A VISIT TO THE AMERICAN CHURCHES.

A "Congregational Union" was formed in 1831 by some of the Dissenting churches of England and Wales. One of the ends in view seems to have been to advocate and advance the independence of Church and State, by showing in "an associated capacity the numbers of the Voluntarians and the strength and efficacy of their principle. "One of the best and earliest effects of this union, say the authors before us, "was to express sympathy to kindred fel- lowships, without restriction from national bias or geographical boundaries." A correspondence was opened between this society and the Presbyterian and Congregational churches of the United States; these communications led to the wish for a personal in- tercourse; and Doctors REED and MATriEsos Were deputed by the English Union

to make a fraternal visit to the churches of that land ; to assure

them of our Christian esteem and affection ; and to bear home again the re- sponses of kindness and confidence. The churches of Ametica have shown their eagerness to participate in this communion, not only by the temper. In which they received the Deputation, but equally by the celerity with which they determined to send their delegates in return ; while the efforts which we have already made have certainly disposed us the more fully to renew and per- petuate the delightful intercourse."

Circumstances full of peace and pleasantness, resembling, more than any other event in the latter days of ecclesiastical history, the intercourse of Christian brethren during the Apostolical and primi- tive times of the Church : facts, too, which strikingly confirm the assertion of Mr. DICK as to the real independence of Dissenters. The yearnings of a State establishment to know the condition of their fellow believers in a far-off land, are not likely to become very ungovernable ; but were they ever ED violent, the Endowed must endure their agonies in silence. Their master, the State, neither would nor could in prudence permit such interchange of Christian offices. Were the Convocation to try the experiment, it would soon be found how much the things of Caesar predominate over those of God, in the constitution of a State church.

Leaving these matters, let us come to the narrative. The two deputies departed from Liverpool for New York; where they were hospitably received, and where they attended a variety of religious meetings ; respecting which, of course, a sufficient account is given, with remarks on their management, and a little calm criticism on the merits and demeanour of some of their clerical brethren. Whilst sojourning in this Liverpool of America, they made various excur- sions to various cities,—Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, and to several places of less note. They then took their departure on a religious tour into the interior, traversing the Canadas from Quebec to Niagara; soon after which, the deputies separated. Dr. REED passed along the outer boundaries of the newly-settled states of the West, (which he found in a less satisfactory condition as re- spects religion than the more densely-peopled regions); travelled through Kentucky ; and, crossing the Alleghany Mountains, called at Baltimore; and thence to Philadelphia and New York. Dr. MATHESON pursued a somewhat similar route, but more inland, and consequently through a more thickly-peopled tract. The narrative of the Canadian tour, and that of his separate journey in the States, with a report on the religious condition of Canada, and a variety of ecclesiastical statistics in the appendix, are from the pen of Dr. MATHESON. The remainder of the volumes—including a very full view of the present religious state of the Americans, as regards their customs, ceremonies, sects, societies, education, and teruporulities—is supplied, and very ably supplied, by Dr. REED. His mind is evidently a more expanded one than is always pos- sessed by missionaries : he has an eye for nature, a perception of

manners and usages, and appears impressed with the truth of the important maxim that there is a time for all things. His infor- mation seems to have been carefully collected, and is clearly told; though tinged in the telling with the phraseology peculiar to the religious. The narrative of his tour is interesting, and even amusing; deriving something both of' novelty and variety from the kind of subjects to which the author's attention was chiefly turned. He sees other things, however, besides churches and congregations; and though he does not describe objects with the minuteness or graphic effect of some writers, he has a style of his own, giving us a picture of things by presenting their essences, or

by the impression of the results upon his own mind. It may be observed, that both the Tour and the Reports, excepting the one on Canada, are thrown into the epistolary form. Did opportunity and our space permit, we could borrow largely from these volumes, not only by direct quotation, but by the curious religious information on such matters as revivals and an.vious seats, which might be conveyed by compression. But the revival of the "anxious sittings" at home, and other matters, will limit us to a few extracts, merely indicative of the style and man- ner of the author.

BUNKER'S HOTEL, NEW YORK.

Before we retired to our rooms, we had expressed a wish for some refresh- ment ; and 1 expected, on coming down, to see a little breakfast-table set for us. Nothing of this sort was, however, visible. I went into the bar-room, awl looked at the papers, still waiting for a summons to the anticipated refresh- ment. At last I approached to the bar, and ventured to ask for it. The master of the ceremonies, without speaking, placed a small basket of biscuits and a plate of cheese before us as we stood. We were amused, as well as disappointed ; and, as we seemed to be without choice, we partook of the supply that was of- fered. We thought, at least, that the little set-out had been fur us ; but while we were busy with it, two or three gentlemen came up, and, without permis- sion, or without seeking a separate knife or plate, claimed a share. W e asked for a glass of wine; a glass was literally supplied, and the decanter restored ta its place. When our repast was over, we still waited in the bar-room, and must have shown some of the awkwardness of strangers. At length our host was conscious of' this, and came with an apology for having forgotten to show us to a sitting-room. We were then introduced to a handsome withdrawing- room, which was open to other residents at the hotel.

