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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Gleanings by the Way, by John A. Clark
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Gleanings by the Way
+
+Author: John A. Clark
+
+Release Date: January 22, 2012 [EBook #38644]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GLEANINGS BY THE WAY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Bryan Ness, Josephine Paolucci and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. (This
+book was produced from scanned images of public domain
+material from the Google Print project.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+GLEANINGS BY THE WAY;
+
+BY REV. JOHN A. CLARK, D. D.,
+
+_Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia_,
+
+AUTHOR OF "PASTOR'S TESTIMONY," "GLIMPSES OF THE OLD WORLD," ETC., ETC.
+
+"Let me now go to the field and glean ears of corn." RUTH, ii. 2.
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+W. J. & J. K. SIMON.
+
+NEW YORK:
+ROBERT CARTER.
+1842.
+
+
+Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1842, by
+JOHN A. CLARK, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court in the
+Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
+
+PRINTED BY KING AND BAIRD.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+When it was not so common, as now, to issue publications from the press, a
+book of any kind seldom made its appearance, without a PREFACE, to give the
+reader some idea of its contents, and the history of its elaboration from
+the author's mind. But at the present day, when authorship is no longer the
+prerogative of the few, and the press teems with every species of
+literature, preface writing has quite fallen into desuetude; not improbably
+for the very solid and satisfactory reason that it would be a most
+difficult, perplexing, and onerous business, to their several authors, to
+assign any plausible grounds for the publication of one half of the volumes
+that come forth in such immense shoals from the press.
+
+We are certainly attached to the good old custom of having a preface,
+although we are aware that many authors who omit this appendage, assign as
+a reason, that the preface is the only part of a book that is never read.
+This we think, in many instances, is not exactly true. There are those in
+the present day, who like to know why a book was written, and what it
+contains, before they begin to read it. By such knowledge--and this is
+precisely the information a preface ought to convey--they avoid the trouble
+of reading many a volume, which had the author been of the same mind, he
+might have escaped the trouble of writing. To this class of readers the
+preface is an important part of the book: while to those who eschew every
+thing of this sort, it will give but little trouble, to turn over a leaf or
+two to the commencement of the first chapter.
+
+We did not mean, when we began, to write a defence of prefaces--but to
+write a preface to our own work.
+
+The name of this volume, GLEANINGS BY THE WAY, indicates the character of
+the work. It consists principally of thoughts gathered up--and sketches of
+scenery, and incidents, that came before the author during excursions made
+into the country at different periods, within the last four years. For
+several years the author has been labouring under infirm health, and has
+found it necessary after encountering the heavy pastoral duties and labours
+connected with a large city congregation for nine or ten months in
+succession, to retire from the scene of his ministerial duties, and seek to
+recruit his wasted strength and enfeebled health amid the retirement of
+rural life, or the diversified scenes of travel and journeying. During
+these seasons of relaxation, the author desired still to be engaged in
+something that might at least indirectly promote the interests of religion.
+This volume contains some of the things of which he at such seasons made a
+record.
+
+In the tour to the FAR WEST, made during the summer of 1837--and the sketch
+that depicts the outline of the Mormon Delusion, the author cherishes the
+hope that facts are brought to light that will interest a large class of
+readers. And he also cherishes the hope that while these pages may interest
+the general reader, may beguile a lonely hour--and attract the attention of
+some who would not be likely to take up a more serious book--the tendency
+of the whole volume will be to advance, at least indirectly, that cause
+which lies so near to his heart. With this hope--and not with any
+expectation of earning increased literary reputation, he sends forth these
+GLEANINGS BY THE WAY.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.                                           13
+
+_The Three Gleaners._
+
+
+CHAPTER II.                                          25
+
+_Views of Pennsylvania_:--Tour to Harrisburgh--Aspect of the country--The
+Valley of the Susquehanna--The passage of the River--The
+Valley of the Juniata--Huntingdon--The Rev. John W. James--His
+sudden exit.
+
+
+CHAPTER III.                                         32
+
+_Glimpses of Western Pennsylvania_:--Source of the Juniata--Ascent of the
+Alleghanies--The summit--The Great Mississippi Valley--Skepticism--Rank
+growth of religious error--Dunkards--Valley of the Conemaugh--
+Moonlight--Singular conversation--Infidel sneers.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.                                          42
+
+_Pittsburg and its environs_:--First view of Pittsburg--Its general
+aspect--Sabbath and its employments--An affecting incident--Orphan
+children--A Christian father in the midst of his children on the Sabbath.
+
+
+CHAPTER V.                                           49
+
+_Voyage on the Ohio_:--Travelling companions--Steamboats on the Ohio--The
+Elk--The Ohio river--The Harmonists--Steubenville--Wheeling--Marietta--
+Portsmouth--Kentucky--The dead steamboat captain--Kentucky funeral.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.                                          62
+
+_A glimpse of Kentucky_:--Cincinnati--The Queen city--Views in reference
+to missionary labour--The kind of missionaries wanted in the great
+Valley--Walnut Hills--Lane Seminary--Dr. Beecher--Woodward College--Dr.
+Aydelott--The old Kentucky man--Louisville--The Galt House--View
+of the interior of Kentucky--Plantations--A sore evil--Kentuckian
+traits of character--A thrilling incident.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.                                         75
+
+_The Ohio near its mouth_:--New Albany--Sailing down the
+Ohio--Profanity--Lovely views of nature--A sudden squall on the
+river--Kentucky shore--Young fawn--The mouth of the Tennessee river--The
+swimming deer--His struggle and capture--Meeting of the waters of the Ohio
+with the Mississippi--Gambling--Intemperance--Sail up the Mississippi to
+St. Louis.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.                                        88
+
+_The Mississippi and some of its tributaries_:--St. Louis--Roman
+cathedral--Desecration of the Sabbath--Golden sunsets--Sail up the
+Mississippi--The meeting of the waters of the Missouri and the
+Mississippi--Alton--The burning prairie.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.                                         105
+
+_Further views on the Mississippi_:--Des Moines River--Iowa--Group of
+Indians--Tributary streams to the Mississippi--Galena--Bishop of Illinois--My
+sister's grave.
+
+
+CHAPTER X.                                          114
+
+_Illinois and the Lakes_:--Lead mines--Indian treaty--Ride to Chicago--Vast
+prairies--The stricken family--Amusing adventures--Chicago--Milwaukie--
+Mackinaw--Indian encampment.
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.                                         126
+
+_Michigan_:--Steamboat travelling upon the western Lakes--The waters of
+Huron--Saginaw Bay--The stormy night--The beautiful St.
+Clair--Detroit--Bishop of Michigan--Ypsilanti--Ann Arbour--Ore
+Creek--Bewildered at night in the woods--Rescue--Meeting of friends--Log
+Cabin.
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.                                        140
+
+_Tour from the West_:--The Romanists--Miracles--Indians--Captain
+M---- The unhappy sailor--Toledo--Cleveland--Buffalo--Niagara
+Falls.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.                                       151
+
+_Western New York_:--Niagara Falls--Rochester--Canandaigua--Geneva--Seneca
+Lake--The moonlit heavens--Departed friends--The clergyman's son--The
+candidate for the ministry--A beloved brother--My departed mother--Geneva
+College--The Sabbath.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.                                        161
+
+_A jaunt from Philadelphia to Albany_:--A bleak, dreary morning--Bishop
+of Illinois--Sail up the Delaware--New York Bay--Sail up the
+Hudson--Unexpected meeting--College friend--Story of his afflictions--Poor
+African servant.
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.                                         171
+
+_The Irish couple_:--Albany--The Irish mother--Incidents that occurred
+five years ago--The disappointed emigrants--The Little Falls--Rural
+retirement.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.                                        179
+
+_Western New York._
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.                                       181
+
+_A Summer Tour_:--Retirement--Seneca Lake--Burlington, N. J.--Brooklyn,
+N. Y.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.                                      187
+
+_Green Wood Cemetery_:--Brooklyn--Improvements--Ride--Approach
+to the Cemetery--Views--Beautiful scenes.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.                                        193
+
+_Rhode Island_:--Sail up the Sound--Burning of the
+Lexington--Providence--Meeting of old friends--Mr.
+Emerson--Transcendentalism--Westerly.
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.                                         201
+
+_The sudden storm_:--Rapid travelling--Auburn--Stage coach--Seneca
+Lake--Summer's sultry heat--Sudden change--Fierce tempest--Imminent
+peril.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.                                        205
+
+_Reminiscences of the past_:--Sunday--Sacred worship--The sanctuary
+recalling youthful scenes--Early plighted vows at the table of the
+Lord--Retrospect--Mournful reflections--Change in the congregation--Mr. and
+Mrs. N---- The C---- family--Col. T---- Village burial ground--C---- The
+buried pastor--My Mother--Palmyra--Early ministerial labours--Lyons.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.                                       216
+
+_The Origin of the Mormon Delusion_:--The golden Bible--Moral, political,
+and numercial importance of the Mormon sect--Views of Revelation--Causes
+that have contributed to spread Mormonism--Martin Harris--Interview
+with the author--Transcripts from the golden Bible--Jo
+Smith, the Mormon prophet--His early history--First pretended revelation--His
+marriage--Chest containing the golden Bible--Attempts to
+disinter it--Consequence--Delusion of Harris--Translation and publication
+of the _Book of Mormon_.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.                                      232
+
+_A letter written by Professor Anthon_:--The circumstances that led to
+this letter--Martin Harris--His visit to New York--Interview with Dr.
+Mitchell--Professor Anthon.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.                                       239
+
+_The Mormon, or Golden Bible_:--The origin of the Book of Mormon--The
+statement of Mr. Isaac Hale, father-in-law of the Mormon Prophet--Rev.
+Mr. Spalding's Historical Romance--Mrs. Davison's statement--The
+blindness of Martin Harris--Testimony of the three witnesses--The
+eight witnesses.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.                                        259
+
+_Mormon Jesuitism_:--Denial of Mrs. Davison's statement in reference
+to the origin of the Mormon Bible--The truth of her statement corroborated
+by a letter from the Rev. John Storrs--By another from the Rev.
+D. R. Austin.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.                                       268
+
+_Analysis of the Book of Mormon._
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.                                      285
+
+_Analysis of the Book of Mormon continued._
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.                                     304
+
+_Farther developments in relation to the Mormon imposture._
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.                                       311
+
+_Organization of the Mormons, and their removal to Ohio_:--Steps leading
+to the Mormon emigration to the West--Conversion of Parley P. Pratt--Mission
+to the Lamanites--Sidney Rigdon--His avowed conversion--Fanatic
+scenes at Kirtland--Dr. Rosa's letter--Mr. Howe's statement--Smith's
+removal.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.                                        323
+
+_Mormon emigration to Missouri_:--Mission to Missouri--Causes that led
+to emigration--Settlement at Independence--Change in operations--Gift
+of tongues--Rule for speaking and interpreting.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.                                       331
+
+_Mormon Banking_:--The prophet's attempt at financiering--Mr. Smalling's
+letter.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.                                      337
+
+_The Mormon Prophet and his three witnesses_:--An interesting public
+document--The Danite band--Testimony of Dr. Avard--Paper drafted
+by Rigdon.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.                                     345
+
+_Concluding sketch in relation to Mormonism._
+
+
+
+
+GLEANINGS BY THE WAY.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE THREE GLEANERS.
+
+
+Nature has a voice to instruct, as well as charms to please. No one can
+walk over the surface of this earth, and gaze upon the objects and scenes
+that every where cluster around him, and not hear her instructive voice
+echoed upon his ear from ten thousand points, unless stupidity, or sin have
+sealed up his senses, and made him deaf as "the adder that stoppeth her
+ear, and will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so
+wisely."
+
+Providence, too, has a voice, that speaks with trumpet-tongue in the ear of
+those who watch the movement of human events--_who regard the work of the
+Lord, and consider the operation of his hands_. The fall of every leaf--the
+opening of every grave, the subversion of kingdoms--the overthrow of
+empires--every event transpiring around us, reads us a lesson full of deep
+and solemn instruction.
+
+In the various and diversified developements of human character--whether
+contemplated in its rougher, or more polished state, there is a vast deal
+presented to view, from which an intelligent mind may gather very important
+elements of instruction.
+
+One who keeps his eye out upon these various fields, will scarcely fail to
+GLEAN something every day, either from nature, or Providence, or the
+different and ever varying phases of human character, that can be turned to
+a profitable account both for instruction and pleasure.
+
+There are, however, different kinds of GLEANING--and different kinds of
+GLEANER. The caption to this chapter contains an implied pledge, that there
+is to be brought before the eye of the reader three successive
+GLEANERS.--And so we intend it shall be. We will at once introduce you to
+the first of the three.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Some sixteen hundred years before the first advent of the Lord's ANIONTED,
+there lived in Bethlehem a man of wealth and distinction. He possessed
+extensive flocks and herds, and fields, and all the usual resources of
+oriental riches. Palestine was then the land that _flowed with milk and
+honey_. Though there had been periods when for the sins of the people the
+heavens were shut, and the dews and rains withheld--till the blight of
+sterility seemed to have impressed its dreary iron aspect upon every
+smiling valley and sunny hill:--at the time to which we refer it was not
+so. That whole region then poured forth its productions most luxuriantly,
+for the blessing of the Lord was upon the land. And now the season of the
+barley harvest had arrived, and the reapers went forth with their sickles
+to cut down the bearded and bending grain.
+
+This opulent citizen of Bethlehem, to whom we have referred, when the
+rising sun, ascending the deep blue arch of heaven and pouring its full
+orbed radiance over hill and dale, had drank up the dew drops of morning,
+rode forth into the country amid vine-clad hills, and beneath groves of
+olive and palm till he reached his own paternal estate. The bright luminary
+of day now poured down a full tide of heat and effulgence over the whole
+surrounding scene. The reapers were plying their glittering steel, and
+gathering the falling grain into sheaves. The sound of rustic music came
+upon his ears as he rode along through the fields. It was the song of the
+reapers. He approached them. They were his own hired servants. Though they
+were poor, and had to toil for their daily bread, their wealthy employer
+did not despise them. He was one who feared the Lord, and saw in every
+human form a brother. Kind were his words as he approached the reapers, and
+full of pious sentiment--for his salutation was, _The Lord be with you_.
+
+Those sun-burnt and swarthy laborers, suspending for a moment their toil,
+respectfully and piously responded, _The Lord bless thee_. I know not what
+other pleasant discourse followed. An object of deep interest now presented
+itself to the rich owner of these grounds. In a distant part of the field
+was to be seen the slender and delicate form of a young female walking
+hither and thither to gather up the scattered heads of barley that had
+escaped the hand of the reaper. Then said he to his servant who was set
+over the reapers: _Whose damsel is this?_ And he replied, _It is the
+Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi_.
+
+That lone female, whose hand was gathering the scattered heads of barley,
+had known better days. She had been nursed in the lap of ease. She dwelt in
+Moab. A stranger came there. He had been reared near Siloa's sacred stream.
+He had been instructed in the divine law and his intellect had been
+beautified and expanded, and his heart softened and refined by its heavenly
+teaching. He was young and beautiful, and full of manly dignity. This
+interesting Moabitess saw the stranger. His dark lustrous eye met hers with
+an interest that mutually increased till love burned bright in both their
+bosoms. They were joined in wedded love, and her Mahlon was all her own!
+No, not all--for death, the insatiable archer, had fixed his eye upon him.
+Only a short period elapsed, and Mahlon was numbered with the dead! She saw
+his bright eye forever shut, and the dark grave closing over his pale,
+unbreathing corse.
+
+Mahlon had a father, but he too had found a grave in that Moabitish land
+where they now sojourned. Mahlon had a brother, but that brother had fallen
+beneath the shaft of death, and his dust slumbered fast by the side of his
+dead father. Mahlon had a mother. Poor lone widow! Her name was once
+Naomi--PLEASANT, but now she chose to be called Mara--BITTER--for _the
+Almighty had dealt very bitterly with her_. She had buried all she most
+loved in a stranger land. Why should she not now return to her native
+land--to the altars of her fathers--and the home of her childhood?
+
+Shall she go alone? No--not while Mahlon's widow lives. The hour of
+parting came. Her two daughters-in-law--for both of her sons had taken them
+wives in the land of Moab--had already accompanied her several miles on her
+way to the land of her nativity. But the moment of separation had now come!
+They stood under a cluster of palms--a cool, refreshing spring sent forth
+its waters which flowed and gurgled along beside them. All nature smiled
+around them, but their hearts were sad. This widowed, childless
+mother--after a long painful struggle of silent feeling, said unto her two
+daughters-in-law, _go return each to your mother's house_. _The Lord deal
+kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead and with me._ Then she
+kissed them each. And they lifted up their voice and wept. How could they
+part? They said, _surely we will return with thee unto thy people_.--And
+she said--nay--I have nothing to offer you: I go back to my country stript
+of friends, and substance. Therefore turn again my daughters, why will ye
+go with me?
+
+The deep fountains of feeling were again broken up, and they again lifted
+up their voices and wept. Then Orpah clasping the mother of her buried
+Chilion in her arms, fell on her neck, and, sobbing long and loud, kissed
+her and bid her a final adieu.
+
+Not so the beautiful, but now faded and care-worn Ruth. Hers was a love
+stronger than death. Many waters could not drown it. She refused to
+separate herself from the mother of him she had loved. They still lingered
+under the shade of the clustering palms. Orpah had taken her final leave,
+and her retiring form had now vanished from their view. The sad widowed
+mother, now preparing to start on her way, again addressed Ruth, still
+lingering at her side--_Behold thy sister-in-law has gone back unto her
+people, and unto her gods. Return thou after thy sister-in-law._
+
+But the fair and lovely Moabitess nobly replied--_Entreat me not to leave
+thee, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I
+will go; and where thou lodgest I will lodge: thy people shall be my
+people, and thy God my God; where thou diest I will die, and there will I
+be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part
+thee and me._ So onward they two went together to the holy land. It was the
+beginning of the barley harvest when they reached Bethlehem. They were
+quite destitute, and scarcely knew how they were to provide themselves with
+the means of subsistence. But the eternal God in whom they trusted, and who
+feeds the fowls of the air, clothes the grass of the field, and decks the
+expanded petals of the lily with hues more brilliant and beautiful than
+those reflected from the shining robes of royalty--had not forgotten the
+poor--had not forgotten to insert in his law _when ye reap the harvest of
+your land--thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of the field, neither
+shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest_. * * * _Thou shalt leave
+them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God._ This divine
+injunction was reiterated again and again. _When thou cuttest down thine
+harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not
+go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and
+for the widow; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the works of
+thine hands._ Here was a merciful provision for the poor. The devoted
+Moabitess who had left country and home for her love to Naomi, was not
+backward in offering to go forth to glean in the field after the reapers.
+It was on this errand, that she walked into the country, and patiently
+toiled beneath the rays of the scorching sun.
+
+It was while thus engaged, that Boaz, the rich Bethlehemite, came to his
+reapers, and first saw the lovely stranger. How she afterwards sped, those
+acquainted with the sacred story need not be told. It only remains for us
+to add, that she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out all that she
+had gleaned: and it was an ephah of of barley. And she took it up and went
+into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned; and she
+brought forth and gave to her that she had received after she was sufficed.
+And her mother-in-law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to-day? and
+where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee!
+
+This is the first of the three Gleaners. The story of the two that follow
+will be much shorter.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Circumstances, several years since, led the writer to spend a few days in a
+secluded little village, in a very retired and beautiful part of the
+country. It was in the month of August, when the indications of summer were
+seen on every side--the wheat fields were ready for the hand of the reaper,
+and during the livelong day there seemed no cessation to the tide of heat
+that came flowing down from the sun, overwhelming the broad earth and every
+creature that moved upon it with his fervid influence. The early dawn of
+morning, and the hour of twilight at the decline of day, seemed to be the
+only seasons, when one could walk forth with any comfort, to enjoy the
+rural scenery, that the hand of the Creator had spread with surpassing
+loveliness around this spot. These seasons were not allowed to pass
+unimproved. The first morning that I walked forth--while the grey twilight
+still lingered on hill and dale--casting a sombre, dusky aspect over
+surrounding objects, as I passed along, refreshed by the fragrant breath
+exhaled from the fields, cheered by the notes of the feathered tribe who
+were chanting their early matin lays, and enamored with the glorious scene
+pencilled on the eastern sky, which brightened and kindled into broader
+lines of orient radiance every step I took, and every moment I gazed, I saw
+a young lad, some twelve or thirteen years old, passing by me with a brisk
+step, but stooping every now and then, to gather up some straws of wheat,
+that lay scattered along the road. The occurrence, however, awakened no
+particular attention, and would have been forgotten, had not the same thing
+been observed in the evening. In returning to my lodgings, after a ramble
+over the fields on the evening of the same day, I met this boy with quite a
+bundle of wheat under his arm, moving with a quick step, but stopping every
+now and then to gather up a single straw that lay in the road.
+
+The next morning, the circumstance had quite passed out of my mind, till
+suddenly and unexpectedly the form of this boy again appeared before me. He
+was still occupied in the same manner. He seemed in a great hurry, and yet
+he stooped to pick up every straw that lay in his path. I felt an unusual
+curiosity to learn his history, and the motives that influenced his
+conduct. Upon inquiry, I was made acquainted with the following facts. This
+lad was an orphan boy, who resided in an old cottage, about a mile distant
+from where I met him, with an aged grand-mother, who was blind, and very
+poor. Her children had all gone down to the grave, and this boy was the
+only representative of her family. The old blind cottager, was one who
+trusted in the Lord, and believed that he did all things well. She tried to
+train up her child to a life of industry and early piety. He was a
+promising lad and seemed disposed to aid his aged grand parent, and
+contribute to her comfort by every means in his power. Every evening he
+would read to her out of God's holy book, and in the day he sought some
+occupation by which he could contribute to her maintenance. At the time I
+fell in with him, he was in the employ of a wealthy farmer, assisting in
+securing the wheat harvest. This farmer resided in the outskirts of the
+village, while the broad fields which he cultivated, lay abroad in
+lengthening expansion and beauty in the immediate vicinity of his dwelling.
+Several of his barns were contiguous to his dwelling, so that the wheat
+when harvested, was principally conveyed from the field where it grew,
+along the road on which I had taken my walks, to these barns. Hence as one
+loaded wane after another was driven along, the whole road became strewed
+with heads and stalks of wheat. This lad, to whom I have referred, rose a
+half an hour earlier in the morning to go on his way to his daily toil, and
+lingered a half an hour later at evening on his way homeward to his nightly
+couch, in order to gather up these wheat stalks that had fallen by the way.
+These wheat gleanings thus gathered up by the way he every night carried
+home with him and subsequently threshed, and by steady perseverance in this
+course was able to obtain a considerable quantity of grain, to afford bread
+both for himself and his aged grand parent. Was not this a beautiful
+instance of filial piety? This is the story of our second GLEANER--one who
+GLEANED BY THE WAY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Some twelve years since, it was our happiness, to have met a very
+remarkable man, who seemed to live for one single purpose. He possessed
+naturally great strength and brilliancy of intellect. While yet a child, a
+highly gifted mother had laid her plastic hand upon his character, and so
+directed his education as to bring out the highest powers of his mind in
+symmetrical development. Thus through the educational advantages he
+enjoyed, he was prepared to make large attainments, and to gather much
+information from every field of knowledge through which he walked. As he
+grew up, he became furnished with most ample stores of learning. He had the
+power to instruct and to please, and was eminently fitted to act upon other
+minds. Added to all this--he was a Christian. He had felt the power of a
+Saviour's love, and had consecrated himself to his service. To him had been
+committed the ministry of reconciliation, and he was acting as the legate
+of the skies--the ambassador of the King of kings. This was his business.
+All the powers of his mind were consecrated to the work of winning souls to
+Jesus. He still moved around in society. He was still the charm of every
+circle in which he was found. He did not always speak upon religion. He did
+not always stand before his fellow men in the attitude of a preacher. He
+travelled; for his health required it. He walked out into the fields. He
+looked abroad over the face of nature. He moved amid the circles of his
+fellow men. He engaged in literary pursuits and scientific investigations.
