is common here, closed in around us, like a gauze | the finest houses and churches in the town.
curtain illuminated by the growing lights of the
rising sun. Every thing was mist, and every thing
was hidden, except a pretty fishing sloop, which lay
sufficiently near to be seen, surrounded by the haze,
and glowing with light. It had an indefiniteness
and a lustre about which made it look unreal,
and it presented the most perfect picture of repose
in an object and on an element almost always agi-
tated. It was lovely and fascinating; and supplied
an evidence how readily, when nature is the painter,
an ordinary and insignificant object may be made
illustrious.

We had a charming run; a good sight of Lynn, Salem, Marblehead, and Nahant, on our way; and reached Boston at five o'clock, having been ten hours in making a distance of ninety miles. Mr. Matheson went to Mr. Stoddard's; and I was kindly welcomed to my former accommodations in the family of Lieutenant-governor Armstrong.

LETTER XXVI.

MY DEAR FRIEND-I believe, in my former hasty visit to Boston, I took no notice of its topography; yet it ought not to be passed over in silence. Every where it meets the eye in imposing forms, and nowhere, perhaps, so forcibly, as by the entrance we made to it yesterday from the water. The expanded waters are themselves fine objects, being relieved by a variety of islands and headlands of very picturesque character and position, and animated by the number of vessels which are seeking egress or ingress to this port. From these, and above the shipping, the town rises on the three hills which compose its site, crowned with its domed and turreted State House. These hills spring about 100 feet above the level of the water; and the State House rises about 120 feet above them; and they have, from the lower surfaces, to a great distance, a commanding and magnificent effect.

At its highest point it is perfected by the State House; and from this point it runs off in beautiful slopes and swells, to the waters which separate Boston from the adjoining country. These waters are more than two miles wide, and, broken by the land, they have the a of a confluence of lakes and rivers; and beyond them is seen, among the wooded hills, the smiling villages and hamlets which are the offspring of the parent city. The park itself is kept in a verdant state, with excellent walks, and has a very cool and refreshing aspect, from it natural basin of water, and its fine overshadowing trees. On a fine summer's evening, when this scene is animated by the families of the worthy citizens, the elder moving down the shaded avenues, and the children, buoyant with life, chasing the elastic football over the green, I know nothing of its kind more admirable.

I cannot dismiss this spot without expressing a fear that, in their excess of love, the Bostonians may spoil it. I observed with regret, that a number of young trees had been recently planted over this park, which, if allowed to grow up as they stand, will entirely destroy the charming effect of this picture. What had been previously done, had been done with great taste and efficiency; but if the present plantations are realized, there will be a few French avenues, and nothing more.

On the morning after our arrival I attended my friends to an exhibition of the Horticultural Society. It is made in the Public Hall-a large room, with galleries in chapel style. It is frequently called the Cradle of Liberty; since it was here that the celebrated resolutions were passed to resist the tea-tax. The room is decorated with several pictures, and at this time the galleries were filled with young pines, and among the pines were suspended a variety of singing-birds; rather a foreed attempt, certainly, to bring the freshness and melody of the woods into the city. To the eye, however, it was more grateful than a vacant space. The town of Boston is more like an English town For the area, there were along the sides of the walls, than any other in the Union. It often reminds one and resting against them, galleries filled with rare of Bristol, though it is not enriched with such fine and curious plants; and in the centre of the room landscape scenery as is that favorite city. Its were tables covered with the handsomest specimens streets of business are narrow and irregular; but of fruits and flowers that could be produced by the those of more recent date, and for domestic use, members. And everywhere there were gay feshave more freedom. It has been outrun in popula- toons, and garlands of flowers, suspended from table tion by the other great cities of the seaboard; but, to gallery, and gallery to ceiling. The specimens, for its size, it has still the greater number of wealthy which were really the subject of exhibition, were, and well-educated residents; and there is a pro- for the age of the institution, and the circumstances portionate number of commodious and handsome under which they were produced, exceedingly good, dwellings. It has, besides the State House, an and discovered great zeal and practical skill on the Athenæum, a market-place, picture-gallery, halls, part of the contributors and reading-rooms, which would be good in Bristol When the company had had leisure to inspect or Liverpool. There are some recent erections of and admire the productions, an address was delistores and warehouses on a large scale, faced with vered before the Society by Mr. Gray, an intelligent a fine white granite. When you enter the narrow-merchant of the place. It commended the subject est and poorest portions of the city, you meet with to their attention and pursuit, by an exposition of its nothing that offends you. Poverty here is deprived advantages and their facilities. It was a very of half its evil, by having for its wedded companion sensible address, and composed in good taste and decided cleanliness. Indeed, it can be said to ex-liberal spirit; and was, in fact, an evidence of the ist here only in a comparative and mild sense; for humanizing and elevating influence which nature the poorest have enough, and competency is wealth. exerts on her true disciples. For casualties, however, charity is not asleep; she stands with open door at the hospital and infirmary; and her helping hand is ready in a thousand ways to aid those who are lowest to a better standing.