While I give you this incident as illustrative of manners, you are not to sup-

pose that the other arrangements of the house were on a level with this—they were excellent. But the case was, our appetite was out of time. The break- fast-hour was past, and the dinner hour was not come; and the American inn, while it provides bountifully for periodical hunger, has no compassion for a dis- orderly appetite. There is one hour, one table, one meal, one summons ; and if you are ready, you may fare very well ; if you miss the opportunity, you must digest the consequences as you can. It was interesting to see how readily the American, with his love of freedom, submitted to these restraiuts, while John Bull insists on naming his own dinner, at his own table, at his own time, and in his own room. He has certainly more independence in his Wits, if not in his opinions, than his Transatlantic brethren.

ClIAMBER OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Our first concern was to visit the Capitol and become acquainted with the Congress, and our friend was anxious to secure to us every advantage. The Chamber of Representatives is always regarded as the chief object of sight. It is indeed highly imposing. It is a very large room, with its roof sustained by twenty-four fine marble columns of grand dimensions. The President, or Chairman, has a raised and canopied seat in the centre of the straight line, with more glitter about it than you would find about the British throne; and the desks and seats of the members diverge from it in radiating lines. A gallery runs behind the pillars through the course of the hall.circle. The general im- pression was not on the whole pleasing. Less than one-third of the place was occupied ; and the empty space and Loge proportions of the room give a dimi- nutiveness and insignificance to the persons present. There was not much of interest in this house at the time. But I heard one speech that was certainly long, and that was considered to be good. The speaker rose from his desk, his speech lay written before him, he delivered it, however, without much reference to the document, and with a strong voice and energetic manner. But it was all a forced effort, and of necessity it was such. No one listened to him, and he seemed to expect no one to listen. It was under. etood by both parties that he was using the house as a medium of speech to his constituents across the Alleganies ; and they seemed content to have it so. It is in this way that the floor is occupied here for two or more days together ; and that the most important business of the State is postponed or neglected, while the house is afflicted with speeches which none will hear, and which are meant to be pamphlets that, with few exceptions, none will read.

TOE SENATE.

The Senate Chamber is of far less size, and of no pretensions; but it is well adapted to its uses, and therefore gives the eye satisfaction. All the interest, too, at this time, was here. The larger house had agreed to sustain the Presi- dent in his measures against the Bank ; but in the Senate some strong resolu- tions had been adopted against them. The President sent down a protest on the subject, and the excitement was raised to the highest. The occasion called up all their best speakers; and if they spoke with less preparation, they spoke under those present impulses which throw out a man's best thoughts in Ins best

manner. It was really a fine opportunity. * *

The Senate is now unusually rich in distinguished men. In this, and some following discussions, we heard most of them ;—Clay, Webster, Calhoun, Clay- ton, Leigh, Ewing, Felingbuysen, and Forsyth. I should like to give you a sketch of these men as they dwell in my memory, but opportunity fails me; and perhaps 1 might do them some injustice if I attempted any thing more than general impression, from such slight opportunities of knowing them. Suffice it to say, Clay's strength is in popular address ; Webster's, in cool argument ; Calhoun's, in his imagination, and his weakness too ; Felinghaysen's, in his truly Christian character ; Ewing's, in his stout honesty, notwithstanding his bad taste and false quotations; and Forsyth's, in his vanity—certainly in my eye the very image of selfcomplacency.

GENERAL J ACKSON.

Our kind friends had taken care to supply us with many letters of introduc- tion for ‘Vashington, and amongst them was one for the President. If we had intended, we had no occasion to use it. An intimation was made by one of the household, that the President would have pleasure in recsiving a call from us. It was of course accepted.. It was in the evening of the day, and 111r. Post was with us. We were received with respect, but without formality. The President is tall—full six feet in height. He stoops now, and is evidently feeble. The thermometer was at 7-2 degrees, but he was near a strung fire. He is sixty. eight years of age. Ile is soldier-like and gentlemanly in his car- riage; his manners were courteous and simple, and put us immediately at ease with him. He conversed freely ; chiefly of the older country, as interesting to us. He expressed pleasure at the growing intercourse between the countries; at the arrival of ourselves as a deputation in evidence of this ; and at the pita-. pect there was of continued peace. He spoke of the banking question also without reserve. He thought there was a resemblance between the state of the monied interest in America, and its state with us in 18'25, and was desirous of information. We conversed of it freely, anti for some time. Without judging his opinions, with which, as they are political, I have nothing to do in this

communication, my impression was, that he held them with a strong conviction that they were right, and beneficial for the country. After remaining about half an hour, we took our leave, with very pleasant recollections of our inter- view.

Some days afterwards we received an invitation to dine with the President.

By this time the excitement on the Bank question had risen very high ; and it was reported that his dwelling was guarded by troops, from fear of assault on his person. Instead of which there was less of form than before. When we arrived, the entrance .doors were open; and on being conducted by a single sec.

THE PRESIDENT AT CHURCH.