+But he pursued nothing to the neglect of ministerial duty. And from every
+circle in which he moved, from every scene he witnessed, from every company
+he met, from every field he trod, from every object to which he turned his
+eye, from every investigation in which he engaged, he gleaned something, by
+which to throw new charms around religion, and enable him to reach minds
+through new channels. He never for one moment lost sight of his great
+business--but was all the time steadily moving forward to the attainment of
+the object for which he lived and laboured. All his pursuits--all his
+enjoyments, all his recreations, were made to contribute at least
+indirectly to the furtherance of that great object. Like the wheat gleaning
+boy, he went to his daily labour, and relaxed no effort in the business of
+prosecuting prescribed ministerial duties, yet while going to and from
+these duties, he GLEANED BY THE WAY. Every flower that spread its expanded
+petals before his eye, every breath of music that fell upon his ear, every
+dew drop that glittered in the beams of morning, every little tiny insect
+that flitted across his path, every landscape that stretched before him,
+every mountain and hill that pointed upward to heaven, every forest and
+stream on which his eye rested, every star that hung out its golden lamp on
+the sable curtain of night, every interview of friendship, every
+vicissitude of life, every incident of travel, every occurrence whether
+pleasing or painful, presented to his enriched intellect some new aspect of
+thought, from which he could glean materials for the instruction of other
+minds. Thus he GLEANED BY THE WAY. And through THESE GLEANINGS he acted
+upon a thousand minds, that he could not otherwise have reached. He has
+gone to his reward. He sleeps in the silent sepulchre. But _though dead, he
+yet speaketh_. A thousand flowers gathered by his hand from the fields of
+literature and the scenes of active life, and by his hand planted in the
+garden of the Lord, still remain, and from their contiguity to Siloa's
+sacred font, and the blood-stained cross, they bloom with brighter tints,
+and richer fragrance, and still lead many to approach and fix their eye on
+that blessed cross, and ultimately to feel its transforming power. This is
+the history of our third GLEANER. And from the history of the three, our
+readers will be at no loss to determine what suggested to us the idea of
+entitling this volume GLEANINGS BY THE WAY.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+VIEWS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+     Tour to Harrisburg--Aspect of the country--The Valley
+     of the Susquehanna--The passage of the River--The
+     Valley of the Juniata--Huntingdon--The Rev. John W.
+     James--His sudden exit.
+
+
+The following twelve Chapters consist principally of extracts from the note
+book which the author kept, during a tour through the great Western Valley
+in 1837.
+
+                              _On board the Canal Packet Swatara,
+                              Wednesday evening, June 14, 1837._
+
+I have never been more struck than to-day with the tranquilizing influence
+which the works of nature are capable of exerting upon the mind. There is a
+calmness, a solemn stillness--a sweet quietude spread over field and
+forest, and all that the eye rests upon in passing through the country at
+this beautiful season, which cannot fail to find a response in the bosom of
+every beholder. I have no doubt a ride into the country would often operate
+like a charm to calm down the agitations, quiet the corrodings, and soothe
+the anxieties of many, who amid the engagements of the city are the victims
+of carking care, and seem to live only to wade through the fiery stream of
+perturbed and anxious feeling.
+
+We left Philadelphia at six o'clock this morning. The cars belonging to the
+three regular lines that run on the Rail Road to Harrisburg, filled with
+about one hundred and fifty passengers, and fastened to each other in one
+train, were moved by the same locomotive. There is something very
+exhilarating in the act of being borne through a beautiful country at the
+rate of fifteen miles an hour. It seemed as we moved along as though our
+whole train was instinct with life, and endowed with magic pinions, which
+it had only to spread abroad, and skim over the surface of the ground with
+the fleetness of the wind. As we passed along from the city, one varied,
+and verdant scene of all that is lovely in hill and dale, forest and field,
+orchard and farm-house, presented itself in quick succession after
+another--filling up the whole way with images as beautiful and varied as
+are brought to the eye by every turn of the kaleidoscope.
+
+The country between Philadelphia and Harrisburg in its outlines and
+agricultural aspect strikingly reminded me of western New York. The impress
+of thrift and wealth are enstamped upon every vale and hill-side that meets
+your eye in this vast fertile landscape. I could not but ask myself,
+however, "Is there a moral beauty here, displayed in the lives of those who
+cultivate this land, corresponding with the marks of material loveliness
+which the Creator has spread over all this scene? Do the walls of these
+cottages and farm-houses resound to the voice of prayer and praise with
+each rising and setting sun? Is the Saviour of sinners universally known,
+and loved, and served here? Do all these people, whose homes are scattered
+along this range of country, regard this beautiful region as the theatre on
+which God has placed them to prepare for the skies?"
+
+I know not what the state of religion may be generally through these
+counties, but when I turned to a tabular list to see how many churches and
+communicants we numbered in this extent of country, I felt sad to find how
+small a part of the land we had possessed, and how very little we, as a
+branch of the great Catholic Church, were doing to extend the kingdom of
+Christ even in our very neighborhood. I hope other communions have done and
+are doing more to diffuse vital godliness through this section of the land
+than we, otherwise there must be a lamentable want of that faith which
+Christ came to establish on the earth. O when shall prayer go up as one
+thick cloud of incense from every house and hamlet scattered through this
+region, made so fair and beautiful by a divine hand! Then indeed will "the
+valleys which stand so thick with corn laugh and sing, the hills will clap
+their hands, and every thing that hath breath praise the Lord."
+
+At Harrisburg we took the canal. Our course till evening lay along the
+valley of the Susquehanna, which as we proceeded we found hemmed in with
+mountain bluffs, not unlike the palisades which surmount the banks of the
+broad Hudson, or some of the rougher mountain features in the neighborhood
+of the Highlands. The scene that opened before us was one of calm--quiet
+beauty. There was awakened somewhat of a romantic feeling as we sat down to
+our tea, borne quietly along through the rural beauties that clustered
+thick around us. Our cabin windows were thrown wide open, and we inhaled
+with delight the cool and refreshing breath of evening. On our right,
+almost within reaching distance, the road passed along just under the brow
+of a very precipitous hill, whose top peered up amid the clouds. On the
+left, parallel with our course, was the expanded Susquehanna: and beyond
+this beautiful stream one bluff and lofty range of hills rising up after
+another, gave to that side of the river the aspect of continuous mountain
+scenery.
+
+As the day declined and the sun sunk below the horizon, a dark mass of
+clouds seemed rolling up from the northwest. This stupendous pile of clouds
+hung directly over the gap in the mountains, through which the Susquehanna
+poured its wide and troubled waters. Soon the heavens began to gather
+blackness, and the forked lightning to play with fearful glare on the
+surface of this dark mass of clouds, followed by loud peals of startling
+thunder. Almost immediately the rain commenced pouring down in torrents.
+The transition from the quiet scene through which we had been passing, to
+one of storm and tempest, was sudden and unexpected. There was a sublimity
+and awful grandeur that gathered around that hour and spot, which I shall
+not soon forget. What added to the effect, was, that just then we had
+arrived at the point, where we were to cross the Susquehanna. The bridge
+that had been flung up over the river to afford a passage for the horses to
+tow the boat across, had partially fallen down, so that it was no longer
+capable of use. A strong cable had been fixed across the stream, by means
+of which a power was applied to our boat, which, in connexion with the
+force of the current, would bear us rapidly over. It began to be dark, and
+the rain fell violently. The waters seemed rough and threatening, and many
+of the passengers felt a sense of great insecurity. To many on board,
+though I presume there was no danger, it was a moment of deep and awful
+suspense. My mind instantly run off into a train of serious thought. It
+appeared to me that our course this day had been not unlike the journey of
+life. At first in the May morning of our existence, we start off with speed
+and are borne as by enchantment through a succession of gay, bright,
+blooming fields. As we advance, though we move apparently beneath benignant
+skies, and tread amid many of the beauties of creation, our path all the
+while runs along by the side of the river of death. That river we must
+finally cross, and it may be amid darkness and storms, and beneath the
+impending thunder cloud of divine wrath! Happy are they whose hopes and
+interests are so garnered up in Christ, that it matters not to them _when_,
+or _how_ they cross it! Happy are they who can embark upon this river with
+such a simple, and firm reliance on the Saviour, as to feel that there is
+no danger, however rough or dark the passage may be!
+
+_Thursday, June 15._--When we awoke at four o'clock this morning, we found
+ourselves wending our way along the valley of the Juniata, a stream
+tributary to the Susquehanna. The scenery on either side of this river is
+surpassingly beautiful, and in style not unlike that which we passed
+yesterday on the Susquehanna. The hills that hedge in the narrow valley of
+the Juniata are usually of a conical, or triangular shape, covered to the
+very summit with a stunted growth of forest trees. There was a peaceful
+quiet--a solemn stillness reigning through almost the entire extent of this
+valley, which to me appeared truly delightful. It seemed like the deep and
+unbroken silence of nature. It was to us a stillness seldom broken save
+when the sound of the boatman's horn, or the heavy tread of the horse on
+the tow path, went up the mountain side, and woke an echo amid the
+untrodden solitudes that stretched up those wild, and wood covered steeps.
+
+As we advanced farther up the Juniata we saw evidences of a more dense
+population. Villages occasionally rose to view. We passed Lewistown early
+in the forenoon, and heard a favorable account of the acceptableness and
+labors of our young clerical friend, the Rev. J. F. H. How true it is, that
+wherever a faithful servant of the Lord is planted, there "the waste places
+will soon be converted into a fruitful field, and the desert will be made
+to rejoice and blossom as the rose!"
+
+Just at nightfall we passed Huntingdon, the place where poor James fell
+last August on his way to western Pennsylvania. This esteemed brother had
+been much in my mind in all our jaunt up the valley of this river: and it
+had occurred to me as we passed along, if there was a spot on earth where
+one could be content to lie down and die, far from friends and home, it was
+along this valley, amid this sweet quiet mountain scenery. One can scarcely
+look out upon these green and foliage clad heights and the multiplied
+demonstrations around him of Almighty power and skill without feeling his
+heart drawn up in devout adoration to the Framer of these everlasting
+hills.
+
+I was disappointed, and sorry in finding the scenery less beautiful at
+Huntingdon than at any of the former points on the Juniata. The village
+presented an unattractive appearance. The house in which our brother[1] met
+his final hour was pointed out to me. It seemed a very gloomy and unlovely
+abode. As I passed the spot I felt the deep fountains of sensibility moved
+in my soul: I thought, that it was here, far away from the sympathy of his
+people, that this man of God lay down in the agonies of death. It was here
+that his eye was sealed for ever on earthly scenes--and his liberated
+spirit mounted up to God! Though to mortal eyes the circumstances of his
+death seemed most undesirable, yet we know that he went quickly up to tread
+the streets of the heavenly city, and to stand where he could gaze
+everlastingly on the unveiled face of Jesus, his crucified and risen Lord.
+O who that looks to the end of the glorious consummation will not long to
+depart and "be with Christ which is far better!"
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] The individual above referred to was the Rev. John W. James, assistant
+minister of Christ Church, Philadelphia. Mr. J. was travelling with his
+family on a summer excursion in 1836, when he was suddenly arrested with
+disease, and called from the scenes of his labors to "the rest which
+remaineth for the people of God." He was a faithful minister of Jesus
+Christ, and his memory is still most sacredly cherished by many, who feel
+that he was to them the messenger of salvation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+GLIMPSES OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+     Source of the Juniata--Ascent of the Alleghanies--The
+     summit--The Great Mississippi Valley--Skepticism--Rank
+     growth of religious error--Dunkards--Valley of the
+     Conemaugh--Moonlight--Singular conversation--Infidel
+     sneers.
+
+
+                              _Saturday morning, June 17, 1837._
+
+WE reached Hollidaysburg, a little village on the Juniata, where the
+Alleghany Portage Rail Road commences, yesterday morning, June 16th, about
+eight o'clock. Our way from this point was up the mountain by successive
+inclined planes. I never saw more strikingly illustrated the triumph of art
+over the obstacles of nature.
+
+In our progress up the mountain, we at length left the Juniata, at a point
+so near its source that we saw the two little rills which, by their
+confluence, constituted the commencement of that river, pouring down the
+precipitous side of the same hill, and which, separately, were so small
+that one might step over them with perfect ease. We traced these mountain
+brooks with our eye as they swept along over the washed and worn
+pebbles--saw them unite, and then followed them in imagination till they
+swelled along the banks of the Juniata, mingled their waters with the
+Susquehanna, poured into the Chesapeake, and finally were lost in the
+ocean.
+
+In our ascending way up the mountain, we found the scenery altogether of a
+new, wild, and more rugged cast. Our ascent amid these vast summits,--the
+wonderful velocity with which we were borne--the ease with which we seemed
+to move through the gaps of the mountains, and over the tops of these
+everlasting hills--surrounded at every step by the most picturesque and
+gigantic elevations, appeared like the effect of enchantment. Then too as
+we moved upward a change was perceptible in the atmosphere--we felt its
+invigorating and exhilarating influence--and perhaps the new buoyancy,
+which our spirits acquired, helped to impart increased effect to the
+majestic scene that stretched around us, and had laid hold of our every
+sense and feeling with the power of a giant.
+
+Our course was still upward--upward! and all our train of cars still flew
+upward till we reached the very tops of the mountain wilds and fastnesses
+that stood in such majestic grandeur around us. It was announced at length
+that we had attained the summit height of the mountain. Just here the
+rivulets changed their course. The streams had all flowed eastward to empty
+themselves into the Atlantic, but now they turned westward and leaped
+forward, as though eager to find repose in the deep waters of the
+Mississippi. The Conemaugh, a tributary stream to the Kiskiminetas takes
+its rise here, and appears as a very little rill at its commencement.
+
+It was with peculiar emotions that I stood on the summit of the
+Alleghanies, and strained my eye to look off towards the vast valley of the
+Mississippi, whose western boundary is terminated by the Rocky mountains,
+a distance not less than 2500 miles. I then thought what immense
+undeveloped resources does this vast valley contain! What an object of
+sublime contemplation is this broad and beauteous region in its surpassing
+fertility--its measureless capabilities--its vast rivers--its deep
+untrodden forests--its boundless prairies--and in its ten thousand rising
+villages and cities! What vast, complicated and mighty sympathies are
+gathering around this valley! What scenes are to be acted here, deciding
+this nation's civil and religious destiny! What teeming millions are to be
+sustained by the products of this soil--are to live and die, and be
+prepared for heaven or for hell on the broad bosom of this valley! There is
+nothing but the gospel that can exert a saving influence upon the mass of
+mind congregating here, and make this far outspreading and fertile region
+the abode of moral beauty and the home of civil freedom. The gospel
+planting her foot here, and stretching her arms over the whole extent of
+this western valley, must wake up holy affections, and songs of praise to
+the sin-conquering Lamb, all along the banks of these thousand streams, or
+the blight of desolation will fall here--and the fairest portion of God's
+earth will be withered by the scorching fire of human passion--and bathed,
+as has been the old world, in seas of human blood! There is but one
+influence that can save this mighty empire from the sway either of lawless
+anarchy or of iron-handed despotism, or rescue the populous millions that
+will spread over it, from the deep "damnation of hell," and that is the
+influence of the gospel. What new arguments do we find in this thought to
+lead us to be unwearied in our efforts to send Bibles, and tracts, and
+missionaries, and to establish Sunday-schools _in the west_!
+
+I have already seen enough of western character to discover that while mind
+starts up here vigorous and majestic as the sturdy trees of the forest, it
+is exceedingly prone to spurn the restraints, and question the authority of
+divine Revelation. No where probably is there more avowed or evident
+independence of mind--or with a certain class, greater susceptibility of
+being gulled, by a swaggering, boastful departure from the ancient
+landmarks of faith. The great adversary is always ready to persuade men
+that there is much more manliness and independence in believing something
+new, however false, than in adhering to what is ancient, however true, in
+the faith of our forefathers.
+
+We had scarcely crossed the mountains and reached the level of the great
+valley, before we encountered a group of men of very singular, and
+grotesque appearance. Their beards were long and filthy, hanging down upon
+their breast. I was greatly surprised to learn that this savage appearance
+was for conscience' sake. I was told that these were individuals belonging
+to a religious sect called Dunkards. My informant gave me the following
+particulars in relation to this people. They sometimes live in distinct
+communities, and have all things in common. This, however, is not always
+and perhaps not generally the case. They do not usually build houses for
+public worship, nor believe in sustaining a ministry as a distinct order of
+men. Certain persons in their churches, they think, are from time to time
+called to preach, and these are denominated ministers. These individuals,
+however, still pursue their own secular avocations as before. They not
+only hold to baptism and the Lord's supper, but to washing each other's
+feet, and, I believe, the observance of an annual love feast. They also
+keep up the ancient custom of saluting each other with the kiss of charity,
+and this among all their members, whatever the color or sex may be. Their
+converts are all baptized by immersion, and hence, they are sometimes
+called _Dunkard Baptists_. They hold to a _trine_ baptism--dipping the
+candidate three times, with the face downward into the water. Their
+sacramental seasons are periods of general feasting--when they keep open
+houses, and free tables. In doctrine they hold to the Arian heresy, though
+some of them are decided Unitarians. They also believe, most of them, in
+universal salvation, holding that the wicked will be punished after death
+for a certain period, and then be restored to happiness. One of the
+peculiarities to which I have already referred, is that they feel
+conscientiously bound to abstain from cutting the beard, or removing the
+hair that grows upon their faces. I am told that this sect is quite
+numerous in the west.
+
+Last evening we were slowly moving down the valley of the Conemaugh, on
+board the Canal Packet Detroit. The scenery on either side of the stream
+whose course we were following was bold and beautiful. The trees were
+covered with dark thick foliage--at one time spreading out before us the
+view of a lengthening forest, and then again opening to disclose to us a
+rich verdant lawn--a beautiful corn field or a smiling farm house--with all
+its usual appendages for convenience and comfort. After the lingering rays
+of twilight had faded away, and night had drawn her sable covering over
+the woodland scenes that stretched so gracefully around us, the moon rose
+in silvery brightness, and poured down her rich mellow light on all the
+shadowy landscape. Now and then a floating cloud crossed her path, and gave
+a deeper momentary shade to the sombre shadows that here and there were
+flung over the face of nature. It was a summer evening to make one court
+the open air; most of our passengers were on deck. Some were sitting apart
+by themselves, in silent meditation: some were gazing upward into the
+peaceful heavens--and others, off upon the quiet scenes of nature. Others
+stood around in little groups and knots, holding various conversations. I
+was walking slowly from one end of the deck to the other, a silent observer
+of what was passing around me.
+
+At length a remark that I heard arrested my attention, and led me to stop
+and listen. The group was composed of some six or eight individuals, who
+were most of them evidently well educated and intelligent men, though, as
+it will appear in the sequel, exceedingly ignorant upon all topics
+connected with the gospel. One of the number was a physician of some
+standing; another a lawyer, a member of the Senate in our state
+Legislature, who although young has already attracted considerable
+attention by the depth of his acquirements, and the brilliancy of his
+talents.
+
+The remark which fell upon my ear, and drew my attention to the discussion
+that was going on in this little group--was--"that any man would find it
+hard work to be an infidel." I was glad to hear such testimony from such a
+quarter. As it was regarded no intrusion to sit or stand any where, where
+one chose on the deck, I found an unoccupied seat near this little knot of
+gentlemen, which I immediately took with a view of listening to their
+conversation now that it had turned upon the subject of Christianity. The
+question had been raised as to what constituted a Christian, when one of
+the company thus delivered himself:
+
+"He may be called a Christian who acknowledges the divine authority of the
+doctrines and precepts of the Saviour."
+
+This remark the more interested me, as it came from one who had spent much
+of his time since we entered the packet in card-playing. As the
+conversation progressed, I became more and more interested--but determined
+to continue a silent listener. The general style of remark, was of a
+character that evinced beyond all question a consummate ignorance on the
+part of the speakers, not only of the real design of the gospel, but of the
+leading truths which the Bible unfolds. I could not but think how
+melancholy it was that so many of the distinguished men of our country--who
+were well educated in other matters--should be so profoundly ignorant, in
+the science of all others most important. I could not but fear that the
+individuals congregated in that little group but too truly represented
+several classes in our country, which taken collectively constituted the
+majority of our population. I was so struck and so pained at what I heard
+that I felt constrained to note down the substance of the conversation at
+once.
+
+As the conversation progressed, one of the gentlemen observed--
+
+"No man can come up to the requisitions of the gospel: neither is this
+expected. It of course became a perfect Being, like the author of
+Christianity, to lay down a perfect system. We are to aim to reach this
+system in all its demands. Some will succeed in one particular, and others
+in another. No one will come up to the required standard in all things.
+Still every one should do what he can to come up to the model set before
+us. This is my idea of being a Christian."
+
+The same individual afterwards observed, "Christ had great shrewdness. He
+never answered questions directly, but evasively. Take, for instance, the
+case when he was asked 'Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar,' he
+replied, 'render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the
+things that are God's!' this is the way he generally did. It was difficult
+to obtain a direct answer from him."
+
+"He was like a Yankee," said another of the company, sneeringly.
+
+"Or like a Quaker," rejoined a third, with a leering laugh. "I never yet
+could get a direct answer from a Quaker; they will always answer your
+question by asking another."
+
+"That is because they wish neither to give offence, nor to get caught,"
+replied one of the company.
+
+I felt it was almost sinful to sit and listen to this profane manner of
+speaking of the blessed Saviour--of Him before whom the loftiest hierarchs
+in heaven cast their crowns in lowliest reverence. It was a page of human
+nature, however, that I thought it well for me to read; and therefore, I
+sat still:
+
+"A really conscientious man," continued the man of law, "is just the worst
+witness that can be brought on to the stand. He has so many qualifications
+to make, and is so afraid that he shall not state every thing precisely as
+it is, he fritters his whole testimony away. A legal friend of mine told me
+the other day that he had just lost a cause by having a student of divinity
+as a witness. When he conversed with him in private, he thought his
+testimony would be entirely conclusive, but when sworn he made so many
+qualifications to all he stated, such as--'if he recollected
+correctly'--'if he heard correctly'--'if he did not receive a false
+impression,'--and ten thousand other hypotheses, which so weakened his
+testimony as to render it good for nothing."
+
+Again the conversation went back to the question as to what constitutes the
+substance of Christianity. One of the gentlemen remarked.
+
+"In my view the whole of it is summed up in this precept--'Do unto others
+as ye would they should do unto you.' Whoever acts on this principle is a
+Christian; and I don't care what he believes about the Trinity, or
+atonement, or any of the other mysteries of faith. Let him be a Unitarian,
+or Trinitarian, or believe what he chooses about the Deity, if he acts on
+this principle he will do well enough, and need not trouble himself about
+matters of faith."
+
+Another of the group responded--"This is undoubtedly true--it is in
+accordance with common sense; but some hold strange views. A lady of my
+acquaintance, the other day, was expressing great anxiety about the
+salvation of a certain acquaintance of hers. This acquaintance, though
+somewhat of a fashionable woman, and not particularly religious, is
+nevertheless a most lovely and estimable character. I replied to the lady
+expressing this anxiety, 'If you think she is in danger, I am sure there is
+not much hope for me.' She looked very grave, and shook her head as though
+she thought my case wholly desperate. Now I think it is horrible for people
+to be cherishing such opinions about their neighbours--looking upon all the
+community around them as going infallibly to an eternal hell, unless they
+have a certain species of faith, which is supposed to ensure to those who
+have it the favour of God, and everlasting life. I believe this is all a
+mystic dream, and whoever acts on the principle 'of doing to others, as we
+would they should do to us,' may with perfect safety give to the winds all
+apprehensions about salvation, and all controversies about doctrines, and
+particular forms of faith."
+
+The individual who uttered these sentiments was the very person who had
+remarked that "it was hard work for any one to be an infidel."
+
+To me it seemed astonishing, that intelligent men, who knew any thing of
+the scriptures, could hold the views that had been broadly expressed, and
+yet suppose that they were not infidels. I was more than ever convinced
+that men might be learned in science, in law, in medicine, in politics, and
+yet be profoundly ignorant of the great design and prominent features of
+the gospel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+PITTSBURG AND ITS ENVIRONS.
