some of them were extremely respectable in literature and general knowledge. No man amongst them wns a neuter ; he had opinions on nil points, and held them with tenacity ; but was perfectly free to hear tIboBe of otlier people, and removed as far as possible from a dogmatical spirit. Eeasoning is their forie : they are fond of argument. I found them loyal to their coimtry and to Methodism. They seem to entertain no scniples or doubts as to their government being the best in the world. This being the feeling of sober and religious men, must be considered as worth notice, much more than that of political zealots of any gradf. I found most of the Methodist ministers what is called in America "Whigs," wliich means in our country " Conservatives." They had an utter dislike to the war'Spirit growing up in America, disapproved very much of the Mexican war, and denounced the policy of Resident Polk's administration. There were, of course, exceptioi|| ; but this seemed to be the general opinion amongst them. The northern men were all de- cided and zealous abolitionists. They abhor slavery as much as it is possible to be abhorred in this country ; and PART I.— PBRSONAL NARRATIVE. 89 )r to men ivourabic dy. All sr empty, another, 1 profita- )rivate, a of men. and con- d; their Bthodism ;e of the country, 5re well- interest em were )wledge. |nions on jerfectly Eis far as ir forte : to their rtain no the best eligioiis re than t of the 7higs," ley had merica, ounced e were, jfeaeral aUde- ery as ^; and many of them are sanguine as to the possibility of making this a state question, and in a short time electing an anti- slavery president. Their Methodism is a belief, a truth, a principle. They as much believe in the soundness of Methodistic doctrines, the excellency of their ecclesiastical polity, and the rehgion of their system, as in the truth of the word of God itself. Republicans though they may be, they are not revolution- ists. And the same is the case regarding their religious convictions. In a free and easy intercourse with these men for a fortnight, I did not hear one word which sa- voured of disaffection to their ecclesiastical institutions. This was the case respecting their Bishops ; not a murmur was heard. They were perfectly loyal to the church. This, as will be seen, must give the church great power and force. Every man is prepared to take his place, and do his best. None of his strength is frittered away in wrangling disputes, in projects of reform, in tinkeiing and mending the system. On the other hand, he occupies his sphere of labour with the undoubted persuasion that he is serving the cause of God; that he is connected with a form of religion which must prevail, because divine ; and that his business is not to mend the rules, but to keep them. We cannot be surprised at the amazing success of a system of religion so supported, and so worked. Every man is possessed of an idea, a truth, which he feels himself bound to propagate. He does this without hesitation, puts his whole soul into his mission, and it is done unto him according to his faith. In a few days after my arrival. Bishop Soule made his appearance, and took up his abode, at our hotel. This to me was a most pleasant incident. We had much inter- course and conversation. He had not lost his Enghsh im- pressions. His sojourn in our country, his reception and treatment by the conference and people, had left a very grateful recollection on his mind. He entered fully into *^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) v- /.. // V^ 5r ^^ A ^ < r 1.0 1.1 |50 ■^" lii^H y m 12.2 £ ■£ 12.0 •» I IL25 HIU Photogra{diic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. I4SS0 (716) •73-4503 <\ <\ > m TOUR IN AMBRIOA. the subject of his connexion with the South ; sapng, he supposed we should be surprised at the event. He avowed that he acted from the dictates of his conscience, believing that he should be best enabled, in the section of the Church he had chosen, to advance the interests of his Master's kingdom. Everybody who knows Bishop Soule must re- ceive this testimony. He is incapable of equivocation, or of anything duhonourable. He avowed that his convictions of the evils of slavery had undergone no change ; it was as much the object of his abhorrence as ever. His explana- tions of his conduct amounted to this : — ^that, ia his opinion, the only possible way of ever reaching a measure of eman- cipation lay in bringing the population of the South, mas- ters and slaves, under the influence of the Gospel ; and that the only means of accomplishing this was, not in agitating the question, but in quietly preaching the truth to both, leaving it in the providence of God to work its own results : moreover, that for ministers to agitate the question of emancipation, would infallibly cause the planters of the South to shut the door against all attempts at evangeliza- tion, and have the effect of leaving masters and servants in their sins. Impressed by these considerations, he thought it best to remain in the South, his family residing in that part of the country, and he himself having, for many years, chiefly laboured in these States. He desired that his affectionate remembrances might be given to the British Conference ; saying, he knew that, with our opinions and relations to the American Episcopal Church, we could hold no official communion with them; but if the conference chose to send or allow any of their messengers, on visiting America, to call upon them, or inspect their work, they would be most gladly and heartily received. As long as Bishop Soule lives, there can be no doubt that this would be the case. The nobility of his nature is above aU petty jea^ busies ; and there are many men in the South of a like M #- PABT I.— PBBSONAL NABBATIVS. 91 wed spirit with himself. Several other Southern men made their appearance, as Mr. Early, the hook-agent or steward at Richmond, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Bascom. With all these gentlemen I held intercourse. Mr. Early presented me with a newly-revised hymn-hook, heautifully got up and well arranged, together with several other works connected with the Southern question. These gentlemen manifested the greatest kindness and urbanity ; and did all in their power to leave an impression on my mind, that the position which they now hold has not caused them to be less Methodistical than before. In spirit, piety, honesty of purpose, — ^in frankness of character, in warm afifections, — ^they certainly are not. Dr. Lee presented me with his memoirs of his illustrious uncle, Jesse Lee. A worthy scion this of a noble stock. There are found here and there great roots of humanity, as well as of forest-trees, which send forth, for some genera- tions, noble o£fshoots. This is one. A fine young man, full of feeling, learning, intelligence, and good principle ; destined, it is to be hoped, for many years to adorn the sacred calling to which he is devoted. Dr. Bascom, the president of Transylvania University at Lexington, came late, and I had only the opportunity of seeing him once. But this one interview was sufficient to convince me that he possessed a powerful intellect, of masculine form, richly furnished, highly polished, and conversant with various learning and knowledge. He had been making a long preaching tour in the South during the vacation, and we heard that his ministry had made a deep impression. This gentleman is considered a master of eloquence ; and if he drew up the state-papers which appear in the dispute betwixt the South and the North in 1844, which I believe, his pen is as eloquent as his tongue ; his eloquence, how- ever, not being that of declamation, but of reason, and clothed in the flowing dress of lucid and beautiful diction. I deem it but fair thus to mention the ministers of the South to whom I was introduced, fearing lest their con- ,» 92 TOIIR IK AMBRIOA. neadon mth that church should lead to the conclusion that, in their personal character, they are something dififerent from other Methodist ministers. It was my happiness to preach twice each Lord's day, on the two Sundays I remained at Pittsburgh, and once be- fore the conference. The worship was devout and spiritual, the congregations were large, and everything proceeded much in our JElnglish manner. After the morning service on the first Sabbath, the Lord's supper wfts administered, exactly after the order of the Prayer-Book. An incident occurred at this service of a pleasing nature. Bishop Soule md Dr. Pierce being present, they were invited to take part in the service, which they did ; thus showing to the world that the ecclesiastical differences existing be- tween the two parties, were not deemed sufficient to sever the bonds of religious brotherhood, to destroy the more sacred ties of spiritual affection, or to indicate that one party considered the other as heretics. This was very cheering to behold. Whilst mentioning these matters, I must state one or two things in passing, not of much consequence in them- selves, and yet tending to illustrate the state of feeling amongst our friends in the States. As a loyal subject of Queen Victoria, maugre all suspicions to the contrary, I deemed it my duty, in every public service, to pray first for our queen and government, and then, secondly, for the president of the States, and government of the countrji^ , putting in petitions, that our union might never be inter- ' rupted by discord and war. How was this received? Did it produce disapprobation? Just the reverse. I^ called forth hearty responses, and many expressions of ap- proval. One more incident. We had been holding fk school-meeting one evening in the conference chapel, wh«pD, after the service was concluded, the choir struck up " Qi>d save the Queen." I confess I felt this a most delicate luod grateful compliment paid to my country ; and, nwreover, m FART I.— FXBBONAL NARRATIVE. m that a people who cotQd do this, were in posMwriMj^ «t once, of good feeling and fine taste. I had promised myself the acquisition of a good deal of infoimation, in connexion with om* Ui^le d'hbte at the hotel, by being brought into contact with so many people. But, in truth, little came out of it. The Americans have re- tained our English characteristics ; they are vastly taciturn ; general conversation was out of the question altogether. This never happened. And, in innumerable instances, many of the people would finish their repast without speaking a single word. One of these American meals is, indeed, a curiosity. The despatch of business is prodigious. The dinner is speedily over ; and every man as he finishes rises from the table and departs ; thus thinning the ranks of the regiment of '' beef-eaters," till the last man remains. This was generally myself. I could not keep up at all with the march ; and often felt perfectly ashamed at sit- ting by myself to finish my plate. Indeed, I very often saw that one and another of my kind-hearted friends, see- ing my embarrassment, remained to keep me in counte- nance. Tea was worse still. I declare I have seen men spring from the table in three minutes after they had been seated, and make their exit. One thing I muM mention, however, that during the whole of this tiose, inwhich, by the constant change of the company^, I must have ob- served some two or three thousand peif^^, if not more, I never saw one take a smgle glass of w^ at table, or any- thing but water, and milk. This I took to be a remarkable proof of the influence of the temperance principle. "But there is a bfU"," it may be said. True ; but I never saw any drifddng at ,the bar, or in a^ other part of the hotel, or air inebriated p^son. Hie order, decorum, sobriety, and' vbi^ toe,* so far asoutword appearancesgo, wereascogkpletein thk great- establishment, as in the best^regttlated privftte finally. The servants of thk house were all peo^ of coloor ; and^ I fotmd' the man who attended upoA me was a ran- ^ TOUR IN AMBRIOA. away slave. He felt no compunction on account of this act of self-emancipation ; why should he ? He told me a fearful story respecting his mother and family. He had the pain to see his parent sold and dragged away from her children, and never saw her more. His sisters were treated in the same manner, and he knew not what had become of them. I found this poor black a truly religious man, and full of faith, as he expressed it, '' that all would be right in the end ;'* meaning by this, that at some time liberty would come. He was as acute and intelligent as the gene- ral class of labourers in this country, and even much more so thaii many. These people are a distinct body of Me- thodists, and have an episcopacy of their own. One of the public services I conducted was in their church, newly erected, — ^indeed, not finished ; and it was a memorable time. The poor blacks manifested great feeling. There sat before me a female whose countenance was lit up with an amount of ecstatic emotion, such as I never before wit- nessed. After the sermon the people sang some of their own peculiarly soft and melancholy airs. This excited them ; and we had a remarkable scene. They leaped, I know not how high, and in a manner one would have thought impossible. But, more than this, they danced to their own melody, and in perfect time, and exhibited the signs of the most rapturous happiness. This looked strange to us sober people: I stood somewhat aghast, fearful lest it shotdd lead to mischief. I heard of none ; and hope it was the mere expression of joyous feeling. I must now say a word respecting Pittsburgh. In truth, it consists of three cities, under ore name ; as Southwark is included in the one cognomen, London. These cities have their separate corporate rights and jurisdiction. On^ is Pittsburgh proper; the second Alleghany, after the river of that name ; and the third is called Birmingham. Pitts- bui^h is often called the Birmingham of America, but iHth little reason, except from the fact that both are smokj 11 PART I.^PBRSONAL NABBATIVB. 96 places ; and that the new town manufactures man j of the articles which are made in the old one ; otherwise, they are not at all alike. The city stands on the forks of the two rivers Monongahela and Alleghany; which, after a course of something like a hundred miles, meet at this place, and by their imion form the Ohio. Standing, as it does, on this point of land, the city is, of course, environed by water on two sides of the triangle. Its facilities of trans- port by water are complete; it is connected with the Atlantic States, partly by canal, to Philadelphia; and with all the Western States, and the lakes, by the Ohio, the Mississippi, and the innumerable streams branchings from them in every direction. The city itself is substantially built, chiefly of brick ; the shops are not much like ours, being generally in the store fashion ; and not, consequently, either elegant or showy ; but many of them appear to be in a prosperous and thriving state, as marts of business. The manufactures are iron and steel goods of all sorts, glass, tin, brass, and, in fine, the same precisely as are made in Birmingham. Here, for the first time in America, I beheld smoke. The Atlantic cities all bum anthracite coal, which, being free from the bituminous quality, though it gives a glowing heat, yet emits no smoke. On this ac- count the atmosphere of the largest cities is as clear as in the country ; the buildings are preserved in their freshness, and appear beautifully clean. It is dififerent at Pittabm'gh. The coal, like ours, being strongly impregnated with bitu- minous matter, sends out, from the furnaces and tall chim- neys, dense volumes of smoke, as in our manufacturing towns. Besides, the city being embosomed in a valley, and surrounded by hills, some of which are high, the sooty nuisance cannot escape: this causes the place, in some sta|»B of the wind and weather, to be intolerably dirty and Bi^ these are the things which create wealth; and no- thing can possibly prevent Fittsbui^h from becoming one ^'l^ tOV¥L m AlORIOA. of the greatest manufactaring cities in the world. I liaet many of onr countrymen located at this place ; giying their genius, their knowledge, their labour, to augment tiie crea> tive power of the great rival of their own fatherland. They were in a thriving condition; many of them becoming wealthy. One who had left the north of England when a youth, a poor collier, without sixpence in his pocket, and who began his career by heaving coals out of the side of the hills, told me he was worth fifteen or sixteen thousand dollars, showing me, with grateful feelings, some half- dozen housei^ of which he was the owner. He had in- duced all his relations to join him, and the whole family were living in great comfort and respectability. This is only a sample. All the world contributes its quota of help to enrich the Americans. When I was passing down the river, and saw the collieries at work, I felt sure that those collieries were not worked by Yankee hands, that my poor countrymen were the drudges ; and on putting the question with the express purpose to ascertain the fact, I found it perfectly correct ; hardly a single American ever works in a coal-pit, or, indeed, performs any analogous task. This is done for him by the labouring hands of all portions of the worid ; and especially by the workmen of England. ■'^" Human life, which is often a burden in other countries, constitutes the wealth of America. The block population perform all the menial domestic duties; they are seen in every house, unless superseded by Irish ^Is ; the poor Celts from the raster island dig for their canals and railroad lines, and carry bricks and mortar up the scaffolding, in all build- ing processes ; and the Germans, besides yielding their piostion of help in canal and railroad work, furnish labour, to a great amount, in all agricultural improvements. Tbe true American is the gentleman of the country ; and^ all these classes constitute his mechanists and labourers; tf he ean oofiHihtod a little capital, he wiU have thti8m sweet. No Clydesdale spears are flasliing nigh, In foray wild and rude ; Bat Con's time-roek'd castle sle^^ ^. In peaceful solitude. " What wouldst thou think, sweet Con Lynn, Couldst thou Niagan spy, • The mighty monarch of the West, With terror in his eye ? Thou 'dst fear him on liis ocean throne, i|; Like lion in his lair ; Meek snooded maiden, dowei'd with all That father Clyde can spare. *' For thou mifl^t'st perch, like hooded Urd, Upon his giant hand ; Nor 'midst his world of waters wake^ A ripple on his strand. ^P^ He'd drink thee up, sweet Con Lynn , And thou, to crown the sip, Wouldst scarce a wheen of bal)bles make Upon his monstrous lip. *' Thy voice, that bids the foliage quake. Around thy crystal brim, Would quiver like the cricket's chirp, 'Midst bis hoarse thunder-hymn. For like a thing that scorns the earth, He rears his awful crest, t- And takes the rtdnbow from the skies. And folds it round his breast. " Thou 'rt passing fah-, sweet Cora Lynn : And he who sees thee lea'p Into the bosom of the flood, Might o'er thy beauty weep. > But lone Niagara still doth speak Of <3od both night and day : And force, firom each terrestrial thought^ The gazer's soul away." Every bode I had read, and every person with wh ion— Sir F. B. Hend— Blihop ftnehui— TIm City — D«purtare for Kia|«toi»— Mr. Roblnton— Mr. Boltoiv— Coburf Collage— Kingston— Pui up tite Bay of Qulntl— Belleville— Th« CaiMda Conference —The Union— Return to Kingaton. After spending Monday in this agreeable town, we started on Tuesday morning for Toronto, in a fine steamer, down the lake. The passage was enchanting ; everything con- spired to make it agreeable. The day was splendid, the lake unruffled, the company pleasant, the shore fine, and bloonllng with a luxuriant vegetation. The next morning we arrived at Toronto, and I was met at the landing-place by my dear friend Dr. Ryerson, who conducted me to his own house, where I lodged during my sojourn in thb city. I was now at home with one whom I had long known, and greatly esteemed. We talked of old times, old friends, old troubles and misunderstand- ings ; and could now well afford to rejoice in the altered state of things, the union of the two bodies having been effected ; and, especially, in the settled peace of the Me- thodist Church in Canada. I found my friend in possession of the office of chief superintendent of the government-school system, now in vigorous progress ; an office somewhat, analogous to 4hat occupied in this country by Dr. Kaye Shuttleworth. He was fully engaged by the duties of this post, was much and zealously devoted to the cause, and, I have no doubt, conducted its business with great ability. He had pre- vailed upon the authorities to allow the old government- house to bes occupied as a training school. This govemment- Iiouse had been celebrated by Sir Francis Head, as the place of his quiet slumbers, when the rebel Mackenzie and his American sympathizers were approaching the city in battle array ; and where he developed the wonderful re- 6* 130 TOUR IN AHBRIOA. ■K sources of his civil and military genius, and, as if by magic, drove the rebel forces reeling, if not into the lake, yet back again to the opposite shore. This was a rare man, this Sir Francis ! However, one would like to know whether there happened to be some thoughtful military officer awake, when Sir Francis was so snugly asleep ? whether the science and strategy of war had anything to do with the miracu- lous magic which drove the rebels back? whether Sir Francis, not being a military man, shared the toils and dangers of the non-military inhabitants of the city, as a volunteer? Be these things as they may, the house in which all the wonderful feats of this gentleman were con- cocted and performed, we now found to be occupied for very different purposes. It is no longer a place for the manufacture of bulletins and missiles of war, but a school for training messengers of peace ; it no longer witnesses such heroics as were played off by Sir Francis, but fur- nishes a quiet home for the development of such faculties as the youth of Canada may happen to possess, to enable them to benefit their fellow-countrymen. These schools are truly national, not denominational. The system is very much like the British, or Borough-road scheme ; the Bible, in the authorized version, is employed daUy, and the more specific teaching left in the hands of ministers and parents. Schools are planted through the whole country, so that the children of the poor have now the means of obtaining a good education. The moral and religious advantages of this must be immense ; and, in due time, will tell most beneficially on the state of the people. An educated population is growing up ; their improved in- telligence and morals will blend with general society, and the effects be seen in all their ramifications and interests. The district-meeting was sitting in Toronto ; so that I had the opportunity of judging of the state of things in the Canadian body, so far as they were developed by the pro- ceedings of this assembly. Poverty pressed upon the w PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 181 brelhren ; their deficiencies in many of the circuits were ooniiderable, which they had not tJie means of meeting ; and the preachers were obliged to bear the loss themselves, which they did without murmuring. Their religious state was found to be good ; they had increased in numbers al- most everywhere, and progress was apparent in every de- partment. On Sunday I had the happiness to preach twice, in Ade- laide and Richmond-street chapels, to spiritual and lively congregations. Whilst at this city, Dr. Ryerson took me, amongst other visits, to pay our respects to the lord bishop of Toronto, Dr. Strachan, a Lowland Scotchman, one would say by his stature ; possessing all the shrewdness and toot of his countiymen ; a clever man of business, having long had much influence in public affairs. We found he had lost none of the brogue of the north ; and to listen to the sounds of his voice one would have supposed the place of interview to have been Glasgow instead of Toronto. We were very politely received, and after half an hour's conversation on general questions, took our leave. Toronto is beautifully situated on Lake Ontario ; the country is level, but free from swamp, and perfectly dry ; the city is new, but there are many excellent buildings ; imd King-street is about the finest in America : the shops of this street are not stores, but finished and decorated in English style ; and, in appearance, would be no disgrace to Regent-street, if placed by its side. After spending four or five days at Toronto, we took our departure for Kingston on Monday morning. On board the steamer we met Chief-Justice Robinson, and Mr. Bol- ton, late Chief-Justice of Newfoundland, now a resident in Toronto, and one of the members of the House of Assem- bly. Th^se gentlemen belonged to different grades in politics ; Mr. Robinson being at the head of the conserva- tives, and the leading member of the late government; whilst Mr. Bolton belongs to the Liberals, and supports m f 182 TOUR IN AMERICA. *• ♦ '^ the present party in power. They were going on circuit, the one as a judge, and the other as counsel. We found them veiy agreeable men, Chief-Justice Robinson being evidently a man of first-rate intellect and mental power. Mr. Bolton, whom I met again on board the " America," on my return to this country, complained much of the treatment he had met with in connexion with his office of chief-justice in Newfoundland. He had quarrelled with the popish power on that island ; and in the dispute, the home-government, in Lord Melbourne's time, had, as usual, taken part, as he said, with the Papists. He was ob- structed in the discharge of his duties by open violence ; the popish bishop offered to help him out of his difficulties if he would allow his official influence and commands to pass through his hands to the people ; by this, proposing to put the judge's office in commission, the bishop being the chief commissioner. This he indignantly spumed, and determined that the law should be enforced by the civil, the constitutional power. This brought the judge into im- mediate collision with the popish party ; and disputes, agi- tations, and riots ensued. He was in danger of personal violence ; and his wife, a Romanist herself, took sides with her husband, and heroically sheltered him from his enemies. The issue was dismissal from office. The civil power, the o(Mistitution, the flag of Queen Victoria, were made, as was always the case in those times, to succumb to popish vio- lence. Mr. Bolton could never extort from the home government, either by personal application, or by getting a friend to push the matter in the Commons, any explanation of the cause of his dismissal, though he knew perfectly, that it was done to gratify, to conciliate, the papists. His notions of the Romanists on the one hand, and of their friends and patrons, the then British government, on the other, were anything but favourable to either. Towards evening we reached Coburg, where these gen- tlemen left us. The captain had the politeness to remain * \ PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 138 >» i longer than his usual time, to allow us to run up and take a hasty glance at Victoria College. Nature could not fur- nish a finer site. The building stands on an eminence be- hind the town, commanding a most glorious view of the lake and surroundmg country. It was vacation-time ; we did not consequently see the young men. It is a fine in- stitution, and promises to be of great benefit to the Me- thodist Church in Canada. After regaling our sight with this lovely scene, we hastened on board, and were soon again in motion : such is life. We arrived at Kingston the next morning, and hoped to go on immediately to Belleville, our destmation, and the town where the Canadian Conference was appointed to be held. Our expectations, however, were doomed to be dis- appointed. A steamer had been engaged to take us ; but behold, on our arrival we found, to our consternation, that a telegraphic communication had been sent, countermand- ing the order ; and the vessel having been despatched to Montreal, no other could be obtained. I had risen in great pain and misery, and was obliged to go to a friend's house, and lie on the sofa all day. In consequence of this disaster, I had little opportunity of seeing Kingston. At night, an hour or two before dark, we began our voy- age up the Bay of Quinti, one of the loveliest pieces of water in Canada, and surrounded by fine and beautifully wooded banks. Our steamer was a miserably poor afiair ; our accommodations indifferent ; the night wet and cold ; and, to complete the discomfort, a number of our brethren placed themselves just against the door of my cabin, sup- posing I was asleep, and indulged themselves in conversa- tion till about one o'clock. Altogether, it was a most miserable night. We arrived at Belleville towards nine o'clock ; and) as soon as we had finished breakfast, pro- ceeded to open the conference, and begin business. Most of the brethren had arrived, and we mustered more than a hundred men, The business was chiel9y rou- M 184 TOUR IN AMERICA. tine, and not of much public interest. The union had been effected the year before, by the good-will and co- operation of nearly all parties, but chiefly by the prudence and indefatigable exertions of Dr. Alder. He laboured at this laudable task with great ability and perseverance, and happily succeeded in his exertions. In all such conditions of the church as obtained in Canada, there must, of course, be hostile elements, — passions and prejudices called forth by former antagonistic operations ; things in themselves of little consideration are elevated, in the opinion of dispu- tants, to the importance and dignity of principles ; imagi- nary interests, honour, and consistency are considered as at stake ; and, moreover, the separate movements of the par- ties will be thought by themselves to embody the cause of God. These difficulties stood in the way of the union so happily effected. When the good men, — ^for they are good men, — of both parties came to consider the question dispassionately, their judgment was convinced, and their prejudices so far gave way, as to lead them to assent to the proposition of union. But it may easily be seen that it would require a skilful hand to manage these clashing in- terests, and bring all parties into a state of harmony. By the good providence of God, this experienced pilot was found in Dr. Alder: his knowledge of the men, his ac- quaintance with the work, his influence in the country, all came in to aid his excellent judgment ; and a work was accomplished on which he and all parties will have cause to reflect with great satisfaction. To heal divisions, to re- move stumbling-blocks, to bring brethren estranged from each other by misunderstandings into a state of unity, — must surely be considered a good work, and in agreement with the entire spirit of the Gospel. We heard little on the subject at conference, except exultations that the measure had been effected. The few preachers who had expressed opposing sentiments the year before, were now not only satisfied, but became zeal- r#r''' PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 0U8 eulogists of the measure. We heard not a word of dissatisfaction from any portion of the people; though I-^ have understood that smce, on the removal of their pastor, an Englishman in connexion with the British Conference, the people in one place have taken occasion to revolt, and some have left the hody. On the whole, the miion may be considered as complete, and to work well. It is to be hoped that the issue will be seen in the extension of true religion, and the revival of the work of God. I found that many, probably one-half, of the preachers are Englishmen. They are laborious and diligent in their work, are men of good sense and sound piety, much attach- ed to all the distinctive characteristics of Methodism, alive to the progress and prosperity of the work in which they are engaged, and prepared to endure much privation for the accomplishment of the object of their desires and prayers. They have already done much in the cultivation of Western Canada; their chapels, schools, and religious institutions, are numerous, and on a respectable scale; their circuits pervade the enture country, embracing the back settlements and outposts, as well as the cities and larger towns : the character and moral influence of the Church are such as to command the respect of the entire community; and as population progresses, and the resources of the country are developed, this people must, in the ordinary course of events, become an increasingly great and influential body. We closed our business on Thursday, June 15th, at noon ; thus accomplishing our work in a week and one day. It required close attention, much evening labour, no super- fluity of talk, good order, and brotherly kindness, to bring this about : all of which were happily observed. Many of the good brethren seemed surprised at themselves when they had done ; they imagined the thing impossible. We broke up, as we had continued together, in great harmony and concord. For myself, I left them with unfeigned regret and entire affection ; and they will never be forgotten, ■* 186 TOUB IN AMERICA. tbey wHl never cease to be objects of my most cordial esteem and regard. It had been my happiness to be entertained at the house of Mr. Flint, a member of the Assembly, and a most kind- hearted man. Our pleasure was, however, in some measure r abated by the circumstance of his*being afflicted with ague, which came upon him at regular periods of the day, and I "XKluced the most depressing prostration. Mrs. Flint is u most chaiming and excellent lady, and did her utmost to make our abode in the family agreeable and happy. From these kind friends we parted with sincere regret, and prayers for their continued happiness. Nothing is so pleasant as to recount kindnesses; but when all are kind, it is difficult to select instances without appearing invidious. But I must confess, in parting with my Canadian brethren, that I should be most ungrateful were I not to say, that from Mr. John Ryerson, in a long journey through the States as well as Canada, by residence and fellowship at Pittsburgh, at Hamilton, at Belleville, down the St. Lawrence, to tiie very end of cur intercourse, — I received nothing but the most cordial acts of kindness ; not, I am sur&, so much on my own account, as to betoken his respect for the Methodist Conference in this country. Ouj* friend, the Rev. Enoch Wood, Superintendent of Missions, residing at Toronto, I found to be a very able man ; and universally respected for his excellent character, ability, and devotedness to the service of his Divine Master. It was, moreover, refreshing to meet once more with our old brethren and acquaintance, Peter Jones and Jolm Sunday They hold on their way, retain all the freshness of religion, devote themselves to the work of God among their countrymen, and do much good. John Sunday made us a missionary speech with as much spirit as ever, height- ened by the interest he felt — and caused us to feel^from the fact that he was brought to God at Belleville, in the ohapel in which he was then speaking for his heavenly Master, I r A. * ^^^ m y! PART I.