But the advantage which Boston has, as distinguished from its rivals, is to be found in what is called the common, or mall, but which has a better right to the name of park than many things so named elsewhere. It consists of an opening in the heart of the city of upwards of seventy acres. You could not choose the land to lie more handsomely than it does. It is bounded, as you may expect, by

In the afternoon we made a visit to Cambridge and Mount Auburn. This college, or university, is the oldest in the Union, and has high claims to consideration and respect, though it has ceased to be the friend of orthodox opinions. There is a sweet village-green here, surrounded by detached cottages, professors' residences, and two churches. The colleges are of various dates, and conform to no plan, either in elevation or arrangement, and occupy a flat surface. Nevertheless, with their verdant courts, and their ancient trees, they have, together, a venerable and interesting appearance.

Mr. Abbott further reported, that the committee advised him (Mr. Abbott) to offer himself for ordination as an evangelist; and that he was prepared A great many interments have been made here to be examined to that issue. Special reasons were already. There is one just finishing, of great pre-required for his desiring to be ordained as an evantensions and expense; but money has been unskil-gelist, and not as a pastor; and in this case were fully applied, and has ruined it. It is full of small deemed sufficient. He then presented his certifiparts and small ornaments, which destroy its unity ministry; and stood for his examination. A vote cate of education, and his license to exercise the and power. There is one also for Spurzheim, which pleased me best; it is simply a tomb, of maswas taken to refer the leading inquiries to the mosive parts, and has only his name cut on its side in derator; but several of the council soon took part bold and deep characters. There is also a neat in them, though always careful to do it through the monument for the amiable Hannah Adams. She was the first person interred in this ground, and the following superscription is on the tomb:-

succession. Our intercourse was closed, as usual, with an act of worship, and we retired between ten and eleven o'clock.

While on this visit, I inspected the State Prison,

ORGANIZING THE CHURCH AND CONSECRATING PRAYER- the Athenæum, the Schools, the State House; and

REV. DR. CODMAN.

HYMN.

""Tis done-the great transaction's done;
1 am my Lord's, and he is mine:
He drew me, and I followed on,
Rejoiced to own the call divine.
"Now rest, my long divided heart,

Fix'd on this blissful centre, rest,
Here have 1 found a nobler part,

Here heavenly pleasures fill my breast.
"High Heaven, that hears the solemn vow,
That vow renewed shall daily hear;
Till in life's latest hour I bow,

And bless in death a bond so dear."

obtained the particulars of the Savings Bank and other institutions. I was particularly concerned to know what were the pursuits and the progress of the children in the colored schools; and I certainly think their parts are, on an average, equal to those of the whites; they are, perhaps, usually, quicker though not more solid. The master here, who had had considerable experience in both, assured me that it was quite as easy to teach the blacks. It was somewhat curious to hear them addressed as master and miss. Here the colored population are free; and the circumstance of bond or free enters materi

RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP TO THE CHURCH, REV. MR.ally into the development of the faculties; espe

WINSLOW
Ordination.