+
+     First view of Pittsburg--Its general aspect--Sabbath
+     and its employments--An affecting incident--Orphan
+     children--A Christian father in the midst of his
+     children on the Sabbath.
+
+
+                              _Saturday Evening, June 17._
+
+About nine o'clock this morning, we passed the Alleghany river just above
+the point where the Kiskiminetas falls into it; our course thence was along
+the banks. The scenery on either side of this river, like that of all the
+other rivers we have traced, is very interesting. Its waters seem clear and
+transparent, and the banks are beautifully over-hung with trees of a rich
+dark foliage.
+
+It was about three o'clock, P. M., when we caught the first view of
+Pittsburg. The day was unusually bright and sunny, and the atmosphere
+uncommonly clear, and our Pittsburgian friends congratulated us upon having
+so favorable a time in which to take the first view of their city.
+
+I was aware that the hills that encompassed this city were filled with
+bituminous coal, and that one great source of its wealth and prosperity
+were the factories moved by steam power which could be employed with great
+effect and cheapness, in consequence of the abundance of this coal. I was
+also aware that this article constituted the principal fuel which warmed
+their houses. I therefore expected to see a _smoky city_, but I was not
+prepared to see what actually, at first sight, burst upon my view--a vast
+cloud of smoke rolling up in ten thousand dark columns, and forming a
+dense, murky canopy, that hung in expanded blackness over the whole town.
+The city seemed in its sooty and blackened houses, and in its columns of
+everlasting smoke, like one vast and extended group of furnaces or
+glass-factories. As I continued to gaze upon it, I was reminded of the
+smoke that went up from the plain of Sodom the morning after the
+destruction of that city, "when Abraham gat up early and looked over the
+whole plain." Our nearer approach to the city did not relieve me from my
+first impression. Every object and scene, every house and building within
+the purlieus of the town seemed stained, soiled, and tarnished with the
+sooty vapour that was ceaselessly ascending from its ten thousand chimneys.
+Like the frogs of Egypt this dreadful smoke came up into their houses, and
+there was no escape from it. The walls of the most elegant drawing-rooms
+bore evidence that the discolouring element had found its way there. The
+atmosphere every where seemed impregnated with it. I raised the window in
+my chamber, and the room was almost instantly filled with smoke. Almost as
+soon as I reached the church on Sunday evening, the doors and windows being
+open for the admission of air, I perceived the church was filled with a
+cloud of smoke. Surely Pittsburg is a _smoky city_. I ask the pardon of its
+inhabitants for this doleful description. The town certainly bears marks
+of great thrift and prosperity, and its inhabitants do not lack in sterling
+excellencies of character. I should be very ungrateful if I did not here
+record the acknowledgement of the many acts of kindness and hospitality
+that were extended to me during my temporary stay.
+
+In the manner in which the people regarded the unpleasant appendage
+connected with Pittsburg to which I have just adverted, I saw another
+evidence of the benevolence and wisdom of the Creator in constituting us
+with capabilities of adapting ourselves to whatever is around us. The smoky
+atmosphere, so far from being an annoyance to the citizens of Pittsburg, is
+constantly spoken of by them as its beauty and glory, and seems associated
+in their minds with all the delights and interest of _home_.
+
+I have visited the environs of the city, and clambered to the summit of
+some of the hills out of which the coal is dug. The views from these
+elevations up the Alleghany and the Monongahela are beautiful. The scenery
+in every direction around Pittsburg, viewed from these eminences, would be
+magnificent, were it not for that unchanging cloud of smoke that covers the
+city as a canopy of darkness.
+
+From many a point on the lofty range of hills that encircle the city, you
+have a view at the same glance of the Alleghany and the Monongahela,
+wending their way from different points through their own distinct
+beautiful valleys, and hastening on like two ardent lovers to meet and
+mingle into one; and still farther on you see these two blended rivers
+moving off in one united stream--THE BEAUTIFUL OHIO, which winds its
+serpentine way through _its_ own rich valley, to meet the waters of the
+mighty Mississippi--a thousand miles from this spot.
+
+
+                         _Pittsburg, Sabbath Morning, June 18th, 1837._
+
+The church-going bell calling worshippers to the house of prayer, emits
+sounds that fall sweetly on the Christian's ear. How delightful is the
+thought, that go where we may in this happy land, we find some who love the
+Saviour and are glad when it is said--"_Let us go up to the house of the
+Lord._"
+
+As I sat in my room an hour since, I was attracted to the window, which
+looks out upon the back-yard, by the merry voices of children. I found the
+voices came from an adjoining yard; and as I looked thither I was struck
+with the wonderful resemblance which two fine looking boys bore to a
+deceased clerical friend. I was not deceived! Upon inquiry, I found that
+these were the orphan children of my friend, whose image was so accurately
+traced in their countenances. Their father had been suddenly cut down in
+the freshness and vigor of manhood. Their mother, always delicate, survived
+him only a few weeks,--and they were left alone. They were now thrown upon
+the care of their paternal grand-father, who was a Campbellite Baptist, and
+whose family, though very amiable, were not professedly pious. Thus were
+the children of this deceased clergyman, at almost the very dawn of their
+being, removed from those religious sympathies and influences that their
+father would most ardently have desired, should have encircled them. We
+know not what may be in reserve for us, or our children. We may be quickly
+in our graves, and our children may be left to be trained by those who have
+no attachment to the church of our affections--and little regard for that
+holy religion which brings us into blessed union with the Framer of the
+skies, and the Father of our spirits. Can not we, who are bereaved
+parents, find in this thought an argument to reconcile us to that
+mysterious dispensation of Divine Providence, which has smitten down our
+tender blossoms, and covered up in the grave those dear ones that seemed
+the light of our eyes and the joy of our hearts! Surely, it is the Lord who
+hath done this! He hath made safe and ample provision for our little ones
+in his kingdom above! When we go the way of all the earth, we shall have no
+anxieties about them--about their education--their morals, their spiritual
+welfare, or their future success in life. Yes, thou art just and righteous
+in all thy ways, O thou King of saints! And blessed be thy name, that thou
+art on the throne, and orderest all things after the counsel of thy own
+will! Taking hold of the everlasting covenant, we can leave ourselves, our
+families, our all, in thy hands, for eternity!
+
+
+                                             _Sunday Evening._
+
+After returning from divine service this afternoon, I went to my room to
+spend a few hours in preparation for the evening exercises. The window of
+my chamber being open, and those of the back parlour directly under my
+room, I discovered that my kind host had his children, six little
+daughters, assembled there for religious instruction. He was a
+Sunday-school teacher, and his children were in the Sunday-school; and yet
+he did not feel himself on this account released from the parental
+obligation of instructing his own offspring in the way of holiness. I could
+distinctly hear the sweet voices of that little assembled group, one after
+another, reading aloud to their parent the word of God, and then his
+simple but striking comments upon the meaning of what was read. This was
+continued for awhile, and then they all united in singing one of the songs
+of Zion. Never did I listen to sounds sweeter than those that came from
+those uplifted voices, engaged in chanting the praises of God. Directly,
+however, those sweet strains were hushed. A solemn pause ensued. Then I
+heard the voice of that father going up to heaven supplicating a divine
+blessing upon his offspring. The prayer was a simple, earnest pleading with
+"the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," for the sanctification and
+everlasting salvation of these children whom the Lord had given him. There
+was a tenderness, and pathos, and child-like simplicity connected with the
+prayer that deeply affected me. This manifestly was not an
+extraordinary--but usual Sunday exercise in which parent and children were
+engaged. A lovelier, or holier scene, I could not well conceive this side
+of heaven. What a delightful occupation to the parent! What a blessing to
+the children! When his head is laid low in the dust, the memory of that
+consecrated Sabbath hour, will come up with an influence to melt and subdue
+their hearts, and lead them to seek after their father's God. But, alas!
+how is this duty of family instruction neglected. How many Christian
+parents could be found in any Church who habitually set apart a portion of
+the sacred day, to be employed in singing and praying with their children,
+and instructing them in the knowledge of Christ and his salvation? What
+would be the effect, if all professing Christian parents were in the habit
+of spending an hour with their children this way each Sabbath! Would not
+the baptized youth of our congregation be a very different race of beings
+from what they now are? Should we so frequently hear of infidelity, and our
+breaking sins among the children of Christian professors? No. There is
+unquestionably a great neglect of duty here--a neglect on the part of
+parents which results in the everlasting ruin of their offspring.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+VOYAGE ON THE OHIO.
+
+     Travelling companions--Steamboats on the Ohio--The
+     Elk--The Ohio river--The Harmonists--Steubenville--Wheeling
+     --Marietta--Portsmouth--Kentucky--The
+     dead steamboat captain--Kentucky funeral.
+
+
+                              _On board the Elk,
+                              Monday Evening, June 19._
+
+I have two exceedingly agreeable travelling companions. The one, Mr. B----,
+who started with a special view of accompanying me in this tour. He is a
+young gentleman of mature intellect, accomplished education, and ardent
+piety. The other friend we fell in with on our way to Pittsburg. Mr. F----
+is a merchant, residing in Boston, a devoted member of the Congregational
+Church, a man of business, and of sterling Christian principle, possessing
+more of "the milk of human kindness" than ordinarily falls to the lot of
+mortals. The presence of these delightful companions has taken away much of
+the solitariness one feels in having a space of so many miles thrown
+between him and his home.
+
+Whoever has travelled on any of the western rivers knows something about
+the annoyances connected with western steamboats--the drinking--the
+swearing--the gambling. We were induced to take our passage in "THE ELK,"
+from the fact that it was the only boat that was going down the river this
+morning. We soon found that our boat was not of the first order; our
+captain, however, appears to be one of the most quiet, taciturn, and
+unmoveable men we ever met.
+
+It was about ten o'clock, that we found our boat pushing off from the
+shore, and our backs turned upon the clouds of smoke that hung in dense
+masses over what has been called the Birmingham of America. As we stood on
+the deck, we seemed at the moment of starting enclosed by a forest of dark
+tunnels peering up from countless steamers lying along the shore. More than
+forty of these were clustered together in the same group where "_The Elk_"
+was stationed. It is said there cannot be less than seven hundred
+steamboats moving on these western and south-western rivers.
+
+We were fully in the stream!--We began to feel that we were borne on the
+flowing bosom of the Ohio! The luxury of that moment was worth travelling
+four hundred miles to enjoy! What thronging emotions then came rushing upon
+our minds! We remembered whither this stream was bearing us--away from our
+friends--perhaps never to return! We thought of the vast territory it
+watered--its majestic length--the scenes of Indian warfare that had been
+acted upon its shores and on its surface, long before the axe of the white
+man had felled a single tree in those vast and unbroken forests that stood
+upon its banks, and were reflected from its mirrored surface! It was even
+then _the beautiful river_, as the name Ohio denotes. It is said that "the
+line of beauty" is not a straight but waving line. If so, this river is
+richly entitled to its name. From first to last, it moves in "the line of
+beauty." So winding is its course that we usually do not see, as we are
+passing along upon it, more than a half or quarter of a mile in advance of
+us, and often not so far. Thus we see it in distinct sections, each section
+resembling a beautiful little lake, surrounded by its own sweet and
+peculiar scenery--shut in by its verdant and variegated banks and
+wood-covered hills, and ornamented by one or two, and often several little
+green islets, around which the parted waters wind romantically.
+
+We passed the settlement of the _Harmonists_, or _Economists_, as they are
+frequently called. This people are the followers of Rapp, and reside at a
+town called _Economy_, about fifteen miles below Pittsburg. They also form
+a singular instance of the power of delusion. The people belonging to this
+community are principally German emigrants, extremely ignorant, and,
+therefore, more easily controlled by a shrewd and cunning leader. Rapp
+professes to be a prophet sent from God, and gifted with the high privilege
+of holding such constant communication with heaven, as to receive from
+thence directions how to regulate and govern all their affairs.--He
+therefore enjoins upon every individual belonging to the community, entire,
+passive submission, and implicit obedience to his orders.
+
+This self-constituted ruler claims to be their sole religious instructor.
+The people usually assemble on the Sabbath, when he speaks to them, what it
+concerns them to know in relation to the Supreme Being and his
+Prophet--and then gives them directions about their labour for the ensuing
+week, reminding them of the great importance of _harmony_ and _economy_,
+assuring them, that both of these will be effectually secured if they
+undeviatingly follow his directions.
+
+Though they have no outward ordinances, they make great account of an
+annual festival--the _Harvest Home_. At the observance of this festival,
+after immense preparation in the way of providing all manner of good things
+to eat and drink, not less than six hours are spent at the table--which are
+occupied alternately in eating, singing, and praying. The above particulars
+I received from several different, but well informed individuals, residing
+at Pittsburg.
+
+In the course of the day we passed Steubenville, pleasantly situated on the
+river. I had barely time during the landing of passengers to ascend the
+hill, and look into one of its principal streets. Its houses, like those of
+Pittsburg, bore the dingy stain so common to all this bituminous coal
+region. I wished to have met the Rev. Mr. M----, of this place, with whom I
+had no personal acquaintance, but in whom I felt a particular interest on
+account of the silent and powerful influence he exerted in the institution
+where he finished his literary studies, in commending godliness and
+rebuking sin, by a holy, spotless, and unblemished life. The savour of his
+name still remained at that institution several years subsequent, at the
+time when I was passing through my preparatory studies there. I found upon
+inquiry that the same simplicity of faith, and singleness of mind, and
+devoted holiness of life, characterized his labours on the banks of the
+Ohio, which imparted such a charm and moral power to his conduct as an
+academical student. There is nothing, after all, that can place such a
+mighty moral lever in a man's hands, as simple-hearted piety--decided
+holiness of heart and life.
+
+We reached Wheeling just at sunset, and made our arrangements to remain
+there through the night, with a view of taking the stage next morning to
+pass into the interior of Ohio, making Gambier one of the points at which
+we should stop. There having fallen heavy rains, however, the state of the
+roads was such that the project was abandoned, and we determined to keep on
+in the Elk. We felt some pleasure in being permitted to spend an hour or
+two within the limits of the "old dominion," for it was the first time that
+either of us had trod upon Virginia soil.
+
+
+                              _Tuesday, June 20th, Cabin of the Elk,
+                              Passing down the Ohio._
+
+I know of nothing more delightful than to sit at one's ease, and be wafted
+down such a beautiful stream as this, winding its graceful and circuitous
+way through groves and grass-covered fields, and beauteous woodland scenes.
+Occasionally we see the banks surmounted with lofty bluffs that lift their
+proud summits up towards the clouds--and then succeeded by bottom land
+studded with trees that bend over to dip their pendent boughs in the glassy
+surface that sweetly reflects them. As one sits in a sheltered nook in the
+cabin, gliding down such a stream, with such a scenery around him, and
+feeling the cool refreshing breeze fanning his fevered brow, and imparting
+vigour and new elasticity to his enervated frame, he must be very stupid,
+or very depraved, if his heart is not drawn upwards and made to throb with
+gratitude to the glorious Framer of this garnished and goodly scene!
+
+One acquires as he proceeds westward, largeness and expansion to his ideas:
+his mind is carried out of its former habits of thought, and swells away
+into the vast dimensions of the majestic rivers, and boundless tracts of
+country, over which his eye expatiates. Only think of sailing beyond the
+Mississippi, in a steamboat, still westward more than two thousand miles,
+and find your course at every step skirted with the most rich and fertile
+lands which stretch away interminably before you!
+
+We passed this day some interesting towns. _Marietta_ appears beautiful
+from the river, is neatly built, and bears the marks of thrift and
+enterprise. _Point Pleasant_ and _Guyandot_ in Virginia, _Gallipolis_ and
+_Burlington_ in Ohio, are interesting points.
+
+                              _Wednesday, June 21._
+
+We found ourselves this morning lying at the shore of Portsmouth, with the
+borders of Kentucky on our left. Being detained several hours we took a
+view of the town, found a neat little Episcopal Church, and had an
+interview with its humble, worthy, and devoted minister, the Rev. Mr.
+S----. In all this western world we find that ministers have many trials
+and discouragements. The people are more intent upon every thing else than
+that of saving their souls. We here met, to our great delight and surprise,
+the Rev. W. J----, and his lady, on their way to Louisville, his future
+field of labour.
+
+The river continued to present us with the same beautiful views, varied now
+and then by loftier ridges of head-land on the Kentucky side. It was about
+two o'clock, P. M., when we saw on the Kentucky shore in a solitary place,
+a house surrounded by a large collection of people. Our boat seemed to
+sympathize in the scene before us, for it was immediately arrested in its
+course, and the captain put on shore. I have before spoken of the captain
+of our steamer, as remarkably quiet, taciturn, and even tempered. We did
+not know that the placidity of his natural temperament could be moved, or
+his tongue unloosed by any earthly power, till the second night after our
+embarkation, when we were awakened from our sleep by the tones of
+boisterous anger, and volleys of oaths that almost froze our blood. It was
+our captain chiding his men. We were now to see him under new
+circumstances. As I have said, we dropped him on the Kentucky shore about
+two o'clock, while the boat went on to a small village a few miles below.
+We were told by some of the hands on board that the captain had stopped on
+account of the severe illness of his brother-in-law, who was the owner of
+the Elk, and its former commander. The order was to wait until he joined
+us. The Rev. Mr. J. and myself improved the time of this delay by
+clambering up to the summit of one of the loftiest hills in the
+neighbourhood, where we had a fine view of the river and the surrounding
+scenery. When the signal for our boat's departure was sounded, we
+perceived, as we were going on board, a coffin covered with black velvet.
+We now learned for the first time that our boat was to go back to the point
+where we dropped our captain, and remain there until the funeral rites of
+his brother-in-law, now deceased, were performed. It was in vain to
+remonstrate, so we submitted to the delay with as much cheerfulness as
+possible.--To improve my time I determined to go on shore and witness a
+funeral among the yeomanry of Kentucky. The steamboat had been drawn up to
+the bank under the verdant canopy of a cluster of umbrageous trees. After
+ascending the bank, which might have been some fifty feet from the water to
+its summit, we found ourselves in the midst of a beautiful grove, where the
+underwood had been cut away, and the earth was carpeted with green sward.
+Most of our passengers having landed, the coffin was brought out from the
+boat and conveyed towards a cottage that stood some two hundred yards
+distant. We all then moved on towards the house. The first thing that
+attracted our attention in approaching this rural dwelling, was the number
+of horses fastened to the fences, and equipped most of them with ladies'
+riding saddles.--Around and within the house we found a large company
+assembled. I was sorry to see so many rotund and rubicund faces among the
+men, bearing unerring indications of intemperance. The fair daughters of
+Kentucky were certainly on this occasion more happily represented than the
+stronger sex. They were, however, very peculiarly dressed. They generally
+wore a sun-bonnet, which had a long frill or flounce that hung like a shawl
+over their shoulders, and carried in their hands little riding whips, which
+left us at no loss to understand who were the riders of the caparisoned
+steeds that we had seen in such numbers around this house of mourning.
+
+I pressed along through the crowd, and followed the coffin to the house
+with the hope of witnessing the religious exercises that I supposed would
+be performed on this occasion. The house consisted principally of one long
+large room, in a corner of which the corpse was placed. Here also the
+mourners sat, and the company that were collecting to attend the funeral.
+The coffin was brought into this room, and placed in front of the corpse,
+which was clad in the vestments it was to wear in its narrow house. It was
+immediately in the presence of the mourners, and of this promiscuous
+company, raised from its position and transferred to the coffin. This being
+done, the undertaker proceeded to fasten on the lid with the exception of
+the head-piece, which was separate from the other. The wife, and mother,
+and family friends, then moved forward, and proceeded to take leave of the
+unbreathing dead. I never was more struck with the power of human sympathy.
+At that moment many hardy, sun-burnt, iron-looking faces put on all the
+expression of deep and overwhelming emotion. Tears ran down cheeks that one
+would have thought had never been wet with such tender drops before. Even
+our imperturbable captain, whom we thought proof against all feeling, and
+almost a perfect impersonation of apathy, wept and sobbed aloud.
+
+The coffin was then borne out into a rude open piazza or stoop in front of
+the house, and there left for some time till the curiosity of every gazer
+seemed fully glutted. Then again the near relatives came forward and kissed
+the dead. The widowed wife seemed almost frantic in bestowing the parting
+tokens of her affection upon the unbreathing body of her deceased
+companion. I felt obliged to turn away, for I could not endure the sight of
+her wild frantic manner as she clasped and kissed again and again the cold
+clay of her husband! This finally had a close. Then after a short pause, a
+female bearing in her hands a pair of shears, pressed her way through the
+crowd, and proceeding to the head of the coffin, took off several large
+locks of hair that rested on the cold forehead of the dead man. The coffin
+was then immediately closed, and preparation made to move towards the
+grave. I accosted an elderly lady that stood near me and said--
+
+"Are we to have no religious services on this occasion?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Is there no minister present to officiate?"
+
+"No," was the only reply I received.
+
+I then turned to another and said, "Are there no ministers who reside in
+this part of the country?"
+
+"None very near here," was the response.
+
+I mentioned this conversation to my friend B---- who stood near, and
+observed to him that I regretted that such an opportunity should be lost,
+when the feelings of all were so subdued, to direct the minds of these
+people to the solemn realities of eternity; that even a single prayer
+offered up at this moment might be the means of saving a soul. He went and
+spoke to our captain, mentioned that there was a clergyman present, and
+suggested to him the expediency of inviting him to engage in some religious
+exercises. The captain with his usual apathy, into which he had again
+relapsed, replied, "I don't know whether it is worth while."
+
+The funeral began to move off in the following order or rather disorder.
+First, the four bearers took the lead, carrying the coffin on two rudely
+hewn sticks, prepared for the occasion. Then followed four or five of the
+near relatives all abreast. Then came the bereaved widow, riding on
+horseback, and after her all the assembled crowd, male and female, hurrying
+on twelve or fifteen abreast of each other. The funeral train proceeded
+near where we landed, and, after having gone a short distance into the
+grove, it descended into a narrow ravine, through which run a little brook,
+gurgling over its pebbly bottom. When the bearers reached this brook they
+had no other way to proceed but to ford it; the others got over as well as
+they could, on logs and stones. Having ascended the opposite bank, we soon
+reached a well trodden path, which we followed for some short distance, and
+then turned abruptly into a cornfield. When we had reached the central part
+of the field, which was an eminence of some height, we found an open grave.
+The excavation was at least four times larger than the coffin required,
+with a place sunk in the bottom just large enough to receive it.
+
+While we were ascending the hill near the grave, the captain having had
+some consultation with the friends of the deceased, and again feeling some
+kindlings of sensibility, sought me out from among the crowd, and very
+affectionately throwing his arm over my shoulders thus accosted me--
+
+"I am very sorry to detain you on your journey, but the hands were all so
+much attached to Mr. R., I could not well send them on till the funeral was
+over." I replied, "It is perfectly right to detain us under these
+circumstances. This is a very solemn event, and one that should be regarded
+as a loud call both to you and your hands. We must all soon come to this!
+How important then to lay it to heart!"
+
+To all this he readily assented and replied, "Several of the friends have
+expressed a wish that you should give us a short exhortation at the grave."
+
+I felt no disposition to decline complying with this request. Accordingly
+when the coffin had been placed over the excavated grave, with the broad
+blue canopy over our heads, amid the stillness of the surrounding country
+scene, and the hill-side beneath me covered with a dense mass of human
+beings, I lifted up my voice for my Master, and spoke to them of sin, and
+death, and Christ, and salvation. As I looked over the silent listening
+throng, I remembered that I had never met one of them before, and probably
+should never meet one of them again, till we stood together at the judgment
+bar. I endeavoured to exhibit to them the scenes of that great and dreadful
+day, and the terms on which they would be accepted or rejected. I
+endeavoured to direct the mourners that wept around that grave to the balm
+that is in Gilead and the physician who is there. The countenances of all
+were solemn, and there were not wanting evidences of deep and tender
+emotion. The remarks were closed with prayer to the eternal Framer of earth
+and sky. Whether on that hill-side, with the Ohio rolling at our feet, and
+the blue heavens stretching over our heads, any good was done when we laid
+the dead steamboat captain in his grave, the developements of the great day
+must show! In my heart I thanked the Lord for this opportunity of going out
+into the highways and hedges to try to compel them to come in.