—WmSONAL NARRATIVE. m Another noble evangelist, whose name is perfectly familiar to our people in this country, also attended the conference, — the Key. William Case ; a man of beautiful simplicity, fine sense, great moderation and charity, fervent piety, and most abundant and useful labours. There are men in Canada destined, as I hope, to perpetuate and carry out to a blessed consummation the good work already existing. We embarked on board the steamer about four o'clock on the day we finished our confeience business, and made our way rapidly down the Bay of Quinti. The daylight remained for many hours, so that I obtained a prolonged view both of land and water. The whole scenery was most enchanting : the banks were covered with unbroken forests, with rich blue foliage, bending to the water's edge ; and were studded, here and there, with flourishing villages and fertile farms. At the close of day we landed, and found a fine little town, situated in a singular nook formed by an inlet of the bay, and apparently lost in the midst of the forest. The night was passed in tranquillity ; and early in the morning we found ourselves at Kingston. I now saw a little more of this i?ity ; it is situated in a most lovely local- ity, and it may be fairly doubted whether any inland town in the world can vie with it, in either its astonishing conflu- ence of waters, or, in some respects, beautiful scenery. Placed at the extremity of Lake Ontario, and at the head of the St. Lawrence, Kingston commands the navigation of both. By the river, it is connected with the Atlantic, and consequently with Europe; and by the lakes, with the interior of Canada and the United States. Its military strength, moreover, gives it the complete command of the channel and of the country ; and in any war with America, it must be considered as the key of the St. Lawrence, and y^U cost Jonathan a severe struggle to master. We hope this tug of war may never arise ; if it should, the fate of Kingston must have much influence in settling the question, as to who shall be masters of Canada. m ?r .*■ m 188 TOUR IN AMBRIOA. CHAPTER IX. Tlie St. L»wrence~The Thooiand Iilandt— The Rapids—Montreal— The City —Hie 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— FaUs of Montmorenci— The French Habitans— Reflections on Canada. Our steamer from Montreal was awaiting our arrival ; and after some time we got on board, and were soon off again, for fresh scenes and a new destination. We at once got into the current of the St. Lawrence, and found ourselves in the midst of, I should think, the most perfect faiiy-scene in the world, — ^the Thousand Islands. These islands are so called, not because they have been counted, — a definite being put for an indefinite number. They extend, from the singular union of waters by the termination of the Lake Ontario, the Bay of Quinti, and the head of the St. Lawrence, for a space of thirty miles. They are of every size and form, though never attaining any great elevation; and are all covered with trees and shrubs. Our passage lay in the midst of this wonderful group, through which we threaded our course safely, though it needed the most skilful pilotage. Some of the islands appeared to occupy a considerable space on the bosom of the flood; but one isolated little thing, just standing in our course, and requiring some tact to avoid, looked exactly like a flower-pot, with one plant growing in its centre, of diminutive size, reaching only the elevation which its scanty soil could nourish. So true is nature to her laws ! Had this tiny shrub risen higher, the winds would soon have levelled and sent it floating in the water. , The day was clear, the sun bright, the winds soft and genial : could anything more perfectly remind one of Pava- dise than this scene ? No ruined castles, it is l^rue, graced these islands ; no rising turrets, covered with ivy, mantled these spots of primitive beauty ; no baronial traditions, no w .i%k ** PART I.— PBRSONAL NARRATIVE. 189 deserted halls, no banqueting-rooms, once the scenefi of revelry, of love, and of revenge, n ere here open to mspec* tion. All was simple, primeval; — ^nature clothed in her own attire of leafy loveliness. Not a building, not a cottage, was seen. No ascending smoke, no signs of human life, no bleating animals, no ploughman's note, no stroke of the woodman's axe, no labours of the spade or hoe, were any- where visible ; silence and repose reigned in these islands, — which, in ancient times, would have been peopled, in the imagination of poets, with nymphs and goddesses, — ^without one interrupting sound, except the whispers of the wind. Nature lay undisturbed in her own soft bed ; cradled in the waters ; rocked by the elements ; and soothed by the rip* pling stream as it passed along. This simple, primitive state of things, has always been, from the time when God first spoke creation into existence ; or, certainly, from the period when, some convulsion breaking off these fragments from the main land, he stretched out his hand to place them in their present position, to show his love of beauty, and teach mankind lessons of grateful admiration. One only inhabitant has been known to dwefl on these islands, a sort of freebooter, who made them the head- quarters of his piracy for some time. He shifted his abode as occasion dictated, in order to avoid detection; and, sallying forth upon passers-by, feeble enough to tempt his cupidity, plundered them of their effects, and then hastened to his lurking-places in the islands, to enjoy the spoil. He was at last detected, and is now expiating his offences in some distant prison, or living at large with the brand of infamy upon his forehead, as the violater of the sanctities of a spot hallowed to innocence, peace, and beauty. In the course of the day we passed down the Rapids, rendered classical by Tom Moore's celebrated " Canadian Boat Song." They are perfectly frightful. The descent is considerable, the river narrow, the current impetuous, the rocks turning the stream into foaming and dashing fury. Wi TOUB IN AMBBIOA. liko the waters of the sea on a shelving shore. A perfect knowledge of the channel is necessary in the pilot, a keen eye, a strict and vigilant watchfulness : if any of these should be wanting, or an accident in any way happen ; if the ship, from any cause, should refuse to obey the helm, in the smallest degree; destruction would be inevitable. In one place the bend of the river is so abrupt, and the angle so acute, that one would suppose the vessel must go headlong against the shore. Such, however, was the skill of our pilot, that at this point we suddenly wheeled round with the current, and passed safely the whole course of the Rapids. We lay to for the night a few miles above Montreal, having other Rapids to pass, and the day-light not serving. Early -;c^/ itf . .^lisgi ^ - -i^'.^ PABT i.'Phuional narrative. 148 • With a view to ascertain the fact, I examined the names over the shops and places of business, both in Montreal and afterwards in Quebec, and found that they were nearly all English and Scotch. The bulk of the population being French, it is clear from this, that our countrymen have pushed the French inhabitants into the obscure parts of these cities, and obtained for themselves the command of the chief trade and commerce of the country. This, indeed, b notoriously the case. The original founders of these cities are now seen inhabiting small dwellings in the obscure and meaner streets, keeping little fruit and hucksters' shops, and other trades of a similar description. They are re- ported as very inert, improvident, and careless ; they even alienate their lands without much concern, though natu- rally addicted to a rural life ; and, like the Irish, seem to claim kindred with the soil on which they have been bred. They appear, in themselves, a very harmless race, are alto- gether under the influence of their political chiefs and priests, and, consequently, easily excited ■ one way or other, and never think of acting for themselves. Educa- tion, and, indeed, information of every kind, is at a very low ebb among them ; and I was told by the highest authority in the country, on this subject, that it was extremely diffi- cult to get them to employ the government grant for educational purposes ; the treasurer always having a large sum of unappropriated money belonging to them in hand. It will be in the recollection of many, that Lord Mel- bourne's government restored the island of Montreal to the order or society of St. Sulpice, to whom it was originally granted by the French king ; but in the midst of the con- fusions of the world, arising out of the French revolution, the society becoming extinct, or from some other cause, it had been alienated to the crown. The society having been revived in the general resuscitation of popery, the right had been restored, in the desire to conciliate popery, so that the fee-simple of the whole island now bel(»|g8 to this .M: 144 TOUR IN AMBRICA. ..i*** ^, body. I was told, on good authority, that, on every trans- fer of property, by fine, or the renewal of lease, the priest- hood obtain a sum equal to eight shillings in the pound, as their share in the transaction. The island being large ; the city now being made the seat of government ; the commer- cial transactions of the place being extensive; and, alto- gether, this being the most flourishing port in Canada ; it results that the revenue derived from these sources is enor- mous. Certainly, popery presents here the aspect of great wealth, and evidently occupies a commandhig position. Their fetes far transcend, in splendour and cost, those of any other country, in the present day ; and while the Church of Rome seems in a state of decay everywhere else, it is in great life and prosperity under the British dominion in Canada. But little impression has ever been made upon it by Protestantism ; and it is evidently as imdisturbed and secm'e in its supremacy, as if the country had remained under the sway of the Bourbons. The industry of the British people, in the mean time, by its restored title to the proprietorship of the island, tends to enrich the church and build up its power ; every shilling which is expended in impro\ements, as the fruit of British enterprise and indus- tr}', puts, as we see, more than one-third into the pockets of the priests. I found, also, that the Jesuits were earnestly urging their claim to their forfeited possessions. When the society be- came extinct, they, of course, lost their rights of property in the country. They were in possession of numerous houses, large tracts of land, and privileges of various sorts, when in their days of power and glory. When in Quebec, I lodged exactly opposite a large building, once a college of Jesuits, now employed as barracks. The nature of theu* influence, the extent of their possessions, (for they must have enjoyed pay and food, as well as lodging,) and their numbers, may be pretty accurately judged of by this build-', \fig. It is, I should believe, large enough to hold a re^ PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 145 'great ment of ioldiers; and, supposing Jesuits would require acoommodation superior to the army, it would certainly accommodate, even in that case, not less than five or six himdred. Whether, in the progress of conciliation, — ^for 00 many years followed by the British government, — ^this Jesuits' college and their other possessions will ever be re- stored, it is impossible to say. The local government is, at present, resisting the claim ; and I read, when in the country, very able articles from the pen of one of the chief functionaries against concedmg these claims. This 'i& pro- bably the security of the country. Society at large, having an interest in preseiTing the present settlement of property, and in keeping themselves free from the dominion and yoke of the Society of Jesus, may possibly be able to resist the encroachments sought to be made ; whereas, if the matter were entirely in the hands of the home-government, nothing would be more likely than Jesuitical success, and for the world to see them again installed in the college at Quebec, as well as enjoying all other kmds of property and power, —now enhanced a thousand-fold by Protestant enterprise and labour. The steamers only pass between Montreal and Quebec by night ; and on Monday evening I embarked with Mr. Ferrier, Dr. Eichey, the Rev. John Jenkins, and other friends, for the latter place. We had a pleasant night-trip, sitting up late to see Mr. Ferrier off, who had to land at Three Eivers, for the purpose of attending to business in connexion with some iron-founding operations; the only works of the sort, as I understood, in the country. ^ Mr. Ferrier, and a fine old gentleman, one of the owners 0t the steamer in which we were passing down the river, had a long debate respecting steam navigation. This latter gentleman I found, in connexion with his father, was the first to employ steam power on the St. Lawrence, and had been very suooesstul in hk vocation. I learned from this conversation many things respecting American steamers, %- # i"fc r.* ►'"'" TT 146 TOUR IN AMERICA, t^' of which I had before been ignorant. I had seen that these vessels possessed amazing space, especially on deck, giving them the means of providing a splendid saloon and beautiful state-rooms by their sides for passengers, and an equally fine promenade on the outside, where I had often sat or walked, enjoying^ the fresh air, and looking at the surrounding country. I found now that this space was gained by projections from the sides of the vessel in the form of beams or spars, and on these projections a platfoim considerably wider than the vessel itself was obtained. But was there no danger of the steamer, in case of a squall arising, turning over on her beam-ends ? To obviate this, it seems, an instrument, on the principle of the cork- jacket employed by amateurs in swimming, is placed on each side ; so that, in case the vessel reels, she is righted again by this instrument. It was told me that by the use of these appliances, it is impossible for any vessel in any weather to be capsized. The argument of these two clever and experienced disputants turned on the possibility of crossing the Atlantic in one of these flat-bottomed steamers so guarded ; Mr. Ferrier taking the affirmative side, and our other friend the negative. All manner of science was brought to bear on the points in dispute ; and whether it might be more profitable to employ this species of ship, I know not ; but think, from what I heard, that it is pos- sible to cross the ocean in one of these flat-bottomed American river vessels, sufficiently guarded by the cork- jacket. Our countrymen need not be surprised if they see, some day, in the Mersey, a grand flat-bottomed steamer, with a saloon as magnificent as the drawing-room of a palace, and state-rooms as convenient and beautiful as the sleeping apartments of a first-rate hotel. We reached our destination in good time in the morning. Quebec is unique in its appearance within and without ; there is nothing equal to it in America. Like New- York and Pittsburgh, it stands on the point formed by two rivers; / H- ,>A %.i PART 1.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 147 though not, Uke them, meetmg in terminia. The majestic St. Lawrence is one of these rivers, and still rolls along its course ; and the other is the St. Charles, emptying itself into the greater stream from the north-west, and thus forming the triangular point on which the city stands. It wears, in its general aspect, an appearance of great antiquity, quite unlUce any other place on the continent. The streets are narrow, irregular, and steep ; like many of the old seaports on our coast, or those of France, on the opposite side of the Channel. The ecclesiastical buildings of all sorts — cathe- drals, (for there are two, Popish and Protestant,) churches, convents, hospitals, Hdtels deDieu, and all the rest — ^are seen to predominate over everything secular — Uke some old cathedral town in a Popish country. This feature, together with iha mihtary air of the place, causes Quebec to wear an ai^:i . <:i and feudal appearance, perfectly dissimilar to the tr»v>aiig and commercial aspect of all other places in America, whether belonging to the States, or to Great Britain. As soon as possible after our arrival, the friends had two or three carriages ready to convey us roimd the city, under the projecting rocks overhanging the road, to Wolfe's Cove — up the heights leading to the fortifications — to the Pltuns of Abraham — and to Cape Diamond. It must be understood that thes angle referred to before, formed by the two rivers, terminates, not in a slope leading down to the waters, but abruptly, in a prodigious rock three hundred and fifty feet above the level of the river ; and seeming at a distance to overhang it, but in reaUty leaving space for roads and buildings. This culminating ; point is called Cape Diamond ; and, while standing on this elevation, on the right flows' the St. Lawrence, and on the left the St. Charles, while the space immediately in the rear forms the Plams of Abraham. From this elevated region, there is no descent at all — the rock is next to perpendicular ; but farther on, both towards the St. Lawrence and the St. ■ Ml ; m TOUR IN AMERICA. V I Charles, the ground, in some places gradually, hut often ahruptly, descends : this descent, however, admits of roads, winding round the mountain, hy which the summit is reached. I am thus particular, for a reason which must now be eicplained. When this city was taken by the immortal Wolfe, he, by some mirioulous means, in the night, pushed his fleet, with his army and artillery on board, from below, past this Cape Diamond, with its terrible fortifications, unobserved by the enemy, and reached a part of the hill where an ascent was possible, now called Wolfe's Cove. His troops immediately climbed up the sides of the eleva* tion ; and by prodigious exertions dragged up several pieces of ordnance. When the next day dawned, the French general found, to his astonishment, the British army, with artillery, formed, in line of battle, on the Heights of Abra^ ham. I was conducted by my friends through the whole of this scene. We traced the course of the fleet up the river, its anchorage, the place where the troops disembark^ ed, the track of the artillery, of the soldiers up the moun- tain ; and I, for myself, determined to climb up in the path which tradition has marked as the identical line which was trodden by the immortal hero, who added, by his genius and bravery on this occasion, an empire to his country's possessions. When at the top, we, in our ummMt&ry and t^nprofessional way, endeavoured to trace the course of events, and bidieve we obtained a pretty accurate notion oi the battle. Th<^ i^ue is known. The spot where Wolfe received the 1|$&i^, " They flee," and then expired, is mariced by a niean and paltry monumental stone. I clung with intense feeling to this spot ; looking again and again to the place where the destinies of a mighty country were fixed, by the decrees of Ood, in the death-throes of the successful instrument. There are events in history which turn the tide of nationid interests ; form the epochs of time; raise. the monunients of great destinies; pillars written upon by the finger of God, in the annals 6t tho PABT L-~JPBRSONAL NABBATIYB. 149 world, as the data of nationalities : and that littte monu- mental stone on the summit of the Plains of Abraham is one of these mementos. We went from this scene to exanune the fortifications. These are denominated the Gibraltar of Ameriofty and are certainly the sti ngest on the contiaent. But they are not much like Gibraltar. The celebrated batteries of the latter fortress are pretty familiar to my recollection, and greatly surpass their supposed type at Quebec. One would say, however, that these are perfectly impregnable, having been much strengthened since they came into the hands of the English. We went to the Cape Diamond rock ; and, stand- ing on its elevation, obtuned a most magnificent view of the country around. The glorious St. Lawr^ice rolls ma- jestically at the foot of the mountain, and the ships in the harbour looked most diminutive, their masts reaching but a very short way towards the point where we stood. The country is seen to a prodigious distance by reason of the clearness of the atmosphere; the mountains and plains alternately stret^jhing in fine plateaux, or rearing their heads to the clouds. The scene also presents to view, what is scarcely ever seen in America, a finished picture. The land is well cultivated, and herds of cattle were grazing quietly in the meadows ; while the whole country was dotted with the whitewashed cottages of the French habitam ; and here and there through the landscape a country church reared its beautiful spire in the midst of the rural scene. The river was seen to an immense distance, moihdering its course towards the sea. Altogether, the view from Cape Diamond is one of the most splendid ima^nable, and far surpassed anything I had seen in America. Western Ca- nada is, with the exception of what they call " The Moun- tain," perfectly level ; but this part of the country is full of lofty ridges, often rising to the elevation and ruggedness of real mountain scenery, with bold and abrupt peaks, lost in the clouds. l&O TOUR IK AMERICA. 3 We were taken to dine in the country, a distance of four or five miles, with a fine old Methodist friend, originally from Guernsey. The table was spread under the umbiti- gebus breaches of a lovely tree, on a lawn near the house ; and on this spot, protected from the rays of the sun, we partook of our social repast in great harmony and joy. Th& was a bright oasis in the desert of life, an innocent and happy meeting of Christian friends, favoured to see each other once, never to meet again. This house possesses some traditional importance, as it was chosen by the famous American general, Arnold, for his head-quarters, and whero he himself lodged, in his mad expedition against Quebec. This man afterwards turned traitor against his country ; and it was in connexion with his perfidy, in delivering up West Point to the English, that the brave and accom- plished Major Andr^, employed by the British general to negotiate the surrender of that place, fell into the hands of the Americans, ani lost his life. Strange things happen in the course of one's existence. I had been reading, on my voyage out, a very minute account of these transac- tions ; and now it was my lot to dine, not in the house of Arnold's head-quarters, but under a tree by its side, which he had often looked upon, and, if he had not dined under its shady branches, had probably been protected from the storm. Having to preach at night, our sojourn could not be long. We hastened back in time for the service, and had a fine congregation. Here I met with quite a pheno- menon in Canada, — a Presbyterian minister, who, in the midst of the general disruption, had adhered to the old kirk. I found him a good, moderate, and truly sensible man. One day only remamed for Quebec. In good time, my kind friends and myself set out to visit the Falls of Mont- morenci, a distance of nine miles. By this journey I had an opportunity of seeing a little of the state of the French people in the country. We called at a small inn for re- PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 151 freshment, and found it very comfortable ; but as different from the same sort of haUtation in our own country as possi- ble. The farms seemed small, the cottages corresponding; but the people were clean, tidy, and apparently very contented and happy. They are a primitive race, remuning in much the same state as they were in the time of their ancestors' coming to the country. British rule causes no innovation in their manners and habits ; they retain the use of their own language exclusively ; and are perfectly docile to the priesthood, and obedient to the Church. The difference betwixt the Anglo-Saxon race and these people of French descent, is most glaring. The one is a restless, grumbling, thrifty, and ambitious set, wherever found ; the other d- most as stationary as the nonitidic tribes of the East. Even Popery fails to amalgamate the Irish and French races. They cannot agree to say ^nass together. The antipathy of the French to the Irish, is equal to the ^itipathy of poor Pat to the English. The rude, vociferous, agitating spirit of the sons of the Green Isle, cannot be endured by the quiet Canadians; and the priests are compelled to part them. There is a sort of dual Popery in Quebec ; the Irish being obhged to keep to themselves, and perform their religious duties in their own peculiar way of roaring riot ; whilst the gentle hahUans are left to walk in the foot- steps of their quiet predecessors. The Falls of Montmo- renei are very fine, and the descent of the waters.is greater than at Niagara ; but after beholding tbiat wonder of na- ture, they appear v^ insignificant as a whole. In this country they would be a prodigy, and attract universal at- tention ; but in the midst of the stupendous waters of America, they look like a little riU, a mountain torrent, falling from a lofty eminence. We hastened back to town in time for a hasty dinner and a cordial farewell ; and then an embarkation agaii. Truth obliges me to say, that I never In my existence met with a fin0r people than our friends in Que))ec ; generous, .% 152 TOUR IN AMERICA. open-hearted, frank, intelligent, pious, and perfectly united amongst themselves. They occupy a very important reli- l^ous position ; and, it is hoped; will be the means of much good. I found they had begun a new chapel, the exact size, and intended in all things to be the counterpart, of the magnificent one at Montreal ; so that Lower Canada will, ere long, contain the most magnificent places of wor> ship in the Methodist world. It is intended to get Dr. Bangs, on his visit to the Canada Conference next summer, to open this new place of worship. This will, to all par- ties, be interesting ; as I believe this eminent minister of Christ was the first to preach our doctrines in this city. A man is often permitted, in his own life-time, to see great results from small beginnings in America. Taking a most affectionate leave of this kind people, many of whom had assembled for the purpose, we got on board the steamer in the evening ; and, ascending the St. Lawience during the night, found ourselves again in Montreal for breakfast the next morning, at the house of Mr. Kay, a countryman, and belonging to one of the numerous families of that name in Lancashire. Before quitting Canada, a remark or two may be proper on general subjects. No one can see this country without being convinced of its great importance. Its area is that of a mighty empire ; for, though thousands of square miles are barren, and must always remain so, by reason of their northern positioi^ yet still there will be left, for profitable cultivation, probably as large a portion as the 'whole of central Europe. The soil of this vast space is most pro- lific, capable of bearing abundant crops of wheat, and every other kind of grain and fruit, suited to a wheat- growing country. Moreover, this territory being inter- sected by noble rivers, navigable in most places, and capa- ble of being made so by canal-adjimcts almost universally, is, of itself, an infinite advantage, and presents vast facili- ties of intercourse, and cheap transmission of both people PART I.— PBRSONAL NARBATIVB. 168 and produce from ^laoe to place. My duties called me to pass along the shores of Queen Victoria's possessions, for just about a thousand miles. This was effected, partly by the course of the Lakes, and partly by the Bay of Quinti and the river St. Lawrence ; whilst at the same time I did not see the termination of the latter by be- twixt three and four hundred miles. This magnificent river, with the Lakes, through which it is always con- sidered as passing, is of greater length than even the Mississippi ; and is, in itself, of the value of an empire. Those who command the navigation of the St. Lawrence must be the masters of a highway of water-communication of prodigious importance. Every year will increase thib value, sf the return of every season must develop the resources and riches of the country. In speaking of the command of the river, T am reminded, that, in passing between Kingston and Montreal, there was seen a branch of the main channel, which, after running some miles, returned to the parent stream. The shore on the right bank belongs to America, and that on the left to Canada. To my utter surprise, and equal indig- nation, by some sort of diplomatic concession to Jonathan, I found our statesmen had given up both banks ; so that America is the owner of the entire stream, and the branch river constitutes the boundaiy-line. This is just as if it were agreed upon in general terms by the authorities, that the Grand Junction Bailroad between Birmingham and London should be the boundary of territorial rights ; but, on some subsequent occasion, one party should say the meaning of the treaty was, that the line should go through Oxford, leaving them in possession of the main trunk, and compelling the opposite party, in going to town, to turn off and proceed by the University city ; — ^with this excep- tion, indeed, that the branch river is unnavigable ; so that, in case of dispute, the British would be altogether shut out. These boundary-treaties are most humiliating to this . 1* 154 TOUR IN AMERICA. '\ country ; they always result in favour of the claims of America. Indeed, it seems a settled conviction in the American mind, an axiom of policy, and one would think a standing rule in the offices of the government, that, on all occasions of diplomacy, John Bull is destined, made, to be diddled, to be gulled, to be beaten. Our dandy, blunder- ing diplomatists are a poor match for the long-headed, practical, scheming statesmen of the United States. Cana- da is full of just complaints on this point, not even except- ing the famous Ashburton and Oregon treaties. My good friend, Mr. Ferrier, told me a most laughable instance of this kind of thing. Tlie subject-matter was a railroad from Montreal to — I think the name of the place is — Rochester, [Portland,] on the Atlantic seaboard, or, at any rate, somewhere in the east. There lived at this Ro- chester a Judge , whose interest it was, as will be seen, to promote the business of Rochester, and get the trains to run to that place. But the new line had to con- nect itself with the line to Boston, and the Boston line was on the broad gauge. What did our worthy Yankee judge do ? He went to Montreal to persuade the boobies that the broad gauge is a very bad gauge, and that it would be much for their interest to adopt the narrow gauge ; thus preventing the new line from connectmg with the Boston, and making it necessary for every bale of goods to be un- sliipped from one train to the other, at j. considerable amount of trouble and expense, or else to run on to Ro- chester. By this contrivance the probabilities were, that the goods would be sent on to Rochester, and increase its traffic. The judge prevailed upon the company to believe that the narrow gauge was much the best, and they forthwith adopted it. The bill came before the provin- cial parliament; and Mr. Ferrier was so convinced of the folly of the thing, that when it came before the senate, he offered it his most strenuous opposition, and for the time defeated the scheme of the judge. But he was not at PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 155 all disoom6ted ; he w«nt again to Montreal, and now, get- ting amongst the senators, prevailed upon them to believe that the broad gauge is a very bad gauge ; and the rail- road is either already constructed, or is in course of con- struction, on the principle of the narrow gauge. And this very judge. Diddle or Bibble, (his name is one or the other,) is the very person whose dicta ruled in the treaty betwixt Lord Ashburton and the States: a measure pompously put forth, at the time, as a most masterly piece of states- manship, but which every tyro m politics in Canada knows to be a surrender of the main points in dispute, and a most humiliating affair to Great Britain. I found the country full of complaints and dissatisfaction from one end to the other. The people everywhere, and of all shades of politics, spoke the same language. Their fortunes were wrecked, their commerce destroyed; their agricultiu^, the sinews of the colony, enfeebled, ruined. Of course, all blamed the home-govemmeni.. They refused to do anything, they said, to support their credit, or to fur- ther their exertions to obtain any loan, to assist in the public works; — the execution of these was required, to expand their strength, and to develop the resources of the coun- try, but they could obtain no help. Nay, it was asserted, by men of first-rate intelligence, and who had been engaged in the attempt, that they even could not get a hearing ; nobody among the bureaucracy in London could be found to acquaint themselves with their affairs, or pay any atten- tion to them. Hence the only railroad in Canada is the insignificant line, of about a dozen miles, from Montreal to the place where the steamers land their passengers for that place. This one fact shows clearly enough the stag- nant state of the country. When raihroads are, of all the gifts of Providence now known, best calculated to call forth the hidden resources of such a country as Canada, their absence is sufficiently indicative of the want of patronage on the part of government, or of indolence in the people; 166 TOUR IN AMBiaOA. \ and, as the latter cannot be truly aflSnued, the cause must be attributable to the former. There is a pretty general belief, indeed, that England has virtually given them up ; and, because of this, it would not be in the power of min- isters to get the sanction of Parliament for any great scheme of colonization and credit. The capitalists of England, they believe, will not embark their money without government security, entertaining the notion that the colony is vibrating in the balance ; and this not being accorded, probably for the same reason, there they are, floundering in a mighty ocean of greatness and wealth, for the want of the means of picking it up. How long this state of things will last, nobody can tell. The connexion between the mother- country and this her most athletic ofifspring, is now merely political ; or as nearly so as possible. All England now does for Canada, they said, again and again, is to appoint them a governor, and make them pay him five times more than they should in case they appointed him themselves ; and to maintain an army at a prodigious expense to keep them in order. This talk was not the conversation of radi- cals, of demagogiies, of French republicans ; but of many of the best subjects of the British crown in America ; men of intelligence, of integrity, of honour, of loyalty, of reli- gion ; and these men are beginning <^enly to propose the question, ''What are the advantages of English connexion ?" and to weigh and discuss those of anneiaztion, A It does not become me to enter into such a siibject in detail ; but the fact is, that the recent policy of this coun- try — ^the free-trade policy — has had the eflfect of throwing aU the advantages possessed by Canada, as a part of the British empire, (and which, as such, the people considered that they had a right to possess,) into the hands of the United States. Montreal used to be the great market for English produce, the centre whence it flowed to the whole of the provinces ; but now almost all this trade has found its way to New- York. On the enactment of Lord Stanley's PART I.