The President regUlarly attends on public worship at Mr. Post's when he is well. On the following Sabbath morning I was engaged to preach. Himself

End some fifty or sixty of the Congress were present. His manner was very at- tentive and serious. When the service was ended, I was a little curious to see bow he would be noticed. I supposed that the people would give way, and let him pass out first, and that a few respectful inclinations of the head would be offered. But no; he was not noticed at all ; lie had to move out and take his turn like any other person, and there was nothing at any time to indicate the presence of the Chief Magistrate. You might be disposed to refer this to the spirit of their institutions ; but it has a closer connexion with the character of the people. They have, in most of the States, less aptitude to give expression to their sentiments than the English. When aftel wards the General was pas- sing through Lexington, on his way home, where a strong feeling existed on the part of the merchants against him, I inquired if any marks of disapprebation were offered to him. The reply was, " 0 no ! we merely kept out of his way, allowed him to change horses, and go on without notice." I think it may be safely said that John Bull would have acted differently in both cases • in the the one, he would have offered sonic decided marks of respect ; and in the other, he would not have been backward to show that he was offended.

A small example of the working of the Voluntary principle, was the hospitality with which the deputation was received wherever they were known, and the liberality with which pulpits were thrown open to them, or rather forced upon them. here is another instance on a larger scale. If a meeting of State clergymen were held in London, an announcement front the pulpits that " those persons who are desirous to entertain one or more ministers during the meetings, may communicate their intentions," would be re- ceived with ridicule and open laughter; not, we believe, because

all, or even a majority of the members of the Church of England, would shrink from bearing the burdens incidental to their creed, but having neither art nor part in the ministrations of the Church, they have neither sympathy nor connexion with its management. They look upon it as "a great state pageant."

As the week of Anniversaries opened, there were decided masks of activity ard engagement in the leligious community. Previously, too, a wise regard is had to method and accommodation. The pastors give notice to their congrega- tions, that those persons who are desirous to entertain one or more ministers during the meetings, may communicate their intentions either to himself or some elder appointed for that service. A counter notice is inserted in the news- papers, to inform the ministers visiting at the time that accommodation will be provided ; and directing them where to apply. At the place of reference, an entry is made of all the friends who are prepared to accommodate ; and the names of the applicants are filled in as they apply. The whole of this arrange. ment is effected on Christian piinciple, and it is on that account effectual. Of course a respect is had to the requests of friendship, whine they exist ; but I could not learn that a minister ever failed of accommodation because he was

either poor or unknown; nor could 1 find that, whatever might be the numbers, any suffered disappointment. There must have been from :300 to 400 ministers at this time in New York ; but I believe none were necessitated to sojourn at the hotel orthe lodging house. blessing. Four risen were in attendance, and attended well. Every thing Was good and sufficient; nothing overcharged. It was a moderate and elegant repast.

Though pressed for space, we must take a passage from the sec- tion on the Religious Economy of the States, :Is exhibiting the con- dition of religion under three phases—Exclusive, Tolerant, and Voluntary. -

In Virginia, the Episcopal Church was established bylaw. The law was tried in both its forms,—without the toleration, and ahem:oda with the toleration of other sects. For nearly a century it was the exclusive religions of the State; it was endowed, and all parties were compelled to conti ibute to its support. The consequence was ally thing but what a good Episcopalian would desire. Un- worthy and incompetent men, in search of respectability or emolument, made

the church a prey. Having nothing to appreheud from the people, or the rivalry of sects, they became careless, and indolent, and frequently dissolute.

The statements on this subject abound, and are most painful. The pastors generally neglected the people, and the people despised and forsook the pastors; so that the system was dead, even while it retained the visible forms of existence. It was then tried with toleration. This alteration admitted the other sects to enter the State; and without direct hindrance to labour for the instruction

and salvation of the people. The privileged clergy, however, despised their rivals : and as all sects were still taxed fur their benefit, it concerned them little by what name they were called ; and they continued to repose on their supplies in indolence and security. If they slept, the oppressed sectaries did not sleep. Their efforts were not in vain ; and these, with the reckless negligence of the endowed parry, and the changes effected by the Revolution, prepared the State for an improved method. It was felt that all could no longer be made to support one; and it was pro- posed that all should ba assessed for the benefit of all the denominations. This, however, was declined; the Dissenting bodies protesting most nobly against any participation in the benefit of such a tax. Finding them firm in the rejection of all State allowance, an act was passed in 1775, to relieve them from all contri- butions towards the support of the established religion ; and, eventually, the whole question was disposed of, and the whole country satisfied, by placing all denominations on one footing; by knowing them only as civil corporations, and withholding all allowance.

As quickly after this as the circumstances would allow, the Episcopal Cherch revived, and placed itself on equal terms with its compeers. To this time it has continued to advance. It has now fifty-five clergymen devoted to their work, who are superintending affectionate and thriving flocks; and it is spreading itself on every hand, having good report amongst the people.

Here we must close, though we could easily extend the number of our extracts, and though desirous of enriching our columns with a capital description of Niagara—the best, in fact, we ever saw. To those who read for information or amusement, these volumes may be safely recommended; those who wish to acquire a knowledge of the present state of religion in America, will of course procure them.