+
+As soon as the grave was closed up, the bell from our boat reminded us that
+we must be on our way. During the rest of the voyage our captain seemed
+very serious and thoughtful. At tea he requested that a blessing should be
+invoked on our meal. My friend B. sought a private opportunity to press the
+subject of personal religion upon his attention. He received what was
+offered with great candour, and seemed willing to prolong the conversation.
+His conduct after this to us was marked with every indication of
+respectfulness and attachment. The next morning we found ourselves at
+Cincinnati, the city which has been called "THE QUEEN OF THE WEST."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+A GLIMPSE OF KENTUCKY.
+
+     Cincinnati--The Queen city--Views in reference to
+     missionary labour--The kind of missionaries wanted in
+     the great Valley--Walnut Hills--Lane Seminary--Dr.
+     Beecher--Woodward College--Dr. Aydelott--The old
+     Kentucky man--Louisville--The Galt House--View of the
+     interior of Kentucky--Plantations--A sore
+     evil--Kentuckian traits of character--A thrilling
+     incident.
+
+
+                            _Cincinnati, Friday Morning, June 23d, 1837._
+
+We reached this city, not inappropriately called "The Queen of the West,"
+yesterday morning, and bid adieu to the Elk and its taciturn captain. Upon
+the whole I have been greatly pleased with Cincinnati. The whole air and
+aspect of the town has reminded me more of Philadelphia than any city I
+have seen west of the mountains. Christ Church, in this city, is a noble
+building, and the interior furnishes a beautiful specimen of architectural
+taste and skill. St. Paul's Church is also a tasteful structure, although I
+was not able to obtain a view of the interior. The Roman Catholic cathedral
+and college make a fine appearance, but the interior of the cathedral
+greatly disappointed me. The audience room is small, narrow, and mean in
+appearance. I am happy to say that in passing through this western region
+I find but one impression among well-informed and intelligent men in
+relation to the growth and progress of popery here; and that is, that it is
+making little or no advances, except with the increase of foreign
+population.
+
+In my visit to Cincinnati I derived much information in relation to the
+west, as well as much personal enjoyment from the conversation and society
+of our most excellent brother, the Rev. J. T. B., Rector of Christ Church.
+He occupies a most important position on the walls of Zion, and I could not
+but say to myself, the more I saw and conversed with him, "Oh that we had a
+thousand such clergymen at the west as he." He, as well as several other
+intelligent clergymen in this region, assured me that it needed only a band
+of well-trained, devoted, godly men, to plant the Episcopal Church every
+where through the whole length and breadth of this vast valley. The united
+testimony of all is, "Send us the right kind of men--or send us none. The
+idea that any one will answer for a missionary to the west is a most fatal
+error. We want here men of enlarged and liberal views, thoroughly educated,
+of great prudence, energy and efficiency--men who are willing to work, and
+willing to keep on working till they see the fruit of their labours--and
+above all, pious, devoted men--men full of the Holy Ghost, and burning with
+a love for immortal souls, who will speak directly to the hearts and
+consciences of people. Give us such ministers, and no limits need be set to
+the establishment of the Church. But if men of another stamp are to be
+sent, those whose dullness, and deadness, and inefficiency prevent their
+getting any place among the old established parishes at the east, the
+result will be that our prospects here for the Church wherever they plant
+themselves will be for ever ruined."
+
+I have heard these sentiments again and again from the lips of some of our
+most devoted ministers at the west. The body of clergy that now come here
+are going to give character to the Church. They are engaged in the
+momentous business of _laying foundations_. We must look not only to the
+immediate, but future results of their labours. In almost all places,
+before any thing can be done a church has to be built. I had no conception
+till I entered this great valley of the difficulty of finding a place in
+which to assemble the people for public worship. Almost the first business
+to be done is to effect the erection of a church. The clergyman who can
+inspire such confidence in himself and awaken such a degree of interest, as
+to lead a western community to embark in such an enterprize, must have some
+tact and power. Another difficulty is to induce the people to attend
+church. Vast numbers here have fallen into the confirmed habit of spending
+their Sabbaths in another way. It is an effort for them to go to church.
+There must be some attractions in the minister to draw this class of
+persons out, and they are here a very large, and respectable, and
+influential class. A dull, sleepy, prosing minister is not the man for the
+west.
+
+In the afternoon we rode out to Walnut Hills to visit Lane Seminary, and
+pay our respects to Dr. Beecher. He received us with that frank, blunt
+cordiality, which I have so often experienced in New England, and which
+makes its rough and cragged hills more attractive to me than all the
+luxuriant fields of the west. The pleasure of our visit was not a little
+enhanced by the presence of Miss Catharine E. Beecher, who is widely known
+to the literary world through the productions of her gifted pen. I am sorry
+that my limits will not allow me to detail to you some parts of a
+discussion that we had upon several interesting topics--especially in
+reference to the present state of _the Presbyterian Church_, and of the
+best mode of diffusing light among the _Roman Catholics_. I certainly left
+Dr. B---- more than ever impressed with a high conviction of the brilliancy
+of his intellect, and the depth of his piety.
+
+The location of Lane Seminary is in the midst of a most beautiful
+landscape. There is just enough, and just the right admixture of hill and
+dale, forest and field, to give it the effect we love to feel in gazing
+upon a calm and quiet scene of beauty. In our return to Cincinnati we took
+another route, which, as we approached the town, gave us from the lofty
+amphitheatre of hills that encircle this "occidental queen" a new view of
+her charms. As we approached the lofty eminences in the rear of the town,
+while we gazed from the summit down upon the city, I could not but reflect
+how Jerusalem must have appeared to the spectator who stood upon Mount
+Olivet, and looked down upon the proud domes and busy streets that lay
+beneath him. And the thought too then occurred to me, that had I the gifted
+vision of him who once stood upon Olivet, and wept over Jerusalem, I might
+see in this beautiful city enough to draw forth floods of grief. With all
+my admiration of Cincinnati, I see here abundant evidences of great
+wickedness. The temperance cause I fear has made but little advance in this
+place, and the god of this world holds a fearful sway over the minds of too
+many of its inhabitants.
+
+I met last evening the Rev. Dr. Aydelott, the former Rector of Christ
+Church, who now occupies the place of President of Woodward College, an
+institution in Cincinnati, endowed by the munificence of a single
+individual, and which promises, with its present head, to do much for the
+cause of learning in the west. I am satisfied that education here is to be
+one of the great moral levers by which mind is to be raised from the
+darkness and degradation of sin. In the President of Woodward College I
+found a man of thorough evangelical views, sound intellect, and fine
+literary attainment.
+
+
+                              _Louisville, Tuesday, June 27._
+
+It was about noon, Friday the 23d, that we left Cincinnati on board the
+steamboat _Commerce_. Having reached the great Miami, we had immediately
+under our eye the view of three states. Ohio which we were leaving--Indiana
+which now constituted the right-hand bank of the river, and Kentucky, which
+still continued to present us with its "alternations of bottom and bluff"
+on the left.--We met on board a fine specimen of plain, honest, fearless
+Kentucky character. He was an old man who cultivated a farm without slave
+labour, possessing great bluntness, a large share of intelligence, and an
+evident warm-hearted piety. Having formed some acquaintance with B----, he
+accosted Mr. F---- and myself almost immediately upon coming where we
+stood, in the following manner. "Well, gentlemen, I find your friend here
+is for Christ: which side are you on? I am willing to show my colours." He
+seemed very happy to know that we were trying to serve the same Master whom
+he loved.
+
+At early dawn, on the morning of Saturday, June 24th, we found our
+steamboat lying along the shore, on which Louisville is built. As the heat
+now began to be oppressive, it was very reviving to leave the confined
+cabin of our steamer, and inhale the fresh breath of morning. Louisville is
+evidently a flourishing business town, containing about twenty-five
+thousand inhabitants, ten thousand less than Cincinnati. We put up at the
+GALT HOUSE, an establishment which we had heard very highly commended. We
+however, in the end, did not feel disposed greatly to dissent from the
+remark of one of the lodgers at the Hotel, who in true Kentucky style
+remarked--"_that the Galt House was not after all just what it was cracked
+up to be_." I found many things to interest me in Louisville. During the
+few days that I stopped here, it was my intention to visit Lexington, but
+having been providentially prevented, I endeavoured to make amends for this
+disappointment by taking short excursions into the country. How could I
+fail to be delighted with the splendid corn and hemp fields along by the
+sides of which I passed! and the luxuriant forests which, with their
+underwood cleared away, and grown up, as they were, with blue grass,
+appeared like noble parks affording pasture ground for the hundred beeves
+that roamed there! How could I fail to be delighted with the frank, and
+generous, and warm-hearted hospitality which I every where experienced. But
+I saw a dark cloud hanging over this beautiful state! Almost all its
+inhabitants see it, and lament it, and hope that it may one day be rolled
+away! Through the politeness of a friend I was afforded an opportunity of
+visiting several large plantations cultivated by slaves. I was pleased with
+the evident kindness with which the slaves are treated, and the happy
+contentedness which they displayed. But still I could not but see many
+evils connected with this system. And I have no doubt that large portions
+of the intelligent part of the people in Kentucky have juster views of
+these evils than any of their northern neighbours--and that could silent
+wishes remove the difficulty the chains of bondage would be instantly
+broken. I dined with a gentleman, of great urbanity and professed piety,
+living on a small plantation in the country. After dinner, we walked out,
+and passed by the shantee in which his slaves lived. He asked me to look
+in, and talk with them, he in the mean time passing on, with some other
+gentlemen into the garden. I did so. In the cottage they occupied there was
+every appearance of neatness and comfort. I remarked to an intelligent
+looking woman who stood over the wash-tub--
+
+"You look quite comfortable here, I suppose you are very happy."
+
+She immediately replied, "I am not happy."
+
+"Ah!" said I, "what makes you unhappy? Are you not treated kindly by your
+master and his family?"
+
+"Oh, yes!" she responded, "I have nothing to complain of on that ground."
+
+"What is it then that makes you unhappy?" I asked.
+
+"My sins," she replied.
+
+I remarked that this was indeed the cause of all our misery; and I then
+endeavoured to point her to that blessed fountain opened for sin and
+uncleanness, where she and all our guilty race might wash and be clean.
+
+As I passed along, I saw several young children around the establishment,
+and when I joined our host in the garden, I told him what had passed, and
+inquired of him, if the parents of the children we saw had been regularly
+married. He appeared somewhat confused, and very serious--but at length
+replied--
+
+"This is one of the worst features of slavery. Two of the parents of those
+children are married. The woman with whom you were conversing is the mother
+of four children, and has never been married? Her conscience is not easy."
+
+I inquired if such things were of common occurrence among the slave
+population? He replied--"Yes--and we cannot prevent it." Alas for that
+state of society which brings along unavoidably such sin in its train!
+
+I inquired in relation to the religious instruction of the slaves, and was
+sorry to learn that it was so very defective. On one plantation where there
+were seventy slaves, the master was a perfect worldling, and never allowed
+his slaves to attend public worship or receive any kind of religious
+instruction. Must there not be something wrong in that state of society
+which places seventy immortal souls so entirely under the control of one
+individual that he can shut against them completely the gate of heaven? But
+this is an unwelcome theme and I pass on.
+
+Perhaps there is no part of our country where there are such fixed and
+marked traits of character as in New England and Kentucky. There are many
+traits in the Kentuckian which I admire, and which when brought under the
+influence and control of Divine grace form the substratum of a noble
+character. One of the attributes of this character is an honest
+independence, which despises the meanness of stooping to get any advantage
+by blandishment or truckling. This is evident from the common drayman to
+the high-minded planter. Another attribute in this character, is a love,
+amounting almost to a passion, for discussion, oratory, and public
+speaking. It is said, that in no one of the states are all political
+questions so thoroughly discussed and understood by the great mass of the
+people as in Kentucky. During the sittings of the courts, I am told that
+all leave their work, and give up their time to attend the trial of the
+various suits that are pending, and to listen to the speeches that are made
+on the occasion. Wherever there is public speaking, there the people will
+flock. I believe there is no state where a talented, eloquent ministry
+could effect more than here.--Unhappily there is much infidelity prevailing
+in this state, and yet I have no doubt that it may and will be entirely
+supplanted by the labours of a faithful and efficient ministry. You will be
+gratified to learn that the Rev. Mr. J---- has commenced his labours with
+great acceptableness. His removal to Louisville, at this time, is regarded
+by the friends of the Church in this region as a most auspicious event. I
+have no doubt that a wide field of usefulness lies before him. They are
+erecting in Louisville a new Episcopal Church, and if a suitable pastor is
+procured, there is not the least question but that both churches will be
+entirely full.
+
+The very best specimen of true original Kentucky character, which I have
+met, was on board the steamboat. The love of this individual for his native
+state amounted almost to a passion. Though in exterior very plain and
+blunt, he possessed uncommon intelligence, and contributed by his
+conversation in no small degree to our enjoyment.
+
+He gave me the following statement in relation to the early settlement of
+Kentucky.
+
+"This was one of the most beautiful and blooming territories over which a
+wild luxuriant forest ever waved.--And yet as it was a sort of dividing
+line between the northern and southern Indians, it became the battle-ground
+upon which these nations met and waged interminable wars, so that it went
+among the savages by the name of the _dark and bloody land_. Near the close
+of the revolutionary war several settlements were attempted in Kentucky by
+emigrants from Virginia. My ancestors were among the number. The Indians
+both from the south and north, almost immediately became jealous of these
+white settlers, and adopted the purpose of exterminating them. The settlers
+were able to keep their position only by building a fort and living in it.
+While a certain portion of the men worked in attempting to clear and
+cultivate the land, another portion being armed, were on watch. I was born
+in one of these forts near Boonsborough. I wore, till I was twelve years
+old, hose made of buffalo hair. Our chief living was upon bear and buffalo
+meat. We were in the midst of the wildness of nature. Hundreds of times
+have I seen the Indians rushing upon our fort, or fleeing before the
+sharp-speaking guns of our friends. People who live in the densely settled
+portions of our country, know very little about the toils and dangers, the
+sacrifices and privations which the first settlers endure."
+
+My Kentucky acquaintance illustrated this last remark by a vast number of
+thrilling incidents, one or two of which I will relate.
+
+When he was quite young, several of the people of that settlement,
+undertook to manufacture maple sugar. The winter had relaxed its rigours,
+and the warm sun began to pour down his genial rays. The snow was fast
+melting away, and the sap ran merrily from the perforated sugar trees.
+Several negroes were engaged a short distance from the fort in collecting
+the sap. It was supposed that no Indians were in the neighbourhood, as none
+had been seen for several months. Tempted by the bright sunny day, a
+daughter of one of the settlers, a young, beautiful, blooming girl, rambled
+beyond the enclosures of the fort, where the negroes were collecting the
+sugar sap. While she stood there, full of buoyancy and free from every
+apprehension, a negro being near, busily engaged in some of the various
+processes of sugar-making, four or five wild Indians in a moment sprung
+upon them! The negro they seized and bound, and in an instant cut down with
+their tomahawks this beautiful girl. Having scalped her, they fled,
+carrying with them the captured negro. The alarm was soon given at the
+fort. They were pursued--overtaken, and several of them shot. The negro was
+rescued. Those that had escaped went five hundred miles around among the
+tribe to raise the war-cry, and then came back and again attacked the
+settlement. In that encounter my Kentucky friend told me that _eleven_ of
+his family relatives were killed.
+
+Another incident which he related was the following. Somewhere on a station
+near Kentucky river, in the spring, when the earth began to put on her
+bloom, two young ladies, the eldest of whom was the first child born in
+Kentucky, went out to gather flowers. As they saw some very rich blossoms
+on the banks of the river, they took a little skiff, and went from one
+side to the other collecting them. While thus engaged a number of Indians
+were in the canebrakes watching them. The young ladies having by a turn of
+the river passed beyond the view of their enemies, the Indians proposed to
+gather flowers, and place them all along the bank, where they were in
+ambuscade, so that when they returned, attracted by these flowers, they
+would come up to the bank and then the boat could be seized. The plan
+entirely succeeded, and while these young ladies were gaily cropping their
+flowers, a huge wild Indian sprang from his concealment into the boat.
+Their destiny then seemed sealed. They were immediately borne away as
+captives. One of them, however, wore a dress handkerchief of red and
+brilliant colours.--This she silently kept pulling to pieces, and dropping
+the shreds as she was hurried along through the forest. The friends of
+these young ladies soon become alarmed. Marks were discovered of an Indian
+trail. The empty boat was found. A band of armed men commenced pursuit,
+headed by the father of one of these young ladies.--They discovered the
+shreds of the handkerchief, and traced them till night fall, when they
+suddenly came upon them where they were encamped. They perceived there was
+a large number of Indians, and thought secresy in their movements
+important. They waited till the Indians were asleep, and then the father
+drew near. He saw the two young ladies sitting by themselves, guarded by an
+Indian. The others appeared to be asleep. His men were at some distance,
+and he thought it better to go up unseen, and tomahawk this sentinel, and
+rescue his child without alarming the other Indians. But in attempting it,
+his faithful dog which accompanied him, growled at the sight of these
+savages. In a moment they were on their feet and he their prisoner. They
+determined at once to put him to death. He was stripped and bound to a
+tree, and they were just levelling their pieces to fire at him.--What a
+moment of awful suspense for his child who stood looking on! His men,
+alarmed at his long absence, drew near, saw what was going forward, and
+instantly fired upon the Indians. A panic was immediately struck into the
+camp, and as the fire from the whites was kept up, and one and another
+Indian fell gasping on the ground, they soon fled and left their prisoners.
+The father and the two young ladies returned. One of them is still living,
+the mother of a large and respectable family, whose declining age is
+cheered with the comforts of a sweet hope in Christ.
+
+It is well for us to know something of the hardships endured by the first
+settlers in the west.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE OHIO NEAR ITS MOUTH.
+
+     New Albany--Sailing down the Ohio--Profanity--Lovely
+     views of nature--A sudden squall on the river--Kentucky
+     shore--Young fawn--The mouth of the Tennessee
+     river--The swimming deer--His struggle and
+     capture--Meeting of the waters of the Ohio with the
+     Mississippi--Gambling--Intemperance--Sail up the
+     Mississippi to St. Louis.
+
+
+                              _New Albany, Indiana,
+                              Tuesday Morning, June 27, 1837._
+
+Indiana is unquestionably destined to become one of the most interesting of
+the Western States. Its principal towns that stand along on the Ohio, must
+of course become very important points. This will be particularly the case
+with New Albany, which is already one of the most populous and flourishing
+towns in Indiana. It bears on every part of it the marks of a new place,
+and the manner in which every house and shed within its precincts is
+crowded, shows that it must have expansion. It is situated about four miles
+from Louisville, just below the rapids, on a fine broad table of land,
+which is so far above high water mark, as effectually to secure it from
+those inundations, occasioned by the sudden rise of the Ohio. Some way
+back in the rear of the town, and nearly encircling it, rises up in a very
+picturesque manner, what is here called _a knob_, an elevated steppe of
+land, from which we look down upon the town and river, and see them spread
+out before us as on a map, in distinct and beautiful delineation.
+Louisville appears in the distance, and the adjacent country, which with
+the windings, and wooded scenery of the beautiful Ohio, presents a view so
+exquisite, that the imagination can scarcely conceive any thing more
+romantic.
+
+It is only three or four years since there were but a handful of
+inhabitants at New Albany: it now numbers six thousand, and is rapidly
+increasing in population. A very large proportion of its inhabitants are
+young, enterprising men from the East, who possess moderate means, and have
+come here to build up their fortunes. How important to bring such minds
+under the influence of the Gospel! This is a centre from which influences
+for good or evil will go forth through the state, and I believe it may be
+truly said, it is one of those fields that "are white for the harvest."
+
+I met Bishop Kemper at Louisville, on his way to hold an ordination at
+Madison, another interesting town in Indiana, on the Ohio, between
+Louisville and Cincinnati. The bishop purposes to devote two or three
+months between this and autumn to Indiana. He appears indefatigable in his
+efforts to promote the good cause, and every tongue through the whole west
+speaks forth his praise, and cheerfully accords to him the high encomium of
+a _zealous, devoted, and holy man_. There are now seven or eight Episcopal
+clergymen in Indiana, and the cry still is, "The harvest is plenteous, but
+the labourers are few."
+
+
+                              _Steamboat, Tuesday Evening, June 27th._
+
+It was about three o'clock to-day, that we started on our way from
+Louisville, down the Ohio. It was excessively hot, and I experienced a
+languor and sense of exhaustion, which I do not recollect ever before to
+have felt. When the sun began to decline, and we again found ourselves
+gliding as by enchantment over the surface, and sweeping through the midst
+of the beautiful scenery of the Ohio, I felt that I had passed into a new
+world. As I traversed the deck of the boat, and saw reflected from the
+smooth and mirror-like bosom of the river, the luxuriant foliage, rich and
+dark by its own deep verdure--the smooth green bank that sloped down to the
+water's edge, as though to kiss the smiling surface that slept so quietly
+below--the abrupt precipitous bluff, starting up like a mound of earth, or
+a wall of solid masonry--and the head-land sweeping off into sloping woods
+that towered in majesty above the stream, I could not but feel, and could
+scarcely refrain from exclaiming aloud, how beautiful and surpassingly
+lovely are the works of God! What must the heart of that man be made of,
+who can pass through the midst of such displays of divine beauty, and
+pollute the very atmosphere as he passes with profanity! This is what
+hundreds are daily doing. Almost all the hands on board of the steamboats,
+down even to the little boys, utter an oath almost every other word.
+_Profane swearing_ is one of the crying sins of this western world. Oaths
+the most horrid are awfully common among all sorts of people. Amid these
+scenes of varied beauty where creation appears so lovely we may truly say,
+
+    "* * * Every prospect pleases
+    And only man is vile.
+    In vain with lavish kindness
+    The gifts of God are strown."
+
+Men pass here in thousands, and mindless of all these tokens of a
+wonder-working Deity, continue to live as though there were no God in the
+Universe, or as if He existed only to afford a theme for more aggravated
+profanity. And yet looking at the matter, aside from the native depravity
+of the human heart, one would think that the spontaneous effusion of every
+intelligent mind whose attention was directed to this scene, would be, as
+he looked around, "Surely this is the teaching of the mighty God! May
+lessons be impressed upon my heart by the outspread volumes before me,
+which no mutations of time, no excitement of passion, no fascinations of
+the world, no devices of the Evil one will ever efface. Eternal Creator,
+here among this green, boundless, majestic temple of thy works I renew the
+consecration of myself to thee, soul, body, and spirit. While these rivers
+roll their waters towards the sea--while a spear of grass grows in these
+fields--while a tree on these wooded banks is clothed with foliage in the
+vernal month--yea, while the solid earth lasts, and the cycles of eternity
+move on, with thy grace will I live only to serve and glorify Thee."
+
+
+                              _Wednesday, June 28th._
+
+While we were leisurely sailing along to-day, the weather being
+oppressively warm, and the heavens very bright and sunny, and not a breath
+of air stirring, pyramids of snow-white clouds began to be piled up in the
+northern and western sky. These masses of cloud seemed heaped together in
+every fantastic form. They towered aloft like huge mountains of snow. What
+added to the interest and singular appearance of the scene was, that this
+arch of the snow-pillowed sky sprung directly up from a boundless sea of
+verdant foliage that stretched interminably around. Through these masses of
+white cloud, there occasionally appeared large interstices, like deep
+caverns, opening into the blue profound!--long vistas through which we
+could seem to catch a view of the inmost heaven. Suddenly a tremendous gale
+struck us; the waters of the calm Ohio were thrown into the utmost
+commotion, and the wind came down upon us with a power that threatened to
+shiver the steamer into a thousand atoms. The heavens gathered blackness,
+and the whole dark firmament presented a surface every now and then lit up
+with a sheet of the most vivid fire. The waters ran very high, the wind
+roared, and the thunder was awful. The captain very prudently sought the
+shelter of the shore, and our boat was soon fastened by a strong cable to a
+tree. Then the rain fell in torrents, as though the waters of the river
+itself were scooped up and poured upon us. We learned that a few days
+before, not far from where we were, a steamboat had been capsized by a
+similar flaw of wind. We were soon again on our way, moving beneath a
+bright and benignant sky, and fanned by a gentle and refreshing breeze. How
+much our course down this river resembles human life! I cannot stay to make
+the application, but will only add that they only are wise who seek the
+shelter of God's presence as a hidingplace till the storm be overpast.