— TBR60NAL NAURATIVE. 167 bill respeq^g the adnuMion of Canada flour into this coun- tiy, a vast outlay in building mills took place, which mills had just begun to work profitably ; but the new policy effectually crushed this trade. I myself saw one of these mills, belonging to one of our friends, — a new building of great size, and which must have cost many thousand pounds in its erection, — standing still. This I understood was generally the case. Before the new measures, the people of Canada could afford to purchase com in the United States, and, turning it into flour at these mills, obtain a market for it in Europe ; thus deriving a benefit to i.7iem selves from the soil of the States. The tables are now completely turned. The Americans are now the millers ; and corn-dealers from the States come over to buy up the grain of the country, turn it into " bread-stuffs," and sell Canadian-grown wheat in our markets as American flour. This is rather too much for flesh and blood to bear. Canada and the United States are now placed, as nearly as possible, on an equal footing with regard to commercial transactions with this country ; the one being a colony of the British empire, and the other the greatest rival this nation has to contend with in the world. How long this state of things can last, is for statesmen to consider. Canada now only belongs to Great Britain by a figment, a tradition, a loyalty, a recollection of heroic deeds ; and not by any material in- terest or benefit. Kay, in the present state of things, cast off by the mother country, and left to their own • e^^urces, with the United States just by their side, possessing vast political power and influence ; a growing credit, and mone- tary resources ; a prodigious mercantile r^nd commercial navy ; an active, industrious, and virtuous people ; a govern- ment capable, in all respects, and equally disposed, to foster, protect, and strengthen all its possessions ; — ^we say, with all these things staring them in the face, the policy of this country has made it the plain, palpable interest of the Canadians to seek for annexation. This is as clear as #'- !58 TOUR IN AMBRICA. i ^fe^! any problem in Euclid. How long the tradition and the loyalty will weigh against the interests now put in the balance against them, nobody need be at a loss to deter- mine. Perhaps the non-election of General Cass will settle the question for the next four years ; but, had that gentle- man obtained the presidency of the States, — why, the world would have presented itself in different phases at the end of the above period. Whether these fears and auguries take place or not, Canada must have a great and noble destiny. A country so magnificent, a soil so prolific, water communication so abundant, and a people, moreover, in whose veins British blood flows, and who are in possession of the incipient principles, freedom, and laws of England, safely planted in the soil; such a country must rise to greatness and power. The French leaven is constantly losing its relative strength, and the British is as constantly increasing. The one population is rapidly getting ahead of the other, and assuming the lead. This must, in the nature of things, fix the destiny of the colony. Our language, our institu- tions, and our religion, will prevail. A mighty empire will rise up, enriched with knowledge, with public and private virtue, and possessed of all the appliances of poli- tical power and wealth. We wish them well ; they are at present our children; and, in all future time and contin- gencies, they will be our brethren. They will carry out and perpetuate all that is valuable in our system, and, planting old England on a new soil, will reproduce our nation on a gigantic scale. i-m '■t v'lPi ir ■m PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 150 ■■ "ip't'fv CHAPTER X. Return—Paia the St. Lawrence— Lake Champlain— Plattsburgh— WhitehaU— Joumty by Stage— Troy— Albany— The Hudson— Arrival at New-York— 111 — Doubtful respecting being able to return Home— Resolved to do so— De- part for Boiton— Embark on board the "America"— Passage— Arrival at llome. On Thursday, June 2 2d, the day on which we came up from Quebec, we bade farewell to our dear friends at Mont- real, and took a last look at Canada. Last things are painful, and full of interest. We parted from those who had endeared themselves by every kind of attention and affectionate regard, with the desire, never to be effaced, for their highest happiness. We crossed the St. Lawrence, and soon entered Lake Champlain. A portion of the wa- ters of this lake belong to the British ; as usual, just the fag-end, whilst the great body of the lake is owned by the States. The lines of demarcation are marked by a fort, of small dimensions or strength, which might easily be dis- mantled. This is, unquestionably, the finest lake I had seen. The scenery on its banks is perfectly enchanting ; and, unlike Lakes Erie and Ontario, it commands a view of mountain scenery of the most majestic description. This lake is one hundred and thirty-two miles in length, and varies in breadth from the narrow channel above mentioned to nine or ten miles. Many beautiful islands stud the wa- ters, and have a fine effect. At the close of the day we approached a place called Plattsburgh. The scene was the most beautifully romantic which nature can possibly present : A blue sky, deep, lofty, stretching its heavenly arch to span ^he landscape, the sun setting in all his gor- geous glory, the lake smooth as glass, except as disturbed by our motion, wild fowl fluttering about and enjoying the cool evening, the majestic mountains of Vermont looming in (he distance, and all the intermediate space filled with # W 160 TOUR IN AMERICA. i: cultivated fields and towering forests, — ^and then the lonely little town of Plattsburgh, touching the fringe of the lake, and presenting the most perfect aspect of rural peace and quiet on which the eye ever gazed. My manliness was here for the first tune overcome ; I longed and longed to get on shore, to fix my tent, and remain forever. This sentiment was new ; I had never before felt any remarka- ble desire to locate in any place I had seen ; but here, for a moment, I was perfectly overcome. Other aflfections, of course, soon sprang up, and wafted my soul across the At- lantic, where treasures dearer than even these beauties had their dwellmg. During this little paroxysm, delirium, or whatever it may be called, my kind companion, Dr. Bichey, had retired to his cabin, so that one of my wants could not be relieved, — a vent for exclamations of delight ! This was just one of those moments which can never be forgotten, an Eden, a paradisiacal scene, into which none can enter with one, and which leaves its picture vividly pencilled on the soul. But how soon things change, and in their reality fade away ! We left this spot, passed on, the night closed in, the curtain dropped. " So even now this hour had sped In rapturous thought o'er me ; -$ ^ Feeliug myself with nature wed, A holy mystery ! A part of earth, a part of heaven, .c;»*>B|!^^r' -^-j jjSjj( A part, great God, of thee." rt.- ■ ^ In the morning, in good time, we found ourselves at Whitehall, a port at the head of the lake ; a place of con- siderable traffic and growing importance. After breakfast we had to mount the stage for Troy and Albany, a dismal road, if it can be called road, of between seventy and eighty miles. The jolting was prodigious, and at the end of the journey I was completely knocked up. My physical man had not failed till now ; but this tumbling about perfectly disordered me, and I was glad to arrive at the end of the journey. We stayed to dine at Troy, a large and well- •*\*' PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 161 built city, and there again took the f/Mge for Albany, being too late for the rails. It was nigh^ i^hen we arrived ; and being too unwell to move out, except to see one or two of the main streets, I had not much opportunity of inspecting the place. But I saw it was a large, fine, and most respect- able-looking city ; many of the houses being spacious, the streets broad, and the public buildings very commanding. This is the capital of the State of New- York, the seat of government, and of the State Parliament. We embarked on the Hudson the next morning, and descended this classical stream, the pride and glory of the Americans, being esteemed by them as presenting the most beautiful scenery m the States. It well deserves its fame. The banks are studded with towns and villages, rich fields in a state of fine cultivation, stupendous and rugged rocks, together with mountain scenery of the most interesting and majestic nature, some near, and some in the distance; abrupt and precipitous shores, yawning and frowning upon the passers by ; and splendid landscapes, and picturesque views, enriched with umbrageous woods and forests. I could only now and then take a peep at this magic combi- nation of land and water, being obliged the greater part of the voyage to keep in my cabin. We were on board one of the most complete of the American river-boats. Nobody in this country can form an idea of the nature of one of these vessels ; our ships fm-nish no analogies, except in the fact that both are pro- pelled by ;iteam, and glide on the water. For, by reason of the peculiar structure of the class of steamers already referred to, this vessel presented the aspect of prodigious sL'^" both below and above. The dining-room was below, ana occupied the space between the sides of the ship, reachmg from stem to stem, and was filled with five or six tiers of berths, one above another ; the saloon was equally irge, with state-rooms on each side. This enormous float- \ig palace could accommodate a thousand persons on board. .ra k ;fr 162 TOUR IN AMERICA. The term " palace " is used, of course, improperly, as a ship camiot be like a palace. But in fittings-up, in decoration, in ornament, it was a perfect palace : and altogether pre- sented a scene of magnificence of a very extraordinary description. •' ^ We arrived at New- York in the evening; and being too miwell to trouble any private friend, we took up our resi- dence for the night f* the City Hotel. The necessity of applying to Mr. Harper for Dr. Belcher's address, brought him acquainted with my situation, and in the afternoon he kindly took me to his own house. In passing through the streets of New- York, it was very pleasing to see the crowds returning from their places of worship. Blacks, coloured people, and whites, were all mingled together in a long flowing tide, quietly and gravely passing along to their homes. ••< .* By Tuesday morning I had begun to amend, and, feeling better, the thought suddenly rushed into my mind, " I can go home, and I will." But the doctor must be consulted. He came ; and, on telling him my thoi^hts and feeUngs, he said, the probability was that I should do very well ; but there was just a chance that I might have a relapse. The reply was, " Then the probability shall have it, and we will throw the chances to the winds." ' *' ^ • We took our leave of our affectionate friends, the Har- pers, about four in the afternoon. The steamer made her way down the Sound, and we soon lost sight of New- York, and its splendid harbour. I found, on trial, that my cabin was just over some kind of machinery which produced a jarring and upheaving motion, which precluded the possi- bility of rest ; and when night came on, I was obliged to drag my mattress into the saloon, but failed to get one wink of sleep. We left the vessel about daylight, and passed on by railroad to Boston. After spending a few hours at the Revere, and in visiting the city, we went on board the " America," lying in the offing, four or five miles ;#. PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 163 long their distant. This noble ship had made the voyage from Eng- land in eleven days and a half, the shortest trip ever known ; and is, of her class, the finest steamer in the world. We got under way about four in the afternoon, and soon lost sight of the shores of America. Nothing of any consequence took place on the voyage. We made Halifax again in the night, so that I could not see anything either of the harbour or the city. Here I lost ray dear friend. Dr. Richey, and became truly desolate. He had been my companion at Pittsburgh, at the Canada Conference at Belleville, and travelled with me through Canada, and forward to this place. Truth and justice demand that I should say, that Dr. Richey is one of the most perfect Christian gentlemen I ever came . '^ contact with. Politeness, founded on gentle, warm, and genuine affections, is the very element of his nature. I never heard from him a rash, rude, or unkind word, much less ever saw him perpetrate an unchristian or unbecoming action. I looked after my dear friend as far as the dim lamps would allow me to see him, and in my heart bade him a sad, a long, a last adieu. There sat opposite to me at our table a gentleman, with a lady and little girl, and on my right a thin, pale, interest- ing-looking young man, both completely Americanized in their appearance ; their beards were sticking out on their chins in Yankee fashion, and their dress and bearing alto- gether seemed to bespeak them citizens of the States. We had taken several meals in company, when the gentleman who sat opposite said to me, "Pray, sir, is your name Dixon ?" On replying, " Yes," he said, " And my name is Cocker : I am the son of Henry Cocker, of Hathersage :" and then the pale young man, who was standing by, said, '' And my name is Ibbotson : I am the son of Mr. Ibbotson, of Sheffield." The meeting was mutually pleasant. Mr. Cocker left us at HaUfax ; but Mr. Ibbotson was my very agreeable companion to the end of the voyage. •■)** m 164 TOUR IN AMERICA. Sunday was unlike our Sabbath on board the "Acadia." Dr. Bichey had spoken to the captain, whom he knew, and had told him who I was, and mentioned my taking the service ; and, moreover, he understood that the captain had assented to the proposition. But it did not so turn out. He read prayers himself, and finished the service with one of Henry Blunt's sermons. The service was well read ; and the sermon, as may be imagined from the name of the author, was excellent. How singular is human character ! This captain would certainly not lay claim to Methodism, and yet he seemed to take great deUght in acting the parson, and really did it well. He is, however, somewhat celebrated for his exclusive churchism. About a dozen American divines sailed with him from the great Alliance Meeting in London, not one of whom would he allow to officiate ; but on that as on the present occasion, he performed the service himself. One other trait of character, but quite of another description, arose out of this affair. When the time came to propose the captain's health, which means returning him thanks for his conduct, a good Free-churchman, a genuine Scot, rose up and went out. He afterward told me, that, perceiving what was going to be done, he departed, because he could hot in his conscience be a party to a vote of thanks to a man who had, as he expressed himself, " insulted you, by taking the service himself when there was a regular minister on board." The matter had little effect on my own mind, except in so far as it prevented me having the pleasure of preaching the cross of Christ to the promiscuous group around. But how truly characteristic of the real Scotchman was the conduct of my friend ! And, moreover, how honourable to his principles, his integrity, and his religious convictions ! On Saturday, the 8th of July, we hove in sight of old Erin early in the morning, and passed up Channel, all day seeing many spots interesting in Irish history, successively presenting themselves to view. Sunday morning we saw P^ m PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVB. 165 Holyhead. We were met, on returning home, with the truly English welcome of a dense fog and a drenching rain. Our pilot brought newspapers, containing an ac' count of the massacres of Paris. We had a great number of French on board ; they had been very gay up to this period ; but now an entire change came over them. Thoughtfulness, sadness, melancholy, were expressed for the moment : how long would it last ? Some of the coun- tenances seemed to indicate the fear, that possibly some endeared relative might have fallen in the conflict. Had it not been for the serious events connected with the cause of this change, it would have been perfectly ludicrous ; it was like the overshadowing of a sunny scene by the sud« den rush of passing clouds. We landed at Liverpool at half-past two. I went to Stanhope-street chapel at night, and heard my present coUef^e, Mr. Brice. , How sweet, how soothing, how heavenly is the service of God's house, after the tossings of a sea-voyage ! And how full of rest and quiet to the soul is the society of religious friends, after dwelhng for a long time in the midst of promiscuous company ! I hastened down to the custom-house by five o'clock the next morn- ing ; but could not get released till near nine. Paid eight shillings duty for the American books which had been given me by friends. Set out for my beloved home, ar- rived about noon, found all well. To God be all the glory ! Amen. •'# .# v!ffii 91 w «1*. ■■¥ '"'*..!>,"■ -'m 166 TOUR IN AMBRIOA. CHAPTER XI. Reflections on America— Unfairly dealt with by Travellers— A religious people —This necessary to explain their state— The real Americans not hostile to this country— Their peaceful and prosperous condition— Education, the prin- ' pies on which it is conducted— The force of Christianity in its simply divine authority— Hie American's trust in this— Public Worship and the Duties of Religion— Slavery partly removed by the influence of Christian principle . A LKNOTHENED investigation of objects of curiosity, or of men, manners, and institutions, is not necessary or intended, ts our literature abounds with books of travel, graphic de- sbriptions of scenery, and analysis of tne institutions and social state of America. These productions, of course, take their colouring, m some degree, from the opinions, tastes, prejudices, and piusions of their authors. They abound with information, biit contain little instruction. And it cannot be domed, by candid persons, that most of them are grievously deformed by partial and exJEtggerated description— caricatures— of the manners and habits of our transatlantic brethren. *;~' The causes of this are undoubtedly many ; and, probably, if traced to their motive, would be found much diversified. One of these causes, however, is obvious enough. The Americans are a religious people ; and this element can neither be avoided nor lightly touched. But, instead of treating this question with either the hand of the Christian or of the philosopher, these parties, in some instances, dis- regard the subject altogether, and, in others, treat it with levity or hostiUty. The religious notions and peeidiarities of the people are turned mto ridicule and scorn ; their asso- ciations for benevolent and Christian purposes are lam- pooned as fanatical ; their modes of expression and devo- tional exercises are held up to contempt ; and their absti- nence from the amusements of the world are treated as indicative of ill-breeding, or signs of hypocrisy. It is obvious that writers of this class are ill-suited to PART I.— PERSONAL ITARRATIVE. 167 understand or to delineate the character of a grove and religious community. Taking their gauge and measure- ment from the beau tnonde of London or of Pariuan soci' eiy, they naturally find all sober sense, industrious habits, and religious sentiments an eccentricity or a bore. The point with this race of voyageura is, to see if the manners of the plain republican are in agreement with those of the aristocracy of old nations ; whether they come up to the coteries of the West End, of the clubs of St. James's, of the fashionable routs of our great parties; and, moreover, if they speak, and dance, and play in the first style of ^ fashion. Can anything be more ridiculous than this? .What right can the flippant dames, the military beaux, the panderers to frivolity, have to expect a people ready made to their several purposes ? Of what consequence can it be to the morality, the honour, the greatness of a people, that they should fashion their course by adopting the manners of the most frivolous, useless, and unreal portions of our own people ? Neither the wisdom nor the strength of even European society will be found in these quarters. The people who make sport of the Puritanism of the Americans, are themselves the objects of as much con- tempt, in their own country, as pity will allow to be just. Like other buzzing creatures, they have just the power to sting ; and, with a malicious pleasure, they evidently de- light in the. gratification of their feeble natures. Were the disposition felt, the laugh might be turned upon these tri- flers, with as much effect as they choose to indulge in at the expense of the " evangelkaW of the States. The irritation produced in America by the liberties which have been taken with Iheir innocent and unimportant peculiarities, is not the worst effect of the ephemeral pro- d actions of the English gossips, who have chosen to make themselves merry at the expense of good manners. De- ception on the public mind of this country, to a fearful and mischievous extent, has been another of th^ consequences. # 168 TOUR IN AMBRIOA. ip Oatbering their opinions of American character from the representations of persons only intent on making a book, and rendering it spicy, is it any matter of surprise, that in this nation most false and injurious notions are entertained ? The evident intention merely to provide mental food for our circulating libraries ; to get up the tinsel sentimentality necessary to pamper the appetite for amusement and plea* sure; the sardonic purpose to gratify the malevolence which takes delight in scandal ; to train and excite the worse than human infirmity which revels on the foibles and weak points of our fellow-men — supposing them to exist — merely for the sake of rendering them ridiculous ; in fine, the disposition to meet the morbid prejudices of their read* ers, instead of being intent on truth, and doing justice to the character of the people they profess to exhibit ; utterly disqualify these authors for their task, and render their productions devoid of credit. It is humiliating thus to write ; but much more so to know, that gross deception has been practised in getting up even these productions. While the stranger has been admitted to the frank confidence of respectable and honour- able men, he has sometimes employed this privilege in making them the subject of a mental picture, drawn in the mind, and anon to be transferred to his journal ; turning into ridicule all the real or imaginary smgularities of their manners, and making them the butt of hk wit. Their ac- tual character is not delineated. They may be good men, pure patriots, worthy citizens, successful merchants ; pos- sessed of strong and well-cultivated faculties, of good prin- ciples, of courteous manners, and generous dispositions ; and yet all this is thro\vn into the back-ground, or never appears at all. At the same time, every trifling and un- important deviation from the beau id^al of dandyism is magnified into prominency, and, by the ingenious combina- tions of the artist, a distorted picture is drawn, as untrue to ^fe as if the noble frame of the Ainerican citizen had been nati as life mo -Tfe: PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 160 screwed into the shape of the exquisite, who has, in his kindness, been taking his likeness. In the same spirit the privacies of domestic life, generous hospitality, and well- meant and courteous attentions, have all been distressingly outraged. Not even the ladies have escaped. Whilst they have been doing their utmost to make their home agreeable, provide the luxuries of the table, and administer to the pleasures of their guest, — he has had the meanness to select them as the victims of his satire ; and, whilst in- dulging in plaudits, compliments, and smiles, he at the same time has been .treasuring up matter for a mean and , cowardly exhibition of whatever his skill could afterwards turn to the account of his craft, in rendering ridiculous the women of America. Thb sort of conduct on the part of our countrymen — not to say countrywomen — ^has had the effect of keeping up irritation amongst the Americans, and of producing false notions in thii^ country. Nothing can be more unfair to a people than to make their peculiarities the ground- work of any kind of description, physical, social, or reli- gious. The staple of their qualities must be fixed upon, not the exceptions ; otherwise the details will be untrue, and the picture distorted. On reading the productions to which reference is made, one cannot help asking. Is there anything else in these people ? If so, what is it ? That there must be something in them besides the trifles dwelt upon by these authors — even supposing them to be real — ^must be apparent to every one who allows himself to reflect but for a moment. The effervescences of society are not society itself: the holiday foibles of men cannot be taken as illustrative of their every 'day habits ; the loose and slip-slop gait of a nation, when the day's work is over, cannot be considered as descriptive of their state when braced to the labours of life ; the free and familiar conversation of a people in their moments of relaxation, cannot be considered as the et- 8 '^W'' ij 170 TOUR IN AMERICA. pression of thoee truths and priuciplos by wliich they are guided in their serious moments ; and it could only lead to deception to suppose for a moment that the surface of h great community, made up as it must be of innumerable irregularities and follies, can justly indicate the forces which are constantly at work below. The aggregate, the totality of moral elements must bo grappled, or otherwise any de- scription of the character and conditions of a nation must bo perfectly fallacious. Judged by this rule, and ex- amined as a whole, it is the author's opinion, that the American people would suffer nothing from a comparison with any other. But it b, in point of fact, extremely difficult to obtain u tme notion of the character and opinions of the genuine American, and especially from the public prints. Tlio old, the home-born, the real man of the country is very differ- ent from the alien races which are constantly transferring themselves to the soil of the United States. These races are not always the most creditable in character, in mo- rals, in integrity, among the populations of Europe, which they kindly relieve of their presence, by transplanting themselves, and their very questionable virtues, to the New World. Some millions of these classes are now found located in the States ; and whatever may be the amount of their loyalty to the nation of their adoption, it is certain — indeed, demonstrated in no equivocal ^lanner — that they all retain the virus of that disaffection to their own coun- try which, in many cases, first stimulated their departure. This is pre-eminently the case with the Irish. Steeped in religious, political, and social disaffection at home, what- ever may be the causes — just or unjust — these people do not fail to nurse, with the passion and intensity of their inflammable nature, an active and indomitable hatied against England. But now living on the American soil, these turbulent agitators are considered in this country as Americans. They are no more Americans than if, perchance, 4ir PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. m thoy were transplanted to China ; and, taking their place in the midst of that quiet and peaceful race, they should* by reason of this accidental residence, be considered Chi' nese. It is certain, that a large amount of the vituperation which is heaped upon this country by the public press of tiie States is from this quarter. Partly by their own means, and partly by the influence they exert by their priests, their numbers, and their organization, they are enabled to perpe- tuate in their exile the same antipathies, and to keep up the same rancorous bullying against the Saxon, as they did in their own beloved Erin. Their ardent and fierce pas- sions, the author was often told, whether of sympathy with their own island, or of animosity to ours, always last through the first generation. The Irishman never alters in his own person, whether found in St. Giles's or New- York. The sunshine of civilization, the softening influence of free insti- tutions, the example of quiet and good men, and, above all, the blessings of true religion, are all in vain. He continues the same fierce, intractable, restless being as when he left the wilds, or merged from the bogs, of his native land. To hate the English and eat potatoes were the two lessons of bis Irish life ; and if he obtains better food in the New World, and thus unlearns the physical lesson, he never changes in his antipathies, or unlearns the moral, nay, the religious, duty of eternal hostility. The leaders of these people, some priestly and some laic, possess their newspa- pers everywhere in the United States, and, as in Ireland itself, are not very nice in the employment of epithets of abuse against this nation. These, generally speaking, are the parties who are so constantly attempting to keep up an irritation among the citizens of America against this country, by thieir venomous hatred, their abusive language, their speculations on revolts and revolutions ; and are, by these means, stimulating, as much as is in their power, the disloyalty of their own sweet " gem of the sea," and the Chartism of England. It is from this quarter, chiefly, that P ■^#51 iii TOtm 11^ AMEtltCA. the fiery stream descends upon us, and not from the genu- ine American press or people. Then is it fair, is it honest, to attribute to the Americans those hostile passions which, in fact, belong to our own people ? The real Yankee and the hot-headed Irishman are very different personages. It may bo considered by everybody as a settled point, that the real American will never stir without an object. His love and his hatred both will have some rationale. He will never be found to dis- turb his own quiet for the sake of agitating a distant nation for no rational purpose. His political belief, his theories of human rights, his perceptions of what he considers essen- tial to social happiness, his ideas of the grandeur of his own country, and of her high and glorious destiny — are, no doubt, deeply and vividly felt in his own soul. In fact, these thoughts and maxims live in the American as innate powers, as indestructible laws. But he is too proud a be- ing, is too conscious of his own dignity and strength, to be found intermeddling in the squabbles of other nations. He may, and no doubt does, desire that his ovm republican regime should be taken as a model system. All Europe and the world are welcome to the benefit of his experi- ments in legislation and government. In no other sense than this can the true American be considered a propagandist. It is the impression of the author, that a nation more proudly conscious of its own dignified position does not exist on earth. It is not this class who are found employ- ed in the mean and despicable drudgery of vituperation against this country, or seeking occasions of irritation and disturbance. This vocation is taken up and performed by our own recreant child/en ; with how much success, we all unhappily experience. Thus, by the agency of the two classes referred to, the British travellers on the one part, and the Irish residents on the other, the two countries are, in some degree, kept in a ^tate of feverish excitement. This is punful to the PART I.-^PSBBONAL KABRATIVE. l*J^ real friends of both. Essentially one people, the bonds of ttiuon ought, by the removal of offences and jealousies, to be as much as possible tightened. The relationship is too natural, too dear and valuable, and connected too much with the happiness and advantage of both, to be allowed either to be severed or shaken by such agitators as these. It is easy to see, that the maintenance of peaceful and friendly relations between the only two great communities in which any real reciprocity of feeling, founded on religion and liberty, can possibly exist, must conduce, in every way, to the well-being and prosperity of both. The past jealousies of the two countries have not been unnatural, hui now ought to end. The war of independ^ once, originating, as it did, in great questions of right on the one hand, and of independence on the other, was calculated to awaken every passion of the soul. Time alone could, of course, quench the fire thus kindled. Surely the cool breeses of seventy winters may be supposed sufficient to put out the flames then lit up. The two nations may, possibly, have separate interests to serve ; this must be the case ; but it is certain, that those which are common are much more numerous and durable. The political inde- pendence, the national freedom, the good government, the social happiness, the intellectual advancement, the moral and religious order and prosperity, of each, concurrently progresttng, must necessarily act and re-act upon commu- nities so identical in character. These higher considerations may be strengthened by lesser ones. The trade and com- merce of Great Britain and the States will, in all likelihood, ebb and flow together. At any rate, it must be an infimte advantage to each to have the other for a customer. With- out these political and material ties, it is too much, per- liaps, to expect nations to regard each other with much concern. The idea of a nation is, indeed, an abstraction ; AS a reality, it is only an aggregation of individuals ; and men, all over the world, are certain to seek their own inte- 174 TOUB IN AMERICA. I i ^f rests. It follows, that tlie reciprocity and friendship of nations must rest on the very vulgar fact of mutual bene- fits. It does not belong to the mere traveller to discuss these questions ; but he may easily see, that the good of one community is the good of both ; and, moreover, be pardoned if he modestly venture upon the task of advising, that the leading and active spirits, who, in both countries, have, and must continue to have, the main responsibility of fashioning the destinies of the two nations, may steer clear of all collisions, in the recollection, that on the peace, liarmony, religion, industry, freedom, and modei p*don, of the Anglo-Saxon people, in the two hemispheres, hang the destinies of the human race. A real, confiding, well-understood, and permanent union of Great Britain and America must not only secure their own greatness and prosperity, but indefiaitely promote the freedom and civilization of the world. The geographical position of the two nations, their addiction to trade, their instinctive maritime propensities, their adventurous spirit, their love of enterprise, must fit them to act together. But, more than this, the real identity of their opinions, though in some points seeming to differ, must prepare them to live in unity and love. This identity of sentiment and feeling may be seen in one single fact — the love of freedom. It would puzzle the finest optician to invent an instrument ex- actly to see the difference in this affection, a.