ORDAINING PRAYER-REV. MR. GILE.
CHARGE-REV. DR. WISNER.

RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP TO THE CANDIDATE, REV.
MR. N. ADAMS.

HYMN. ADDRESS-REV. MR. BLAGDEN.
CONCLUDING PRAYER. DOXOLOGY. BENEDICTION.

There was one circumstance of interest in this case. The first church in Roxbury had Eliot, the missionary for its pastor; there had been no orthodox Congregational church from that time. It would be revived in the engagements of this day; and the associated saints were to take the name of the Eliot Church. Mr. Abbott was still to labor among them; although he was unwilling, in their existing condition, expressly to assume the relationship of a pastor.

cially those of the superior class.

On the 19th we attended a convention of ministers, called at our suggestion. We had upwards of twenty brethren present; and Dr. Stuart, who I was visiting Boston, presided. We remained together about two hours, and received, in free intercourse, most important and cheering information relative to the state of religion. We took tea at Dr. Wisner's, and then hastened to a public and farewell meeting, which was to be held at Parkstreet Church. Supposing that such a meeting would be freely attended, it had been wisely made select, by announcing it as a meeting of pastors and churches. Such a notice, with us, would certainly have little effect in giving selectness to a meeting; but here it would be generally understood to limit it to the members of churches, and would, generally, be obeyed. In fact, on arriving at the place, we found it full, and, mostly, with members of the several churches. And it was truly a most exhilarating sight. We had before been sympathizing deepWe hastened to town, to attend a meeting of mer-ly with the orthodox, in the gradual introduction chants on the subject of making mercantile pur- and prevalence of corrupt opinions, and in the resuits auxiliary to missionary objects. We met at viving energy of the truth in more recent days; and Cowper's Rooms. The notice was short; but thir- here was the evidence before our eyes. I suppose teen gentlemen out of twenty, attended. We ex-2,000 persons were present; and they were, for the plained the design of the meeting, the objects to be attained, and the especial facilities which merchants, as such, had towards their attainment. We stated what had been done in New-York and in London; and solicited candid opinion on the important subject. Many interesting and affecting statements were made; especially of the abuses practised on the sailor when on shore. Communication followed communication, till each one seemed to wonder that, when so much evil existed, and so much good might be done, so little had been attempted. The consequence was, that they unanimously resolved on an adjourned meeting, to which other pious merchants should be invited; and a sub-committee was appointed, to consider and arrange the business. The subject continued before these gentlemen during our stay; and possibly, before this shall pass from my hands, further information may arrive.

In the evening, we met, at Mr. John Tappan's, a party of about forty persons. I gained information from him on the subject of the slavery question.Dr. Beecher, whom I was to have met here relative to that matter, had arrived before me. Some meetings, however, had been held, and a plan was under discussion. I was invited to attend a meeting of the provisional committee, but was unable. If the subject is well managed at this crisis, it may do every thing; but I have my fears. The party was very agreeable, and well informed. We were mostly on our feet, forming little groups in the different rooms; and participating of coffee, tea, cake, lemonade, ices, and fruits, which were served in

most part, the choicest members of the various communities. The service was composed of three prayers and three addresses, with the usual singing. The prayers were offered by Mr. Blagden and Drs. Jenks and Codman. The addresses were taken by the Deputation and Dr. Stuart. The profesor, in the name of the churches, congratulated us on our visit, expatiated on its good and kindly influence, and assured us, and the churches we represented, of their sympathy and affection.

At the close, we all rose, and sang that favorite hymn, "Blessed be the tie that binds," &c. We were six brethren in the pulpit; and as the sacred melody went to its close, we found ourselves spontaneously locked arm to arm. It was a very affecting and delightful service. We were of one heart, and one mind, and one voice; the only difficulty was in parting. Slowly the people moved away that night, and many were the affectionate greetings. But the last words would come, and the last lingerer must leave the now forsaken house of God. I had peculiar sensations on quitting that church. I had been within it so often, and on such delightful occasions; and it was now to receive me no more.