+
+We stopped towards evening to take in wood on the Kentucky shore. We there
+saw for the first time the native cane-brake. A wood-cutter's hut was near.
+A little ragged boy came out followed by two large dogs, and a little pet
+fawn. The dogs seemed to be fond of this little innocent thing, which had
+been taken only two or three weeks before. It seemed as it skipped along,
+and played around the footsteps of the child, very affectionate and
+confiding. Oh! that hardened sinners were transformed into a nature as
+mild, and gentle, and sweet as this little fawn! The power of Christ
+through the gospel can alone accomplish this.
+
+Just at nightfall we passed the steamer Louisiana in distress. She had run
+upon a reef of rocks, and was in a sinking state. I cannot but here record
+the mercy of God which has followed us thus far in our journeyings.
+Steamboats have been blown up, and fired, and sunk, all around us since we
+started, and yet the Lord in boundless mercy has preserved us.
+
+
+                                          _Thursday, June 29th._
+
+When I awoke this morning, I found the boat was taking in wood at Paducah,
+just at the mouth of the Tennessee, having passed the Cumberland river in
+the night. We were now approaching a scene of interest that we had been
+long anticipating--the meeting of the waters of the Ohio and "the father of
+rivers." The morning was rainy and unpleasant, still we were constantly on
+the alert, eagerly intent upon seeing every object of interest around us.
+While thus looking abroad, an affecting scene presented itself to us. The
+Ohio here, having received its last large tributaries, had become very deep
+and broad. Its banks were covered with tangled underwood, and dense
+forest-trees--presenting a scene of unbroken wildness. Now and then a
+woodman's hut was visible on the shore, and a little boat fastened to the
+bank. A deer, bounding with the fleetness of the wind to escape his
+destroyers, had reached the river's edge. What could be more natural than
+that, as his pursuers pressed on, he should plunge into the midst of the
+flowing stream! How cool and grateful must have been its waters to him thus
+panting and faint! But will he find safety here! No. His pursuers are again
+upon him. Having seized two little skiffs they eagerly press on to reach
+him. We saw them gliding through the waters towards him. Again he puts
+forth all his energies, and dashes through the waves like an arrow through
+the air. The effort he is making is for his life. But the strong arms that
+ply the oars, send forward the little barques which contain his pursuers
+with a velocity that seems to cut off the hope of escape. Now they are upon
+him! one boat is in advance of him, and the other rushing towards him. His
+destiny seemed sealed! But no--he is gone! He has darted to the depths
+beneath, and risen far beyond the furthermost boat! He is exerting every
+nerve to reach the shore! A few moments more, and his point will be
+gained--he will be bounding through the Kentucky woods! No. Hope again
+dies! His pursuers are again upon him--the boat is again between him and
+the shore. His strength is exhausted. The uplifted oar with dreadful stroke
+has fallen upon his head. The hands of his fell pursuers have grasped his
+horns, he is dragged up into the boat and the huntsman's knife has made a
+deep incision in his throat. He pants, and struggles, and expires!
+
+I said to myself--the sinner is pursued by sin, and satan, and passion,
+like that chased deer. There is no escape for him but in Christ. Oh what a
+happy, blessed hour of deliverance is that when the arm of mercy is reached
+forth to pluck him from the hands of his destroyers!
+
+It was about nine o'clock this morning, when we first come in sight of the
+Mississippi. The waters of the Ohio had seemed muddy to us, but now they
+appeared clear and limpid compared with the muddy and discoloured stream
+which we were about to enter. There it was before us in all its
+magnificence, "the mighty father of rivers!" When our steamer touched its
+waves, it was with us a moment of deep and intense interest. We now turned
+up to breast its impetuous current which swept proudly along by us in
+foaming eddies. Every part of the river seemed turbid and thick with mud,
+and we could not understand how these waters could hold so much soil in
+solution. I shall never forget my sensations, when, shortly after we
+reached the Mississippi, I saw one of the boatmen draw up a pail full of
+this muddy water, and putting his lips to the vessel drink it off with
+apparent relish. I afterwards found it was the only water drank on board
+the steamboats, and in the towns situated on this river. I also found that
+after it was filtered, it was the most delightful water that I ever drank.
+One cause of its turbid appearance is the large portions of magnesia it
+holds in solution. This water derives its peculiar characteristics from
+the Missouri. Above that stream the waters of the Mississippi are clear and
+limpid.
+
+I have already spoken of the annoyance to which we were constantly
+subjected from the profanity of those we encountered. And I may now add
+that, gambling is another of the vices that are rife here. On our way from
+Louisville to St. Louis there has been one incessant scene of gambling
+night and day. We have evidently had three professed gamblers on board. I
+am told that there are men who do nothing else but pass up and down these
+waters, to rob in this way every unsuspecting individual, they can induce
+to play with them, of his money. We saw one victim fall into the clutches
+of these blacklegs. He was a young merchant, I believe, from Chilicothe,
+Ohio. He was first induced to play a simple game of cards. A slight sum was
+then staked to give interest to the game. He was allowed for awhile to be
+successful and to win of his antagonist. He played on till he became
+perfectly infatuated. He would hardly stop long enough to take his meals.
+Being fairly within their toils, large sums began to be staked, and this
+young man did not see the vortex into which he was being borne until he had
+lost six hundred dollars. In this deep gambling, physicians and judges who
+were present participated. What will our country come to, with such
+examples before the people! After being shut up for two or three days with
+such company, I thought how horrible it must be to be shut up in perdition
+with such characters forever! Surely the very presence of such men, with
+their depraved passions in full play, would of itself constitute a perfect
+hell! Another crying sin, which abounds on board the western steamboats,
+and is fearfully prevalent through every portion of this western region, is
+_the free and unrestrained use of ardent spirits as a drink_; usually on
+board these western steamboats whiskey is used just as freely as water. All
+drink. The pilot--the engineer--the fireman--all drink. The whiskey bottle
+is passed around several times a day, and then the dinner table is loaded
+with decanters. I am satisfied that more than two-thirds of the disasters
+that occur on board these steamboats, are attributable to this free use of
+ardent spirits.
+
+I know it will be natural to ask, can nothing be done to arrest the
+progress of these mighty evils? A gentleman at St. Louis, Captain S----,
+has embarked in a noble effort to do this. Last summer he ran a boat from
+Galena to St. Louis, with these avowed principles--that the Sabbath should
+be sanctified--that wherever the Lord's day found them, there they would
+tie up their boat and remain till Monday--that no ardent spirits should be
+brought on board the boat--that no profane swearing should be allowed, and
+no card-playing permitted. He remarked to me that the exclusion of ardent
+spirits removed the whole difficulty--that where there was no intoxicating
+drink, there was very little disposition to indulge in profanity or
+gambling. This gentleman has now raised forty thousand dollars, and hopes
+to bring it up to one hundred thousand in order to establish a line of
+boats on the same principle from Pittsburg to New Orleans. I do believe
+that this is one of the most important enterprises of the present day, and
+that the religious interests of the west are vitally connected with it.
+Captain S---- remarked to me, that no class of men, after the clergy, could
+exert such a prodigious influence for good or for evil, in the western
+valley, as the captains of steamboats. If they were only pious men, there
+is no telling how much they might do, every trip they made, to promote the
+cause of the Redeemer.
+
+If something be not speedily done at the west to prevent the profanation of
+the Lord's day, there will soon be no Sabbath. At the principal landing
+places along the rivers, business appears to go forward on the Sabbath just
+as upon any other day. Professors of religion are deeply involved in this
+sin. Goods are carried to and from their ware-houses at noon-day, and their
+clerks are busy in the counting-room while they are at church. Facts of
+this kind I do not guess at, but _know_. Will not God visit for such
+things? Oh what will become of our land when God riseth up to judge the
+earth?
+
+The whole character of the scenery, since we entered the Mississippi has
+become changed; the banks of this great stream are low and marshy. They are
+generally covered with dense forests and tangled underwood, and present the
+appearance of nature in its untrodden wildness.
+
+
+                                               _Friday, June 30th._
+
+We to-day made a short stop at a place which bears the name of _Western
+Philadelphia_. There were some half dozen buildings, and two stores. It is
+only about nine months since the settlement commenced. Chestnut and Market
+streets were pointed out to us. Their course was through a flourishing
+cornfield, the stalks of which were so luxuriant and lofty, that we in vain
+essayed to reach their tops with our hands.
+
+There are more signs of cultivation visible, as we passed along, on the
+Missouri than on the Illinois side. The banks as we proceed up the stream,
+occasionally rise into high bluffs--especially in Illinois--towering aloft,
+not unlike the palisades on the Hudson. Frequently one rock is piled upon
+another to such an elevation, that the summit of the bluff juts over the
+river, as though it were ready to tumble down upon the heads of those who
+were passing along on the quiet stream beneath. This is particularly the
+case as we enter the lead country which commences some time before we reach
+St. Louis. These lofty towering bluffs that rise up so perpendicularly,
+projecting over the river, afford every convenience for forming natural
+shot towers. We saw several of these lofty cliffs that were thus used. A
+little box was erected upon the summit of the rock, where the molten lead
+was poured down through the mould, into a little tub on the shore beneath
+to receive the shot as they fell.
+
+As we slowly wended our way up this mighty stream we found the shores
+adorned with flowers, and covered with cane-brake and thick underwood. We
+also saw the trees loaded with grape-vines--and many of them completely
+matted over with ivy, woodbine, and misletoe. The luxuriance of vegetation
+seemed so great, as not only to cover the earth, but to lift itself up
+suspended in the air.
+
+We passed to-day St. Genevieve, a French village standing on a beautiful
+hill-side. The loveliest prospect stretched out before the town. We could
+from this point see the broad Mississippi in its magnificent course
+piercing the boundless forests of eternal verdure, and spreading out its
+watery surface upon which a hundred green islets seemed to float. The town
+itself, like all the French villages that we have seen on this river,
+appeared old and dilapidated, and quite destitute of every thing like
+improvement, or enterprise. I could not but contrast these French villages,
+in the midst of this rich luxuriant land, with their little Roman Catholic
+chapels, their low narrow houses, and abundant marks of poverty, with the
+neat, tidy, thriving villages of New England, which, although they rear
+their heads from a hard rocky soil, where industry has to be taxed to the
+utmost to obtain the means of subsistence, present--in their beautiful
+church edifices--their elegant public buildings, and well constructed
+private residences--marks of thrift, industry, and comfort, which cannot
+fail to gladden the heart of the traveller who passes through them. Such is
+the difference in their influences between Protestantism and Romanism.
+
+Twelve miles before we reached St. Louis we passed Jefferson barracks, a
+military station on the Missouri shore, located on a beautiful swell of
+land.
+
+Carondolet is another French village on the banks of the Mississippi,
+around which every thing appears ruinous and poverty stricken.
+
+At length St. Louis rose to view, and we hailed the sight with no ordinary
+sensations, not only as it was to be our resting place for awhile, but as a
+point of exceeding interest in this vast western world.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE MISSISSIPPI AND SOME OF ITS TRIBUTARIES.
+
+     St. Louis--Roman cathedral--Desecration of the
+     Sabbath--Golden sunsets--Sail up the Mississippi--The
+     meeting of the waters of the Missouri and the
+     Mississippi--Alton--The burning prairie.
+
+
+                              _St. Louis, Tuesday Evening, July 4th._
+
+This, unquestionably is destined in time to become THE GREAT CITY OF THE
+WEST. Its location is pleasant, and from the manner in which the upper part
+of the city is now building, I should think it would ultimately compete in
+regularity and beauty with almost any city in the Union. Its most prominent
+public buildings at present are the theatre and the Roman cathedral. One of
+the priests politely showed us through the latter building. The interior
+would be very grand and imposing, were it not for the gaudy paintings,
+intended as scriptural illustrations, suspended around the audience room.
+However much these may catch the attention and awaken the admiration of the
+_ignobile vulgus_, they cannot fail to excite any thing but complacency in
+minds accustomed to the more chaste productions of the pencil. In entering
+the church, we passed through the basement, where are the confessional
+boxes and a small altar, on which wax candles were burning. Here we saw
+one of the sisters of charity, sitting in black vestments, in a solitary
+dusky nook, as though absorbed in holy meditation. In the church we found
+another priest, engaged, as far as we could understand, in preparing a
+class of German boys for confirmation.
+
+I learned from an intelligent source that Romanism is making little or no
+progress among Protestants at St. Louis. They have found it necessary to
+cut off, or conceal many of its offensive excrescences, so that a friend
+remarked to me, that he thought that a reformation in spite of themselves,
+silent and gradual, was going on in the Roman Catholic Church. The fact is,
+that the great difficulty at St. Louis is, that the mass of the people
+"care for none of these things." They are equally indifferent to every form
+of religion. Of course iniquity abounds, and the institutions of God are
+trampled in the dust. The following fact will illustrate this point. As I
+went to church on Sunday morning, to my utter astonishment, in passing by
+the new theatre, I saw some twenty or thirty men at work on it--masons,
+house-carpenters, and painters. God's law, _Remember the Sabbath, to keep
+it holy_, was to be of no account, because the people of St. Louis were
+anxious to have their new theatre opened on the evening of the Fourth of
+July! Each one of the usual denominations has a church here. From all I
+could learn, however, I fear religion is at a very low ebb in St. Louis.
+There are numberless discouragements to be encountered every where in the
+West, calculated to weaken the hands and depress the spirits of the
+ministers of religion. No one can understand the number or nature of these
+discouragements, without being actually on the ground. A successful
+missionary at the West must have great faith and patience, and be unwearied
+in his labours. To animate his clergy, and cheer them on in their toil,
+there could not be a better man than Bishop Kemper. He seems to throw
+sunshine around him wherever he goes.
+
+One thing struck me as remarkable at the West, and particularly at St.
+Louis. I refer to the appearance of the heavens at sunset. Nothing can
+exceed the richness and splendour of a western sunset. I have heard much of
+an Italian sky, but my imagination never conceived such pictures of beauty
+and indescribable glory, as are painted on the sky here at the decline of
+day. The whole hemisphere seems flooded with unearthly radience. The clouds
+piled up the western sky, appear more brilliant and gorgeous than any or
+all the colours of earth can make them. And as you look at them, you see,
+through the clouds, apertures, which seem like golden vistas, through which
+you look almost into the heaven of heavens.
+
+Our Fourth of July has been spent quietly here. There has not been half the
+noise and disturbance I had anticipated.
+
+
+                              _Wednesday Evening, July 5th._
+
+We this morning left St. Louis about nine o'clock. Our progress up the
+river has been slow. Some eighteen miles from St. Louis we witnessed one of
+the most interesting sights in all our journey--_the meeting of the waters
+of the Mississippi and the Missouri_! I cannot attempt description! The
+imagination alone can conceive it. If I ever had feelings of sublimity
+waked up in my bosom, it was when our boat stood off just abreast the
+Missouri, and I looked up its mighty channel, and thought of its source
+between two and three thousand miles distant, amid those mountains whose
+tops are covered with eternal snow, and then thought of the sunny orange
+groves, near where it empties its waters into the ocean!
+
+We stopped a few hours at Alton, Illinois, just above the point where the
+Missouri mingles its waters with the Mississippi. This is an interesting
+town, fast rising into importance. It is destined to become a point of
+great interest. Its present population exceeds two thousand. We passed
+Marion City and Quincy, as we advanced up the river. Of the former we have
+heard frequent descriptions. We stopped an hour or so at the latter, and
+enjoyed from the high bluff on which it is built, a view of one of the most
+magnificent prospects that ever stretched before the human eye. The
+expanded waters of the Mississippi--the innumerable green islets that seem
+to float on its bosom--the beautiful vistas opening between these--the
+boundless ocean of forest stretching off to the south and west, and the
+level, treeless, luxuriant prairie running back to an unknown distance--all
+these lay at your feet, furnishing one of the most picturesque scenes upon
+which the eye ever gazed. I regretted the shortness of our stay at Quincy,
+not only on account of the enchanting loveliness of the spot, but more
+particularly as it deprived me of the pleasure of paying a visit to Dr.
+Nelson, the author of a popular work entitled, "_The cause and cure of
+Infidelity_," a book of sterling excellence.
+
+We had now passed over a long tract of river navigation since we embarked
+at Pittsburgh. Our eyes had become almost wearied with tracing first the
+endless sylvan beauties that clustered around the banks of the
+smooth-flowing Ohio; and then the vast, unpenetrated, boundless forest
+scenes that spread away on either side of us from the abrupt, muddy banks
+of the Mississippi. Our ear had become wearied with the monotony of the
+sharp, rough sound of the high-pressure engine, that was heard ceaselessly
+day and night. Books scarcely any longer could interest us. The character
+and conversation of most of those around us seemed exceedingly dull and
+common-place. There was however one exception. This was found in the person
+of one of our passengers--a man of almost herculean stature, who, we soon
+learned, possessed great versatility and vigour of mind. His manners,
+however, at first appeared so coarse, and his conversation so blunt, that
+there seemed something exceedingly repulsive connected with his character.
+But this impression soon wore away, and in a few days he became the centre
+of almost universal attraction. He was a true Kentuckian of the old school;
+he was born and brought up amid the stirring scenes connected with the
+early settlement of his native state, and was perfectly familiar with all
+the war legends, and every bloody fray from the first movement of Col.
+Boone to the final expulsion of all the savage tribes from this their
+ancient hunting ground. To use his own language, he was "born in an Indian
+fort, and through childhood fed upon bear's meat, and clothed in buffalo
+skins." His physical strength seemed enormous, and he bore evident marks of
+being one of those brave, reckless characters that find pleasurable
+excitement in facing danger and death in every form. Yet he was not
+destitute of the softer and more kindly feelings of our nature, and withal
+seemed to have a high and reverential regard for religion.
+
+It was now just at the close of a long summer's day. Our steamer for many a
+long weary hour had been pushing her slow course up the broad current of
+the Mississippi, when there suddenly opened upon us a vast, far-extending
+prairie. To me this was an object of thrilling interest, and the more so
+because hitherto we had seen scarcely nothing upon either side of the river
+but unbroken and boundless forests, stretching away as far as the eye could
+reach to the distant horizon. But here was a vast expanse in which no tree,
+nor stump, nor stone was visible. Naught met the eye but the tall grass,
+waving in the breeze, bending, rising, and rolling to and fro like the
+waves of the ocean after a tempest; and this grassy surface interspersed
+with wild flowers of every colour, hue and form.
+
+For a long time I watched this beauteous scene, till the shadows of evening
+began to settle down upon it. While I continued still gazing upon the
+prairie, the old Kentuckian, who stood near, was making his observations,
+and at length remarked, "That prairie on fire would be a noble sight! I
+have seen them burning in a dark night, while the wind sprung up and bore
+on the flames like a sea of fire. I can tell you a good story and a true
+one about a burning prairie, and a family who perished by the
+conflagration."
+
+We were urgent for him to proceed in the narrative. He began by giving an
+account of the family that perished in this conflagration, with whose
+history he seemed quite familiar. It was a beautiful and touching picture
+of real life that he drew in describing this family as they lived somewhere
+in the valley of Onion River, amid the sublime mountain scenery of Vermont.
+He represented Mr. N----, the father, as a hardy, sensible, and pious New
+England farmer. The family consisted of four children, two of whom, James
+and Lydia, were grown up to adult age, while George, the next son, was
+about thirteen years old, and the youngest daughter was only eight. Mr.
+N---- had long toiled to accumulate a little property, but the increase had
+been so slow, that in a fit of discouragement he sold his little farm, and
+determined to emigrate to the Far West, where he learned he could purchase
+land at a very low price, and procure the means of subsistence with very
+little labour. He persuaded himself that by adopting this course he should
+be doing more justice to his children than by remaining in a country where
+property, and even the means of subsistence for a family, could be attained
+only by years of persevering toil. There was only one heart made sad by
+this determination, and that was the heart of his favourite and eldest
+daughter. Lydia N---- was a girl of excellent sense, and some personal
+attractions. She had interested the affections of a young man who had grown
+up with her from childhood. His father owned an adjoining farm. The two
+families were quite intimate, and many happy hours had Charles S---- and
+Lydia passed together. This proposition of emigrating to the Far West
+seemed to the young people a death-blow to all their long-cherished hopes,
+as the circumstances of the young man did not warrant his forming a
+marriage connexion at once. But true affection is ready to make any
+sacrifices to attain its object. As soon as it was a settled point that Mr.
+N---- was to leave, Charles S---- offered to accompany him in the capacity
+of a hired man, if he would accept his services. Mr. N---- assented, and
+every thing was arranged accordingly.
+
+They were now on their way, moving in true western style. They expected to
+be weeks and months on their journey before they reached their distant
+home. The family and all the effects they bore with them, were carried in
+two stout wagons, each one of which was drawn by three yoke of oxen. Mr.
+N---- or his eldest son usually acted as the driver of one of these wagons,
+while Charles S---- took charge of the other. They had already been on
+their journey many weeks, and had penetrated so far into the western world
+as to find it necessary to pitch their tents each night, and seek a
+lodging-place wherever the shades of evening overtook them. They at length
+entered the prairie country, and were for awhile almost spell-bound by the
+wide tracts of plain that stretched around them. To them the wonders of the
+boundless prairies appeared more amazing, because they had always been shut
+up by lofty mountains in a narrow dell, and had never till now looked
+abroad upon such amplitude and vastness of expanse.
+
+They had now been travelling through prairie country for several days. It
+was late in autumn, though the weather continued as bland as summer. The
+day was bright and sunny; the wagons, each covered with a thick tow-cloth
+awning, and drawn by three yoke of oxen, were moving slowly on through the
+vast extended region of long grass, now sere and dry, which stretched
+around them like a shoreless ocean, and gently bent and waved to and fro
+in the autumnal breeze. No house, nor stone, nor hillock, nor solitary tree
+were seen within the vast circle of the encompassing horizon. As the sun
+declined, and the shadows began to lengthen, the tops of a small grove
+began to be visible in the distance. The emigrants immediately determined
+to seek a place of encampment for the night in the neighbourhood of this
+grove; for they naturally concluded that they should there find a spring or
+rivulet that would furnish water for their cattle and for their own use,
+and fuel for cooking their evening meal. They had been successful this day
+in shooting a large quantity of prairie hens, and were anticipating a
+delicious repast.
+
+Mr. N---- proposed that James and himself should go on ahead of the wagons,
+and get every thing ready by the time they came up. They accordingly
+started off, having left Charles S---- to drive the forward wagon in which
+the family rode, and George to conduct the other. Mr. N---- and James,
+however, had gone but a few yards before Lydia came bounding through the
+long, sere grass, with the fleetness of a deer, bearing a tea-kettle in one
+hand, and three or four prairie hens in the other. Lydia, as we have before
+said, was full of sprightliness and vivacity, and she had too often
+clambered up the steep and rough sides of the Green Mountains to think any
+thing of a walk of two or three miles across the prairie. Her object in
+accompanying her father and brother was to hasten the evening meal; and as
+her father made no objection, the group moved on with quickened step
+towards the distant woods. They had already proceeded full three miles when
+they came to a beautiful spring of cool, clear water. Here they all sat
+down, and with grateful hearts partook largely of nature's refreshing
+beverage. In the mean time Mr. N---- drew his pipe from his pocket, and
+having filled it with the dried Indian weed, a supply of which he always
+carried with him, he soon ignited the same by means of his jack-knife and a
+flint. They were now only a short distance from the woods, and having
+filled a tea-kettle and a pail with water, they went forward and began to
+cut up some wood and prepare for kindling a fire.
+
+And now the sun had set, and the evening shades were gathering fast around
+them. Beneath the covert of a large tree a fire was burning brightly, over
+which was suspended the tea-kettle and all things were ready for the
+arrival of the party on board of the wagons. Lydia ran out of the woods a
+little way into the prairie to see if she could any where discover the
+advancing party. She saw them about a half mile distant, moving slowly on,
+but she saw at hand, and near the spring, what greatly alarmed her--a smoke
+and flickering blaze. She ran back in great haste and said, "Father, I fear
+in lighting your pipe you have set the prairie on fire!"