^ existing in the two countries. TJiey may, and, indeed, do, diflfer in their opinions as to the best means of securing this inesti- mable prize ; but none as to its nature, its value, its neces- sity, its eternal oneness with the laws of nature and the will of God. On all these points the two peoples are fully agreed. Freedom, in each country, is a truth — a principle — ^a right. Existence without liberty, in either hemisphere, would be deemed a curse, and not a blessing ; the despot would be abhorred, antagonized, and destroyed. While tliese sentiments prevail, is it worth while for the two na- PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 176 of lene- uss of be sing, tions to quarrel respecting the means employed by either, •' to secure the end they have in view ? The moral grounds for harmony and concord are, or ought to be, much more potent than even the political ones for disunion and discord. The one class of motives rests on the eternal laws of truth, religion, honour, and brotherhood ; the other, on the acci- dents and interests of the hour. It is to be earnestly desired, that these considerations may have the effect of drawing the two countries together in uninterruptedly amicable relations. We are, in truth," the same people. In mind, in character, in habits, in modes of thought, there is infinitely more resemblance betwixt the British and the American populations, than can be found between either and any other nation. It cannot be otherwise, without a perpetual miracle. Sprung from a common parentage, the same tide of life flowing in the veins of each, the wonderful and mysterious type of soul which is so evidently possessed by races dwelling in both, each speaking the same language, and instructed and trained by the same master mind which lives and speaks in their common mother tongue ; — the political institutions of the older people the models of the younger community ; — the laws of the one country transplanted to the soil, and constituting the code, of the other ; — and, above all, the same religious sentiments which were embraced by tlie British people at the Reformation, and adopted before the pilgrim fathers took their departure to the New World, and still retained as the popular faith of both branches of the family : — All these things considered, how can it be other- wise than that next to a perfect identity should exist ? Nature is never untrue to herself, never obliterates her own impress, never does violence to her undying emotions. Is it in human nature for the American republic to reflect upon the birth-place and cradle of her existence, the father- ^ land of her sires, to trace their own pedigrees and repeat tlieir own names, without a thrill cf interest and feeling, ■*»' fc 176 TOUR IN AMERICA. Hrhich cannot be experienced in the case of anv i. r coun- try than our own ? This is impossible. No mda, however far he may wander, ever forgets his homestead, the scenes of his boyhood, the companions of his days of happy frolic and joy ; and, especially, he never forgets the endearments of maternal love. Tradition keeps alive what nature gives birth to ; and it is just as credible, that the Americans aie an abortion of nature, as that they can ever cease to vene- rate and love the land of their sires. We have had proof that this monstrous perversion has not in reality taken place. It is the author's undoubted belief, that a profound affection towards this country lives in the real American mind. Beneath political agitations, jealousies, and mO' mentary ebullitions of spleen and opposition, there remains, in the depths of the human soul itself, the sure pledge, the indubitable guarantee, of reciprocal love. We say " reciprocal love." It is not to be expected, that the American people should continue to cherish good feeling towards us, if their fraternal regard is rudely or contemp- tuously met. From several causes, it is to be feared, that our disposition towards them is less kindly tuan theirs to- wards us. They can better afford to indulge in generous feelings than we can. Not to dwell on the fact that they were the victors in the painful strife which separated them from the mother country ; — their prodigious growth and expansion; the vast augmentation of political power and influence acquired in a few years ; the immense improve- ment in their trade and commercial navy ; the successful trial of their principles of government, and their develop- ment on a constantly enlarging sphere of territory and population ; in fine, the entire success of the " great experi- ment," 80 emphatically referred to by Washington, when laying the foundations of the republic, may well lead to generoJis emotions, not to say complacency. But there are other causes of the trial of our feelings in regard to Ame- rica. It is to be feared, that the British population, in ♦ PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 177 general, know infinitely less of the Americans than they know of us. Silly traditions, old prejudices, and the very natural pride and egotism of our nation, lead us often to take a perfectly false estimate of our kinsmen in the New World. Family quarrels and feuds, by general consent, are allowed to be more difficult to appease than any other. And, in the case of the American people, if nature is ex- pected to predominate over political antipathies and jea- lousies, by the recollection of home, of descent, of their fatherland, ought not this to be mutual ? Can we forget, or fail to be infliienced by the consideration, that the New World has become, and is likely to become more and more, the home of vast nuribers of our own children? The young life of England is poiuing into the States like a deep and rapid torrent. Families and individuals from the old country are everywhere found, and in eveiy possible va- riety of position and employment. The writer of these pages can never forget the intense eagerness and depth of feeling manifested by great numbers of these classes, and the joy connectt'i with the mere opportunity of giving ex- pression to their attachment to their country. If it was discovered that I had been at the place of their nativity, knew any of their relations or friends, and especially if any of them had ever seen me before, their ecstasy seemed complete. Are we to forget, then, om* children in the midst of our political hatreds ? England lives in America, and is likely to do so to a greater extent than ever. The soil which feeds and nourishes myriads of our own flesh and blood, who otherwise must perish ; a system which admits them to its privileges, and adopts them as brethren ; institutions which encourage their industry, foster their talents, and reward their public and private virtues a nation which lays open all its avenues of profit, employ- ment, honour, and distinction, of every sort, to our needy or adventurous sons ; such a land is not to be thought of by us otherwise than with profound interest and reg^d. ft* . •« 17» TOUR IN AMERICA. ^;! The motives that lead the parent to follow his c!iildren with anxiety into the world, when they first leave his house, may well cause us, in the same spirit, to send our thoughts after our children, so numerously seeking their destiny in the United States. It has been already said, that the " Americans are a ]-cligious people." Their character, habits, and institutions, oannot possibly be understood, without taking this element into considemtion. Persons who only look at the forms, the sVolcton and frame-work, of society, and consider its s'uM^^ngth find perfection to lie in these, will necessarily con- 'ilnde, ';hat America is a heterogeneous mass of human beiu ;s, devoid of shape and symmetry. To parties whose ii' ^s have been spent in old 'nations, whose governing powei-, 1 'om time immemorial, has been external, and their moans coercion, this is a very natural conclusion. The public order, morality, peaceful demeanour, and industrious habits of a people in thes^. old societies, are all supposed, by their theories of government, to be enforced, — to be worked into the mind of the body politic by appliances from without. Government, in these cases, is like the dex- terous avocation of the herdsman or the hunter ; who, in the one case, pens in his animals, and only allows them to graze at his pleasure, and, in the other, circumvents them by his cunning and art. How far the state of these old countries has made this essential, it is not for us to discuss ; but, at any rate, if the necessity exists, it does not speak )nuch for the intelligence and »:.."rality of the people. The pageantries of state, the trappings of royalty, the draperies and ornaments of decoratod officials, — together with the infinite and endless, soulless ceremonies to be observed, — are all, no doubt, brought in to heighten the impression, and strike the senses of the vulgar. Those who place the power of good order and national security in these external things, will, as a corollary, think of the United States as a most lawless community. Not having the insignia of order. PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 179 as found in their own country, they may, perchance, ima> gine that the substance is absent. It was the fortune, good or ill, of the present writer, to pass from Boston to Pittsburgh, and, of consequence, through all the intermediate space, embracing most of the cities, towns, and country of the older States, without set- ting his eyes on a single soldier, liveried policeman, or any other human being wearing the dress of authority. At the last-mentioned place he saw an assembly of volunteers, horse and foot ; and, on inquiry, found that they had turned out to do honour to the remains of one of their neighbours, iin officer, who had lost his life in the Mexican war, and had been brought home for sepulture. But though there was not the slightest appearance of anything in the form of external coercion through all the space mentioned, so- ciety lay as unruffled, as peaceful and quiet, as one of their own beautiful lakes on a summer's evening. Let it not be imagined that this repose is the stillness of death. Pro- bably no equal number of men on earth are so active, so fully engaged, or have more various and complex business transactions, than this population. Industrious, eager for w^ealth, proud of distinctions, and sensible of the benefits of a good standing in society, these people are working their way up the hill ; and yet there is no visible, certainly no military, force to keep them in order. Here, then, are phenomena to be solved. How is this ? What is the power leading to this state of things ? The answer to these questions will vary with the creed of the parties putting them. The political philosopher will look to his theories for a solution, and attribute the power and advancement of society to civil institutions, to the republi- canism of the' country. He will say that the principles and provisions of this system, lying at the basis of the body politic, and extending their ramificaAons through the whole, are the motive power of the existing life, contentment, and happiness of the pe^ le. The economists, the merchants, I -'*;■■ %. ;% 180 TOUR IN AMERICA. li. the men of trade, the dealers m money, and the jobbers in all sorts of speculations, will, in their turn, call in to fud the investigation ideas and notions taken from the iride-spread territories of the States, the fertility of the soil, the extent and usefulness of their rivers, the spaciousness of their harbouip, mines, forests, manufactures, farms, and all the other agencies of industry and wealth. Without in the least depreciating the importance and value of all these things ; and, moreover, allowing them their just share in producing the existiag prosperity of the country ; we must avow our skepticism as to the power of these means to create the greatness and the happiness of the American nation. It is, indeed, an unspeakable ad- vantage to be saved from the pressure of a crowded, and, as a consequence, a pauper population. This is fully en- joyed. Every man has scope for his enterprise without treading upon the heels of his neighbour, or injuring his prospects by competition. Every family has room for de- velopment ; the young can be profitably employed, and the certainty of success presents itself to stimulate their in- dustry and activity. There is a sufficiency of soil for the scions of every house to take root and spread their branches; and, in case of suitable culture, the sunshine of heaven, its dews, and its rains, they are certain to rise to maturity. No kind of genius, of skill in the arts, of inventive powers, of mechanical capacity, of eminence in the professions, of governing talent, of senatorial elo- (luence, or intellect of any other kind, can possibly go mi- requited. There may be rivalries, contentions, and fierce gymnastic-like trials of strength, for the higher prizes of the world ; but there is an area of sufficient space to occu- py the population in the ordinary courses of life ; whilst great numbers have been trained in these normal schools, to aspire to the more honourable posts. Then» allowing for all the advantages referred to, we usk, Are they of themselves sufficient to account for the .0 ^' m.: FART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. l&l peaceful and progressive state of society, as it is seen in the United States ? I confess, I am not persuaded of their sufficiency. Tliere must be something else, more profound, more permanent, more influential over men's souls, — some- thing more deeply imbedded in the moral sentiments of the people, more divine, than anything we have mentioned. If, in the absence of external coercion, society is found to be moral and quiet, then these virtues cannot arise from this cause. If not guided by the skill and the power of a master, men must be the masters of their own movements ; and in case these movements are in the paths of wisdom, geod order, peacQ, and morality, to what does this lead us ? It leads to the inevitable conclusion, that moral sentiment is the guiding light and the sustaining power of such a community. But then is it possible for morality to have any vitality without religion ? We think not. A morality which is not based on the doctrines of Christianity is a baseless fabric, a sapless tree, a lifeless mummy ; in fine, a contradiction, a falsehood. But we are not left to specula- tion on these points. Inferences in many cases may bo pretty truly drawn ; but we prefer facts. It is, then, an undoubted fact, that the American people do pay great regard to religion ; and as this, like every- thing else, is with them a personal and not a conventional concern, it is all the more energetically promoted. It seems a principle of Americanism, that the obligations of our nature are untransferable. An American never dreams of putting his social or religious obligations into commis- sion. He never considers himself as having denuded him- self of his responsibilities, when he has ^vcn his vote for a president, and taken his share in constructing a govern- ment. Even his political duties are not, in his own estima- tion, put in abeyance by these transactions, much less his moral and religious. He does not expect the government to serve God for him, or to take into its hands the task of publicly providing for that conservation of morality and #^ ■4, .41- 182 TOUR IN AMERICA. religion which he knows can only be secured by personal exertions. According to American ideas, the state does not consist of public functionaries, whether civil or ecclesiastical, but of the people. The souls and bodies of the population, unitedly, constitute the State: not a function, not an office. In the State making provision for this or the other, the American would include himself. He has no notion of public men taking his place, and relieving him of the burden of his own intelligence, conscience, humanity. This is a living power. It is refreshing even to look upon a true and real American, with his swinging gait, in the full consciousness of his manhood. There is something even in his appearance different from other people. It is not reck- lessness, not rudeness, not isolation, not misanthropy. No- thing of this sort is seen. And yet there is an air of per- fect independence and freedom, consciousness of strength and power, repose in the midst of activity, calmness and dignity with profound emotions. An American, more than any character it was ever my happiness to study, looks like a man who is sensible that he carries his own destinies about him ; that he is complete m himself ; that he is a self-act- ing, self-moving intelligence ; that he has to shape his own course, and become the architect of his own fortune. He does not seem to be looking without to catch the chances of some stray events by which to fashion his life: his thoughts are steadily fixed upon strengthening his own re- sources, and he is always laying in a stock for the voyage he is upon. The effect of this is to produce (I hardly know what to call it) a rotundity, a fulness, a complete- ness of manhood, not seen in other societies ; and to those who do not comprehend him, or who have only been ac- customed to the fawning flatteries — and as false as they are fawning — of other nations, all this is extremely offensive. Enter an American store, and, instead of being baited, wheedled, and deceived, the language, as expressed by see unf( to cha not ing PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 188 acUou, is, '• You may buy, if you please. It is your own concern ; do as you like." It came to the author's know- ledge, — and the fact will illustrate our point, — that a very popular traveller aiid writer, who was receiving the incense of the fashionable world in the States next to ado- ration, in the midst of this excitement, sent for a grave tradesman to w^ait upon him at his rooms ; no doubt with the intention of entering into somo business arrangements. A^hat was the reply? In spirit, "My compliments to Mr. , and inform him it is not the custom of our house for one of its principals to seek or rec<^ive orders in such circumstances. If Mr. wishes to do business with us, or has anything to propose, he must come to us ; we shall be glad to see him." " How rude !" says one of the gentlemen of " the trade," in ** the Row," or at the West End. Well, the question of rudeness must be settled be- twixt the two parties. It is just possible thai the Ameri- can might think it as rude to be summoned to attend the English traveller, as the latter considered it in him. We only select this instance of independence as illustrative of character. It is a general trait. Instead of moving and acting like the members of the body at the bidding of some other head or will than his own ; instead of being dragged along, like the helpless travellers of a railroad train, by forces independent of him- self, the American chooses to consult his own counsels, to examine his own course, and to move the machine intrusted to him by his Creator by his own free volitions. All this may either be good or bad. In case the forces which are thus put in motion are fitted to move aright, it is easy to see that the results must be vastly important. Man, free, unfettered, acting on his own convictions, supposing them to be wise and good, must possess a power which men in chains, or working in gangs like slaves in a plantation, can- not enjoy. This individualism is, in point of fact, the lead- ing feature of American character. The true son of the *«,'- IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 11.25 ■^ lii 12.2 1^ ■10 ISf NA IM IRl 2.0 Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WIST MAIN STRUT WnSTiR.N.Y. MSM (716) t73-4S03 ^'"^ '^ 184 TOUR IN AMIRIOl. soil never parts with it. The oombinfttiont, confederationfl, wiions, and committeei into whioh politics or ccnnmercial enterprises drive him, never despoil him of his identity. How then, seeing that every American is expected to act for himself, is he prepared to take his post ? Let us examine this point. Its solution is what we want to get atb Is he let loose on the world, a mere animal, to prey upon its vitals, or is he religiously prepared ? This leads us to the question of education. Great attention is paid by the Americans to thu vital subject. What would be called in this country national education, universally pre- vails. Schools are provided at the public expense ; and though this people have a proverbial antipathy to taxation, yet they willingly tax themselves for this purpose. The system so often attempted here, on the model of some of the continental nations, is uot the system of America. They have not established a central power, or educational department, under a minister of state, or anything analo- gous to our Committee of Privy Oouncil. The people manage their own aflbirs in this as in other things. The municipal bodies and the parochial authorities have the power to assess themselves for educational purposes. This is done on a broad scale ; ui the elder States the provision is universal, so that every child may, if his parents choose, obtain the advantages of a good common education. And inaconueh as every inhabitant is obliged to pay his share of the expense, whether he avails himself of the school or not, this is found to operate against parental neglect. But the advantages are so obvious ; the popular voice agfunst ignorance, and in favour of knowledge, is so influential; the duties of atisenship, in which all share, are so pressing, and its honours so tempting ; that every parent is induced to place his children in one of these schools. Zealous partisans would probably say, that these are not religious schools, because partieuUur creeds are not enforced. Ifaii iroiUd bf imponible, ia a country where '# tfi|»^ ^ PART I.— PBR80NAL KABBATTVE. 185 no creed possesses a pre-eminence, or is sanctioned by the State. But if the Holy Scriptures constitute the basis oi Christianity, then these are Christian schools, notwithstand- ing the absence of creeds. The Bible is read daily, it is the standard book, the foundation of everything ; and its divine authority is thus universally taught, and its sacred lessons constantly inculcated. True to their principles, the Romanists at New-York, some time ago, attempted to get the Bible banished from the public schools. In this they failed; for though by their union and compactness they possess much strength, and on merely political questions, by throwing their weight into one scale, they have it in their power to turn the balance,— on this point, which was deemed a religious one, and on which all the Protestants were agreed, they utterly failed in their unholy attempt. This educational provision, being purely popular, may be taken as an indication of the public mind on a great religious question. Instead of leaving their children to go astray from their birth, we see that Christian instruction is provided for them, as an essential and national blessing. This does not seem as if the people were indifferent to Christianity ; and, moreover, it proves that they desire to seize the most fitting time in the life of man to inculcate its sacred lessons. This, no doubt, is one of the healing ingre- dients thrown into the troubled waters, one of the moral forces which ever after works in determining the character of the individual, the state of domestic life, and the condi- tions of society. And instead of indifference in this one arrangement, we see religion, in its most catholic form, employed as an instrument of national order, virtue, and peace; and, that a useful and virtuous citizenship is not expected without the employment of suitable means. We are considering the question of religion. Do the ; Americans trust to the processes of secular knowledge, or the power of merely human means, for the maintenance of public order, and social prosperity ? The answer to this 186 TODR IN AMBRICA. question stands out in bold relief. In every city, small and great, are seen large and spacious public buildings ; and, on inquiry, the stranger is told that these are the common day-schools of the place. On entering, he finds that, besides the routine of a very good educational system, embracing the usual matters of secular instruction, the Scriptures are taught to the whole population ;' Ood speak- ing to them in the impressive lessons of his own word. Here the work of Christianity begins. Can any one calcu- late the amount of influence produced on the public mind, and on the moral state of a great people, by this one living, active, pervading agency? Religion is here brought to operate upon the youthful heart in its blandest and most winning, attractive form; namely, that of the words of Scripture. It is not so tery evident as some persons seem to imagine, that the best way to impress the mind of chil- dren is to drill them to get by heart some metaphysical, crabbed dogmas of theology, which neither themselves nor their teachers can in the least degree comprehend. Yet, in the jargon of our sectarianism, this is called teaching re- ligion, while the reading of the Bible itself is considered as not teaching religion at all; and schools only using the word of God, with prayer, are said to be secular. Cer- tainly, Americans do not think so. The Holy Scriptures are a redity with them ; and by their conduct, we have reason to think that they place more confidence in the di- viiiiB teaching of these "lively oracles" of God, than they do in the step-by-step process of Catechisms, all of which begin at the wrong end ; commence at the top, and build downwards; start with the highest abstractions on the divine essence and attributes, and then from this elevation lead the poor little inquirer down into the details and facts of revelation. Is not a population, formed on the incul- cation of the Scripture, as likely to become real Christians and good citizens, as a population drilled in the abstractions of any existing Catechism ? There is a breadth, a fulness, ^m-' PART I.— PBE80NAL NABBATIVE. m A simpUoity, and especially a divinity, in the word of Ood, ivhioh cannot be found anywhere else ; and, least of all, in the hare-h the word of God, they are treated as equal, and as possessing similar and indefeasible rights, ■,'St i9e tOUR IN AMBBXOA. HT" ^^■ ■ This is certainly a new aspect of living and vbible Ohris« tianity ; and our business wiUi it at present ii| to test its operations on society. Can perfect liberty and equality in reli^on work well when favoured by oiroumstonoes as in the United States ? Is Christianity itself, in it| own reve- lations, its own glorious platform and basis, its own provi- sions and divinity, when made plain, and put inio the hands of a people, sufficient, without being formed and modified by the political society, to produce its legitimate fruits ? This question, like many others, is in course of solution in the States. Go into a Popish country, and speak of Christianity, and the native of one of these natk>ns, how- ever elevated in rank, or polished by education, instantly thinks of Popery. He knows of no religious system but the hierarchy of Borne ; and it is impossible to get into his head an idea of an abstract, a divine, and an unalterable Christianity, reposing on the truth of God, and ooniiected with his throne. It is very much the same among our- selves, and especially among the higher ranks. These gen- tlemen cannot conceive of any Christianity otherwise than that which is imbodied in their own church. In almost all the speculations of men among us, church orgwisations, official distinctions, ecclesiastical canons, and the dress and ^j^el which men put upon their own fond creations, are confounded with Christianity itself, and so called. If looked at only in this light, the evangeUcal economy must be pro- notmced an utter failure. Of all the wretched things whose history stands out in the annals of time, the history of churches is the most humiliating, and the most calculated to make human nature blush. What had eoolesiastioal, hierarchical Christianity done for the world in ancient times ? It has put its trammels upon the simple, primitive, and personal piety and usefulness, which had been pro-* duced from tune to lime by the pure Gospel, and reduced the so-called church to the condition of one mighty oon< glomerated mass of fl^upid ignorance and vice ; then leicr 4: ^4 PART I.~PERSOKAL NABRATIVE. 101 ing the reins of even political power, has entwined itself parusitically around the institutions of society, reducing the world to the doomnion of a politico-religious despot- ism. Much dejMitc has arisen in the world respecting State's adopting the Church, then corrupting, then enslaving her. In passing, it may be permitted one to ask the zealous par- tisans of church purity and state corruption, of church love of freedom and state love of tyranny, just to reverse their inquiries, and ask, in all possible candour, as to the real delinquents in this matter. My belief is, that, as a general rule, the State has not corrupted the Church, except as a participant, just as companions in vice vitiate each other ; but the Church has, in most instances, corrupted the State. !N^either has the State enslaved the Church, as a general rule, though sometimes this may have been the case ; but the Church has, whenever it was allowed, invariably enslaved the State. Nothing is so detrimental to the liberties and the virtues of mankind as a corrupt, a fetid religion, at the mme time organized aiid guided by the subtle and crafty genius of a profligate priesthood. It can be no matter of surprise that the American peo- ple, being favoured with the opportunity, the soil being clear, and no old institutions standing in the way, should be disposed to adopt a new principle, and, discarding all authoritative church-organization, try the effect of Chris- tianity itself, in its own native grandeur and divine simpli- city. This they have done. We have seen that the people is the State ; and the State, in this sense, namely, through the people, has, with the exception of the infidels among them, adopted Christianity ; only, instead of being an hie- rarchical government, it is that of the Holy Scriptures — the Bible itself being the governing light, the decisive authority, the court of final appeal, i^ All the mterests of society converge to this point ; religion is its life, its power, its beauty. It is like the mhstrata of the world, on which «^^ ■'*^' Utt TOUR IN AMERICA. '^-h^ iki i* all the Boils whence the vegetable productions spring repoaa in security. rf 1m this common Christianity, taught and developed in Scripture, sufficient for a nation ? May the people of a State be safely left, other things being favoura))lo, to this simple process ? The answer to this question is in course of solution in the United States. So far as it has been tested, it is believed to have answered. Notwithstanding the number of churches, bearing diflferent names, and adopting diversified forms of service, there is probably as much or more unity in these States than elsewhere. Looking at theur spirit and visible position ; that a, in the general absence of polemic stiife, of bitter contentions between church and church, of acrimonious declamation against each other in their religious periodicals ; — and then their intercommunion and good neighbourhood, joint ezer« tions for common objects, and, on the whole, harmonious agreement : — ^these all imite to show that these professors of the name of Christ can meet each other on the ground of their common Christianity, though differing in non-essen^ tial points. So far as he had the opportunity of intercourse with ministers and Christians of various denominations, the author is bound to say, that he met with the most frank llmd affectionate courtesy, and saw the same spirit mani- fested one to another ; and, moroeover, that there appeared infinitely less of what is distinctive and sectarian than in this country. While at the Conference at Pittsburgh, all the Protestant pulpits of every sort were filled each Sunday by Methodist ministers, except some one or two of the Episco- pal churches, whose ministers were believed to be tinctured with Puseyism. It is no marvel that this unity of spirit prevails. The bitterness of sectariuiism is prevented by the nature of their position. No ^one church thinks of calling another church, resting on the Scriptures as its basis, and only dif- fering in eztenial oigamtloii, ''heretics/' "wluiamtifi»»!