We had still to pass a couple of days in the city. On the Saturday, we dined at Dr. Codman's, with a number of esteemed friends. He resides at Dorchester, a delightful village, about six miles from Boston; and his residence commands a prospect which is at once rural and magnificent. Dr. Codman received his education in Britain, and he seems to have been prepared by Providence for the station he has been called to occupy. When heresy

came in like a flood over Boston, it spread also over | Hartford. The ride is not sufficiently interesting much of its vicinity. He saw one after another to justify me in detaining your attention on it. We swept away by it, frequently his particular friends, arrived late in the evening, and sought at the inn but he remained firm; and when at last it reached immediate repose. Early in the morning our kind himself, he stood immoveable. He was subjected friends were about us, and saw us comfortably setto violent persecution for the truth's sake; and a tled. I was received into the family of Mr. Huddetermined effort was made to deprive him of the son, an intimate friend of Mr. Boorman. church in which he labored, but without success. I had written previously to Dr. Hawes of this When almost every thing else was possessed by place, from Northampton, expressing regret that the enemy, Dorchester remained as a commanding we had not been able to meet the brethren of Conand impregnable outpost; secure in itself, and wail- necticut at their usual meeting, and stating the time ing for the first opportunities of favorable action. when we expected to be at Hartford, in the hope Those opportunities have come, and have been im- that some of them might be brought together at that proved; and our friend's firmness, conciliation, and period, He had acted promptly to this end; meetextensive influence, have contributed, with other ings were arranged for the whole day, that we might means, in no small degree, to the change which he not be idle; and so readily was the call obeyed, that has witnessed. He now rejoices in comparing the we had a larger association of the brethren than present with the past; he deserves and he enjoys the had occurred for a long season. esteem and confidence of his younger brethren, as one who has borne "the heat and burden of the day;" and to him the words of a higher testimony seem peculiarly appropriate-"I know thy work, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them that are evil; and thou hast tried them who say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted!”

Apart from his general influence, Dr. Codman's labors for his particular charge have been followed with the best results. Besides his other advantages, he holds a considerable patrimony, and has a con sort qualified to unite with him in every plan of benevolence. Here are Sabbath schools, working schools, and an academy for superior education. The ignorant are taught; the sick find medicine and sympathy; and the poor are prompted to adopt methods of domestic thrift and decency. The whole village presents an excellent example of the effect of religion so administered. No children are left to grow up in ignorance; few persons abstain from a place of worship: and here, where every thing else is on a small scale, the schools and churches assume an imposing character.

Hartford is a pleasant and thriving town on the banks of the Connecticut, and is associated with interesting recollections. It was first settled in 1635, by a little colony from Massachusetts. About a hundred came, and among them was Thomas Hooker, the first minister of the place. It was quite an adventure, and they were nine days in coming. I saw his tomb; and it is remarkable that the church over which he presided has had ten pastors; and that the nine who have died all lie buried in one place. In the same ground is also the tomb of Winchester. It is singular, that while the heresy of this man has died out in our country, it is thriving as an exotic in America.

There is shown here as a great curiosity what is called the Charter Oak. It is considered to be an aboriginal of the forest; and though it has seen a city grow up about it, and generations pass away, it is still full of vigor, and crowned with living beauty. It is as sacred to the people as it would be to a race of Druids, from the following circumstances. Sir Edmund Andross was sent over in 1687, to demand the charter of the colony. He had a meeting with the responsible parties on the sub(ject; and when Wadsworth comprehended his intentions, he threw his cloak over the table, extinguishOn leaving our friend's hospitable abode, I re-ed the lights, and disappeared with the charter. It turned to town with Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, to attend a few friends at their residence in an exercise of prayer. Messrs. Tappan, Hubbard, and Stoddard, the Rev. Mr. Edwards, and Dr. Wisner, were of the party. It was a refreshing evening, and a suitable preparation for the Sabbath.