+
+Mr. N---- started up as though a thunderbolt had fallen at his feet, and
+rushed forward to ascertain the truth of Lydia's remark, James and Lydia
+both following him. The moment they had emerged from the woods and got into
+the open prairie, the awful certainty burst upon them in a moment! What a
+sight then met their view! The prairie was indeed on fire. It was now quite
+dusky, and the little flickering blaze which Lydia had seen had already
+become a sea of fire! The wind drove the flames in the direction of their
+friends, whose escape seemed impossible.
+
+The long dry grass, which had waved so gracefully in the wind, now caught
+every where like tinder, and sent up a long sheet of flame that widened and
+expanded every moment, and mounted up with increasing brightness and
+height, as though it would reach the very skies.
+
+The feelings of this group were excited almost to agony in behalf of their
+friends. The thought at length struck them that if they could only succeed
+in getting them through the long line of flame, they might save them, as
+the conflagration was evidently moving off from the place where they stood;
+and as the column of flame seemed to extend more to the right than to the
+left, they embraced the determination to make an effort to reach their
+friends in that direction. Reckless of consequences, wild with despair,
+they instantly rushed forward, and succeeded in getting in advance of the
+fire in one place. But they soon saw that the enemy was coming upon them
+with the speed and the fury of the whirlwind. Mr. N---- lifted up his voice
+and shouted aloud, bidding the teams to move in this direction, but no
+sound was returned save the awful crackling of the advancing flames.
+Darkness, too, covered the whole vast prairie, save where this sweeping
+column of fire spread its desolating track. They could no where discover a
+single trace of the wagons; and now they began to see the peril of their
+own situation. Already were they completely environed with the fire, and
+all retreat seemed cut off. The only hope left them was to endeavour to
+rush through the flames and get to the windward side of the conflagration.
+Mr. N---- and James made their way for a while successfully through this
+awful tempest of flame, the daring Lydia keeping close at their heels. At
+length a point was gained which seemed to open the prospect of escape; not
+a moment was to be lost, for already the fire raged around them like a
+furnace. Mr. N----, drawing in his breath, dashed through this awful line
+of flame, and reached a spot where the consuming element ceased to rage, it
+having already swept away every vestige of combustible matter. Though
+scorched and smarting in every limb, he could not but feel grateful to God
+for this deliverance. He instantly turned to see what had become of his
+children. At this instant he saw one bright, lurid sheet of fire mounting
+up like a vast wave of the ocean, and completely overwhelming them! He
+rushed back to assist them, but the flame, like a furnace seven times
+heated, rolled its intense, fiery surge back upon him in such a manner that
+he was obliged to retreat. At this moment he heard Lydia shriek--her dress
+was all on fire, and her brother was trying to bear her through the raging
+tempest. When it had in some slight degree abated, again the father rushed
+forward--but another gust of wind swept such a torrent of fire over the
+bodies of his children that it was impossible for him to reach the spot
+where they were. When the burning waves had passed by, he strained his
+eyes, but in vain, to catch a glimpse of these objects of his affection.
+They were not visible. At length, as the fire marched on, he reached the
+spot where he had seen his children struggling with this awful element, and
+there he found them both, lying on the ground--their clothes nearly burnt
+off, and their bodies half consumed by the devouring flame! His poor
+daughter was gasping in death, and his son so dreadfully burned that he
+could scarcely move a limb. The fire was still burning the roots of the
+grass around and beneath them. A little distance, however, there was a spot
+where the consuming element had exhausted itself; to this place he
+endeavoured to remove his children. Poor Lydia almost expired in his arms.
+As he laid her down on this black and scathed spot of earth, she faintly
+said, "Christ is my hope! Jesus can make this resting-place 'soft as downy
+pillows are!'" The father hastened to remove his son to the same spot. He
+there laid him with his face turned towards his sister. He soon saw that
+she was dead, and said to his father, "This is a sad night for us; Lydia is
+gone, and I think I shall soon follow."
+
+"This is an hour," replied his father, "in which all we can do is to look
+to God. He has said 'when thou passest through the fire I will be with
+thee.'"
+
+"Will you pray with me, dear father?"
+
+"I will," said the agonised father, and kneeling down on the blackened
+earth, while bending over one child already dead, and another almost ready
+to expire, he cried unto God for help and mercy. When he arose from his
+knees he perceived that James's breathing was more rapid and embarrassed
+than it had been before. A dreadful fever was burning through his veins.
+
+"I shall soon be," said the dying son, "where the flame can no longer
+kindle upon me; and I shall be able to bathe in the cool, refreshing stream
+that flows from the throne of God and the Lamb."
+
+"God grant," said the father, "that an entrance may be ministered unto thee
+abundantly into his everlasting kingdom." "Amen," responded James, and
+died. The chill of death had suddenly come over him, and his spirit fled to
+the presence of his Maker and Judge.
+
+The father sat for a long time on the ground gazing upon his dead children.
+The curtain of darkness was drawn over the scene--but here and there
+dissipated by the dying and reviving embers, and flickering flame that
+still lingered on almost every spot over which the awful conflagration had
+swept. An unsteady, lurid light, just sufficient to reveal the wide-spread
+scene of desolation, was thus flung over the dark and blackened waste where
+the consuming element had a few hours before rode on in his resplendent
+car. At the distance of a few miles, and as far to the right and left as
+the eye could reach, rose one vast extended column of flame, mounting up to
+heaven amid the darkness of midnight, and marching on with the speed, and
+fierceness, and fury of the whirlwind. It was an awful and sublime sight!
+Here the father sat by the side of his lifeless and unbreathing children;
+the stillness of solitude was around him;--and there, bursting up from amid
+thick darkness, was this tremendous conflagration, which seemed so bright,
+and fierce, and awful, that one could hardly refrain from thinking it would
+burn up the world and melt the elements with its fervent heat.
+
+But I ought before this to have told the reader the account the Kentuckian
+gave of the fate of those who were connected with the advancing wagons.
+They had seen the smoke of the fire that was to cook their evening meal
+curling above the trees, and directed their course to that point as the
+spot where they should meet their friends. They were not at all aware of
+the coming of this awful conflagration, or of the approach of danger, till
+they saw the whole prairie directly before them lit up with one extended
+sheet of flame. No one can depict the terror, the anguish, the horror of
+that moment! No one can depict the sublimity and grandeur of the scene that
+at that moment burst upon their view! But fear and wild distraction took
+complete possession of the whole company. The very cattle that drew the
+wagons seemed to sympathise with them, and to discover at once that their
+fate was sealed.
+
+We have already remarked that the fire extended more rapidly in one lateral
+direction than the other. This Charles S---- observed, and immediately
+sought to take advantage of it, and if possible get to the windward of the
+fire. But long before they reached the line of the flame, the fire had
+extended miles in this very direction. It was too late--there was no
+escape--the fire was every moment approaching them. Mrs. N---- clasped her
+young daughter to her bosom and sat still in the wagon. The oxen, as the
+flames advanced, became perfectly unmanageable. They rushed forward with
+the fury of wild and maddened beasts into the thickest of the flames. The
+one team took one direction, and the other, another, but both of them
+continued to move on through the hottest column of flame, till at length
+the cattle one after another fell down in the yoke, suffocated by the
+flame, and bellowing as though in the agonies of death. Long before the
+last ox had fallen, and the wagon had ceased to move, Mrs. N----, with her
+youngest child clasped to her bosom, had given up the ghost. The tow awning
+which covered the wagon in which she rode, took fire almost as soon as
+they met the line of flame, and instantly all the combustible materials in
+the vehicle were in flames. Escape seemed impossible, for already the oxen
+were moving with the speed of the wind through the thickest of the flames,
+and Mrs. N.----, clasping her child to her bosom, yielded to her fate,
+committing all to God. Poor George, not able to keep pace with the team he
+drove, as he saw the flame marching on, sought by running to escape from
+the face of the devouring element, but the attempt was vain. The whirlwind
+of fire soon overtook him, and like a resistless sea, rolled its burning
+waves over him. When Charles S---- saw the team he drove could no longer be
+controlled, and that in order to follow them he must encounter certain
+death, he left them to take their own course, and sought to rush through
+the line of flame--which had now become so expanded, that long before he
+passed the fiery column, the flesh was almost burned from his bones, and he
+at length fell down upon the burning earth, unable to move a step farther.
+The fire still moved on with awful, unabated fury over the wide and
+far-extended prairie. No one that looked upon that awful sight could have
+failed to have exclaimed, "What a time it will be for the ungodly when this
+whole world shall be on fire!"
+
+When the morning came, a most melancholy spectacle was presented to view
+over that blackened plain. One solitary living human form alone, was seen
+slowly moving amid the scene of desolation--and that was Mr. N----. He
+found Charles S---- just in the last agonies of death, from whom, however,
+he learned the particulars above stated. This young man soon expired; and
+Mr. N----, alone, of all that emigrant train, was left to tell the sad
+story of THE BURNING PRAIRIE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+FURTHER VIEWS ON THE MISSISSIPPI.
+
+     Des Moines River--Iowa--Group of Indians--Tributary
+     streams to the Mississippi--Galena--Bishop of
+     Illinois--My sister's grave.
+
+
+                              _Friday Evening, July 7th._
+
+Having passed the Des Moines river, the whole country bordering on the west
+bank of the Mississippi, is denominated the Wisconsin Territory, or more
+commonly here, _the Iowa country_. It is indeed a most beautiful country.
+It is said that a little more than four years since, there was not a single
+white settler west of the Mississippi and north of Des Moines river; now,
+there are between thirty and forty thousand. The Iowa country will,
+undoubtedly, soon become a state. Its new towns are springing up rapidly. I
+stopped at Burlington, where there are more than twelve hundred
+inhabitants, and where two years since there were only a few log-cabins.
+How important is it that the gospel should be planted here! The Methodists
+are beginning to send their preachers to proclaim salvation here. Every
+where we find them first on the ground. Truly their promptness and zeal are
+to be commended.--We have not a clergyman in this whole region. Cannot one
+be found who is willing to go to the Iowa country? Is there not one in the
+classes now graduating in our seminaries, that will come over to this
+Macedon and help them?
+
+As the day declined, the scenery around us seemed still more pleasing. The
+prairies on the left bank of the Mississippi became increasingly
+interesting. The river stretched before us like a broad lake, indented at a
+hundred points by masses of luxuriant and thickly clustered trees, that
+seemed to float in natural and upright form upon the surface. These, with
+all their verdant foliage, were distinctly reflected from the mirrored
+bosom of the unruffled waters, so that we seemed, as we gazed upon the
+watery surface, to look into the very depths of the forest, and see one
+tree standing back of another almost interminably. While thus gliding on,
+by a turn of the river we came suddenly upon the corner of another large
+prairie, and almost the first object that met our view were two rude bark
+covered wigwams that had just been put up on the very margin of the stream.
+In front of these cabins a fire had been kindled, either to keep off the
+musquitoes or to cook their evening meal. At the entrance of these Indian
+huts lay a dog, and around him stood or sat half a dozen Indian children,
+some of them in a state of almost entire nudity. Still nearer the water,
+looking into it, and off on to the opposite shore, stood the adult members
+of each family. These scarcely raised their head, or deigned to cast a
+glance at us, as our boat with all its clattering machinery swept proudly
+by.--While I continued to look at them, and saw them standing amid the
+solitariness of the prairie, with their eyes still fixed upon the opposite
+bank of the river, where rested the bones of their ancestors--when I saw
+how dignified, and serious, and contemplative they seemed, I could not but
+regard them as the last representatives of a race fast fading away, and who
+will soon scarcely have a place or name this side of the Rocky Mountains.
+It seemed to me that they were standing at this twilight hour looking once
+more upon the shore where rested the bones of their people, before they
+bade a final adieu to these scenes where they used once to hunt the deer,
+glide over the watery surface with their bark canoes, raise the luxuriant
+corn, and build their wigwams. Strangers now possessed their home, and they
+were just bidding to the scenes of their childhood a _long, long farewell_!
+Oh, thought I, that they could have the gospel to tame their fierceness,
+soften their savage natures, and cheer them in their solitary wanderings
+through the wilderness! It occurred to me as very likely that those Indians
+who stood there on the bank of the Mississippi, knew nothing of the way of
+salvation, and very likely had never heard of the name of Jesus! We know
+there are thousands that range over the great hunting grounds of the west
+precisely in this condition. We are going to meet them at the judgment
+bar--shall we not make every effort to send them the gospel?
+
+
+                              _Saturday Evening, July 8th._
+
+We found ourselves, when we awoke in the morning, at Stevenson. This is
+another of those places springing up as by the wand of enchantment. It is
+located at one of the most beautiful points in all the west. Just here Rock
+River enters the Mississippi, separating the town from Rock Island, on
+which stands Fort Armstrong. It was in reference to the section of country
+just around here, that the Black Hawk war took its rise, and all along
+above was the scene where it raged. I do not wonder that the Indians gave
+up this tract of country with reluctance. The eye never looked out upon a
+more beautiful land--the imagination in its most romantic flight never
+conceived any thing more lovely. On the Iowa side, especially, the country
+sweeps off from the shore most beautifully in the form of a rolling
+prairie, covered here and there with small clusters of trees, that give it
+the aspect and loveliness of a region that had been under the highest
+cultivation for the last three centuries. And yet five years ago no foot
+trod there but the Indian's.
+
+The day passed pleasantly away. As the shades of evening gathered thick
+around us, we bade adieu to the mighty Mississippi, on whose broad current
+we had travelled nearly seven hundred miles. Our boat turned in behind an
+islet of living green, and pushed its way up the serpentine course of
+_Fevre River_. At length Galena was in view. It was at the close of the
+week, and here we were to seek a resting place for a number of days.
+
+
+                                            _Galena, July 15th._
+
+Fevre River, at Galena, runs through a narrow vale, and is hedged in on
+either side by ranges of hills. The town is built at the base and on the
+side of the western ridge, which is here quite precipitous. The valley
+itself is overflown with every rise of the Mississippi above this point.
+The waters of the Fevre River between Galena and its junction with the
+"Father of rivers" are very sluggish--so that the waters of the Mississippi
+flow up to Galena often three or four times a year, and flood the whole
+lower part of the town. Since I have been here the third rise which they
+have had this season occurred, occasioned as it was supposed by the melting
+of the snows and ice around the sources of the most northern tributaries of
+the Mississippi. One thing is very remarkable in relation to the whole
+class of western tributaries to this stream. The freshets to which they are
+subject, all occur at different seasons, beginning with the southernmost
+and ending with the most northerly. This is accounted for by the fact,
+that, as these streams take their rise at different points of latitude in
+the Rocky Mountains, spring and summer reach the source of each of them in
+regular progression from south to north, by a few weeks later. This is a
+most merciful provision: for if the freshets in two or three of these
+streams were to happen at the same time, the effects would be desolating.
+Let the Red River, the Arkansas, and the Missouri, pour their swollen
+streams at the time of their annual freshets, together into the
+Mississippi, and the whole lower regions for hundreds of miles above and
+around New Orleans would be one unbroken sea. What a tremendous armament of
+destruction has the Almighty here! Have not the inhabitants of that city
+which has seated herself as a queen at the mouth of this river, reason to
+remember that the Lord can bury them in a moment in the midst of the sea?
+He has only to blow with his wind, and the waters will flow, and the depths
+cover them! Let those who openly and remorselessly trample on every law of
+God consider this and tremble.
+
+Galena is by no means a pleasant town. There are some situations on the
+hills which environ it that would furnish delightful sites for residences,
+but at present these are chiefly unoccupied. The streets of this place are
+narrow, and after a rain unspeakably _muddy_. The houses are small, poor,
+and crowded. There is nothing interesting or attractive about the
+appearance of the town, except in a business point of view. Galena is the
+port where almost all the lead raised from the vast mines scattered through
+this region is brought to be shipped, and will therefore unquestionably be
+a place of great importance. Its moral character, I fear, is far from what
+we could wish it. Like many of these western towns, till recently, there
+has been scarcely the semblance of a Sabbath here. Drinking, duelling, and
+gambling, have all been common.--And yet there are many here that wish
+things were different, and are making some successful efforts to cause them
+to be so.
+
+The Bishop of Illinois was here, and officiated the first Sunday I spent in
+Galena. He bore his testimony very faithfully, in rebuking the prevailing
+sins of the country, especially duelling, Sabbath-breaking, and profane
+swearing. I believe his counsel was very kindly received. There is a great
+deal of intelligence among the residents in this place, and they seem
+willing to have the truth preached to them plainly.
+
+To me there was one object of thrilling interest in Galena--_its grave
+yard_! Some half-mile from the town, on the head lands beyond the western
+range of hills that encompassed it, where one stands and looks down into
+the valley of Fevre River, and off upon the far-spreading prairie, in a
+retired place, is the spot of earth allotted to the dead, shut in and
+guarded from unhallowed tread by a neat enclosure. Owing to the newness of
+the country, and the difficulty in procuring marble, scarcely a single
+sculptured monument appears on this ground which has already become the
+resting place of many who were once engaged amid the activities of life.
+But affection has displayed itself in another form. Not a few of the graves
+are enclosed by a little fence, painted beautifully white, and the graves
+are adorned with wild roses which scatter their fragrance and leaves over
+the place where rests the mouldered dust beneath. When I first entered this
+sacred enclosure, and trod through the high tangled grass that grew here, I
+felt at each step that I was treading on holy ground. I was led to a spot
+where rested the mortal part of one whose image came up before me with the
+vividness of living reality. The long grass had grown, and become matted
+over her grave! Fifteen years had elapsed since I had looked upon that dear
+form, that rested in unbreathing stillness below. During this period I had
+passed through many trying scenes and often drank deep into the cup of
+sorrow. And now with the image of this dear departed one, all of "life's
+troubled dream" rose up before me with a power that paralyzed every effort
+I made to subdue or control my feelings. I then _felt_ and wept like a
+child. Why should I not have done so? I was standing on the grave of the
+sister of my childhood, whose existence and mine for many years had run
+along together as though our being had been woven in the same web. I
+remembered how when I was but a very little child, she led me to the
+country school--how we wandered together in playful glee on the green bank
+of the Housatonic, and her hand gathered for me the wild flowers that grew
+there. I remembered how in the wild buoyancy of childhood we strolled
+together through the orchard, and gathered fruit from a favourite tree?
+With what kind looks and affectionate greeting our dear mother met us when
+we returned from such a ramble. And could I then fail to remember the sad
+hour when that dear sainted mother gasping in the agonies of death bade us
+all a long farewell? When a mother's kind eye no longer gazed upon me, was
+it not natural that my heart should turn with deeper and stronger affection
+to the sister of my childhood? But where was she? She no more came,
+bounding along with sparkling eyes, and flowing locks, and animated
+features at the call of her brother. There she lay sleeping, oh how
+silently, how profoundly in the grave! The solitude and stillness of the
+mighty prairie were around me. No mortal was present to witness or
+intermeddle with the feelings or overflowings of my heart, save him who
+recognised in this heaped hillock of earth the resting place of the loved
+one of his heart--the wife of his youth--the mother of his children.
+Together we bowed down there in silent grief? Our hearts were so full that
+we could do nothing but mingle our tears together over that sacred spot,
+which I would again travel all the way from the Atlantic to the Mississippi
+to look upon! A thought full of light and glory, however, darted across my
+mind as I bent over that grave. I remembered that this dear sister had
+closed her eyes upon this mortal scene, full of faith, full of trust in
+Christ, and of calm resignation to his blessed will. I recollected the
+words of my Saviour, and his promise to raise the dead. This recollection
+chased away my tears, and brought a flood of heavenly radiance down upon
+that grave. I said, "my sister shall rise again." "The Lord Jesus will
+bring her with him." This is his promise.
+
+The last time I visited this grave, I brought away a little flower that
+bloomed on it. It has already faded--but that glorious body which Christ
+will give to that dear mouldered form will never fade, but bloom on in
+immortal youth, through the unending ages of eternity. Oh, how happy shall
+we be, when we have passed all these gloomy scenes that now surround us,
+and stand in the midst of that "land where the inhabitants no more say I am
+sick"--when we shall have done with sin, and behold the Redeemer in all his
+glory! May the Lord safely bring us there.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ILLINOIS AND THE LAKES.
+
+     Lead mines--Indian treaty--Ride to Chicago--Vast
+     prairies--The stricken family--Amusing
+     Adventures--Chicago--Milwaukie--Mackinaw--Indian
+     encampment.
+
+
+We spent one day during the present week in passing through the mining
+country to visit several of the diggings in Wisconsin, and around Galena,
+and also the smelting furnaces, where the mineral is extracted from the ore
+and cast into pigs. The country through which we passed was one continued
+series of rolling prairies. It was perfectly enchanting to see what a
+perfect flower garden was before us wherever we went.
+
+We descended a mine which had been sunk about one hundred feet. The lead
+runs in veins either due north and south, or west and east. Veins
+frequently cross each other at right angles. If it is a north and south
+vein, and a good one--and crosses an east and west vein, it becomes
+inferior from that point, and the other assumes a superior character, and
+usually is the best lead. The way the miners dig the lead is to pierce down
+perpendicularly till they get to the bottom of the sheet--then take the
+base out and dig upwards. The lead is usually wedged in between two ledges
+of rocks, filling up the crevice, which runs down from fifty to one
+hundred feet. It is frequently wedged in so tight that the rocks have to be
+blasted to loosen it. I went down about fifty feet where they were at work,
+and then passed along in a horizontal direction, about eighty feet, where
+the miners were knocking out the lead in the fissures in the rocks over
+their heads. We loitered around the mines till the decline of day. The
+shades of evening gathered over us before we had crossed the last prairie
+on our way to Galena. The moon was just climbing above the horizon, when a
+prairie wolf darted across our path, as though scared by the sound of our
+carriage wheels, but having run a few rods, turned around to look to see
+who were the intruders upon his domain.
+
+An Indian treaty is about negotiating at St. Peters, and a steamer started
+from here a few days since to carry up a party who desire to be present at
+this gathering of the wild men, and to visit the majestic and stupendous
+scenery around St. Anthony's Falls. I had fully intended to have been one
+of the party, but on the eve of starting I felt myself forced for want of
+time to forego the excursion.
+
+
+                              _The Steamer James Madison,
+                              Wednesday Evening, June 19th._
+
+At early dawn, on Monday last, we crossed Fevre river, and started for
+Chicago in an open lumber wagon, 'ycleped a stage. Taking our trunks for
+seats, we determined we would make the best of every thing, and if possible
+keep up good spirits, while we learned the manner in which people travel
+through new countries. Our journey, though attended with no little fatigue,
+was like a walk over the rosied path of pleasure, compared with a jaunt of
+which Bishop Kemper gave me an account. He had made an appointment
+somewhere in the interior of Indiana, where it was necessary for him to be
+at a given day, and had undertaken to pass over Illinois from St. Louis to
+that point by land. He was overtaken by rain which continued a day or two:
+the streams became swollen, and the roads, often for miles, completely
+overflown. All this time he was obliged to ride in an open wagon, the
+bottom boards of which were loose, and often slipping out, rendering it
+necessary for him every now and then to get out, and stand in the mud and
+water, till the rickety wagon could be again brought into a state of
+temporary order. During the last part of his journey he rode all night with
+the rain pouring down upon him, and the horses sometimes fording deep
+creeks--sometimes plunging into sloughs, and then wading for miles through
+the water which had overflowed the road. The office of a missionary Bishop
+at the west, if he does his duty, and throws himself with all his heart
+into the work, is no sinecure.
+
+Our course from Galena, for the first thirty miles, was through beautiful
+oak openings, and over a rolling prairie. After this, on nearly to Chicago,
+our path lay through a magnificent, level prairie country. The wide sea of
+grass around us was now and then broken by a grove, springing up with
+luxuriance and beauty amid the treeless tract of country that stretched
+around on every side. These groves are points of great interest, and are
+spoken of by the sparsely scattered inhabitants of northern Illinois, as we
+speak of cities and towns. The most beautiful of those which we passed were
+Buffalo, Inlet, and Paw Paw groves, around or near which were scenes of
+massacre and slaughter during the Black Hawk war.