* *■•■ ^ PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 198 and " Dissenters." No class of ministers, except Popish priests and a few hare-brained Puseyites, ever dream of saying of other ministers that they are " imauthorized," have no "vocation/' are "intruders" into other men's folds, and " usurpers" of the priestly office. These things can have no existence where common-law Christianity pre- vails ; they are the assimiptions of sects, of exclusive pre- tensions, of caste claims. The only unity that ever can be found in this world, — ^unless God miraculously cut down all souls to one common level, — is this. No power on earth can screw mankind into one shape and form on matters of faith and religious opinion. Unity can never exist in the sense of sameness, like bricks in a wfdl, or metal from a die. What is to throw souls into the same type ? The idea is absurd ; but this kind of unity has ever been the cant of bigots, or oftener still the instrument of tyrants to obtain the object of their ambition— dominion over their fellow-men. The unity of the Gospel Ues deeper ; it is unity in the truth, not as seen by another, but as appre- hended by the individual mind. But this truth is large, broad, open. The divine revelations are not given in set and limited propositions, Uke the syllogisms of man. It seems to be the purpose of God to leave the manner of appre- hending and believing the Gospel undefined and free. How should it be otherwise ? Give any dogma to the first dozen men who may be met with, and it is certain that every one will conceive of it dififerently. How, then, can unity be found in the manner of holding the truth ? But though the Gospel may be apprehended variously, yet, if it is really embraced, and simply beheved, as the mind is assisted by the helps within its reach, and especially as taught by the Spirit, who shall say that this vitiates the truth itself? Hence, though in the United States^the churches may be called by different names, and there may be diversities of opmion, even in matters of faith ; yet it does not fdlow 194 TOUR IN AMIRXOA. iik». from this, that thoy Ar« not eveiy one of them true churches. But it it more on pointi of discipline and church order, than on questions of truth and faith, that differences spring up, and become the prolific parents of separations. Can any one prove, from Holy Scripture, that the Author of Christianity has not left this an open question ? Or, can any one show that Ho has given his followers a model church, a platform, n skeleton temple ? He has done no such thing. In hb mercy and goodness to mankind. He has — following the analogies of nature — prepared a world, a universe of truth and grace, appearing confused, but not so in reality, stretching infinitely beyond the line and defi- nitions of man. And just as men are left to build their social state and polity, in the midst of the agencies and provisions of nature ; to cultivate their fields, erect their cities, appropriate to themselves the bounties of Provi- dence, and create the forms of civilhsation for themselves ; so, in like manner, Christians are permitted to erect their tents, found their churches, and enjoy the blessings of reli- gion freely, on the brood field of Scriptural truth ; and, for anything which can be shown to the contrar}', one organi- zation is OS lawful ns another ; the only difference being in the fitness of such organization to edify the people them- selves, and evangelize the world without. The American system looks for unity on this broad basis. As far as can be seen, it is os mu^h secured as can be well expected in the midst of the inf jrmities of human nature. At any rate, society is not convul)t;d, nor the state put into jeopardy, by religious contentions, o)/Ums, and projects. If religion does not bless, neither doci it curse, the country ; if it does not produce liealth, neither does it extend any social pestilence ; if, in fine, it does not allay human pas- sions, neither does it exasperate them. But the matter is placed too low by bang thus hypothetically put. It is my deep conviction, thrtt religion is the conservative power of American society. It is the salt of the community ; it is PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVI. 105 the life and the soul of public and private virtue ; it is the cement, the power of coherence, which holds the States together ; and, by purifying the pi^blic morals, elevating the soul with noble sentiments, creating the sense of re- sponsibility, and stimulating to industry, it is creative of their greatness and power. But by the English reader it will be instantly asked, — which, in fact, has often been the case, — If re%ion be so powerful an element in American society, why does it not abolish slavery ? Let us look at this question impartially. If this is done, it will be found that either Christianity, or some other great moral force, has done something in this direction already. The whole continent, including all the existing territory of the republic, was inherited, at first, from this country, with this great curse. Has anything been achieved to get rid of it ? The answer is, that many of the States have freed themselves from the evil. The States of Mame, New-Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New- York, New-Jersey, Penn- sylvania, Delaware, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wis- consin, Iowa, have all renounced slavery. Let us learn to do justice where right principles have prevailed. { Christian truth must have had something to do in free- ing the people of colour from their chcuns. This, no doubt, lias been the motive power in bringing about this issue. There remains another triumph, even in these States, for the same influences to effect ; namely, the enfranchisement of the liberated African race in the rights of citizenship. They still remain aliens, though free. The constitutions of the several States, without exception, continue to pro- scribe them for the sin of the colour of their skin, however religious, virti^ous, and orderly they may be.* These peo- * The constitutions of the several States merely pretermit them, bjr enact- ing that '* every white male" shall possess the franchise. This is sufficiently effective. The State of New-York, indeed, mentions them expressly ; but (Htrange to say !) in the case of the African race, they establish a property- qualification. The words are :— " No man of colour shall vote, unless he shall i :*- m TbUB IN AMERtOA. w- pie fpve their allegiance, their labour, their support to the state ; and yet they Itre denied any place within its pale. This is unjust, and it is as impolitic as it is oppressive. But we must trust to time, to the growth of better principles, to the improvement of the African race itself; and no doubt, where so much has already been accomplished, in the end right views and feelings will prevail. Nothing can be said respecting those States which are not only slave-holding, but manifest v, fixed resolution to foster and perpetuate the evil. It is true, the difficulties in the way of getting rid of the institution are prodigious ; much more so than the people of this coimtry can appre- hend. But this is no reason why tho injustice should be cherished, and the aggregation of the mischief and misery increased, which is undoubtedly the case. We see amongst these southern States no disposition to take even the first step in the direction of liberty. What the religious element wiH ultimately do, no one can at present tell. If its les- sons and influences are not neutralized by the antagonism of slavery itself, in time, no doubt, it will produce the same results as in other places. If this is not the case, then the evil> as in other instances, must take its own course, and work its own cure. It is impossible that so monstrous an injustice should continue stationary. Ood has made in his decrees, in his immutable laws, the accumulations of evil to work their own destruction. Men may endure oppression up to a certain point ; but beyond that point it cannot be carried. The recoil comes, in the destruction of either the oppressors or the oppressed. One of these two results must, in the nature of things, take place in this case, — re- ligion will illuminate, exalt, and set the African race free ; or, being opposed, the ignorance, vice, discontent, and tur- bulence of slavery will, at some time, rise in revolt, and have been tbree years a resident of the State, and, for one year next preceding the election, shall have owned a freehold worth two hundred and fihy dollars above all Incumbrances, and shall have paid tax thereon." m PABT I.~PERSONAL NARRATIVB. 0f seek its revenge. The alternative is before the Southern people; they cannot evade it, any more than they can stop the sun in his course. The question at present, though difficult, adnuts of a peaceful solution ; in a while this period of probation will pass away, and some fearful hurricane, some dreadful catastrophe, will come in to set- tle that which religion and justice failed to accomplish. It • € 198 •' TOUR IN AMERICA. ^^"^ PART II. HISTOKICAL NOTICES OF METHODISM IN AMEBICA. CHAPTER I. Introductory remarkc->Mr. WesJoy'i peat talent for government— The confi- dence reposed in him'— Hi* diilntereated encouragement to all who were ca- pable of rendering service to religion— Became the bond of union to the first Methodists in America. The history of Methodism in its commencement is one of those singular facts which come in to illustrate the force of that hidden and divine agency to which the glorious tri- umphs of Christianity are, in holy Scripture, always attri- buted. The insignificance of the instruments often em- ployed in the accomplishment of the work of God, is intended to demonstrate its spiritual, its divine oiigin. When parties, destitute of every human distinction, are seen i§t- commence and carry to a suecessful issue the most difficult enterprises of religion ; it seems certain, from this, that they are employed by a higher power — ^that they have received a commission from God. It is true, that, in all its branches, Methodism possessed, from the beginning, the advantage of the counsels and con- summate guidance of its great leader. No man was ever better fitted for the task assigned him, in this respect, than John Wesley. His religious opinions and his policy were in perfect agreement, — Scriptural, simple, catholic, practi- cal. Everything with him resolved itself into one great purpose, — ^the promotion of the salvation and happiness of man, in connexion with the highest glory of God. Happily for mankind, the best blessings of religion lie within the compass of this simple area. Policy often perplexes, but nevir ultimately*Berves, the cause of true Christianity. The idea will look like a paradox to men who can see no ^. /* PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 199 wisdom in government but what is circuitous, mystical^ and subtle, to say that true policy is found on the swface, that it consists in a clear, lucid, and perspicacious adhe- rence to simple truth. And yet this is unquestionably the case. God, the supreme Ruler, has impressed certainty on all his laws. His government is not a labyrinth, a con- tmdiction, a confused and clashing contrivance, a subtle system of expedients, intended to allure and to decoy his creatures into certain courses. The sunbeams of heaven are not clearer and brighter than the moral laws of the imiverse ; and the throne of the great Parent of all is no other than the throne of truth, which truth b being evolved in his entire administration and government. Confidence in this truth was never carried further, pre- bably, by any uninspired man than by the Founder of Methodism. His position made him necessarily the patri- arch and the governor of his people everywhere. On what did he depend to accomplish his work ? Nothing, certainly, but the force of truth through his long life ; and though often placed in very anomalous and perplexing circum- stances, yet we never see him resorting to any kind of linesse. He trusted his work where he trusted his soul, in the hands of God. But his maintenance of principle was free from passion, and equally free from narrow and isolated notions. We never perceive any angry or coercive enforcement even of the truth itself. Truth in his mind was not, indeed, a cold syllogism ; it had all the power of u command, an obligation : and yet it was only enjoined in the language of forcible argument, tender and affectionate persuasion, and, as occasion required, an awful lifting up of a warning voice as to the eternal consequences of its re- jection. His, own keen intellect, illuminated by the Spirit, and sanctified by the grace of God, qualified him to appre- liend the appropriate course in matters of administration, as well as in other things, most fully and accurately : and then the purity of his affections, and his tender regard for his # 200 TOUR IN AMERICA. fellow-men, enabled him to bear with their infirmities, ob- tuseness, and even factious conduct, when manifested, with entire confidence as to the result. But Mr. Wesley was no partial adherent to a system, any more than a dictatorial administrator of its laws. He clearly saw that truth, like nature, is an aggregation ; that one principle is linked with another, in harmonious concert, through the universe, and all to the throne of God ; that isolation is weakness, while a genuine, a cathoUc belief in religion, gives expansion to the mind, and calmness to con- fidence ; that government, hke Christianity itself, must em- brace the happiness as well as the obedience of its subjects, 01* it mu:>t fail ; that man, in all grades of society, in all conditions of life, in all obligations and duties, in all offices and places of trust, ought to be treated with frankness, honour, and respect ; and, moreover, that in all religious relations the Holy Scriptures alone must be the rule, the final appeal. A ruler who fixes his thoughts and founds his entire policy on some favourite theory, some logical or mathematical line, some human dogma, some narrow party or sectarian base, — ^is sure, in the long run, to see his policy fail ; and the loss of his chimera will bring discomfiture and despair. His cause being frustrated, he imagines re- ligion itself is lost ; whereas, in point of fact, nothing but an embarrassment is gone. Not so with John Wesley. He had no scheme, no theory, no pet notions, in seeking to bring about the results *of religion. He threw himself on the resources and power of God's economy. The spiritual life, the morality, the practical ends of government, secured, — ^he was perfectly hidifferent regarding the external means. With him the experience of piety, the divine affections, the purity and holiness of soul and body ; the entire devotedness of talents, influence, property, to God ; the operations of a saving and practical faith in the Son of God ; the obligations to a con- secrated and useful life ; the spread of the gospel on the PART II.— NOTICBS OF METHODISM. 201 widest poisible scale ; and all kinds of good orices ren- dered to each other by Christians ; — ^these were the essen- tials of religion with him ; and whatever best promoted these ends, he considered as all that was important in matters of government. Hence his administration— if we may so call his care and authority— became easy. He did not fix his regards or bend his efforts to the formation of an ecclesiastical system ; but his one object was to help souls to get to heaven ; and he taught them that in their journey it was their duty to illustrate their Saviour's glory, and endeavour to persuade others to go with them to the same abodes of the blessed. In a word, it is clearly seen, in all the movements of this great man, that he kept but one thing constantly before his Attention ; namely, the promotion of experimental and prac- tical religion. And, what is more, the means agreed with the end. There was no ravelled scheme of policy in his government ; every one saw the end he proposed, and most persons acquiesced in the agencies employed to secure it. Nothing is more remarkable in the history of John Wes- ley than the confidence his character inspired. All sought his counsel and advice, and deferred, in general, to his opinions. By reason of his disinterested regard to all who " loved our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity," the singleness of his purpose, the simplicity of his course, and the urbanity of his manners, — ^he won the entire, the unbounded reli- ance of his followers. Unlike the vulture amongst birdfli, devouring some and frightening the rest, he attracted all by the music of his love, and never betrayed the confidence reposed in him. His object was, never to crush, to si^due, to repress the rising energies of any, even the poorest. Christian. Op the contrary, his whole management turned on the principle of calling out the latent powers of the followers of his Lord, and tummg them to the best account. No man ever did so much to exalt the lowly, to elevate the obscure, and to put all who were capable of any kind 9* '^'- 202 •*W»^« TOUR IN AMERICA. -*^ of service on the right track. Myriads have been rescued from a low and degrading position in life, and ultimately constituted the strength and ornaments of both the reli- gious and the social state, who, but for him, would have passed through the world in some of its meanest and most vicious phases. His rule of action was, in the best sense, that of development. From his whole proceeding it is evident, that he had great confidence in man, as man, irre- spective of the accidents of birth and education. His object was to make every one better and happier than he found him. A priest himself, — ^but entirely free from the priestly spirit, — he sought to enlist, for religion and the progress of the gospel, all the gifts and talents created by experimental piety. By the adoption of this course, he appears, in all the different circumstances in which he is seen, much more of the father than the governor of his people ; though, in point of fact, no man more completely directed the affairs of a church than he did ; no man ever more really governed any body than he governed the whole Methodist community. We are often surprised, that instruments apparently so very unsuited, achieved so much in the early history of this work. The matter of fact, however, is, that all were directed by one mind. The agencies were various, the instruments often of the humblest kind, the talents, ab- stracted from the love and zeal of their possessors, were frequently of the meanest order, and the lines of operation adopted were sometimes extremely difficult ; but, all being moulded by the plastic power of this great master of cir- cumstances, the chaos was reduced to order, and the ole- ments which, in their separate state, were weak as water, became compact, massive, and strong ; like grains of sand compressed by the laws of nature into mighty mountains. It has been by the union of these insignificant fragments of piety and goodness, that the Methodist Church has risen to its present state. But it is perfectly easy to see, that # PART U. — NOTICES OP METHODISM. 208 the power of cohesion could not exist in themselves. A centre of attraction, a uniting force, became essential. With* out this, the creations of religion itself must have spent their fire, and evaporated into thin air. In the first move- ments of any remarkable revival of the work of God, if this take place in the " field of the world," and not within the enclosures of an existing ecclesiastical system ; — men must, of necessity, become these centres of attraction, and exercise tliis power of concentration. Institutions, of course, cannot, at this stage, do this, inasmuch as they have no existence ; they may become rallying-points afterwards, as they take their position, and develop their excellencies ; but in the com- mencement, individuals constitute the centres around which those who have not the power of self-support naturally collect. This was the exact position of John Wesley. His labours had put many agencies in motion which could not, of them- selves, continue in any useful course ; but, guided by his Avisdom, and held up by his encouraging counsels and sup- port, these simple and good men could accomplish much in the furtherance of the gospel. Hence the first scattered sparks of piety, which flickered in America, at once sought to connect themselves Avith him. The poor emigrants from this country and Ireland, who, belonging to the Me- thodist body, were made the instruments of introducing the system, — carried with them the traditions of his excel- lencies. They considered themselves his children, and connected with the united societies; they had received their religious enjoyments in union with his followers ; they f. had been trained under the discipline he had established ; and hence, in their new circumstances, they could not look upon their expatriation as an excision from the parent tree. This, in some measure, accounts for the facts alluded to ; namely, that of a great result growing out of very insig- nificant means. And yet, by reason of its connexion with Mr. Wesley, nothing seems fortuitous. The rise and pro- gress of Methodism in the States does not look like a happy 1 5j*i*-_ 204 TOUR IN AMBRIOA. accident ; though, in some of its features, it is luffloiently curious. The modes of the divine operation are often mys- terious; but there seems to be one unalterable rule in the economy of Christianity, that is, to bless man by man. The pervading will of God, as well as the influenoei of his grace, is, indeed, actively and constantly at w^rk in con- nexiun with the progress of his gospel, but not lo as to exclude human labour. This will of God is eclectic as to the choice of agents ; electing some to be the depositaries of power, of trust, and of government ; giving these parties, truly and really, a divine mission, authenticated by gifts, influence, and bless- ing, though not by visible miracles ; and, as their work is amongst souls, and refers especially to religion, bestowing upon them a remarkable degree of spiritual power, in the form of confidence, exercised in their functions and call. On this principle our Founder was an elect man ; chosen for his position ; endowed with divine gifts ; made the cen- tre of a great spiritual power ; and became the instrument and messenger of a new development of the Christian re- ligion ; and, inasmuch as he was ** orddned A vessel unto honour," God gave him the hearts and affections of men. By reason of this it will be seen, that when the little rills began here and there to bubble up in America, they con- nected themselves directly with Mr. Wesley; and thus brought themselves into close and intimate contact with the Fountain of all grace, through the instrumentality of one who had been thus chosen, as the chief channel of its communication in the line in question. The evidences that this is the work of God, are complete. Indeed, the social progress of the United States is not more in proof of the contemporary existence and operation of the moral ele- ments of civilization — than the origin and progress of Methodism is in proof of the presence, influence, and voii- ous gifts and blessings, of the Spirit of God, in connexion with its triumphs. PART II.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 206 CHAPTER II. The Introduction of Methodism into New-Yorlt— Philip Embury— Begins to preach— Captain Webb— The first Society — Freaching*Houses — Robert Strawbridge commences preaching in Maryland— Freeborn Garrettson— Captain Webb's Labours in Long Island and Philadelphia— Attempts to get Mr. Benson appointed to America— Reflections on these Agents — The Class- Meeting. We now hasten to give some notice of the introduction of Methodism into America. Twenty-seven years had passed from the time of the establishment of the "United So- cieties" in England, and thirty-seven from the period of the meeting of the rudimental society, or " Godly Club," in Oxford, before it made its way into New- York, in 1766. It is impossible to suppose, that this time had elapsed without emigi'ant Methodists having arrived from the mother country. They had, consequently, lost their reli- gion, or passed into other connexions ; m the former case, they had been absorbed in the world, as the persons who, at the above date, were instrumental in beginning the work, were in danger of being. ** Philip Embury, and a batch of emigrant Methodists from Ire- land, had so far given up their profession as to become card- players, when another family arrived from Ireland, amongst whom was ' a mother in Israel,' to whose zeal in the cause of God they were all indebted for the revival of the spirit of piety amongst them. Soon after their arrival, this good woman ascertained, that those who had preceded her had so far departed from their ' first love,' as to be min- gling in the frivolities and sinful amusements of life. The know- ledge of this painful fact aroused her indignation, and, with a zeal which deserves commemoration, she suddenly entered the roQm where they were assembled, seized the pack of cards with which they were playing, and threw them into the fire." How great the pity, that the name and future circum- stances of this noble-minded woman are not preserved ! She may be justly considered as the real instrument of the work which followed; inasmuch as she roused the » 206 TOUR IN AMERICA. t% i^'i slumbering men from their lethargic dreams, and put them * in motion. *' Addressing Embury, sho said, ' You must preach to us, or yvc shall all go to hell togedier, and God will require our blood at your hands.' Ho tremblingly replied, 'I cannot preach, for I have neither a house nor a congregation.' ' Preach in your own house first, and to our own company,' was the reply. Feeling the responsibility of his situation, and not being able any longer to resist the importuni- ties of his reprover, he consented to comply with her request ; and, accordingly, preached his first seimon in his own hired house, to five peraons only. This, it is believed, was the first Methodist scnnon ever preached iu America." — Datuja^a ^^ Hiatory of Methodism,'* vol. i, pp. 47, 48. Thus began Methodism in America. The circumstances are not very auspicious, and the chief agent, as we see, not a very promising person. Had not the faith and zeal of our female heroine come in to the help of pusillanimous men, the feeble spark would, at this time, no doubt, have gone out ; and the origin of this great cause would have commenced at some other point, and, possibly, have as- sumed another character. *' From this time they gradually gathered strength, till they were able to rent a room in the neighbourhood, of larger dimensions. Here they assembled for mutual edification, Mr. Embury continuing to lead their devotions, and to expound to them the w;ord of God." — Idem, p. 46. Captain Webb made his appearance on the scene soon after their first feeble eflbrts, greatly strengthening the confide&ee of the " little flock," and, instrumentally, aug- menting their numbers. He had been brought to the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins, at Bristol, about the year 1165; and, it seems, immediately began to call sinners to repentance. The character of his preaching may be pretty well ascertained, by an entry or two in Mr. ^Wesley's Journal. He says, — " Captain Webb preached at tlie Foundry. I admire the wisdom ^ of God in thus raising up various preachers, according to the various tastes of men. The captain is alllife and fire; therefore, oldiongh *'V PART II. — NOTICES OP METHODISM. 207 he b not deep, or regular, yet many who would not hear a better preacher, flock to hear him. And many are convinced under his preaching, some justified, a few built up in love."—" Works," vol. iii, p. 287. " Captain Webb lately kindled a flame here, (Devizes,) and it is not yet gone out. Several persons were still rejoicing in God ; and the people, in general, were much quickened. I found his preaching in the street at Winchester had been blessed greatly. Afony wore, more or less, convinced of sin ; and several had found peace witli (3od. I never saw the preaching-house so crowded before, with se- rious and attentive hearers." — Idem, vol. iv, p. 261. At the period under review, Wt captain was stationed at Albany, the capital of the province of New- York ; and his appearance on the theatre must have created great interest in the public mind. His rank in life, his military costume, — in which it seems he preached, — his dauntless resolution, his fervid spirit, would, in a thoughtless and dissipated population, succeed' much more in rousing at- tention than regular ministrations, however plain or elo- (juent. Accordingly, his preaching "drew many to the place of worship ; and the room where they assembled soon became too small to accommodate all who wished to hear. Sinners were awakened and converted to God, and added to the society. These, continuing to walk in the ' fellowship of the Holy Ghost,' were much strengthened and comforted ; while others, who beheld their godly con- versation, were convinced of the power and excellence of their religion." — Bangs^s " Hiatory of Methodism,** vol. i, pp. 49, 60. The society of Methodists was now fairly established, the instruments being, as we see, a timid local preacher, a fait]|^ ful and heroic woman, and a brave, believing, and zealous military officer. The hired room now became too small for the congregation, and the next step in advance was to rent a rigging-loft, in Williarai-street. This place, like the other, soon becoming too strait, the people began to entertain the . notion of building a preaching-house. '„'*■ 208 TOVa XM AMBUOA. " While all were deliberating on the moit luitable means to be adopted to accomplifh an object lo deiirablc, and even necessary for their continued prosperity, an elderly lady, one of the Irish emi- fi^ants before mentioned, while fervently engaged in prayer for direc* tion in this important enterprise, received, with inexpressible sweet- ness and power, this answer : ' I the Lord will do it.' At the same time, a plan was presented to her mind, which, on being submitted to the society, was generally approved of, and finally adopted. They proceeded to issue a subseription-paper, waited on the mayor of the city, and other opulent citisens, to whom they explained their object, and fh)m them received such liberal donations, as greatly encour- aged them to proceed in tltoir undertaking." This led to the eroctfon of John-street chapel, sixty feet in length, and forty-two in breadth ; the people calling it> from respect for tbo venerable founder of Methodism, '* Wesley Chapel." Thii was, most likely, the first chapel ever called by this name ; as, most ossuiedly, John Wesley would never allow either chapel, society, or anything else, to be called after him, in England, so long as he lived, and possessed the power to prevent it. The name of the above female has been happily rescued from oblivion. " The name of this pious woman was Hick, the mother of the late Paul Hick, who became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in his youth ; and was subsequently a doss-leader and trus- tee, in which offices he continued till near the close of life ; and finally died, in the triumph of faith, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He has children and grand-children, now members of the church in the city of New- York. Ho has often conversed with the writer re- specting the circumstances and incidents of those early days of Me- thodism, with much apparent delight and gratitude. When quite a lad, his mother used to lead him by the hand to the meetings ; and, said he, * the first sixpence I could ever call my own, I put into the ^ate, which was carried uround to receive the contributions of the people; and I felt, in so doing, on inexpressible pleasure.' God abundantly rewarded him in after life with both temporal and spirit>> ual blessings ; and he lived to see ' this seed of the kingdom spring up, and bear fruit, even a hundred-fold.' "— ^an^s's " History of Me- thodism,^* vol. i, pp. 60, 51. In the mean time Captain W^bb continued his zealous m, **«!*• I PART II.~KOTIOES OF MBTHODISM. 209 labours with great success. He preached in various placet in Long Ic^and, produced great awakenings amongst tbe people, aud pi'enared the way for the formation of societies. His love to the Saviour and the souls of ifl<^n carried him to Philadelphia, and he became the means of laying the foundation of a great work of Ood in the famous Quaker city. When, in 1760, the first missionaries, Messrs. Board> man and Pilmoor, landed at Philadelphia, they found the heroic captain in the city zealously pursuing his course, and a society collected by his labours of upwards of one hundred members. 4 • Much about the time these things were taking place, an- other agent from Ireland, Robert Strawbridge, began to preach in Maryland with equal success. He settled, it seems, in Frederick county in that State, and at first com- menced preaching in his own house. These labours were soon enlarged, and, like his contemporaries in the work, he extended his evangelical exertions to various parts of the country around. Tlie success attendant on these efforts obliged our evangelist to turn his attention to the erection of a place of worship, which he accomplished at Pipe Creek, and which passed under the name of the " log meeting- house." This first Methodbt place of worship in Maryland became famous in its history, and several of the early Con- ferences were held within its "log" walls. It was in the midst of these first and desultory labours of Mr. Strawbridge, that one of the earliest and most eminent of the native American ministers became acquainted with the way of salvation. Freeborn Garrettsok met with Mr. Strawbridge at a friend's house in his own neighbour- hood ; and this incident seems to be the first link in a chain of evea^, which led that excellent man to become one of the most honoured and successful pioneers in this great work. Who does not feel a pleasure in searching out among elevated ridges the springs and rills which, in their course. m MO TOUR IN AMERICA. TA9; constitute great rivers? It maybe in imagination only; but there is delight in sipping the water at the fountain- head, in spanning the tiny stream as it gurgles out of the rock, and then examining how it makes for itself a channel. There will in this be little to please the economist and the practical man. He only cares for results, for "organizations, for a working power : the elements of things are nothing to him ; these he willingly gives up to prying curiosity. But it is clear enough that his favourite aggregations could have no existence without these elementary processes ; the great has its origin in the little, as the river in the fountain ; the woodman's axe, the ploughman's art, the housewife's spinning-wheel, the hand-loom of the humble weaver, the rude log-hut, constitute the foundations of the most ad- vanced civilization. To despise, or even to disregard, first efibrts, indicates folly as well as pride. And in despite of the generalizinga of philosophy, it will be found, in fact, that the characters, the opinions, the modes of operation, the tools, so to speak, which are employed, the lines of labour marked out, and the genius, spirit, and soul of these first essays, will give their colouring, and even forms, to all succeeding creations. This is evidently true in the case under consideration. Captain Webb seems to have been a perfect embodiment of the true genius and spirit of primitive Methodism. What the grave New-England religionists, and all men of their class, would consider its irregularity, enthusiasm, zeal, activity, and faith, — seems to have ha'' a place in the soul ' and life of this noble soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ. By k reason of his leisure, property, and position, he possessed the means of more extensive labours than Philip Embury or Robert Strawbridge. These good men occupied a sort of pastoral function on a limited scale, while the good cap- tain acted as an evangelist, pressing into every open door, and boldly proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation. The . writer of a letter to Mr. Wesley, signing himself T. T., dated PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 21% New- York, April 11th, 1768, gives us some insight into the captain's character and proceedmgs. f " For some time few thought it worth their while to hear ; but God so ordered it by his providence, that, about fourteen months ago, Captain Webb, barrack-master at Albany, (who was converted three years ago in Bristol,) found them out, and preached in his regi- mentals. The novelty of a man preaching in a scarlet coat soon brought greater numbers to hear than the room could contain. But liis doctrines were quite new to tlie hearers ; for he told them point- blank, that all their knowledge and religion were not woi-th a rush, unless their sins were forgiven, and they had the witness of God's Spirit with theirs that they were his children. This strange doctrine, with some peculiarities in his person, made him soon taken notice of, and obliged the little society to look out for a larger house to preach in About this period Mr. Webb, whose wife's relations lived at Jamaica, Long Island, took a house in that neighbourhood, and began to preach in his own house, and several other places on Long Island. Within six months, about twenty-four pereons received jus- tifying grace ; nearly half of them whites, the rest Negroes. While Mr. Webb was (to borrow his own phrase) 'felling trees on Long Island, brother Embury was exhorting all who attended on Thurs- day evenings and Sundays, morning and evening, at the rigging- house, to flee from the wrath to come.' It was the 26th day of October last when I arrived, recommended to a person for lodg- ing. I inquired of my host, who was a very religious man, if any Methodists were in New- York ; he answered that there was one Cap- tain Webb, a sti'ange sort of man, who lived on Long Island, and who sometimes preached at one Embury's, at the rigging-house." It seems that our good captain not only laboured him- self, but exerted his influence to procure others to enter -. the field. He had an " impression " that Mr. Benson ought to go to America, The matter, as in all similar cases, was referred to Mr. Wesley, who, in a letter dated March 2d, ^ 1773, says, — " Certainly, you cannot stir, unless you are clearly satisfied of your call from God. An impression on the mind of another man is no rule of action to you. The reasons you give on the other side are weighty, and will not easily be answered." This call upon Mr. Benson by the captain, roused Charles I I 'I ^ ■^ 212 t^fi; TOUR IN AMBBIOA. Wesley, wbo, in his usual style of frankness and energy, gives his notions of the captain's character. , "I have barely time to lay, your own reaaoiu for not yet going to America, and Christopher Hopper's, are unanswerable. Mr. E." (Mr. Fletcher, no doubt) " is only the captahi's echo. The captain's impressions are no more, or very little more, to be depended on than George Bell's. He is an inexperienced, honest, zealons, loving en- thusiast. God only knows whether yon may not be called to America by and by. At present, your call is not clear ; therefore, stand still, and send our friends a loving, explicit refusal." It is singular enough, that whilst the several parties thus dealt with the captain's " impression," they all refer to the same principle. John Wesley thinks the " call," when di- vine, must be addressed to the person concerned, and not to another; he is the party to be convinced, and to be persuaded. Charles ia not sure but the " call" may come some time, and Mr. Benson may be sent to America ; whilst he himself evidently refers to the same thmg, only he ar- gues, and that so conclusively as to convince the brothers, that to himself the "call" is not sufficiently clear and ex- plicit. It would be difficult to prove that Captain Webb's " impression" in this case was a tevery, an ill-founded piece of enthusiasm. Had his election fallen on some in- competent person, Charles Wesley's biting caustic might have been justly applied. But the " impression " referred to a man whose age, piety, learning, great preaching talents, practical wisdom, entire attachment to Methodist theology, and empnent controversial and literary attainments, seemed in reason to point him out as the most suitable man in England for the work. Besides, there seems to have been a balance of judgment, two against two, — John and Charles Wesley against, and Captain Webb and Mr. Fletcher in favour. How prescient is Providence I Had Mr. Benson gone to America, and taken the superintendence of the work, as he must have done, it is probable that his influence would have altered the whole aspect of things. Dr. Coke, in that case, could have had no place in the organization PART n.