was carefully hidden in the body of this venerable tree, and remained there for many years. When there was nothing more to apprehend for it, it was taken out, and is now deposited in the office of the Secretary of State.

commend the town. The asylum has acquired distinction, even in comparison with those of Paris and London; and is excellently conducted. The Episcopal college is a good establishment; and capable of accommodating about 100 pupils. It is not, I believe, in a very vigorous condition. The college bills for the year are fifty-two dollars; and the students get their board in private families at one dollar and a half per week.

There is here also an hospital for the insane; an On the following day, the last of our continuance, asylum for the deaf and dumb; and a college for we preached, alternately at the Old South in the the education of young men trained for the Episcomorning, and at Dr. Codman's in the afternoon.-pal church. They all contribute to ornament and They were services I shall not forget. At the close of the afternoon service, Dr. Codman had to submit to his church an application which had been made to him to go as a delegate to England; and he solicited me to preside on the occasion. On requesting the church to remain, I was struck and gratified to find a majority of the congregation stay. In most congregations, on such a notice being given, how small a minority would have retained their seats! Dr. Codman explained the application, and submitted his views to them. I then addressed them. It was to me and to them an interesting subject. It was proposed and seconded, in the form of a resolution; and on taking the sense of the church, it was unanimously carried. There was certainly something remarkable in an English delegate being called to act on such an occasion.

LETTER XXVII.

MY DEAR FRIEND-On the morning of the 22d, at half past two o'clock, we quitted Boston for

Number 22.

Our first meeting was with the brethren at ten o'clock. We met in the lecture-room, connected with Dr. Hawes's church. There were no less than seventy or eighty present. We remained in conference and prayer till one. The conference was of the most fraternal and interesting kind. It related to the state of religion in the two countries. The communications on the subject of revivals were edifying; and the statements of Professor Goodrich, on the revivals among the students at Yale College, were such as moved him and all of us. They were very desirous to learn our state; and were cheered and grateful on receiving the communications we felt at liberty to supply. Par

VOL. II.

ticularly they were anxious to know, whether we | New-Haven early in the afternoon, and found Mrs. had any thing approaching to the character of their Whitney prepared with the most hospitable kindrevivals. I remarked that we had not the name; ness to receive us. This excellent lady is the relict and that we had not, and were even jealous of, some of Eli Whitney, Esq., the inventor of the cotton varieties of the thing, as they might be found gin-the Arkwright of America. Though his name in the States; but that I thought we had in sub- has been little honored in his own country, and stance what they would be most disposed to approve. scarcely known in ours, his genius has secured an Without employing any names, I then gave them a important trade to the Southern States, and is anbrief sketch of a church with which I was inti- nually bringing a large revenue to the government. mately acquainted, relative to its progress, and the He discovered the same force of mechanical genius means employed to that end, during the last ten in other ways; and though he sunk under the perseyears. They were delighted, and exclaimed-vering ardor of his mind, and the discouragements Why, this is a revival, and the only kind of a re- common to the inventor, his family are deriving vival which we approve." Our sitting was very considerable advantages from his labors. I should long considering our other engagements; but we offend against feminine and Christian delicacy, if I were as brethren, and were exceedingly unwilling said how much, in this instance, property is made to part. to serve the cause of religious benevolence. Mrs. Whitney is the grand-daughter of President Edwards.

At two, we had to attend a special meeting of the Bible Society. The Association embraced four counties; and it had engaged to raise 5,000 dollars towards the assistance of Gutzlaff, in circulating the Scriptures among the Chinese. Nothing could have assorted with my wishes better; and I was happy to give my help to such a cause. The meeting was in the church, and was very well attended. It was conducted in the usual order of the platform meetings, and contributed to facilitate the object to which they were pledged.