+
+As no one can conceive the sensation awakened by being out of sight of land
+at sea, till he actually stands on the deck of a vessel, that is ploughing
+her way through the trackless world of waters that stretch interminably
+around him, and strains his eye in vain to catch a view of one single
+fading outline of the far off shore--so no one can conceive the emotion
+that rises up in the bosom of the traveller as he stands on the broad
+prairie, and sees the horizon settling down upon one wide sea of waving
+grass, and can behold around him neither stone, nor stump, nor bush, nor
+tree, nor hill, nor house. These vast prairies, though bearing a luxuriant
+growth of grass, would impress one with a sense of desolateness, were they
+not beautified with flowers, and animated with the songs and the sight of
+the feathered tribes. The view of the prairie, as it stretches off before
+you, often appears like a perfect flower garden. Though we were too late to
+see these productions in their rich vernal beauty, yet often they stood
+strewn around us on every side as far as the eye could reach, spreading out
+their rich and brilliant petals of every colour and hue. An intelligent
+lady told me that in a single walk over the corner of a prairie, she
+gathered for a bouquet forty different kinds of flowers; and another
+informed me that she had been able to gather one hundred and twenty
+different kinds. Though the music wafted along over these luxuriant
+expanses of earth be usually not so melodious nor varied as that to which
+the woodlands echo, there is something very animating in the wheeling of
+the plover, the chirping of the robin, and the fluttering of the wings of a
+flock of prairie hens, started up at every half mile of your journey. And
+then occasionally we saw noble herds of cattle feeding over these vast
+plains. Such large, and fat, and noble-looking oxen and cows, I never
+before beheld, as I saw grazing amid the luxuriant prairies of Illinois.
+There is no fence to stay them in their course:--they range where they
+choose amid the ten thousands of acres that stretch unenclosed around them.
+
+I have already intimated that this part of Illinois is as yet but thinly
+populated. It is rapidly filling up but for some years the first settlers
+will have to endure many hardships, and submit to many privations and
+sacrifices, of which we can scarcely form an idea. The following fact will
+serve to illustrate this remark. While on our way to Chicago, as we stopped
+on one occasion to change horses, I went in and sat down in the only house
+in the place. It was a comfortable log-cabin, and all nature looked so
+bright and sunny without, I was hardly prepared for demure and melancholy
+looks within: and yet the moment I entered, I saw in the countenance of the
+good lady of the cabin that her heart was ill at ease. She looked so
+forlorn and full of gloom, I determined to enter into conversation with her
+and if possible elicit the cause of her depression. After a variety of
+inquiries, she was drawn out to give the following sketch of herself, which
+I will put down as nearly as possible in her own words.
+
+"We came into this country from western New York several years since. We
+have never failed to be amply remunerated for our cultivation of the soil.
+In a temporal point of view we have increased in goods. But our children
+have never been to school a day since we have been here. We used to go to
+meeting every Sabbath, but here often for months there is no such thing
+known as public worship. A while ago, there was a minister that used to
+come once in three weeks, and preach about four miles from this. But now
+he is dead, and we have no preaching at all. We have no ministers and no
+physicians. What made me more contented to reside here, was that my oldest
+daughter was married and lived my nearest neighbour, about two miles from
+this. She had three lovely and promising children, in whom all our hearts
+were bound up. But the grave now covers them! They were all cut down one
+after another about six months ago by the scarlet fever. We could'nt get
+any physician to see them, and they all died within ten days of each other.
+And then we had to carry them ourselves to the grave. We put them into the
+ground in silence. There was no one to lift up the voice of prayer."
+
+Here the good woman seemed choked in her utterance. She wiped her eyes and
+ceased speaking for a moment. I remained silent, and soon she proceeded.
+
+"My daughter laid her loss very much to heart. She never after the death of
+her babes wore a bright countenance. About ten days ago she was confined.
+Herself and her infant are dead! We buried them about three days since. She
+had no physician to attend upon her, for there was none within _thirty_
+miles. She had no minister to speak to her words of heavenly consolation,
+for there are none near here. Her husband has a good farm, and the crops
+look well; but what is all this to him, now that his wife and children are
+all gone? He appears desolate and broken-hearted."
+
+Having listened to this touching story, I could well understand why the
+aspect of gloom sat upon her countenance, and while I endeavoured in a few
+words to direct her thoughts to Him who was "appointed to bind up the
+broken-hearted, and to comfort all that mourn," I was led to think of the
+unnumbered blessings and privileges that we who live on the Atlantic border
+enjoy, for which we feel little or no emotions of gratitude. How
+unspeakable are our religious privileges! And yet how little are they
+appreciated by the great mass of the people! Will not God one day visit for
+these things?
+
+In our journey we had some singular and rather amusing adventures. We found
+all along at our log inns, for our refreshment, substantial food, bacon and
+beans, or fried pork and potatoes, and if we were too dyspeptic to eat
+these, we could fast, which is sometimes useful. But at night we frequently
+found ourselves placed under more embarrassing circumstances. A single
+instance will serve to illustrate a number of analogous cases. I select the
+second night after leaving Galena. It is after nine o'clock. The strip of
+moon that is visible emits a few feeble rays. The stars, half obscured,
+glow faintly in the heavens. Our course is still onward through the
+boundless prairie. In the distance may be seen the faint outline of a
+grove. We hope to find there a resting place for the night. As we approach
+it, we find it is a cluster of trees that grow on either side of Somonauk
+Creek. Our driver has already plunged his horses into the cool waters of
+the creek. The farther bank is gained. Our course now is beneath the noble
+elms that hang drooping over the creek, and spread abroad their branches
+forming a thick and dark shade over the road. We see in the distance the
+smoke eddying up amid the trees. It is the place where we are to spend the
+night--a log cabin, before the door of which is kindled a fire, half
+smothered with dirt and chips, whose eddying currents of smoke as they are
+swept into the house by the evening breeze expel the swarms of musquitoes
+that for several hours had been making acquaintance with us.
+
+When the weary traveller reaches his resting-place for the night, it is a
+great comfort to have a bed and room by himself to which he can retire and
+seek repose. But this is a luxury not to be expected usually by the western
+traveller. They have here what is playfully called "_The Potter's field_,"
+a place in these log taverns in which they put strangers--a room designed
+as a dormitory, in which all travellers, men, women and children are placed
+to lodge! The house which we had reached at Somonauk Creek had a place of
+this sort. It was the only room in the house save the kitchen. Two stage
+loads had already arrived, and other travellers were coming in. I told my
+friend B---- that we must try to secure a bed while we could. In this
+Potter's field they gave us a comfortable corner with a straw bed on which
+to stretch ourselves. We were among the earliest to seek our repose.
+Fortunately, there was one bed enshrouded with curtains, which was assigned
+to a gentleman from Vermont and his newly married bride, whom he was
+bringing to reside at the west.--They went on stowing the beds with
+occupants, and spreading the floor with couches, till _fourteen_ persons
+were disposed of, and then they found that every foot of ground was
+occupied. The landlord appeared to be full of the milk of human kindness.
+When some of our fellow lodgers cried out, that they were half devoured by
+musquitoes, he very benignantly replied, "I will open the door and let in a
+current of smoke, and that will drive them out." We found some inhabitants
+tabernacling in our bedstead that annoyed us more than the musquitoes. Yet
+after all we got some rest, and when we rose to breathe the fresh air we
+felt that we had abundant cause to thank the Lord for his goodness. However
+indifferent had been our lodgings, we remembered that the Saviour while
+here on the earth, had not always so comfortable a spot at night to lay his
+head as this.
+
+About a dozen miles before we reached Chicago, we seemed to descend to
+another _steppe_ of land, where the prairie was for the most part from two
+to twelve inches under water. The grass, thus having its roots continually
+irrigated, looked very rank; we made but very slow progress through it on
+our way. Though that part of Chicago which is built up, stands on more
+elevated ground, the anticipated limits of the city extend into this wet
+prairie. We saw the lots staked out as we passed, which I suppose have been
+sold at a very high price. I could not but think of the remark of a fellow
+traveller, who, in speaking of this and several other places, said, "If
+each of these places do not become as large as Pekin in China, these city
+lots cannot all be built upon."
+
+Chicago is truly an interesting place. It has sprung up here in three or
+four years--a city--as by the wand of enchantment. I had heard much of this
+place, but must confess I was not prepared to find so large and interesting
+a town. Its situation on either side of the Chicago river is too well-known
+to need description. It has quite the air of an eastern town. There is a
+fine brick Episcopal Church just completed. Our stay was very brief in
+Chicago. Almost the first sound we heard after our arrival, was the ringing
+of the bell of the large and beautiful steamboat, _James Madison_, which
+was on the eve of departure for Detroit and Buffalo. As we might have no
+other opportunity of going by the lakes for the next ten days, with the
+specimen of land travelling that we had just had, we were not long in
+making up our minds whether we would avail ourselves of this boat, or
+direct our course to Detroit through the Michigan woods. We gave Chicago a
+very hasty survey, took our passage on board the James Madison, and as the
+shades of evening gathered over us we found ourselves skimming over the
+waves of Michigan lake.
+
+
+                                         _Mackinaw, July 20th._
+
+We this morning found ourselves bounding over the green waters of the
+Michigan with the Wisconsin Territory on our left. About nine o'clock, A.
+M. we landed at Milwaukie. A bar in the river prevented the steamboat from
+going up to the town, but we found ourselves amply compensated for our long
+walk by a view of this interesting place from several of its streets and
+more elevated parts. The whole site of the town, in connexion with the
+adjacent country, is richly entitled to its Indian name,--"THE LOVELY
+LAND." Less than two years since there was scarcely a frame house on the
+spot, and now there is a population of nearly three thousand, with
+buildings that will compare in stability and elegance with those found in
+our large eastern towns.
+
+It was towards evening when we approached this picturesque
+spot--Mackinaw--where the wide expanse of water, and the dark evergreens of
+the islands, and the thronging multitudes of wild men, gave to this point
+in my journey a novel appearance. I think this would be a most delightful
+retreat for an invalid who wanted retirement, a cool, invigorating
+atmosphere, and inducements to active exercise. It would be impossible for
+a man to be here long without having new trains of thought awakened in his
+mind, or without being led to contemplate the human character under several
+new aspects. Mackinaw is an island of about nine miles in circumference.
+There is a fort occupying the elevated parts of the town, which is now
+vacated, the troops having been withdrawn to be present at the treaty at
+St. Peter's. This circumstance, in connexion with the great number of
+Indians now present, has created some uneasiness in the minds of the
+inhabitants of this place, especially as the Indians are very much
+dissatisfied with the attempt to palm off on to them goods in part for
+their annuities, when money had been promised. Already has a council been
+held among them, and the hint has been dropped that they can bring a
+thousand warriors into the field. The first object that met my eye on the
+low pebbly shore, as we approached the island, was the beautiful lodges,
+and well made bark canoes of the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes. The whole
+appearance of their encampment in this wild spot is picturesque and
+imposing. Each family had their bark canoe, which was now drawn up on the
+beach, and lay beside their lodge or tent. In this canoe, made of the outer
+rind of the birchen tree, they carry their family, and furniture, and all
+their worldly effects--children, dogs, fishing-tackle, guns, their tent,
+cooking utensils, and themselves. Their tent, or lodge, consists first of
+five or six tapering rods, which are set up so as to form a cone, and then
+around these are placed a coil of matting, made of reeds or flaggs, and
+arranged in such a manner as to form a series of concentric or circular
+covering, each lapping upon the other like the scales upon a fish. In the
+centre of the lodge a fire was kindled, a hole having been left in the
+upper part through which the smoke could pass off. Around the fire were
+spread the blankets and bear-skins, which furnished both beds and seats. We
+entered several tents and were kindly received. Almost the first
+countenance of a white man upon which I looked after reaching the shore,
+was the bright sunny face of our beloved brother, the Bishop of Michigan. I
+never had a more unexpected or joyful meeting with a Christian brother. We
+spent two or three hours in the most delightful Christian intercourse.
+Bishop McCoskry was on his way to visit Green Bay, Milwaukie, and other
+parts of Wisconsin. It was only a few hours, before our steamers were again
+moving forward through the deep green waters, to their several places of
+destination.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+MICHIGAN.
+
+     Steamboat travelling upon the western Lakes--The waters
+     of Huron--Saginaw Bay--The stormy night--The beautiful
+     St. Clair--Detroit--Bishop of Michigan--Ypsilanti--Ann
+     Arbour--Ore Creek--Bewildered at night in the
+     woods--Rescue--Meeting of friends--Log cabin.
+
+
+                                          _Detroit, July 23d._
+
+We parted with the friend we met at Mackinaw in the night. The two steamers
+rode off in two opposite directions. Our course, which from Chicago had
+been to the north, now became southward. There is something exceedingly
+novel in steamboat travelling upon the great western rivers. But the
+navigation of the lakes by steam presents scenes to the eye, and furnishes
+material for the imagination, far more grand, and striking, and
+magnificent. These lakes are indeed great inland seas. The wind and the
+storm have mighty power over them. But the well-directed steamer rides
+proudly over their agitated surface with all her precious cargo of life,
+and holds steadily on her way to the destined port in despite of wind and
+waves. This, however, is not always the case. The wind at times blows so
+fierce and furious that the vessel is driven back some fifty or ninety
+miles in her course. When a storm occurs with great and unwonted violence
+upon these lakes, especially upon Huron and Michigan, where there are very
+few safe harbours, the expedient adopted is to keep the boat at sea, and
+let her drive before the gale. We saw, but in one single instance, these
+waters putting on a wrathful appearance. During the greater part of our
+voyage, they lay beneath our steamer that swept over them in smooth and
+placid tranquillity. There is something in the very appearance of the
+waters of these lakes to wake up poetic conception. They have a sandy or
+pebbly bottom, which appears white as chalk, while every rippling wave as
+well as the whole mass of waters that roll beneath you, though so pure and
+transparent that a silver dollar might be distinctly seen at the depth of
+thirty feet, everywhere assumes the colour of deep emerald green.
+
+The day after we left Mackinaw, while passing Saginaw Bay, every vestige of
+land faded from our sight, and we saw nothing around us but one wide world
+of waters. As the close of the day drew on, the hitherto bright sunny
+heavens became covered with dark menacing clouds. A wind sprang up, and the
+waters of Huron, that had previously slept with the tranquillity and hushed
+slumbers of an infant, suddenly woke to the fierceness and fury of an
+enraged giant. I plainly saw what an aspect that lake could put on in a
+storm!
+
+The sun went down. Neither moon nor stars were visible. The curtains of
+darkness were drawn closely around that whole world of waters that roared
+and dashed so fiercely. As I stood upon the upper deck, and looked out upon
+that scene of darkness and wild commotion, and heard the roar of the wind,
+and the dashing of the waves, and the hoarse rumbling breath of steam from
+the escapement pipe, like the suppressed growl of a lion, that told of
+mighty power to urge onward and to destroy, I felt, in a way I have seldom
+done before, my entire dependence on God. As I stood there on the deck,
+with the wind sweeping by me, the waves of the troubled lake rolling
+beneath me, and the blackness of darkness around me, interrupted and
+illumined only by the cloud of ignited sparks that streamed incessantly
+forth from the dark funnels of the steamer, I felt the force and meaning of
+the 93d Psalm, "The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty. He is
+clothed with strength wherewith he hath girded himself. The floods have
+lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice: the floods lift
+up their waves. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters,
+yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. _Thy testimonies are very sure._"
+_There_ I saw my safety. The testimonies of my covenant God were very sure,
+who had said, "when thou passest through the waters I will be with thee." I
+slept soundly that night. In the morning the sun shone brightly on us, and
+all appearance of a storm had gone by. In a few hours we were gliding over
+the surface of the beautiful St. Clair, and before evening, Detroit, with
+its neatly built streets, and its noble stream sweeping proudly by it, lay
+before us. It was with a grateful heart that I stepped on the shore,
+remembering the many mercies I had enjoyed, and anticipating much pleasure
+in the eight or ten days that I had purposed to spend in Michigan. I was
+not disappointed.
+
+Detroit, is an interesting and beautiful town. The parted stream above the
+city, and the island around which it winds, as well as the view of Sandwich
+on the opposite side, with the improved country that stretches around it,
+are all points of interest upon which the eye loves to linger. The houses
+in Detroit are generally composed of wood, which are very neatly painted.
+Several streets running parallel with the river are exceedingly beautiful,
+especially _Jefferson Avenue_, which is the Broadway or Chesnut street of
+Detroit. The Episcopal Church is a very neat gothic building. A second
+Episcopal Church of a larger size is soon to be erected in another part of
+the town. The churches and other public buildings in Detroit are certainly
+highly creditable to the place.
+
+I met, soon after my arrival at Detroit, the Rev. Mr. R----, who had come
+to supply the pulpit of St. Paul's during the first Sunday of the Bishop's
+absence. It has always appeared to me that there was great wisdom in the
+views expressed some years since by our present presiding bishop--_that
+every diocesan should have a parochial charge_. His judgment, as delivered
+at the time to which I refer, was, that all our dioceses should be _small_,
+as they were in primitive times; that the mitre should have no worldly
+splendour or peculiar emoluments connected with it; that each bishop, like
+the rest of his clergy, should have his own parochial charge, to whom he
+should look for his maintenance. One reason assigned for this--and that is
+what I particularly refer to--was that as one of the great duties of a
+bishop is to preach the gospel, it is infinitely important that his heart
+should be burning with love for souls; and that he only who had a
+particular congregation, the charge of whose souls was upon his hands,
+would ordinarily feel a ceaseless and ever wakeful solicitude for dying
+sinners; and if he did not feel this he would not preach with the power and
+unction that become an ambassador of Christ, and the chief pastor of the
+church. Go to that man who, as a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, has
+been spending his days and nights in prayer and toilsome labours to promote
+the spiritual interests of the flock committed to his care, and then visit
+him after he has been acting four or five years in the capacity of a
+professor or president of a college, and see if he does not recognize the
+truth of this doctrine, see if he does not sigh for that spirituality and
+burning love for souls, which once bore him on so cheerfully in his
+labours. However this matter shall be viewed, the bishops in many of our
+dioceses must have parochial charges, and this will constitute an important
+portion in the field of their labour. In this department of labour the
+Bishop of Michigan has been pre-eminently blessed.
+
+One could hardly desire a larger measure of popularity, either with his
+parish or in his diocese, than Bishop McCoskry enjoys. Every where the
+highest testimony is borne to the loveliness and excellency of his
+character, and the faithfulness and evangelical spirit of his ministry.
+This I heard from all quarters--from clergy and laity, Episcopalians and
+Presbyterians. Indeed I think the bishop's greatest danger lies in this
+quarter. May he still have grace as he hath hitherto done, amid all these
+praises of men, to count himself as nothing, and to sit as a little child
+at the feet of Jesus. When all our bishops become distinguished for their
+meekness and simplicity, for the fervour of their love, their spirit of
+evangelical piety, and their unquenchable zeal to exalt Christ, and rescue
+dying sinners from the iron grasp of the god of this world, we shall then
+indeed see a return of primitive days, and evidences of a truly apostolic
+church.
+
+I was delighted to learn from the Bishop of Michigan, that in his
+contemplated visitation through his diocese, he purposed to hold as far as
+it was practicable, continued services for several days in each parish,
+like the _Rhode Island convocations_, or the _Pennsylvania and Virginia
+associations_. A clergyman speaking of these anticipated services,
+remarked, "they will be worth to me in such a place a whole year's labour."
+In the place to which he referred, the Episcopal Church was just about
+being organized, and there, as every where, the great obstacle to the
+establishment of our church was the impression that we were destitute of
+piety, and that our object was to establish a particular denomination, and
+not to save souls. Let the missionary go where he will _and preach Christ
+crucified_, and the people will rally around him. Let him only make the
+impression on the mind of any community that he has a message from God to
+them--that he stands as between the living and the dead to stay the
+plague--that in his view all other things dwindle into nothing, when
+compared with the salvation of their undying souls--and he will not want
+hearers, he will not want materials with which to build up a church. The
+people are not opposed to an Episcopal form of government--they are not
+opposed to our liturgy--they are not opposed to our doctrines--but they are
+opposed to a _dead_ church. Whether these, their impressions in relation to
+us are well or ill-founded, one thing is certain, these impressions do in
+ten thousand instances exist, and in my view, that minister of our church,
+is the best and soundest churchman, who preaches most faithfully the
+doctrines of the cross, and exemplifies most fully the power of
+Christianity upon his heart by a holy life. It is not by controversy and
+argumentation, but by doing their Master's work, by putting forth all their
+energies to bring men to repentance and the foot of the cross, that our
+clergy will remove this impression in relation to our want of piety, and
+make our Zion a praise in all the earth. And this, I believe, to a very
+great extent, the clergy of Michigan are striving to do.
+
+
+                                         _Tuesday, July 25th._
+
+I was induced to start this morning for Ypsilanti, by the kindness and
+importunity of the Rev. Mr. R----, who offered, if I would return with him
+to his parish, to convey me in his own carriage to the several points I
+wished to visit in the interior of the state. The pledge was fully
+redeemed, and my comfort and pleasure greatly augmented by my acceptance of
+his kind offer. The road for the first twenty miles towards Ypsilanti gave
+us a fine specimen of the toil and tardiness of travelling in a new
+country. At one time the formidable slough received us into its cavernous
+depths, and as we went down, vehicle and horses and all, seemed to threaten
+to swallow us up in its miry embrace. Then, as we rose from this perilous
+depth, our carriage went bounding from log to log which lay side by side
+transversely across our path, deeply embedded in mud, constituting what is
+expressively called a _corduroy road_. These were almost the only
+alternations in our path for the first twenty miles. The land, after you
+leave Detroit, is, in almost every direction, low, clayey, and wet. It is
+also heavily timbered, and therefore will not be very rapidly settled. The
+soil of the farms that have been cleared up is said to be productive, but
+principally valuable for purposes of grazing.
+
+The last ten miles of our course, as we urged our way on to Ypsilanti, lay
+through a country of a totally different character. I almost felt as
+though I was again travelling through a section of Illinois, though there
+were more signs of cultivation around me than I any where saw there. Our
+road now became fine, and we swept along through the oak openings, and by
+the side of successive fields of beautifully tasselled corn, luxuriant
+oats, and yellow bending wheat, with a speed which soon brought us to the
+place of our destination. Ypsilanti is a neat country village, built on
+Huron river, and contains a population of nearly two thousand.
+
+
+                                                _July 27th._
+
+We started yesterday morning from Ypsilanti, directing our course towards
+Ann Arbour. We found the country through which we passed, rich and
+beautiful, and bearing every where incontestible evidence that it was a
+soil which would remunerate the agriculturalist for every stroke struck
+upon its bosom.
+
+_Ann Arbour_ also stands on Huron river, and is a very pleasant village
+containing nearly three thousand inhabitants. There is here an Episcopal
+Church, which has been recently erected, that stands beautifully embosomed
+in a grove of oaks. Immediately adjoining the plot of ground on which the
+church is built, an acre of land which cost one thousand dollars, has been
+purchased by a gentleman residing, I believe, in Monroe, who purposes to
+erect upon it a neat and commodious dwelling for the use of the rector, and
+to convey it to the parish corporation as a parsonage. To this noble act of
+munificence he was prompted from his love of the Redeemer's cause, and an
+ardent desire for the success and establishment of our church in Michigan.
+He saw that if there was a house provided for the rector, the parish would
+soon be able to provide the means for his support, and that thus the
+ministrations of the Gospel would be permanently secured to this people.
+How many men there are within the bounds of our church, who could in like
+manner, with the utmost ease, bestow a few thousand dollars, and secure to
+feeble churches the certainty of future ministrations of the word, while at
+the same time they would be adding unspeakably to the comfort of a body of
+men who are wearing themselves out in the service of the Lord, and by their
+exhausting labours and toil to rescue sinners from death, are preparing
+themselves for a premature grave! Sure I am, when these opulent men, stand
+at last before God and the Lamb, and behold the resplendent crown of glory
+which Jesus has purchased for them by his toil and tears, and sweat and
+blood--when they look down into the depths of that hell from which he has
+rescued them, and up to the heights of that heaven to which he is about to
+exalt them, and when that same Jesus points to such an act of munificence,
+and says, _Inasmuch as ye did it for the least of these my ministers, ye
+did it unto me_, oh then I am sure they will not regret the few thousand
+dollars they have given to Christ! Would to God that many professors of
+religion, who have already wealth enough to ruin all their children, and
+are still holding back their pecuniary means and hoarding them up, refusing
+to consecrate any part of them to Christ, would think seriously of this,
+would meditate frequently on the scenes of that day.