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 218 of Methodism ; Francis Asbury must have been a secondary man ; and, with Mr. Benson's views and opinions, it is ex- tremely likely, not to say absolutely certain, that the Me- thodist Episcopal Church would never, in its present shape, have existed. On what wonderful contingencies hang the greatest results ! These, then, are the agents, and this the beginning, of Me- thodism in America ; now grown to be by far the most nu- merous church in the United States. How different this commencement to any other religious formations in this coun- try ! When the pilgrim fathers sailed in the " Mayflower " with her companion, they constituted a church, an ecclesiastical state. Some of the most eminent Christians, probably, of the age accompanied the expedition ; they were men of real greatness of mind and heart ; they held a doctrinal system, arranged, digested,r put into syllogistic order, and defended at all points ; they had left their country for the sake of what they considered a principle, a truth, which they car- ried with them as a sacred deposit, as the ark of God ; the formalities of devotion and of religious rites attended every step ; and they seemed to act upon the conviction that they were going, in the name of their Divine Master, to take possession of a new " land of promise." We do not say they were mistaken in their convictions, or that they failed in their anticipations ; all that is meant to be noticed is, that this was formal, and that the religion of the transaction possessed a shape, a plan. When William Penn took possession of Pennsylvania in the name of Quakerism, this was the case also. The Quaker king was himself a great man in every sense. In family connexions, in social rank, in all the qualities of the statesman, in ' knowledge and literary attainments, and actual standing in society, William Penn was a man to take rank with peers and princes, philosophers and statesmen. Religion, imder the auspices of such a leader, has the appearance of a great interest, and likely to prosper. It * jf^. ai4 TOUR IN AMEftlCA. demands respect, and claims the approval of parties who look more at "the outward appearance/' than abstract truth. And, moreover, though the forms of Quakerism were very different, as was its spirit also, from the Puritanism of the settlers of New-England, yet still it had its own peculiar garb, and presented itself to view as' a visible em- bodiment of Christianity. . Methodism began in America in a perfectly different manner. Its first disciples, we see, had no name, no rank, no means, no scholarship, no power, no human credentials. It was introduced by a few poor, unknown, and unnoticed emigrants, who took their place amongst the common peo- ple, and occupied themselves in the menial affairs of life. The general population knew not that any parties lived amongst them of any remarkable stamp of character. Nei- ther themselves nor the people for a moment dreamed that they were the chosen apostles of God to introduce a doctrine, a system, which, in the course of time, was des- tined to become a great church. There was certainly no design, and no kind of forethought, of any results beyond present religious edification. What, then, gave Methodism its force, its momentum ? Unquestionably the truth and the Spirit of God in the first degree ; but then, it wal^ truth unembarrassed, unsystematized ; truth in its simplicity. Moreover, it was not the gospel in any gorgeous array of symbols or of ornament, it was one capital and experimental verity ; namely, the offer of the pardon of sin, with its attendant blessings. This was just about all that these disciples of Methodism knew, or could preach to others. But it is exactly such a doctrine as is calculated to arrest attention, to excite the soul to a profound thoughtfulness, to prepare the way for other enimciations ; and, by reason of its exact adaptation to man in his guilt and miseries, is likely, in the issue, to win numerous converts. Besides, this single truth is in its nature germinant. Though but one in itself; it leads to everything else. But how^ grefit m ^ PART II.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 215 the difference between the Methodist doctrine of the par- don of sin, and the Puritan doctrine of the decrees, and the Quaker doctrine of the inward light ! The founders of New-England and its religion sought, by all possible means, to establish their repulsive system of election and reprobation ; and, as if to give practical etfect to their doctrines, refused residence and neighbow- hood to every one, unless he believed their creed and belonged to their church. The Quaker-prophet taught the people to look within, and to unravel the right from the wrong, the good from the evil, the light from the darkness, the divine from the human ; and insisted that religion was of the nature of an internal oracle, which, if rightly con- sulted, would lead to truth, virtue, and God* The Method- Ut, from the earliest period of his appearance in America, on the contrary, went about proclaiming pardon, justifica- tion, M freely procured by the death of Christ, and offered to all men in the gospel. This was his mission, the blessing ho preached, the acceptance of which he enforced upon his audience ; teaching, at the same time, the mode of its attainment by faith, and pointing out its evidences and fruits. There is not so much in this to engage philosophy and excite admiration as in the other systems referred to ; but there is much more to meet the wants of mankind, to satisfy the cravings of the soul, to ease the anguish of the conscience, and to lead to peace and holiness. Mr. Ban- croft could not write so splendid and philosophical a dis- sertation on the Methodist doctrine of pardon, as he has produced on the "inward light" of the Quaker system; and yet this doctrine of pardon has done a thousand times more to evangelize his country, and gained a hundred- fold more disciples, than the system he so eloquently eulo- gizes. But this doctrine is powerful, not simply because it is so well adapted to man's state : it is effective, because divine ; the very blessing of the gospel, to which the Holy Spirit gives his testimony and influence. No one can pos- 216 ••?»•? TOUR IN AMERICA. sibly account for the success of the early propagators of Methodistio doctrine, on any other principle than this. It owed next to nothing to its agents, but everything to its own intrinsic truth ; — stripped of all efflorescent verbiage, and rendered powerful by the blessing of God. * The only external appliance which Methodism possessed, at this first stage of its existence, was the class-meeting. Many parties will be unable to see anything in this ; and some will smile or sneer, as the case may be. Be this as it may, there can be no doubt that these meetings collected the scattered rays of light into a focus, gave solidity to the work, and fostered the courage and confidence of the dis- ciples ; strengthened, animated, and inflamed their piety and love ; dre^ out their respective talents, whether for prayer, exhortation, or any other service ; and consolidated their means for exertion and usefulness. The social prin- ciple in religion is power, as well as in other things ; and it is especially necessary in the feeble commencement of any new undertaking. We have seen that Philip Embury and his companions had given way, when roused from their slumbers by the importunities of a more faithful female. The result was, the establishment of what js called " a so- ciety;" and we hear no more of any vacillations. The members of the "little flock" looked after each other; became, in some sort, answerable for each other's character and piety ; assisted each other in their daily trials, and prompted each other ** to love and to good works ;" and, by theSe several means, gave solidity and strength to the whole work. But this is not all ; these class-meetings be- came centres of life. Their several gifts were brought into 'Exercise, and, consequently, improved ; and many of the members, as the result, became eminently useful, who would, probably, have remained in listless obscurity. These classes thus proved to be ** schools of the prophets ;" and, like the fountain in the arid desert, sent forth their ferti- lizing wftt^rs tp the regions arpund, giving reHgious vei^dui^ ; 4' PART U. — ^NOTICES OF METHODISM. 217 to places wliich must otherwise have remained in a state of barrenness and death. It results from all that we have seen, in connexion with the early stages of this great revival of religion on the con- tinent of America, that, so far as human and external means are concerned, it owes its origin and progress to two very simple powers, — the doctrine of pardon, and the class- meeting. These, it may be thought by some, are inade- quate means to produce such efifects ; that, in point of fact, there must have been something more profound, more recondite. On examination, however, it will be perceived, that, in everything divine, the declaration of the apostle is found true : " God hath chosen the weak things of this world to confound the mighty." The men first called by Christ to the apostolic office, were selected from amongst the common people ; the speech they employed was plain, pointed, and expressed in the idioms of the times ; the doc- trines they taught were certainly such as we have indicated, and were stated in a popular, and not a scholastic, style ; the societies established were evidently spiritual, practical meetings for merely religious purposes ; and the church- officers were men of plain sense, good character, and emi- nent sanctity; while their office itself only contemplated the promotion of piety, or relief to the poor. In this manner the Methodist societies were first formed, both in America and elsewhere. Their simplicity was their beauty, their glory, and their strength. This ill accords with the complexity of most ecclesiastical organizations; in which complexity many, though in great mistake, place their strength. In this work, then, there can be no ground for glorying in man. "Not by might, nor by" human " power," were the foundations of Methodism laid in the American colonies. This church can boast of no princely power, no noble patronage, no legislative provision, no chartered immunities, no domestic or foreign support. No apostolic man, linked in the chain of any kind of succession, 10 II ^ M 218 TOUR IN AMERICA. :#■ laid the foundations of this gigantic fabric. The Methodist Church cannot count back to a Peter or a Paul, like the pretence of Rome ; nor can they reckon on great traditional or historic characters, as coming from afar to plant the gospel on their shores. The period will allow of no mys- tery; no strange missionary, as Patrick in^ Ireland, can ever be palmed on public credulity, as the agent of this work ; it is not, it cannot be, lost in the dim distance of a remote antiquity. The curious can never dispute about the origin of the movement. Philip Embury, Robert Straw- bridge, Captain Webb, and the " mother in Israel," men- tioned before, instrumentally, laid the foundations of one of the most numerous, well-governed, pious, and useful Protestant churches in the world ; and the powerlessness of the instruments must lead all to acknowledge, that this is, indeed, the " finger of God." CHAPTER III. Application to Mr. Wesley for Miisionarlei— Meiiri. Boftrdman and PUtnoor appointed— Account of the State of TtUngii— Mesira. Aibtury and Wright- Account of the former— The Spirit of the Clergy— Mr. Jarratt— Thomas Rankin and George Shadford arrive— First Conference. We now enter upon a new period in the progress of Me- thodism in America, — the period of more regular ministra- tions. In 1768, the society at New- York addressed Mr. Wesley on the subject of sending them a minister. The writer above referred to, signing himself T. T., was their organ. " There is another point far more mfttcriftl, and in which I must importune your assistance, not only in my own name, but also in the name of the whole society. We want an able and experienced preacher ■, one who has bo^ gifts and grace neoeiiary for the Work. God has not, indeed, despised the day of 8maU thingi. There is a real work of grace begun in many hearts, by the preaching of Mr. Webb and Mr. Embury; but, although they are both usefal, and their hearts in the work, they want many qualiflcationi for such an i . ^1^* PART II.— NOTICES OP METHODISM. 219 undertaking ; and the progress of the Gospel here depends nrnch upon the qualifications of preachers. " In regard to a preacher, if possible, we must have a man of wis- dom, of sound faith, and a good disciplinarian ; one whose heart and soul ore in the work ; and I doubt not but, by the goodness of God, such a flame will be soon kindled, as would never stop till it reached the great South Sea. We may make many shifts to evade temporal inconveniences ; but we cannot purchase such a preacher as I have described. Dear sir, I entreat you, for the good of thousands, to use your utmost endeavours to send one over. With respect to money for the payment of the preacher's passage over, if they could not pro- cure it, we would sell our coats and shirts to procure it for them." This letter led to the appointment of the first mission- aries from England. Mr. Wesley, referring to this in his Journal, says, — "Tuesday, August Ist, 1769. — Our Conference began in Leeds, On Thursday, I mentioned the case of our brethren in New- York. For some years past, several of our brethren from England and Ire- land (and some of them preachers) had settled in North America, and had, in various places, formed societies, particularly in Philadel- phia and New- York. The society at New- York had lately built a commodious preaching-house, and now desired help, being in great want of money, but much more of preachers. Two of our preachers, Bichard Boardman and Joseph Filmoor, willingly offered themselves for the service, by whom we determined to send over £50, as a token of our brotherly love." The two missionaries landed at Gloucester Point, six miles below Philadelphia, October 24th, 1769. This ought to be regarded as a red-letter day in the history of Me- thodism in America. It is the date of an era ; it marks the beginning of a direct connexion between the societies, and the father of the entire family ; and it also indicates the period of the admission of a new, a regulating power. Henceforward, the American societies became a part of the pastoral charge of Mr. Wesley and the British Conference ; and their history stands intimately connected with that of the entire body. On entering upon their duties, our missionaries divided ; Mr. Boardman taking New- York as the centre of his move- 220 TOUR IN AMERICA. mmtB, and Mr. Pilmoor, Philadelphia. But, adopting the accustomed rule of itinerancy, they exchanged with each other at certain intervals ; thus giving vitality and interest to their work, by the eflfects of varied minbtrations. Mr. Pilmoor gave an account of the state of things in Phila- delphia, in a letter dated October Slst, 1769; only seven days after his arrival. He says, — " By the blessing of God, we ore safely onived here, after a tedious passage of nine weeks. We were not a little surprised to find Cap- tain Webb in town, and a society of about one hundred members, who desire to be in close connexion with you. • This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.' "I have preached several times, and the people flock to hear in multitudes. Sunday evening I went out upon the common. I had the stage appointed for the horse-race for my pulpit, and I think be- tween four and five thousand hearers, who heard with attention, still ns night. Blessed be God for field-preaching ! When I begun to talk of preaching at five o'clock in the morning, the people thought it would not answer in America ; however, I resolved to try, and I had a very good congregation. " There seems to be a great and effectual door opening in tin's country, and I hope many souls will be gathered in. The people, in ^neral, like to hear the word, and seem to have ideas of salvation by tj,race.** Mr. Boardman does not write so soon ; but on the 24th of April, 17V0, he says, — " Our house contains about seventeen hundred people. About a third part of those who attend get in ; the rest are glad to hear with- out. There appears such a willingness in the Americans to hear the word, as I never saw before. They have no preaching in some parts of the back settlements. I doubt not but an efi'cctual door will be opened among them. O may the Most High now give his Son the heathen for his inlieritance I The number of the blacks that attend the preaching a£fects me much." It is seen by this, that Philip Embury and Captain Webb had done good service. A third preaching-place, holding seventeen hundred persons, was no mean triimiph, for the circumstances in which they were placed. In the following year another, the most important actor I v>* I PART II.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 221 who ever appealed from England in America, took hia place on the continent, — Francis Asburt, accompanied by Richard Wright. As Mr. Asbury became so conspicu- ous a leader in the affairs of Methodism, it may be as well to give his own account of his early life. Mr. Asbury tells us, he was bom near the foot of Hamp- stcad Bridge, in the parish of Handsworth, four miles from Birmingham, on the 20th or 21st of August, 1*745. His father and mother, Joseph and Elizabeth Asbury, " were in common life, but remarkable for honesty and industry." On the death of an only daughter in childhood, his mother " sunk into deep distress, from which she was not relieved for many years." Under this dispensation, " God was pleased to open the eyes of her mind, and she now began to read almost incessantly, strongly lU'ging her husband to adopt family reading and prayer." This affected young Francis ; and he tells us, that from childhood he neither " Dared an oath, nor hazarded a lie." Being sent to school early, he learned to read the Bible, and took " great delight in the historical parts." His mas- ter, proving a great " churl," and using him " cruelly," filled him with such " horrible dread," that it seems he made his escape from this tyranny. This was the amoimt of his education ; we hear no more of school. He then " lived some time in one of the wealthiest and most un- godly families in the parish ;" and became " vain, but not openly wicked." When betwixt thirteen and fourteen, he was " put to learn a branch of business, at which he wrought six years and a half," enjoying great liberty in the family, and was " treated more Uke a son than an apprentice." When fourteen years of age, he was awakened by the instrumentality of a "pious man, not a Methodist," who was invited by his mother to visit the family for religious purposes. He began to attend West Bromwich church, hearing several eyangelical ministers, and read all the good ;*: 222 TOUR IN AMIRIOA. books he met with. He now inquired of his mother, " whot where, and what were the Methodists ?" and she directing huh to " a person who could conduct him to Wednesbury to hear them/' we find him for the first time at this place. " The people were devout, men and women kneeling down, saying, Amen" They sung hymns, " sweet sound ;" the preacher had " no Prayer-Book, and yet he prayed wonder- fully;" and, more extraordinary, "he took his text, and preached, and yet had no sermon-book." "He talked about confidence, asiurance, of which," he says, " all my flights and hopes fell short." Ho adds, " I had no deep convictions, nor had I committed any deep known sins. At one sermon, some time after, my companion was powerfully wrought on : I was exceedingly grieved that I could not weep like him ; yet I know myself to be in a state of unbe- lief. On a certain time, when we were praying in my father's barn, I believe the Lord pardoned my sins, and justified my soul." He was now " free from guilt and fear, and had power over sin, and felt great inward joy." He now began to " hold meetings " with his companions, who were " much persecuted ;" the people opening their houses were obliged to close them again. Being driven from these places, he "held meetings" at his father's house, and went also to Sutton-Colefield for the same purpose, "several souls professing to find peace." He had preached some months before he publicly appeared in the "Methodist meeting-houses ;" and when his labours became more pub- lic and extensive, " some were amazed ; not knowing how he had exercised elsewhere." He now became a local preacher, " the humble and willing servant of any and of every preacher that called on him, by night or by day ; being ready, with hasty steps, to go far and wide to do good." Thus called, he " visited Derbyshire, Stafford- shire, Warwickshire, "Worcestershire," " preaching, generally, three, four, and five times a week, and, at the same time, pur- suing his calling."— -^ifftw'/*^** •/bwrna/, vol. ii, pp. 133-136. udfe;. PABT II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 228 The account of his entrance on hia American miasiou must be given in his own words :— *' On tho 7th of August, 1771, tb^ Conference began at Bristol, in England. Before this, I had foil ' or half a year strong intimationH in my mind that I should visit America ; which I laid before the Lord, being unwilling to do my own will, or to run before I was sent. During this time my trials were very great, which the Lord, I bclievo, permitted to prove and try mc, in order to prepare me for future usefulness. At the conference it was proposed that some preachers should go over to tho American continent I spoke my mind and mode an offer of myself. It was accepted by Mr. Wesley and others, who judged I had a call. From Bristol I went homo tu acquaint my parents with my great undertaking, which I opened in as gentle a manner as possible. Though it was grievous to flesh and blood, they consented to let me go. My mother is one of the ten- derest parents in the world ; but I believe she was blessed in the pre- sent instance with divine assistance to part with mc. I visited most of my friends in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Gloucestershire, and felt much life and power among them. Several of our meetings were held, indeed, in the spirit and life of God. Many of my friends were struck with wonder, when they heard of my going ; but none opened their mouths against it, hoping it was of God. Some wished that their situation would allow them to go with me. " I returned to Bristol in the latter end of August, where Bichard Wright was waiting for mc, to sail in a few days for Philadelphia. When I came to Bristol, I had not one penny of money ; but the Lord soon opened the hearts of friends, who supplied me with clothes, and £10. Thus I found, by experience, that the Loi^ will provide for those who trust in him. " On Wednesday, September 2d, wc set sail from a port near Bris- tol ; and, having a good wind, soon passed the Channel. For three days I was very ill with the sea-sickness ; and no sickness I ever knew was equal to it. The captain behaved well to us. On the Lord's day, September 8th, brother W. preached a sermon on deck, and all the crew gave attention. " Thursday, 12th.— I will set down a few things that lie on my mind. Whither am I going ? To the New World. What to do ? To gain honour ? No -, if I know my own heart. To get money ? No ; I am going to live to God, and to bring others to do so. In America there has been a work of God ; some moving first amongst the Friends, but in time it declined ; likewise by the Presbyterians, but amongst them also it declined. The people God owns in Eng- 224 TOUR IN AMERICA. laud are the Methodists. The doctrines they preach, and the disci- pline they enforce, are, I believe, the purest of any people in the world. The Lord has greatly blessed these doctrines and this disci- pline in the three kingdoms ; they must therefore be pleasing to him. If God does not acknowledge me in America, I will soon re- turn to England. I know my views are upright iiow ; may they never be otherwise 1" — Joumai, vol. i, pp. 1, 2. This is the spirit in which this apostle of Methodism iu America began his work, and which only terminated with his life — an eventful period of forty-four years. There were now four missionaries from England in America ; and their number was increased by the addition of Robert Williams and John King, emigrants from the mother-country. The band of brothers evidently laboured together, in general, harmoniously, and with equal success. The only difference among them seems to have been, on the subject of country work. Mr. Asbury thought his brethren were too fond of remaining in the large towns, while he felt, in the spirit of a true evangelist, that, in order to secure the objects of then* mission, it was necessary that the villages and country places should share theii* attention, and enjoy the benefit of their ministrations. With these convictions, he deter- nuned to sally forth ; and from this time we find him pro- secuting his itinerant labours with indefatigable zeal — rushing into every open door, and, where an entrance could not be found, endeavouring to make one. On this subject his remarks are pertinent. On November 20th, he writes : — < " I am in York, though unsatisfied with our being both in town together. I have not yet the thing I seek, — a circulation of preach- ers to avoid partiality and popularity. However, I am fixed to the Methodist plan, and do what I do faithfully as to God At present I am dissatisfied. I judge wc arc to be shut up in the cities this winter. My brethren seem unwilling to leave the cities; but I think I shall show them the way. I am in trouble, and more trouble - is at hand ; for I am detcianined to make a stand against all partial- ity. I have nothing to seek but the glory of God, nothing to fear but his displeasure. I atn come over mth an upright intention, and, PART II. — ^NOTICES OP METHODISM. 2^5 through the grace of God, I will make it appear ; and I am deter- mined that no man shall bias me with soft words and fair speeches : nor will I ever fear (the Lord helping me) the face of man, or know any man after the flesh, if I beg my bread from door to door; but, whomsoever I please or displease, I will be faithfUl to God, to the people, and to my own soul." Here we have the moral elements forming the character of Francis Asbury. Firmness, fearlessness, integrity, sin- gleness of eye for the glory of God, an intense love to the souls of men, faithfulness to the leading idea of Method- ism, happiness in labour ; — from which he never deviated to the end of life. Such was the man called of Provi- dence to take the lead in this enterprise, in great measure i^ to guide its counsels, and to become its chief apostle. At this period the Methodist preachers in America, as well as in England, considered themselves connected with the Church. Two incidents may be mentioned to show how they fared with diflferent classes of the clergy. In Kent county, Mr. Asbury relates, that he was encountered by Mr. B., a church minister. " He chai'ged me with making a schism. I told him that I did not draw the people from the church, and asked him if his churdi was then open. He then said, tliat I hindered the people from their work. I asked him if fairs and horse-races did not hinder them ; and further told him, that I came to help him. He said, he had not hired me for an assistant, and did not want my help. I told him, if there were no swearers or other sinners, he was sufficiont. ' But,' said he, 'what do you come for?' I replied, 'To turn sinners to God.' He said, ' Cannot I do that as well as you V I told him that I had authority from God. He then laughed at nio, and said, ' Yoii are a fine fellow, indeed !' I told him I did not do this to invalidate his authority ; and also gave him to understand, that I did not wish to dispute wiUi him ; but he said he had business with me, and came into the house in a great rage. I began to preach, and to exhort the people to repent, and turn from all their transgressions, so iniquity should not prove their ruin. After preaching, tlie parson went out, and told the people they did wrong in coming to hear me ; and said, I spoke against learning ; whereas, I only spoke to this purpose !— When a man turned from all sin, he would adorn every character in life, bQth in church And state." 10* M 226 TOUR IN AMBRIOA. This sort of clergy generally predominated in the south- ern provinces ; but Mr. Jarratt, of Virginia, was an ex- ception. *' Under his preaching there woi a considerable revival at a place called White Oak. In imitation of Mr. Wesley and his-preachers, Mr. Jarratt formed those who were awakened to a sense of their danger into a society, that they might assist each other in working out their salvation. The good cifocts of these meetings were so apparent, in producing the fruits of • good living,' that they were encouraged, and the revival went on gradually, chiefly under the labours of Mr. Jar- ratt, from 1771 to 1773, spreading from flflty to sixty miles in the re- gion round about."— i?an^«'f " Iliitonj of Methodism," vol. i, p. 76. This good man identified himself with Methodism, afford- ed his countenance and encouragement to the preachers, himself took part in their labourti, attended some of their early meetings in Conference, threw open his door for their entertainment; and, in fact, became to the infant cause in America exactly what Mr. Fletcher of Madeley, or Grimshaw of Haworth, were to the Methodists of England in their day. In June, 17*78, two other missionaries, Thomas Rankin and George Shadford, landed in Philadelphia ; and as Mr. Rankin had travelled several years longer in England than Mr. Asbury, Mr, Wesley appointed him the general assist- ant (superintendent) of the societies in America. Mr. Rankin seems to have received, with the superintend- ency, full powers from Mr. Wesley to hold a Conference, Accordingly, we find, the first Conference ever held in America was convened to meet in Philadelphia, in July, 1773, Up to this time the business of the Church had been transacted at the quarterly meetings. At this Conference we find the following questions and answers : — . "1. Ought not the authority of Mr. Wesley and that of [the Eng- lish] Conference to extend to the preachers and people in America, as well as Great Britain and Ireland ? «An8.— Yes. ^.^i.i-- ''^■- PART II.-^NOTICES OF METHODISM. 227 "2. Ought not the doctrine and discipline of the Methodists, as contained in the Minutes, to be the sole rule of our conduct, who la- bour in the Connexion with Mr. Wesley in America ? •' An8. — Yes. " 3. If so, does it not follow, that if any preachers deviate from the Minutes, we can have no fellowship with them till they change their conduct ? «An8.