One of the friends had open house to tea. There were several rooms occupied. One of them is honored with having witnessed the formation of the Missionary Society. Mrs. Sigourney was one of our party; and I was gratified with an introduction to her. We had a tete-a-tete of a few minutes; and had no fault to find with them, except that they were few, and likely to be final.

We found that a public meeting had been arranged for us in the evening; so that we had to hasten our refreshments, and attend it. Meantime the professors and other friends did us the favor to call.

The meeting was at the Congregational Church, of which the Rev. L. Bacon is pastor. It is large and handsome, and was quite filled. Here we met with Dr. Beecher, and he took a seat with us in the pulpit. Prayer was offered; and the Deputation made addresses. After I had finished, Dr. Beecher followed. It was a very interesting service; nowhere had the New England people shown more readiness to receive the delegation with respect and affection.

In the morning, Mr. Matheson, who had been here before, left for New-York; I stayed over this day, and occupied it in making myself acquainted with this important town.

New-Haven is considered to be the most handsome town in the States; and every one inquires of the stranger whether he has seen New-Haven? I cannot exactly accord with this opinion; but, without comparisons, it is handsome enough, and has attractions of a higher class, to which few towns can have even a pretence. It is placed on a small plain, which is redeemed from tameness by the bay, with its fine headlands in front, and by the west and east rocks, with the distant peak of Mount Carmel in the background. This plain is laid out in squares; so that the streets cross each other at right angles. They are unusually wide; and on each side are planted with the drooping elm, which flourishes here in high luxuriance.

In the evening we attended the ordination of two brethren; the one about to leave as a missionary to the sailors at Marseilles, and the other as an evangelist. We met in Dr. Hawes's church again, and the place was very full. The service began by singing. Then an invocation prayer was offered, which noticed distinctly all the succeeding parts of the service, and craved a suitable blessing on each and all. Then the scribe read the minutes which led to this public service, and justified their proceeding. The ordination prayer followed, with the laying on of hands; it rested with me. The charge was given by Dr. Parkins, the father of the Association, and eighty-two years of age. It was composed of short, suitable, and pithy counsel, as from a father to his sons, and lasted about twenty minutes. The right hand of fellowship was then given. The pastor of the missionary, a junior pastor in the One of these squares is left open, as a green and town, took this service. It is always made more of promenade; and it is here that the great beauty of than with us; but I never saw so much made of it the town is concentrated. Round three sides of before. The address was composed and read, which this large area, stand some of the best dwellings in destroyed that freedom which is the grace of gratu- the place. The remaining side is occupied by the lation and benediction. It was, I think, as long as several erections of the college; and in the centre the charge. The right hand was given three seve- of it are placed, with intervening distances, three ral times, and the manner altogether was too the-churches and the State House. These buildings, atrical. It had been excellently done, had it not been overdone; but there was, after all, a warmth of heart that redeemed it. The instructions from the Sailor's Society to their missionary were then read by their agent. We afterward rose, and united in singing once more their favorite hymn, "Bless'd be the tie that binds," &c., and the service closed by prayer and the benediction.

especially the State House, are admirably adapted to become the principal objects of the picture; and the verdant foreground, with the breaks which allow the eye to take in parts of the old college, make, indeed, a noble sight. But the charm of this, as of other views, is derived from the overspreading foliage of the trees, which softens down the hard lines and bright objects delightfully, and which Having breakfasted and united in domestic wor- forms, as you pa about, those lovely vistas of light ship, we took an affectionate leave of the friends and shade in which the eye rejoices. New-Haven here, and left by the stage for New-Haven. The is a city in a wood, and a wood in a city. It wants, ride greatly improved in comparison with the last. however, a strong sun to appreciate it. On a cold The flowing river, fine rich valleys, towns and vil- and heavy day it might appear cheerless; but give lages imbosomed in them, and surrounding high-it a fine warm sun and a playful breeze, and whose lands, in their various combinations, filled the eye, shades shall be so refreshing? whose light so sparkand exhilarated the imagination. We arrived at ling and animated?