— Yes." The following rules were agreed to by the preachers present : — " 1. Every preacher who acts in connexion with Mr. Wesley, and the brethren who labour in America, is strictly to avoid administering the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper. " 2. All the people among whom we labour to be earnestly ex- horted to attend the church, and to receive the ordinances there ; but in a particular manner to press the people in Maryland and Virginia to the observance of this minute." Thus the Methodist system was fairly established, and its discipline agreed upon, by the consent of the brethren. Mr. Rankin is reported to have been a stem disciplinarian of the Presbyterian class ; a Scotchman by birth and edu- cation, and somewhat inflexible in hi3 character, after the manner of his countrymen. The above resolutions were not passed without debate, or carried into effect without opposition. There seems to have been no demur in regard to the authority of Mr. Wesley and the British Conference ; but on the question of the sacraments, the feeling was not equally unanimous. Some of the brethren, as Mr. Strawbridge, had been in the habit of administering these sacred rites to the satisfaction of the people, so that the rule on the subject came into collision with the practice of some of the societies. On other points there was some difference of opinion, and the New- York people threatened to shut the doors of their chapel against Mr. Rankin. These differences gradually subsided, and by the careful enforcement of discipline, together with the faithful ministerial labours of the preachers, order became predominant, and prosperity attended the work. By the -^i-^ 228 TOUR IN AMEBIOA. merciful ordination of Divine Providence, tbis work of union took eflfect at the right time. Events of a distressing character were approaching ; and if this consolidation had not been then attained, the probability is, that it would not have been secured for many years, if at all. • Peace being established, the brethren had time to extend their evange- lical labours through various portions of the provinces of New- York, Virginia, Maryland, Long Island, Delaware, the Jerseys, Pennsylvania, as well as in the cities. From what followed, it almost seemed as if Mr. Rankin had received an especial commission to grapple with the incipient disor- ders which had unhappily crept in, and establish on a firm foundation the whole Methodist system, before the revolu- tionary hurricane broke out. CHAPTER IV. ' The Revolutionary Period— Klessrs. Rankin, Shadford, and Rodda depart for England— Adventiires of Shadford— Asbury determines to remaun— His Exer- cises of Mind— Finds Refuge in the House of Judge Wliite— Persecutions of Messrs. Hartley and Garrettson— Mr. Jarratt's Account of a Revival of Religion in Virginia— Reflections on the Revolution— John Calvin's Dogma- Originates the Revolution— Its Success. We now approach the revolutionary period, which, to the infant Methodist Church, was a sore trial. With the Eng- lish preachers a point of conscience of a very perplexing nature at once arose. The Americans began their work by resolving themselves into an independent confederation, in these words: "Resolved, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States ; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown ; and that all political connexion between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." This instrument bears date July 2d, 1776. — Ilickey's Con- stitution of the United States. This, of course, left British subjects no choice ; they were either obliged to renounce f FART II.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 229 their allegiance to their own sovereign, leave the coun- try, or evade the laws by concealment. All the preach- ers, except Mr. Asbury, chose at once to return home. But this was evidently a great exercise of their feelings. They delighted in their work, saw much good going on, ^ and had the prospect of witnessing the spread of religion on a magnificent scale. The agitations of mind and positive dangers to which these good men were exposed, are truly affecting. On Tuesday, May 16th, 1115, Mr. Rankin remarks : — " The preachers came together from their diflforent circuits, and next day we began our little Conference. We conversed together, nnd concluded our business in love. Mr. Strenger spent some time with UB. We all came unanimously to the conclusion to follow the advice that Mr. Wesley and his brethren had given us, and leave the event to God. We had abundant reason to bless God for the increase of hii work last year. We had above a thousand added to the dif- ferent societies, and they had increased to ten circuits. Our joy in God would have been abundantly more, had it not been for the pre- parations of war that now rang throughout tliis city. (Philadelphia.) I endeavoured to open up and enforce the cause of our miserj-. I told them that the sins of Great Britain and her colonies had long called aloud for vengeance, and in a particular manner the dreadful »in of buying and selling the souls and bodies of the poor Africans, the sons and daughters of Ham." How singular that we should find, in the midst of these notes of civil war, the following entry ! — " I called at Mi*. Fairfax's, (a relation of old Lord Fairfax,) a gen- tleman of large estate, and who of late years had been savingly brought to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was over at Baltimore at our little conference ; and at the lovefeast that followed, he Hpoke of what God had done for his soul with such simplicity and unction from on high, as greatly affected every one who heard him. May ho live' to be an ornament to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus !" —Jackson's " Lives of Early Methodist Preadiers,^* vol. ii, pp. 189-191. Mr. Rankin seems to have made his escape on pretty easy terms ; but George Shadford was called to encounter more formidable difficulties. He says, — 280 TOUR IS AMERICA. " The next summer and winter I spent in Maryland ; the winter on the Eastern Shore, where I could labour and be at peace ; but as the test-oath must take place there also, I was brought to a strait. I had sworn allegiance to the king twice, and could not swear to re- nounce him forever. I dare not play with fast-and-loose oaths, and swallow them in such a manner. We could not travel safe without a pass, nor have a pass without taking the oaths. At our Quarterly Meeting, I sold to brother Asbury, ' Let us have a day of fasting and prayer, that tae Lord may direct us ; for we never were in such cir- cumstances as now, sii ce we were Methodist preachers.' We did so ; and in the evening I asked him how he had found his mind. He said he did not see his way clear to go to England. I told him I could not stay, as I believed I had done my work here at present ; and that it was as much impressed upon my mind to go home now, as it had been to come over to America. He replied, ' Then one of us must be under a delusion.' I said, ' Not so ; I may have a call to go, and you to stay ;' and I believe we both obeyed the call of Provi- dence. We saw we must part, though we loved as David an ' Jona- than. And indeed these times made ua love one another in a pecu- liar manner. O how glad were we to meet, and pour our giief into each other's bosom ! " Myself and another set off, having procured a pass from a colo- nel, to travel to the general ; and, arriving at the Iiead-quarters, we inquired for General Smallwood's apartments ; and, being admitted to his presence, and asked our business, we told his Excellency that we were Englishmen, and both Methodist preachers ; and, as we con- sidered ourselves subjects of Great Britain, we could not take the test-oath ; therefore should be very glad to return home to our na- tive land. ' We cast ourselves,' we added, ' wholly upon your Ex- cellency's generosity, and hope, as you profess to be fighting for your liberties, you will grant us to have a pass, to have liberty to return to our own land in peace.' He answered rouglily, * Now you have done us all the hurt you can, you want to go home.' I told him our mo- tive had been to do good ; for this end we left our own country, and had been travelling through the woods for several years, to seek and to save that which was lost. It was true, we could not beat the poli- tical drum in the pulpit, preaching bloody sermons, because we con- sidered ourselves messengers of peace, and called to preach the gos- pel of peace. At last he told us he would give us a pass to the Eng- lish, if we would swear we would go. directly to Philadelphia, and from tiience embark to Great Britain. He then swore us, and gene rously gave us our liberty without any further trouble."— Jackson's ^^ Lives of Early Methodist Preach(^8.''\ ■r M. PARr n.~NOTIOES OF METHODISM. 231 '" The danger, however, was not at an end. The same night, Mr. Shadford tells us, that "a man leaped from behind a bush with his gun loaded and cocked," and, pre- senting it " at his breast, swore, like a fiend," that if he did not stop he should be a dead man. This man finally " dropped his gun," and allowed the Methodist preacher to take his departure. The next day he got to Chester " with his saddle-bags upon his back ;" and, at night, " crept on his hands and knees on a narrow plank to that part of the bridge that remained standing, and got his horse over the next morning." He arrived at Philadelphia the next day, and met three or four preachers who, like himself, " were refugees." They remained six weeks in Philadelphia, then took ship for Cork, thence to Wales, and finally for Bristol; and Mr. Shadford "felt a very thankful heart when he set foot on English groimd, in a land of peace and liberty, where was no alarm of war or bloodshed." The stout-hearted Francis Asbury was a man of another mould ; he would neither take the " test-oath," nor return to his native land. He resolved to brave all difficulties, remain at his post, and serve his brethren and the cause of his Divine Master as best he could. There is something remarkable in the incidents connected with the final settle- ment of this apostle of Methodism in America. Before the w^r broke out, there was evidently some misunderstanding between Mr. Bankin {Weslei/'s Works, vol. vii, pp. 9, 10) and Mr. Asbury ; and Mr. Wesley again and again recalled the latter, but he firmly, though no doubt respectfully, refused to obey.* Let us listen to the noble sentiments of this true man on the subject of deserting the work in America. * Tlie first time I ever saw David M'NicoIl, when very young, I have a dis- tinct recollection that he said of his countryman, Rankin, that he was Mr. Wesley's cafa-ptm. Great men generally have this liind of animal attached to jihem, often withojit any design of the^ owi^. 282 TOUR IN AMIBIOA. "I received a letter from Mr. T. B., (no doubt B«nkln,) in whiiU ho informed me, that himself, Mr. B., (BotUU,) And Mr. t>., (Demp- ster,) had consolted, and deliberately condudod it would be best to return to England. But I can by no moan« ogroo to leave such a field for gathering souls to Christ as we have in America. It would be an eternal dishonour to the Methodists, that we. should all leave three thousand souls who desire to commit themselves to our care , neither is it the part of a good shepherd to leave his flock in time of danger; therefore I am determined, by the grace of God, not to leave them, let the consequence be what it mny. Our fHcnds here appeared to be distressed above measure, at the thoughts of being for- saken by the preachers. So I wrote my lontiments both to Mr. B. and Mr. G. S."— JouJtkj/, vol. i, pp. 118, 110. t Being soon after this left to himself, as far as regards the English preachers, it seems from his journal that he suffered great perplexity and agitation of mind. But he continued through the whole period to broathe a noble spuit of piety and devotedness to God. His apprehen- sions of God, the strength and stability of his faith, the tenderness of his spirit, the regularity and fervour of his prayers, (determining to spend ten minutes in every hour in this exercise,) fed his piety, and strengthened his reso- lution. And then the remarkable caution, forbearance, and prudence he manifested ; the ardent, untiring, steady zeal, which moved in him with the regularity of the puke of life ; the heroism of his soul in all possible sufferings and perplexing difficulties ; the decision he continued to mani- fest, in the midst of great temptations to deviate, in support of the doctrines and discipline of Methodism ; and then his indefatigable labours in travelling and preaching,— -are all points of excellency, which are finely and fully brought out by these trying events. Mr. Asbury was, moreover, evidently a man of much sorrow. The depth of his feelings corresponded ivith the eminence of his piety, and the delicacy of his spiritual af- fections. Instead of manifesting anything like exultation or bravado in his differences with Ranldn, and the part he was obliged to take during the troublefi of thi^ war, we fin4 •Klt^ PART II.— NOTICES OF MBTHODISM. 23a his spirit is prostrate in the dust, his soul lacerated with feelings of anguish, and he is constantly heard to sigh after the rest and peace of heaven; very often uttering his wishes in the pathetic language of Charles Wesley's poetry. The outward incidents of his life, in these eventful years, are as nothing compared with the spiritual, the sublime, exercises of his mind. In the case of those who are in the hands of God, everything turns to good account. Baxter conceived the idea of his Saints' Rest at Melbourne Hall, in a state of great debility, and when unable to perform more active service ; and John Bunyan wrought out his wonderful dream, the " Pilgrim's Progress," in Bedford jail. Tliough Francis Asbury did not write a book in the seclu- sion into which, for a part of the time, he was driven ; yet he diligently improved his time in reading and study, so as to attain a fitness for his subsequent work, which probably he would not have so fully possessed without these trials. In nothing does this eminent servant of the Lord Jesus appear so great as in his spiritual character and walk with God; and perhaps these excellences shine forth in more lustre and strength at this period than at any other of his life.- Refusing to take the oath required in the provinces in which he had spent most of his time, Mr. Asbury retired to Delaware, and was most hospitably entertained and pro- tected in the house of Judge White, for about twelve months. He gives the following accoxmt of his reasons for this step : — "From March, 1778, on conscientious principles, I was a non- jnror, and could not preach in the State of Maryland, and, therefore, withdrew to the Delaware State, where the clergy were not required to take the state-oath ; though, with a clear conscience, I could have taken the oath of the Delaware State, had it been required ; and would have done it, had I not been prevented by a tender fear of huiting the scrupulous consciences of others. St. Paul saith, ' When ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak consciences, ye shi against Christ.' "-^Tournd, vol. i, p. 208. 284 TOUR IN AMERICA. We have other sufferers in the cause of religion, as well as Mr. Asbury. " Mr. Joseph Hartley, also, another travelling preacher, a man of great zeal and faithfulness, was apprehended in Queen Ann's county for preaching the Gospel, who gave bonds and security to appear for trial at the next court. Being forbidden to preach, he attended his appointments; and, after singing and prayer, stood upon his knees and exhorted the peop?'?, until his enemies said that he might as well preach standing on his feet as his knees. He went thence to Talbot county, where he was seized and committed to jail for ' preach- ing Jesus Christ and him crucified.' This, however, by no means silenced him. The people collMc^ed around the walls of his prison ; he preached to them through the grates ; and so powerfully was the word applied to their hearts, that some of them were deeply awaken- ed to a sense of their lost and guilty state, and began earnestly to seek the Lord. This induced some of the inhabitants to remark, that unless Hartley were released from prison, he would convert the whole town. After keeping him confined for some time, he was set at liberty ; but such had been the blessed effects of his preaching, that a powerful revival followed, which terminated in the establish- ment of a flomishing society in that place." — Bangs's " History of Methodising^ vol i, p. 127. Mr. Freeborn Garrettson also suffered greatly. " He was knocked off his horse by a brute named Brown, his head much bruised by the blows he received, and was preserved from death, probably, by a female passing at the time, who, possessing a lancet, very opportunely bled him!llli the spot. After his restoration to his senses, a magistrate, as violent as Brown himself, proceeded to write a mittimus to send him to prison. But his exhortations and appeals, delivered in the spirit of the Gospel, so disarmed his as- sailants that they desisted, and allowed him to go at large. How ever, after spending some time in indefatigable labours in his Mas ter's cause, he was finally sent to jail. Though he suffered much in body in consequence of having no other bed than the floor, with his saddle-bags for his pillow, with two large windows open upon \am, yst he enjoyed great spiritual consolation in prayer and meditation, reading and writing, and was nut a little comforted by the visits and prayers of his friends and pious acquaintances." Before his trial commenced, however, he was hberated, through Mr. Asbury's intercessions with the governor PART II.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 285 of Maryland. — Bangs's "History of Methodism,** vol. i, p. 127. As migLt he expected, the societies Tvere greatly agi- tated duHng the war. The question of the sacraments, as we have seen, came into discussion ; and, being pressed upon the subject by the people, a part of the preachers hud ordained each other, and administered the ordinances. Mr. Asbury, Freeborn Garrettson, and one or two more, however, remained faithful to Mr. Wesley's principles, and firmly confronted the innovators. A partial separation, for a season, took place ; but by the excellent conduct and judicious management of Mr. Asbury, connected with much prayer, the breach was finally healed, and the dissenting brethren not only returned to their old fellowship, but re- nounced their ordination and the practice of administering the sacraments at the same time. What is remarkable, in the midst of the commotions of war, and the agitations of the times, — a most extraordinary revival of religion took place in Virginia ; and very much by the instrumentality of the Eev. Mr. Jdrratt, minister of the English Church. We see from this that God's spiritual temple was being built in troublous times. War, the worst of all calamities, was mitigated in its horrors " by the peaceable fruits of righteousness." In the midst of all these difficulties, Methodism, as an organization, as well as in its spiritual triumphs^ made con- siderable progress during these dreary years. "At the close of the war the Church numbered eighty-three preachers, and fourteen thousand nine hundred and eighty-six mem- bere. The Conference held in 1'782 performed an act of justice in regard to Mr. Jarratt by passing the following resolution : — " The conference acknowledge their obligations to the Rev. Mr. Jarratt, for his kind and friendly services to the preachers and people, from our first entrance into Virginia, and, more particularly, for at- « ^. 286 TOVR IN AMKRIOA. tending our conference in 8u«eox, in public and private ; and advise the preachers in the South to consult him and take his advice in the absence of brother Asbury." ThuB have we brought our historical notices down to one of the moit eventful periods in the annals. of this country and of Amerioa. The loss of her colonies by Great Britain was an event of the greatest national consequence, an awful catastrophe. Tlie merits of the contest, the princi- ples involved, the spirit manifested on either side, the policy of the Governments, and the talents and blunders of each, are points lying altogether beyond our line. But it was u fearful thing to see mussef of men of the same race arrayed in deadly conflict. It may be very true that great princi- ples were at stake, great interests the prize of battle, great issues the result ; but this does not alter the painful nature of the fact, that the combatants were brethren. The pas- sions then called forth, and the animosities created, could not but convulse both communities to their centres. To any other nation, less ehistic and energetic than Great Britain, the loss of such territory, wealth, population, and political power, — must have produced a perfect paralysis, have prostrated the imtion irrecoverably, and sunk her to the state of a fourth or fifth rate power. And to any other people than the children of this country, the pn7.e won would inevitably Iiave entailed insuperable difficulties. But the event itself is one of those stupendous facts of history which God decrees once in the course of many centuries, for the creation of new epochs on the theatre of nations. Its morale is infinite : it must reach through all time ; and touch and influence the destinies, in one way or other, of all countries. The reflux of the tide is now felt in all nations ; and the flow of events cannot be turned till all old things pass away, and, for good or evil, all things be- come new. Would the first French Revolution ever have taken place, or, if it had occurred, h^ve assumed its demo- cratic form, had La Fayette and his legions never visited PART II.— NOTICES OF MBTBODISM. 287 America, and imbibed tho spirit of the revolt ? Would the thrones of Europe have been shaken by the revolutionary vrar, and the mighty organic changes have been effected by even that war, which really occurred, had not this de- mocratic spirit prevailed ? Would the decimating power of the movement have swept away the old aristocracy, and the older church, so as to make way for the miUtary dicta- torship of Napoleon, had it not been for this predominant tendency ? Would the singular events of the present day — the republicanism of France, the revolts of all the nations of Europe against their dynasties, the establishment of the democratic power, more or loss developed, in new and un- tried institutions ; the freedom of the press, the opening of legislative chambers, the unrestrained expression of public opinion, and the strange sight of all kings and princes per- mitted to reign at all, borne upon the shoulders of the people to their thrones — would these things ever have occurred had it not been for American republicanism be* coming indigenous on the soil of France ? Who can see the end of these things ? No one ; it is impossible. Time alone can develop the principles and agencies now at work. The swell of the Atlantic, of the western waves, is now felt on every shore of Europe and of the world; and, from appearances, it seems not likely to abate till the tide has borne American principles to every nation under heaven. How little did John Calvin think of the egg he was hatching when, in his quiet study, in the quiet little city of Geneva, he first broached the doctrine that it was lawful for Christians, under certain circumstances, to resist their rulers ! This thigiderbolt of John Calvin is the power which has shaken the world ever since ; and it is that which is heard in ^e air at this moment. Bight or wrong, it is religion, that is, the dogma of a religious man, which has worked all the revolutions of the world. John Calvin's doctrine, studied and imbibed by the PtiritaiM^ caused ^- 288 TOUR IN AMERICA. them to question the power of Queen Elizabeth and the Stuarts in ecclesiastical matters; their collisions with the legitimate representatives of the 'Mivine right" principle led to the English Grand Rebellion : this, again, led to innovations in the constitution of our country, and the existence of the Protectorate. The republicanism of Eng- land nurseid young republicans for the wilds of America, where, under the guise of religious freedom, they were all along building up a democratic fabric; till the whole issued, as we have seen, in the independence of the States, and the mighty changes now taking place in the world. If the present movement should^Jn its desolating efifects, subvert even Popery itself — not a very improbable thing, as so much has already been done — this will have been effected by John Calvin ; that is, by the idea which he first broach- ed, and which has been, like a rolling substance, gathering bulk, solidity, and strength to the present moment ; and is destined, like the ** stone cut out of the mountain without hands," to dash in pieces the image, whether of gold, sil- ver, brass, clay, or iron — the image of the beast and false prophet, together with all the forms of power which have so long propped up this monstrous tyranny. But the American Revolution is likely to produce an equally wide impression of a religious nature. The exam- ple of a great nation adopting the purely voluntary princi- ple will, it is extremely likely, be followed by others. The people, who are now everywhere claiming for themselves the privilege of choosing their own temporal rulers, are not likely, for any length of time, to allow the extraneous appointment of religious governors. The public will claim for itself the right of giving its suffrages in matters ecclesi- astical. This principle, indeed, is already powerfully at work. Either a pure voluntaryism, or else nationalism, which is only voluntaryism in a national form, as seems from the tendencies of events, must predominate. A sys- tem wlnl^h nations choose for thepselves, may possibly find PART n.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 289 a place in the new order of ideas ; but as to a religious yoke being imposed by a foreign church — as in the case of Popery in ancient times — this is utterly impossible in the present state of things. The doctrines of the Papacy may indeed prevail in places where they have been held for a great length of time, till something better obtains ; but as to anjTthing like the old dominion of the Holy See, this cannot find place in the midst of the growing democracy of the world. Indeed, institutions of every kind seem des- tined to be controlled by the pubUc voice. The American Revolution, both in its political and reli- gious phases, may be considered as the advent of a new revelation of ideas ; as initiating a new class of social relations ', as founding a new order of institutions ; as creating a new, a democratic force, of tremendous power ; as ushering into the social state a new, but imiversal, ele- ment, destined, like the atmosphere, or some other ubiqui- tous agency, to modify all existing things ;-— in a word, to put the world upon a new path, another probation, an untried exercise of its moral and political capacity. America has stood before the world, up to this timQ, like an athletic youth just having escaped from the care of parents and governors. How it will ultimately fare can scarcely be divined at present. Either from the conviction of conscious strength ; from a repugri.ance of evils, endured or imagined ; from the teachings of history, and the antecedent miseries of mankind, as suffered in the old world ; from the abhor- rence of the chains which governments and priesthoods had, in every nation of Europe, forged for the people, and suc- cessfully riveted on their limbs ; from a detestation of the waste of public money, the hard earnings of the labouring classes, in the gorgeous decorations of the abodes of pam- pered idleness and debauchery; from the notion that men, equally made in t^e image of God, are not, as a consequence, destined to be the playthings of vanity or the sport of despotism, but alike possess all the rights of manhood, and %^ Hp**^ 240 TOUR IN AIIBRICA. f are equally capable of its duties and its blessings ; from the impression that rot and decay had entered the timbers of the old social edifices, through the ignorance, impotency, and pride of those who, for age after age, had inhabited them, and which were about to fall over their heads ; from a conviction of the dreadful evils of war and bloodshed, generally arising out of the thirst for aggrandisement, the lust of ambition, the support of despotism, the quarrels of state-gamblers and prize*fighters, and never, on one side, from truth and justice;— we say, from one or all these considerations the American people determined on abandon- ing the old systems, and to put themselves to the onerous task of working out a new theory. Their trial has proved to be the trial of the world. The French, in the exuberance of their vanity, attribute the advent of democratic principles to themselves. They, in their own opinion, are the apostles of liberty; the philosophy of modem civilisation originated with them; their nation constitutes the only focus of light and intelli- gence ; and, moreover, they are destined to renovate the "World. The egotism apart, the truth is not so. The American Revolution is the event to which we must look as giving the impulse to the new carder of things ; and the seeds of this were laid in the Puritanism of the first settlers. The disputes about the legality of this revolution are all lost in the splendour of the issue. Nobody now ever thinks oi the principles involved, or the disputants on either side. The fact is, in itself, too great to admit of these minor considerations ; it is, in truth, the fact of modern history. What will be the consequences of independence to the Americans themselves ? Hitherto it is vain to deny that the att^npti at self-government have been most suecessful. No doubt there are ferocious passions in .^erica ; and tales about the uses made of the bowie-knife, Lynch-law, and BMiten of that uofi, are abundantlj rife. It would* indeeu, PART II.-^NOnOSS OF iniTHODISM. £41 tmihe 518 of itency, labited ; from dBbed, nt, t1i6 rels of 16 side, 1 these )andon- onerous proved ittribute They, ty; the li them; d intelU- vate the 0. The lust look and the the first >n are all er thinkB ther side. Bse nunor history, to the deny that uecessful. and tales law, and d»iDdeeu> e have been a marvel, if a scattered popnlaticn, living in remote places, away from the seats of government and magistracy, were not guilty of some excesses. And in passmg from under the power of the parent state, and consolidating their own government, it would be equally a matter of astonishment if everything connected with the state-machine could at once be laid in an even balance, and be made to work without friction. But, bating imavoidable accidents, and the imperfections attendant upon all human affairs, the establishment of the American system and social state must be pronounced hitherto as a perfectly successful experiment. That other races should attempt to follow in the same direction, is no wonder; but it does not follow that they can successfully tread in the steps of the Anglo- American people. V soil was free, the space ample ; the institutions fount . r. ^ng them while colonies of Great Britain were essenbaxiy democratic ; the people had bem educated for generations in the principles of self-govom- ment, and in most places elected their magistrates, and often the governor himself. In this state of things there was no antagonistic power upon the soil. They had no throne to overthrow, no aristocracy to decimate, no hierar- chy to proscribe, even no code of law to abrogate. Every- thing favoured the experiment; and, allowing for the infirmities of human nature, it must be conceded by all candid persons that hitherto the people have been true to the doctrines of their origin as an independent nation; and that the establishment of the United States in their free and confederated nationality is the greatest event of modem times. U 242 TOUR IN AMERICA. i»- CHAPTER V. Measures preparatory to the Organization of the Methodif t Episcopal Church S Application of the People to Mr. Wesley— His Advice— Dr. Bangs's Account —The Chmrch formed— Success. Ws now approach a period in the history of Methodism in the United States, of great importance ; namely, its establishment as an independent church. On the cessation of the war of independence, the American Methodistn immediately resumed their intercourse with Mr. Wesley, and sought his counsels and advice. The retirement of Mr. Kankin had obliged them to act for themselves ; and the preachers, by their own vote, made Mr. Asbury assistant in his place. This term, at the time, indicated that the person bearing the name was assistant to Mr. Wesley ; and, consequently, implied subordination to him and the confer- ence in England. By this act, then, it is apparent, that they did not contemplate a separation. They had no notion of independence, and did not assert it. The venerable man at once entered into their case, and gave them such advice as lie deemed most expedient in their new and altered position. In a letter dated Bristol, October 3d, 1783, he vntites : — ' "1. Let all of you be determined to abide by the Me&odist doc- trine and discipline, published in tlie four volumes of sermons^ and the Notes upon the New Testament, together with the Large Minutes of Conference. "2. Beware of preachers coming from Great Britain or Ireland without a full recommendation from me. Tliree of our travellinfif preachers here eagerly desired to go to America ; but I co|ild not approve of it by any means ; because I am not satisfied that they thoroughly like either our discipline or doctrines ; I think they differ from our judgment in one or both. Therefore, if these or any othevM come without my recommendation, take care how you receive them. "3. Neither should you receive any preachers, however recom- mended, who will not be subject to the American Conference, aij(i PABT II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 243 cheerfully conform to the Minutes hoth of the American ftnd Eng- lish Conferences. "4. I do not wish our American brethren to receire any who makfi any difficulty in receiving Francis Asbnry as the general assistant '< Undoubtedly the great danger to the work of God in America is likely to arise either from ^,.«acher8 coming from Europe, or from such as will arise among yourselves, speaking perverse things, or bringing in among you new doctrines, particularly Calvinian. You should guard against this with all possible care ; for it is far easier to keep them out than to thrust them out '* I commend you all to the grace of God, and am your friend and brother, John Weslbt." This advice was soon followed by greater and much more important events. We refer to the organization of the American societies into a regular and independent church. This event is so important in itself, possesses so great a bearing on the imexampled success of Methodism in the United States ; and, by some, is thought to fix upon Mr. Wesley the blemish of inconsistency with his cherished and long-avowed principles ; — that it seems necessary to go into the question. The account given by Dr. Bangs is so exact, and his reasonings upon the case are so perfectly sober and conclusive, and, withal, must, to most in this country, be so new, that it is thought best to give the narration in his own words. '' We have arrived at a very important period in the history of Methodism in this country. And as so much has been said respect- ing the constituting of the Methodist societies here into an inde- ])endent Church, I shall, in the first place, give a detail of the facts in the case, and, secondly, offer some arguments in defence of the measure. " I. Hitherto the Methodists, both in Europe and America, had been considered as a society toithin a church \ in Great Britain they considered themselves as members of the Establishment, in America ni members of that denomination to which they might be attached. The preachers in both hemispheres, not having been consecrated to their work by the imposition of hands, were distinguished as 'lay- preaohcrs,' and had not, except in the instance heretofore narrated, presumed to administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's *«l«9i^ 244 TOUR IN AMERICA. snpper. Under these circumstances much uneasiness had been manifested both in Europe and America, more especially here. But all solicitation, whether from the preachers or people, for the estab- lishment of a separate church, had been strenuously resisted by Mr. Wesley, as being foreign to his primary design, and incompatible with the principles he had avowed from the beginning of his minis- try. He commenced his ministerial labour with the single intention of reviving evangelical religion in the Church, by preaching her doc- trines, and enforcmg her discipline. This was tiie state of things at the time of which we are now speaking. "As, however, the colonies had now become an independent government, no longer under the control of Great Britain, either in civil or ecclesiastical matters, Mr. Wesley began to relax from the sternness with which he had heretofore resisted the solicitations of the American Methodists, and to think seriously of granting their requests ; and after consulting with his most intimate friends re- specting the propriety of the measure, — ^for of its lawfulness he had no doubt, — ^he resolved to grant their request, and adopted means to carry the resolution into effect. ' At the conference held in Leeds, in 1784, he declared his intention of sending Dr. Coke and some other preachers to America. Mr. Richard Whatcoat and Mr. Thomas Vasey offered themselves as missionaries for that purpose, and were accepted. Before they sailed, Mr. Wesley abridged the Common Prayer-Book of the Church of England, and wrote to Dr. Coke, then in London, desiring him to meet him in Bristol, to receive fuller powers, and to bring the Bev. Mr. Creighton with him. The Doctor and Mr. Creighton accordingly met him in Bristol ; when, with their assistance, he ordained Mr. Richard Whatcoat and Mr. Thomas Vasey presbyters for America; and being peculiarly attached to every rite of the Church of England, he afterward ordained Dr. Coke a superintendent, giving him letters of ordination under his hand and seal, and at the same time the following letter, to be printed and circulated in America :'* — " * To Dr. Coke, Mr. Aabury, and our Brethren in North America. " ♦ Bristd, Sept. 10/A, 1784. " ' 1. Bt a very uncommon train of providences, many of the pro- vinces of North America are totally disjoined from the British em pire, and erected into independent states. The English government has no authority over them, either civil or ecclesiastical, any more than over the States of Holland. A civil authority is exercised over ttMm^ 9«rtiy by the Congress, partly by the State assemblies, Bnt no * MMm'A "Z4^^ We^," vol. ii, p. 878. * PART II.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 245 one either exercises or claims any ecclesiastical authority at ell. In this peculiar situation some thousands of the inhabitants of these States desire my advice : and, in compliance with their desire, I have drawn up a little sketch. " '2. Lord King's Account of the Primitive Church convinced me, many years ago, that bishops and presbyters are the same order, and, consequently, have the same right to ordain. For many years I have been importuned, from t>uie to time, to exercise this right, by ordain« ing part of our travelling preachers. But I have still refused, not only for peace' sake, but because I was determined as little as possible to violate the established order of the national church, to which I belonged. " ' 3. But the case is widely different between England and North America. Here there are bishops who have a legal jurisdiction. In America there are none, and but few pa " h ministers ; so that, for some hundred miles together, there is none either to baptize or to ad- minister the Lord's supper. Here, therefore, my scruples are at an end ; and I conceive myself at full liberty, as I violate no order, and invade no man's right, by appointing and sending labourers into the harvest. " ' 4. I have accordingly appointed Dr. Coke and Mr. Francis Asbu- ry, to be ioint superintendents* over our brethren in North America. As also Bichard Whatcoat and Thomas Yasey to act as elders among them, by baptizing and administering the Lord's supper. •"5. If any one will point out a more rational and scriptural way of feeding and guiding those poor sheep in the wilderness, I will gladly embrace it. At present I cannot see any better method than that I have taken. " ' 6. It has, indeed, been proposed to desire the English bishops to ordain part of our preachers for America. But to this I object, (i.) I desired the bishop of London to ordain one only ; but could not prevail: (2.) If they consented, we know the slowness of their pro- ceedings; but the matter admits of no delay: (3.) If they would or- dain them now, they would likewise expect to govern them. And how grievously would tbi« entangle us! (4.) As our American brethren are now totally disentangled both from the state and from the English hiprarchy, we dare not entangle them again, either with the one or the other. They are now at full liberty simply to follow the Scriptures and the primitive Church. And we judge it best that they should stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has so strangely made them free. John Wesley.' * " As the translators of our version of the Bible have used the English word ' bishop' instead of ' superintendent,' it has been thought by us that it would tipgnx more Scriptural to adopt their term 'bishop.'— PMctjiKne." W 246 TOUR IN AMBRIOA. ** The following is the letter of ordination which Mr. Wesley gare to Dr. Coke : — " ' To all to whom these presents shall como, John Wesley, late Fellow of Lincoln College, in Oxford, presbyter of the Church of England, sendeth greeting : " * Whereas many of the people in the Southern provinces of North America, who desire to continue under my care, and still ad- here to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, are greatly distressed for want of ministers to adminbter the sacraments of baptism and the Lord^s supper, according to the usage of the same church ; and whereas there does not appear to bo any other way of supplying them with ministers : " ' Know all men, that I, John Wesley, think myself to be provi- dentially called at this time to set apart some persons for the work of the ministry in America. And, therefore, under the protection of Almighty God, and with a single eyp to Itb glory, I have this day set apart as a superintendent, by the imposition of my hands, and prayer, (being assisted by other ordained ministers,) Thomas Coke, docior of civil law, a presbyter of the Church of England, and a man whom I judge to be well qualified for that great work. And I do hereby recommend him to all whom it may concern, as a fit person to preside over the flock of Christ. In testimony whereof I hare hereunto set my hand and seal, this second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven Iiundrcd and eighty-four. "'JoiiK Wmlky.' " Being thus furnished with the proper credentials, in the month of September, Dr. Coke, in company with Messrs. Whatcoat and Vasey, set sail for America, and londed In the city of New- York on thedd of November, 1784. From thence they proceeded throngli Philadelphia to the State of Delaware, where, on the 15th day of the same month, he met Mr. Asbury, at Barratt's chapel. Mr. Asbury gives the following account of this meeting :— " ' Sunday, 15th.— I came to Barratt's chapel. Here, to my greot joy, I met those dear men of God, Dr. Coke and Bichnrd Whatcoat. We were greatly comforted together. Tlie doctor preached on Christ our wisdom, rightconsnei>i'«, nanctiflcation, and redemption. Having had no opportimity of conversing with them before public worship, I was greatly surprised to see brother Whatcoat assist by taking the cup in the administration of the sacrament. I was shocked when first informed of the intention of these my brethren in coming to this country : it may be of God. My answer then was, ^ the preachers unanimomly chooH nu, IshaU not act in the cajpacUy I PART II.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 247 have hitherto done by Mr. Wedty^a appointment. The design of oigan- izing the Methodists into an independent Episcopal Church was opened to the preachers present, and it was agreed to call a General Confeirence, to meet at Baltimore the eusning Christmas ; as also that brother Garrettson go off to Virginia to give notice thereof to the brethren in the South.' > " According to this arrangement, Mr. Garrettson set off imme- diately on his Southern journey, sending letters to those he could not see ; and Dr. Coke spent the intermediate time in visiting various parts of the country, and preaching to the people. On Friday, the 26th, Mr. Asbury says, ' I observed this day as a day of fasting and prayer, that I might know the will of God in the matter that is to come before the conference. The preachers and people seem to be much pleased with the projected plan ; I myself am led to think it is of the Lord. I am not tickled with the hononr to be gaiof 1. I see danger in the way. My soul waits upon God. O that he may lead us in the way we should go ! ' " In conformity with the above aiTangement, December 25th, sixty out of the eighty-three preachers then in the travelling connexion, assembled in the city of Baltimore for the conference, in which Dr. Coke presided, assisted by Mr. Asbury ; and the first act of the ccn- fcrence was, by a unanimous vote, to elect Dr. Coke and Francis Asbury as general superintendents; for although Mr. Asbury h'id been appointed to that high office by Mr. Wesley, yet he declined noting in that capacity independently of the suffrages of his brethren over whom he must preside. After his election, being first ordained a deacon, then an elder, Mr. Asbury was consecrated by Dr. Coke, assisted by several ciders, to the office of a superintendent, in the manner set forth in the following certificate : — " ' Know all men by these presents, that I, Thomas Coke, doctor of civil law, late of Jesus College, in tlie University of Oxford, pres- byter of the Church of England, and superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America; under the protection of Almighty God, and with a single eye to his glory ; by the imposition of my liands, and prayer, (being assisted by tMlp ordained elders,) did, on the twenty-fifUi day of this month, December, set apart Francis As- buiy for the x>ffice of a deacon in the aforesaid Methodist Episcopal Church. And also on the twenty-sixth day of the said month, did, by the imposition of my hands, and prayer, (being assisted by the said elders,) set apart the said Francis Asbury for the office of elder in the said Methodist Episcopal Church. And on this twenty- seventh day of the said month, being the day of the date hereof, havQ). by the imposition of my hands, and prayer, (being assisted by *• 248 TOUB IN AMBRIOA. i i tbe said elders,) set apart the said Francis Asbtirj for the office of a •aperintendent in the said Methodist Episcopal Church, a man whom I jadge to be well qualified for that great work. And I do hereby recommend him to all whom it may concern, as a fit person to pre- side over the flock of Christ. In testimony whereof, I have hweunto set my hand and seal, this 27th day of December, in the year of our Lord 1784. Thomas Cokb.' " One of the elders who assisted at the consecration of Mr. Asbury, was the Bev. Mr. Otterbine, a minister of the German church. Hav- ing enjoyed an intimate acquaintance with this pious and evangelical minister of Jesus Christ, and having full fellowship with him as a laborious and useful servant of God, Mr. Asbury requested that he might be associated with Dr. Coke and the other elders in the per- formance of this solemn ceremony. " The following persons were elected, twelve of whom were conse- crated elders : — Freeborn Garrettson, William Gill, Le Roy Cole, John Hagerty, James O. Cromwell, John Tunnel, Nelson Beed, Jeremiah Lambert, Beuben Ellis, James O'KoUy, Bichard Ivey, Beverley AUen,* and Henry Willis. Mr. Garrettson and Mr. Crom- well were set apart especially for Nova Scotia, to which place they soon after went ; and their labours and success will be noticed in the proper place. Mr. Lambert was ordained for the island of Antigua, in the West Indies. " John Dickins, Caleb Boyer, and Ignatius Figman, were elected deacons. " II. Having thus given an account of these transactions, we pro- ceed to ofier a few arg-uments in their defence. Let it be recollected, ''I. That there was a loud call for these things. Most of the .eleigy of the English Church, during the revolution, had fled from their flocks ; and those who remained, with very few 'xceptions, were fit for anything rather than ministers of the Gobpel. From the hands of such men the Methodists felt unwilling to receive the ordinances. As to the Presbyterians and Congregationalists, they would neither baptize the children unless, at least, one of the parents professed faith4n their doctrines, nor admit them to the communion- table unless they became members of their church. The Baptists were more rigid still, as they could fellowship none unless they had been baptized by immersion. To neither of these conditions could the Methodists submit. Besides, by these denominations, the Me- thodists were treated as heretics, on account of their opposition to the Calvinistic doctrine of decrees, and the final perseverance of the * " Mr. Alien was not ordained until the conference in 1785 ; and Mr. Wil- lis, not being present, was ordained a few weeks afterward."— Lw. ■ j^- -' PART U.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 240 saints. Hence a necessity, originating from the state of things in this country, compelled the Methodists either to remain without the ordinaaoes, to administer them by uncousecrated hands, or to pro- vide for them in the manner they did. Those who disclaim all de- pendence upon the argument derived from the necemty of the case, would do well to inquire whether any man can be justified in doing on mnecessary work, — a work that might be Scripturally dispensed with. It appears to the writer, that if there be no weight in Uiis ar- gument, then it follows, that Mr. Wesley, and those who acted with him in this solemn affair, were guilty of a work of supererogation, and therefore cannot be justified on any principle whatever, either of Scripture, reason, or conscience. " 2. Ifivo preachers, in Europe; and fourteen thousand nine hundred and eighty-eight members, and eighty-three preachers, in America; making in all seventy-nine thousand one hundred and forty-three members, and two hundred and seventy- eight preachers. These had been raised np through his instrumen- tality in the short space of forty-five years, as seals to his ministry, and as evidences of his call to the work in which he was engaged. Of his call, therefore, and qualification for the work of an evan- gelist, there can be no doubt, any more than there should be of his rigfd, as the spiritual father of this numerous family, to provide them with all the means of grace."— Bangs's " History of Method- ism" vol i, pp. 151-163. Thus were the scattered societies iu America formed into a regular church organization. This event, like the political independence of the States, is one of those circumstances which constitute epochs in the history of Christianity. The success of the arrangement has put to silence all surmises as to the wisdom of the settlement, whether entertained in this country or in America. It gave, in the first place, a free and independent action to the church so established ; which, under the able and judicious management of the new bishops, and especially of Bishop Asbury, at once be- gan, as if with new life, to develop its strength. Much has been said on the subject of Mr. Wesley's love of power, and, by Southey, on his towering ambition ; but this whole business palpably refutes all such allegations. It is not a characteristic of the love of power to part with it : and *he yielding up of authority to others, is but an ill proof >r ambition. John Wesley might have retained an entire and undivided exercise of government over the Americ»r! soci- eties, just as he did at home, had he chosen to dr :;o. His appointment of preachers would have been undisputed, and they, on thcdr part, would have cordiallv supported his pas- toral authority; his missives of instruction would have been unhesitatingly received by his sons in the gospel, and obeyed in the most perfect docility of spirit ; the decisions of the British Conference, expressed in its Minutes, would have been complied with, for aught that appears, as the. i 252 TOUR IN AMBBICA. canon-law of the American body : a president, sent from England in the name of the father of the whole family, might have presided in the Conferences, and kept wp the link of union, and thus have secured subordination. All tliis might have taken place ; and would; no doubt— or some other line of policy similar in spirit — ^have been pur-' sued, had this great man been actuated by selfish or ambi- tious views. No act dC^is life, rightly considered, so fully indicates the integrity of his mind, the purity of his motives, the grandeur of his views, and the magnanimity of his cha- racter, as this arrangement. It is the act of a generous, noble-minded parent, dispossessing himself of his patrimony and power, to bestow it upon a son during his own life- time. The magnanimity of the measure, also, appears in its largeness. It went far beyond the anticipations or de- sires of the parties themselves. They had merely requested to have the ordinances among them, and, for this purpose, desired the ordination of ministers. But this could have been secured, as in Scotland, without either the establish- ment of an independent church, or the appointment of su- perintendents. The only question in the mind of Mr. Wes- ley must have been, What is best for the parties interested? He soon answered the question by his conduct. His pene- trating mind, his sound understanding, his knowledge of the whole case, his Christian philosophy, and capacity to see into the future as well as the present ; — all this, in connexion with his noble disinterestedness, determined him to take the initiative, and himself to originate the organization and independent position of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The iss)ie has amply verified, and, one would think, more than verified, the highest anticipations of this faithful shep- herd. The great end he sought, in the extension of the goepel, and the conversion of sinners, has certainly been secured on the widest seale ever w'tnessed in modem times. Tlais of itself wQuld be to him a sufficient reward. He had it from family, up the 11. All ibt — or 3n pur* ir ambi' so fully odotives, his cha- enerous, itrimony »wn life- pears in IS or de- equested purpose, lid have )stablish- it of 8U- Ir. Wes- erested? is pene- edge of capacity -aU this, termined inate the lethodist ink, more ful shep- m of the inly been im times. He had PARI U.^N0IICE3 OF MBIHODISM. 263 ao other purt)ose saye this, in all he did. The object pro- posed by the several institutions ordained by him, was the oztensbn of our Lord's kingdom in the salvation and hap-* piness of mankind. But every other purpose has been secured, as well as this primary one. The doctrines he held so dear have been faithfully conserved and widely dkseminated; the main points of Methodist discipline hav^lllen sedulously guarded and carried out ; the holy living and piety towards God, so indefatigably promoted by him in his whole career of labour and of shame, have been happily secured; the unity of a numerous people, who, with few exceptions, have given a cordial and hearty allegiance to the system he adopted, has been exhibited for the illustration of the truth of Scripture, and the edification of the world ; and that evangelic action which is indicated by the establishment of itinerancy, has been fully secured and prosecuted even be- yond the extent of their own gigantic country. Moreover, the world may now, if it chooses, look upon a primitive episcopacy in actual and living operation. Before this period it was only ideal. It might be found in the New Testament, in the practice of the first churches, in the remains of the primitive fathers, in the writings and speculations of men of moderate, but true and authentic, notions ; but the reality had long been absorbed in the monstrous usurpations of Popery, and other systems of ecclesiastical error and tyranny. That man must have possessed a stout heart who, in the presence of existing estabUshments, and the prevalent opinions of the day, and even of the church to which he professed himself to belong — who had the courage to return, practi'^ally, to primitive usage, and build up a living body on the model of the Presbytero-Episcopal Church of the first and best ages. He could not help foreseeing, also, that the temerity which would venture upon such a course must expose him to all maonor of reproach. He braved it all; and the American »r 254 TOUE IN AMERICA. Methodist Epifcopal Church now stands, and will forever stand, as the noble monument of his wisdom, love of truth, disinterested devotion to his Master's honour, and his peo- ple's good ; as well as of his own courageous contempt of this world's petty scorn, or of the grave or bitter rebukes of an incensed and privileged priesthood. CHAPTER VI. Tlie new Order of llUnrt— Mr. k»\mry becomes the real Bishop of the Church —His Chanctor and QuaUfleationt for the Office— Dr. Coke exceeds hia Powers— Certiflcat0—Tho Episcopacy defined and guarded— Mr. Wesley's Offence at the Um of the Term ** Bishop"— Letter to Asbury— Dr. Coke in Difficulties respectJof the Address to Washington— And on Slavery— The Church takes its ttandinf among the Institutions of the United States. Mr. Asbury, wider the new order of things, became the real superintendent of the Methodist Church, Dr. Coke returning home, and only occasionally visiting the conti- nent. It was a merciful dispensation that this power fell into his han<^". In addition to true piety, which we have before consiuered, he was blessed with a sound judgment, great moderation, tender sympathy with his fellow-labour- ers, intense desire for the salvation of mankind, uncompro- mising integrity, and entire decision of character. He seems to have devoted himself most sedulously to the cul- tivation of a knowledge of theology, as far as circumstances would allow ; was a constant and zealous preacher — plain, practical, energetic, though not eloquent; an assiduous pastor, naturally caring for the spiritual and temporal wel- fare of all the people ; and bent, in his evangelical toils, upon spreading true religion through the entire continent. But Mr. Asbuiy seems to have possessed, in an eminent degree, that wonderful gift which is sometimes seen in favoured individuals — an almost uresistible influence over men. Undoubtedly this originates, in part, in confidence in their integrity; and yet not altogether so. Indeed, pel pei th( wifl PART II.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 255 rever truth, peo- ipt of tesof ,e Church ceeds his Wesley's '. Coke in -ery— The ites. ime the r. Coke e conti- >wer fell ^e have dgment, -labour- compro- ler. He the cul- mstances r — ^piain, iBsiduous oral wel- ical toils, continent. eminent s seen in Bnce over ionfidence Indeed, without the conviction of this quality, ai d many others, the homage would not be given ; but no assemblage of moral excellences will, of themselves, lead to this result. It is evidently the power of mind ; though in what that power consists, is extremely difficult to define. To say it is intel- lectual would not meet the case, as there are many men of high and noble intellect who possess no very commanding influence among their fellows. Extraordinary religious attainments, and the reputation of exalted sanctity, though producing great reverence, yet does not, of itself, lead to the dominion of the mind of which we speak. It appears to consist of — shall we call it? — ^robustness of soul, especially in strength of will. This, when connected with a corresponding amount of intelligence, judgment, insight into character, integrity, and honour; and, withal, that strange thing called "tact" — a perception of the right time, the right means, the right spirit and mode of proceeding — seem to constitute the elements of this cha- racter. Be this as it may, these characteristics all met in Mr. Asbury. But, after all, his power was his piety, connected with corresponding energetical labours. No natural en- dowments could have made him what we see him to have been. He seems to have possessed an intense and a pro- found faith, which was constantly at work. He was a be- liever in the living, active, omnipresent reign of God ; and was in the habit of viewing all things through the medium of his providence and will. His mission to America was undertaken, as we have seen, in the full and unwavering persuasi that it was the call and will of God. The resist- ance he set up against Mr. Wesley's commands to return home, after only being in the country a short time, and his pertinacious determination to remain at his post at the peric of the Revolution, though adopted in the midst of the ^ jst painful and embarrassing exercises, were taken wita the lull beliejf that his conUnmuice at his post was the 266 TOUR IN AlfERIOA. ordination of God. So, again, when all his English bre- thren deserted him, and his heart was left to bleed at their loss, and especially for the loss of George Shadford, for whom he entertained the warmest possible affection; when he stood alone, and had to pass through years of distress, anxiety, and sorrow ; — ^he still adhered to the belief that he was called of God to a]^|us. In like manner, when it was proposed to him to taraf'^the new office of superintendent, and adopt the church-system which Mr. Wesley had framed, and of which he seems to have had no premonition what- ever, on consideration, connected with prayer, he entered upon it as the appointment of God. This was the habit of his mind. And never taking up a new position without being entirely persuaded that it was the will of God, he never afterward swerved. These are the men who rule mankind. Their soul seems to be rooted in some eternal, immutable, unalterable truth — which, as the soil supports the oak, strengthens them for every emergency. Hence they are always the same ; the vacillations of weaker men, the sweep of time, and all other contingencies, find th6m still inflexibly bent upon their mission. But this decision of character in Mr. Asbury by no means made him insensible, or blunted his feelings. We often find him in deep distress of mind, his sensibilities lacerated, his soul in an agony, as evils present themselves before him ; but still his refuge is prayer, leading him con- stantly to God in Christ. The miseries of his itinerant life deeply affected him. Something like the spirit of Jonah, when he saw his " gourd" wither, and the sun smote him, occasionally appears in his Journals. When traversing the untrodden forests, and crossing dangerous rivers, in the midst of all kinds of weather, the summer's heat, and the winter's cold ; living on the meanest fare, and that by the charity of others ; lodging in log-huts, in the midst of filth, vermin, and noisy children ; — ^he sometimes gives way to exolamations of anguish, and longs for death and heayen. PART n.--«OTIOES OF IIBTHODISM. 257 No wonder. Yet, harassed by all these exercises, he still goes on. Not an expression of doubt as to his line of duty ever occurs; no shrinking under his load of labour and privation is ever witnessed ; not a whisper of giving in, of retiring, of seeking ease, is ever heard. Certainly, he had no desire for anything on earth different from his life of toil and danger ; and the only change he ever refers to, is n dismissal by the command of his heavenly Master to the rest of heaven. Such was the man to whom were chiefly committed the interests of the newly-formed Methodist Episcopal Church. As might be expected, some little friction appeared in the movements of the machine for some short time ; but noth. odiMB,»ToL l,wMM I M, m 262 TOUR IN AMBRIOA. the admiration of the world, and may in future become its great exemplar for imitation." The doctor did not trouble his head much about these embarrassments ; if he saw any awkwardness in his position, it made no difference in the discharge of what he conceived to be his duties. But Dr. Coke got into hot water on another, a more vital, matter, namely, that of slavery. Southey gives this case with so much truth and felicity of expression, that we can- not do better than insert hb narrative. " Wesley had borne an early testimony against the system of Negro slavery; on this point his conduct is cmiously contrasted with Whitefield's, who exerted himself in obtaining a repeal of that part of the charter granted to the colony of Georgia, whereby slavery was prohibited. Dr. Coke, feeling like Wesley, took up the subject with his usual ardour, preached upon it with great vehemence, and pre- pared a petition to Congress for the emancipation of the N^roes. With this petition, he and Anbury went to General Washington, at Mount Vernon, and solicited him to sign it. Washington received them courteously and hospitably ; he declined signing the petition, that being inconsistent with the rank which he held; but he assured them that he agreed with them ; and that, if the Assembly should take their petition into consideration, he would signify his senti- ments by a letter. They proceeded so far themselves, that they re- quired the members of the society to set their slaves free ; and seve- ral persons were found who made this sacrifice flrom a sense of duty. One planter in Virginia emancipated tn-enty-two, who were, at the time, worth from thirty to forty pounds each. His name was Ken. non, and it deserves to be honourably recorded. But such instances were rare ; and Dr. Coke, who had much of the national ardour in his character, proceeded in such an intolerant spirit of philanthropy, that he soon provoked a violent opposition, and incurred no small degree of personal danger. One of his sermons upon this topic in- censed some of his hearers so much, that they withdrew, for the purpose of waylaying him ; and a lady Kegro-owner promised them fifty poiiids, if they would give ' that little doctor' a hundred lashes. But the better part of his congregation protected him ; and that same sermon produced the emancipation of twenty-ibur slaves. In one county the slave-owners presented a bill against him, which was found by the grand jury, and no less than ninety persons set out in pursuit of him; but he was got beyond their reach. A more fero- cious enemy followed him, with an intention of shooting him : this PART II.— MOTIOBS OF MBTHODIBM. 268 the man himielf oonfesiod, when, some time afterwards, he become a member of the Methodist society. On his second yisit to America, Colce was convinced that he had acted indiscreetly, and he con* sented to let the question of emancipation rest, rather than stir up an opposition which so greatly impeded the progress of Methodism.'*'— We of Wedeif, vol. ii, p. 452. Thus, in connexion with some slight a^tations, not, how- ever, of principle, but of accident, the Methodist Episcopal Church took its ground in the midst of the institutiouH of the United States. The authorities, from the beginning, evidently viewed it with no displeasure ; and, as far as the State has control in such matters, rather gave it countenance than the contrary. The lay public, except in the expres- sion of those outbursts of malignity, spleen, and opposition, which are common to all populations, when an earnest and spiritual religion is introduced among them, were quiet or favourable. Some jealousies, as might be expected, pre- vailed among the religious bodies, and especially with the ministers. The prescriptive Calvinism of the old churches was disturbed by the introduction of the Wesleyan doctrine ; and their notions of the indcipendence of churches, in their individual and isolated «tate, bcMsame antagonized by the connexional principle on which the Methodist Church was established. The title assumed, of bbhop,, could not be very palatable to ministers, who had all along associated the idea of aristocracy, prelacy, and, lordship, with this innocent name. The very term must, in America, have awakened bitter associations in the minds of the descend- ants of the expatriated refugees, often driven from their homes by the persecutions of bishops, in the days of their don^nation in this countiy. That so little opposHion was encountered at the time, indicates the moderation and the tolerant spirit of the Americans. Taken as a whole, the Methodist Church, in the principles of its foundation, its rules and institutions, together with the titles assumed by its chief officers; presented itself to view as, pejrhajps, the Tomi nr aumuoa. nuMt ooDMrrttire imtittitioii of the States. That it should hare excited so little Jealousy, and properly no opposition, ill the midst of the new democratio republic, shows the confidenee of the people in their own power, the entire absence of religious bigotry, and the real and practical pre- dominance of a free and generous spirit. m m '1 i ^r' PART ni.— INSTITUTIONS OF TBB M. I. OHUBOH. 265 PART III. THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. CHAPTER I. The doctrinal BmU of the Chureb-The Articles of ReUfioii— Thie pUcei the Church on a •yitem of dogmatical Truth— The DUTerence between this and the English system. In presenting some account of the institution of the Ame- rican Episcopal Church, it is necessary to keep in mind that it rests altogether upon a eonatitutional basis. Nothing is left to usage, to tradition, to common law, or to the indi- vidual judgment of its offieen. By a series of enactments a complete and well-defined code of law and order has obtained, so that it is perfectly easy to comprehend and analyze the entire system. From 1766, the time of the formation of the first society in America, till 1784, they adopted the Minutes of the English Conference as the rales and regulations of their administration ; but at the latter period, ceasing to be mere societies, and becoming a regular church, they, partly by Mr. Wesley's recommendation, and partly by the enact- ments of their own Conferendfbprooeeded to frame, from time to time, the ecclesiasticflpBipnstitution by which they are at present governed. The doctrines themselt||8 are the same as those held b^ the Methodist body in this ^untiy ani all over the world ; but the documents seiraring the recognition and promul- gation of these doctrines are different. In this country Mr. Wesley's four Tolumes of Sermons, and the Notes on the New Testament, conptitute the legal creed of the Me- thodist Church; in America the Articles of Religion of the 12