+
+Our course from Ann Arbour was towards Ore Creek. The country through which
+we passed was somewhat undulating, and upon the whole a very fine
+agricultural district. No where in the west have I seen better crops. The
+yellow golden wheat, the bearded and densely standing barley, the luxuriant
+oats, and stout corn, as they were spread out before the eye in vast fields
+rapidly succeeding each other, and gently waving in the summer breeze,
+presented a scene full of interest, and bore indisputable testimony in
+relation to the excellence and fertility of the soil. The point to which we
+were directing our course was _North Green Oak_. We had already travelled
+some thirty miles, and were now within the limits of this town. Night was
+coming on, and we were yet some four miles from the place which I wished to
+reach. As it would be dark before our arrival, and the road was rough, and
+it was uncertain whether we could all be accommodated for the night at the
+place to which I was directing my course, it was decided as a matter of
+prudence, that Mr. and Mrs. R----, who had kindly accompanied me in their
+carriage, should remain at the log inn which we had already reached, and
+whose quaint sign was "CALL AND C," while the driver, mounting one horse,
+and myself the other, should go on to find the house of my friend. I
+scarcely need say that we had now reached a very new country. It was with
+difficulty that we could muster a saddle in the neighbourhood; but at
+length one was found, and we set out, bidding adieu to our friends for the
+night. During the first two miles our path lay chiefly through the forest:
+we however passed in that distance three houses; at the last house, which
+was on the borders of a lake, we stopped to enquire for the residence of my
+friend. We were told he lived almost two miles on the other side of the
+lake, that there was no road save the track of a wagon, and that as our
+path was a blind one, it was very uncertain whether we should find the way.
+We tried to get some one to go with us as our guide, but there was no one
+at home but women and children. It was already dark, our path was through
+the thick woods, and as the last rays of twilight were fast fading away, we
+had no time to lose. We rode rapidly on, and were soon buried in the dense
+forest. We had not proceeded more than a mile before we lost every trace of
+our path, but after riding around awhile among the bushes we again struck
+upon the track, and were able to advance a little further. Soon, however,
+in consequence of the increasing darkness, we were again at fault, and knew
+not which way to proceed. We dismounted, and having searched for awhile on
+our hands and knees, succeeded in discovering the track of a wagon wheel,
+which we followed till it led us into a small oak opening. We had gone but
+a few paces, however, on our way, before the path, which had now become
+more distinct, diverged into two branches, the one leading into the dense
+forest, and the other descending into a low marsh. It now became a grave
+question which path we were to take. We were far away from any human
+habitation; it was doubtful whether we could retrace our steps, even if we
+attempted to return; the night was dark, sultry, and hot, the deep forest
+was around us, the musquitoes were biting us most unmercifully, and we had
+not provided ourselves with the means of striking a light to kindle a fire.
+The idea of spending the night, therefore, unsheltered in the woods under
+these circumstances, was not altogether agreeable. What added to our
+embarrassment was that if we took either path and were able to follow it,
+we knew not but we might be going so much farther from the place where we
+would be. The driver, who was now my only companion, proposed to lift up
+his voice and halloo, thinking that if any one was within hearing distance,
+we should receive an answer. But though the woods rung to the shout, and
+echoed back his voice, no other response was returned.--All was still and
+silent around us as though we were in some vast and boundless solitude. At
+length we determined to advance as far as we could trace the track of a
+wheel through the marsh, and if our path did not lead us to the place where
+we would be, to return and try the other. We had not proceeded far amid the
+high grass before we ascended a hill, and again entered the woods. Our road
+now became more distinct, but whether it was leading us in the right
+direction we knew not. At length my eye caught the glimmering of a taper;
+at first I thought it might be only the phosphorescent light of the
+fire-fly, swarms of which had been hovering around our path. A second look,
+however, convinced me that it was indeed the light of a taper we saw. I
+cannot describe the emotions that then thronged around my heart. I thought
+at that moment of those words of Cowper, and could in some measure
+understand their meaning, and conceive of the feelings of a lost sinner,
+upon whose benighted path the first glimmering of hope fell.
+
+    "I see, or think I see
+    A glimmering from afar,
+    A beam of day that shines for me,
+    To save me from despair."
+
+We now rode on with speed, and were soon by the side of a log cottage. It
+was the very place which we had been seeking. All anxiety was now at an
+end, and the glad welcome so cordially tendered, and the well-known face
+glowing with looks of kind recognition, made all the care and toils of the
+evening appear as naught. Here was a family around me, consisting in all of
+some ten or twelve in number, apparently contented and happy in a log
+cabin. They had a single room below and a sort of garret above it. The last
+time that I saw them was in an elegant three story house, in East Broadway,
+in New York. I know not that they appeared more happy then than they did
+this evening. They expected soon to have a better and more commodious
+domicil, which they were erecting but even with their present dwelling
+place they were contented. Truly happiness is in the mind, and they whose
+hopes are on God, and who feel that they are in the path of duty can be
+happy in spite of all external circumstances.
+
+The sun was shining brightly the next morning as we retraced our way, and
+joined our friends at the log tavern. Our course was then towards Pontiac,
+which we reached just at the close of the day. We passed through a
+beautiful country rendered truly picturesque and romantic by the chain of
+little lakes that stretch through this section of the state. The banks of
+these lakes are high and shaded, affording the most delightful spots for
+residence. The waters are pure and limpid, and filled with the finest fish.
+We must have passed during our journey at least twenty of these lakes.
+Pontiac is as beautiful a village for size as I saw in Michigan.
+
+
+                                              _Friday, July 28th._
+
+On our way to Detroit we stopped to-day at Troy, to visit our old friend,
+the Rev. Mr. H----, who is leading a little flock onward in their heavenly
+journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+TOUR FROM THE WEST.
+
+     The Romanists--Miracles--Indians--Captain M---- The
+     unhappy sailor--Toledo--Cleveland--Buffalo--Niagara
+     Falls.
+
+
+                              _Detroit, Monday, July 31._
+
+The Roman Church has been supposed to be very strong here, but from
+inquiries that I every where made, I am still more confirmed in the belief
+that the papists at the west are making very little impression upon the
+Protestant population. While they are attempting much, and with sinuous
+effort endeavoring to identify themselves with every interest, they in fact
+as yet, with all their marvellous reports to the Leopold Society, have done
+but very little. That system cannot bear the light. It flourishes best
+under arbitrary governments, and amid the thick darkness of ignorance. The
+experiment is now making in this country, whether it can live and flourish
+in Protestant and republican America without losing its essential and most
+obnoxious features. The remark was made to me by a highly intelligent man
+in Detroit, "that the absurdities that were swallowed ten years ago by the
+Catholics there would be hooted at now." In illustration of this remark, he
+went on to say, that about eleven years since he was present at the
+cathedral where the former bishop was preaching, and endeavoring to prove
+the doctrine of transubstantiation. Among other evidences to which he
+referred was the following: "A few years previous," said this mitred
+prelate, "in a certain city in Europe, a profane person procured one of the
+consecrated wafers, and with carnal curiosity, after leaving the church,
+broke it in two, when instantly a stream of blood issued forth, which ran
+down his clothes, and stained his apparel. He went home in great affright,
+but the stream of blood still flowed, and ceased not till in haste he
+returned to the priest, and confessed his sin; then the crimson stream was
+dried up, and its stain from his person removed." "This," said the bishop,
+"happened in such a city, and there is such an individual now present who
+lived in that city at the time, to whom you can refer for corroboration."
+
+"It would be the utter ruin of their prospects," said my informant, "for a
+bishop or a Roman Catholic priest to make such an assertion at the present
+time. There is too much light now, even among the papists, to listen to
+such a ridiculous story for a moment."
+
+There is one point of view in which it is infinitely important that
+Detroit, and many other towns situated similar with it, should have
+pervading it a high sense of religious feeling. I speak with reference to
+the influence which the tone of its morals must, and does exert upon the
+many hundreds of Indians that annually visit it. These red men of the woods
+are forming their opinions of Christianity from what they see at Detroit,
+and St. Louis, and many of our western towns. They see among the white
+population every thing to lead them to turn away with disgust from a
+religion, professed to be drawn from the Bible. Their depraved natures
+readily lead them to lay hold of the vices that abound among us, and they
+go back to their tribes, carrying the impression that these are among the
+fruits of Christianity. It is painful to see how degraded many of them
+become in their intercourse with what is called civilized society.
+Intemperance is the vice which they most readily fall into. Under its
+baneful influence they seem to lose all the natural and noble traits of
+their character. I saw in Detroit a stout built Indian playing the _merry
+Andrew_ through the streets, hawking about a lump of ice, as though it were
+a loaf of sugar, and calling for the highest bidder. As he staggered by I
+could not but think how different he appeared from the native son of the
+forest; that manly and noble bearing, that graceful and elastic step, that
+grave, serious, and dignified look which sat so well upon the native
+Indian's brow, and marked him as one of nature's true noblemen, was gone
+and he had become a poor, degraded, drunken outcast and was trying to pick
+up a few pennies by making himself a laughing stock to a crowd of idle
+boys! What formidable barriers do the vices that still remain incorporated
+with Christian communities present, to hinder the progress and extension of
+the Redeemer's kingdom!
+
+While at Detroit I met with two incidents, which I noted down at the time,
+and which it may not be improper to record here. The one was an interview
+with Captain M----, the popular author of several recent novels who is now
+making the tour of the lakes. The gentleman whose kind hospitalities I was
+sharing, had met with him on his way from Buffalo, and had also after his
+arrival at Detroit, called to pay him his respects. It was certainly civil
+in the captain to have returned the call, but it was shocking to the
+feelings of Christian sensibility, that the time selected for this
+reciprocation of civility, was during the sacred hours of the Sabbath.
+Capt. M---- could not attend the place of public worship, for the day was
+to be employed in returning his calls. He appeared to be addressing himself
+to this in a business-like way. With a friend as his guide, and a carriage
+to convey him, he was proceeding from street to street, carrying with him
+his long list of names, and a bundle of visiting cards. All this was done,
+of course, to show that he appreciated the attentions and civilities he had
+received. When will men show as much respect to God and his institutions,
+as they do to the worms of the dust around them?
+
+The other incident was of a still more painful character. On the same
+Sunday, just at the close of the day, there passed my window, a face that
+called up the recollection of one whom I supposed had long since been
+numbered with the dead. My first acquaintance with him was at the
+commencement of my ministry. His father's residence occupied one of the
+loveliest spots I had ever beheld on the bank of Lake Ontario. The house
+and garden, and court yards, all indicated ease and opulence. This young
+man was then a youth, the only son of his father, and cherishing large
+expectations in relation to future wealth. He had been reared up under the
+eye of a fond mother, who "would not let the winds of heaven blow too
+roughly" upon him. His disposition was naturally amiable and vivacious, and
+there were many to admire and caress him. But suddenly his prospects were
+darkened. It was discovered that his father's estate was covered with
+mortgages, and his affairs embarrassed beyond redemption. One piece of
+property went after another, till the beautiful family residence was
+alienated, and bankruptcy and poverty seemed now staring them in the face.
+Mr. ---- had reserved a single farm unencumbered, which he now promised to
+give his son. The young man, with a truly noble spirit, determined to
+accommodate himself to the circumstances around him, and entered with
+hearty zeal upon the cultivation of his farm with his own hands. He had
+just become acquainted with some of the more common agricultural operations
+and began to look forward to humble independence, when the astounding fact
+was disclosed, that this farm too was under a heavy mortgage. In the
+straitened circumstances in which Mr. ---- found himself, he had been led
+to forget his promise to his son, and to alienate his last acre of land.
+The young man's spirit seemed broken. He had unhappily contracted the habit
+of moderate drinking. On his father's sideboard, while he was yet a boy,
+there always stood a decanter of brandy, and every visitor who made a
+morning, afternoon, or evening call, was urged to drink. The father and
+son, to encourage their guests always drank with them. Thus this young man
+contracted a love for ardent spirits. It was now the season of darkness and
+depression with him. The mother who had watched over his childhood, had
+gone down to the grave. The riches in which they once rolled, had taken to
+themselves wings and flown away. The fond hopes he had cherished of rising
+by his own industry, had been crushed. Poverty was staring them in the
+face. This young man was without employment. Several years passed by, and
+the prospects of this family did not brighten in a single particular. At
+length the father went abroad. His family were left behind to shift for
+themselves. He never returned. The son became more and more dissipated,
+till in a fit of desperation he went to New York, and embarked on board of
+a ship as a common sailor. Many a father and mother who knew this promising
+young man, and witnessed his career up to this point, when they looked
+around upon their own infant band, sighed and shook their heads, painfully
+feeling that they could not tell what their children would come to. Young
+---- went to the East Indies, and, it was said, was lost during the voyage.
+I had never heard of him since. But as I sat by the window at this time,
+the countenance and form of one that passed by, so strongly reminded me of
+him, that I sent out a young lad to overtake him, and invite him to come
+in. There soon entered one in complete sailor's dress, with loose
+pantaloons, round-about coat, and tarpaulin hat, swaggering along,
+evidently under the influence of intoxicating drink. He looked at me for a
+moment, and then uttered my name! What was my astonishment and amazement!
+Was this the gifted and talented young ----, whom I had first met in the
+dwelling of courtly splendor--from whose father's hands I had received so
+many expressions of kindness and acts of hospitality--over whose
+pleasure-grounds, amid delightful shade and shrubbery, I had so often
+roamed? Was this that noble, gifted boy, in relation to whom such high
+hopes were formed, and who had naturally such generous and kind feelings? I
+had thought the waves of the deep had long since rolled over him! But no,
+there he stood, a perfect wreck of what he once was. His eye was glassy,
+and his breath fetid and offensive beyond endurance. He seemed to be
+conscious of the degradation he had brought upon himself, and by an evident
+struggle and effort of will, did succeed in throwing off the symptoms of
+present inebriety. I found that he had visited every part of the world, and
+had suffered every thing but death. He had been imprisoned in Chili, and
+cast away on the shores of western Africa. I spoke to him about his soul.
+He seemed much affected, and shed tears. After a few moment's pause, he
+said, "I have been a very wicked fellow, but I have never lost the early
+impressions I had in relation to my responsibility to God. The little
+Testament my sister gave me, I have kept when stript of every thing else. I
+have read it when the other sailors around me were asleep. I knew they
+did'nt understand my feelings, and they would only laugh at me. I have
+often prayed, but then I would soon become as wicked as ever. I have
+thought of you, sir, often, and of the sermons I used to hear. When I sat
+naked on the burning sand in Africa, I thought of many serious things,
+which I had heard from your lips, and I tried to pray. Yes, that was an
+awful time! We were cast away--our vessel was lost--three or four of us got
+ashore and were saved. But we were immediately stript of every rag of
+covering, and for three months I wandered over the sands of Africa, naked
+as when I came into the world, and living as I could snatch a little fruit
+here and there. I at length found my way to Liberia, and was sent to
+America by the Governor of that colony."
+
+He then told me that for several years past, he had been on the lakes. I
+asked him if he was happy. He said "No, never, except in a storm, when
+every thing around me seems going to destruction. Then I become excited and
+feel a sort of mad happiness." I entreated him to bethink himself of his
+ways, and turn unto the Lord. He said he did not think it would do any
+good; that he was too far gone, and that if he prayed ever so much, or made
+ever so many resolutions, in a few days he was as bad as ever. I endeavored
+to point out where the difficulty lay. He went to church with me that
+evening, and seemed solemn and affected. Poor fellow, I know not what will
+be his end! I fear there are many youths of our land going on just in this
+same path.
+
+
+                                         _Cleveland, August 2d._
+
+Yesterday I took leave of Detroit on board the steamboat "United States"
+for this place, which we reached this morning. On our way here, we visited
+Toledo, in Ohio, which stands on the Maumee River, about ten miles from its
+mouth. This is a place of some notoriety, but although we stopped there
+several hours, I found very little to interest me. There were not a few
+indications that it was a place where iniquity abounded. Though a place of
+considerable size, the institutions of the gospel have found very little
+foothold as yet. I was told, though I cannot vouch for the correctness of
+the account, that some time ago, when an effort was about being made to
+establish some religious society here, a public meeting was called, and
+they voted that they would have no such thing in their town. I hope they
+have come to a better mind before this.
+
+Just before we entered the Maumee River, we passed a light house that had
+been erected on a bare and barren bank of sand, of about an acre in extent,
+which had risen up in the midst of the surrounding waters. On this barren
+spot there is a solitary dwelling, the residence, I presume, of the keeper
+of the light-house. There is something very striking in this lonely
+residence, pitched in the midst of a wild waste of waters, and forcibly
+reminded me of the state of the Christian in this life, whose habitation is
+often in some desolate place, some lonely spot amid a surrounding moral
+desert, but always where he can answer some useful end, can tend upon some
+light-house to direct the path of tempest-tost mariners towards the haven
+of rest.
+
+We also touched in our way to Cleveland at Sandusky City and Huron. It was
+my original intention to stop at one of these places, and make an excursion
+through the northern part of Ohio, taking Gambier in my circuit. I felt an
+increased desire to visit that place, after learning as I did in Michigan,
+the important influence the institution there is silently exerting upon the
+west, but I found it necessary to deny myself this pleasure for the want of
+time. From what I heard of Kenyon College, I should think that the standard
+of attainment there was very high, and that they had wisely guarded against
+the custom too common in the west of hurrying the student through a rapid
+and superficial course of studies, and conferring upon him a degree at a
+time when he ought to be regarded as a _sophomore_. The course of studies
+at this institution is very thorough, and the faculty able and talented.
+Kenyon College cannot fail to prove a most powerful auxiliary to the cause
+of learning and religion in the west, and its influence for the interests
+of the Episcopal Church will be more extended than any of us of the
+present generation can compute.
+
+With Cleveland I have been decidedly pleased. It is principally built on a
+high table of land, that looks boldly off upon the far-stretching and
+majestic waters of Erie. It has a population of about eight thousand; its
+houses are generally handsome and well built. It is separated from Ohio
+City by the Cuyahoga river, a stream into which the steamboats run up,
+which stop at Cleveland. Ohio City is a pleasant town, having between two
+and three thousand inhabitants. They are here erecting a fine stone edifice
+for an Episcopal Church. This place appears to bear the same relation to
+Cleveland that Brooklyn does to New York. Unhappily there is no small
+jealousy between the two places, which it is hoped the experience of a few
+years will cure. Some of the streets in the eastern part of Cleveland,
+looking off upon the lake, are beautiful beyond the power of description.
+
+
+                                          _Niagara Falls, August 3d._
+
+In passing from Cleveland to Buffalo over Erie's green waters, we touched
+at several interesting points, but I omit any description of them or of
+Buffalo, which has grown up into a large and beautiful city. I have spent
+the day most delightfully here, silently musing on these vast waters that
+leap with giant stride over this mighty precipice of rock. I had thought
+that these falls, when I first gazed upon them from Table Rock, some four
+years since, possessed all the conceivable elements of sublimity, but I
+never understood their full grandeur and majesty till I looked at them
+to-day, and remembered that the water of all those lakes upon which I had
+travelled more than a thousand miles, was pouring in one gathered column
+over that precipice! Then, immediately, I felt that the tremendous roar,
+that rose deafening around me, was the voice of God! I saw that it was His
+hand that had gathered those waters, and poured them with such resistless
+force over that vast precipice, and the thought then flashed upon my mind,
+"How will he speak to impenitent sinners when he riseth up to judgment? How
+will they escape from his mighty hand when he poureth out his fury like
+fire?"
+
+Just then a rainbow met my eye that lay beautifully pencilled on the
+foaming flood below. I remembered it was the bow of promise; and new
+emotions of gratitude were waked up in my heart, when, at the very moment I
+was surrounded with such demonstrations of almighty power, and such vivid
+proof that God could with the breath of his mouth hurl the guilty down to
+bottomless perdition, I was reminded by the bow that lay on the bosom of
+the foaming gulf, that through the mercy of God in Christ there was a way
+for poor sinners to escape! Oh that they might be prevailed upon to lay
+hold of the hope set before them, and not rush madly on to the precipice of
+eternal death!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+WESTERN NEW YORK.
+
+     Niagara Falls--Rochester--Canandaigua--Geneva--Seneca
+     Lake--The moonlit heavens--Departed friends--The
+     clergyman's son--The candidate for the ministry--A
+     beloved brother--My departed mother--Geneva
+     College--The Sabbath.
+
+
+                                          _Geneva, Aug. 9th._
+
+Every man who has visited Niagara Falls, that scene of enchantment,
+remembers with what difficulty he tore himself from the spot. To every mind
+that has any sensibility--any relish for the grand and sublime, every
+island and grove, every stone and tree, every green bank and shaded nook
+around that mighty cataract, is a charmed spot. Go to what point you may,
+to take your last look at the falls, whether it be on the British or
+American side--whether you stand on Table Rock or Goat Island--whether you
+look out from the top of the observatory that has been reared with daring
+intrepidity on the edge of the foaming current and the brow of the Falls,
+or look up from the foot of the vast cataract, and see a world of waters
+plunging in one animated, leaping mass from the heights above, you will
+feel as you gaze there to bestow your last lingering look, that the hand of
+some giant power has laid a spell upon all the scene around you, and
+chained you to the spot. You may tear yourself from this scene, but it is
+with the feeling with which you separate yourself from, and bid adieu to
+the loved one of your heart. Your eye and your thoughts oft turn back to
+catch another glimpse of that which you fear is fading from your view for
+ever.
+
+Have you not sometimes in your journeyings, taken your leave with great
+reluctance from some dear family circle, who gathered around you at the
+door, and followed you while you could yet see them with every
+demonstration of kindness and interest? At length a turn in the road shut
+them from your view, and you went on your way musing on the past, and
+thinking perhaps you would never meet them more till you met them with the
+ransomed on high. While you moved on indulging in a pensive train of
+reflection, your path took another turn, and brought the mansion you left
+again to view, and showed you your friends still watching your course,
+whose waving hands and handkerchiefs testified that their hearts were with
+you, though their voices could no longer reach your ear. It was somewhat so
+with us, when on _Friday morning the fourth of August_, we started in the
+railroad cars from the Falls, bound to Lockport. The course of the railroad
+for some distance lies along on the bank of Niagara river, every now and
+then revealing to us the swift and green waters of the stream as it leaps
+along its deep-worn channel, some hundred feet below. We had proceeded thus
+a mile or two, when suddenly by a turn of the river, the entire view of the
+Falls was again brought before us. The eye was now able to take in the
+whole scene at a single glance, and no view of Niagara appeared more
+impressive than this. You could distinctly trace the rapids above the
+Falls, see the foaming current urging its way on like the angry billows of
+the ocean, till it reached the dreadful leap, and then gracefully and
+majestically sliding off from the edge of the precipice to the vast abyss
+below in one beautiful and vast column of emerald green. Below you saw, as
+in one great cauldron, the whole river boiling up in white and milky
+appearance, and then winding off in its deep channel, till at length it
+again assumed its native hue of green. The islands and groves, and wild
+scenery that environ this wonder of the world, were all gathered in one
+rich group distinctly before the eye. Who can look on such a scene and not
+remember its Creator? What must be the glories which God will reveal to his
+ransomed and sanctified people in the celestial world, when he allows to
+linger here amid the defilements and desolations of sin such traces of
+surpassing beauty and loveliness!
+
+We took Rochester in our way, and thence directed our course by stage to
+Canandaigua, which, with its tasteful court-yards, and beautiful houses,
+and elegantly shaded streets, reminds one of a beauteous, gemmed, and
+highly adorned bride that has retired from the festal scene, and is seeking
+repose in some rural bower. The country through which we rode from
+Rochester to Geneva is in a high state of cultivation, and the rich fields
+of waving grain around one makes him feel at every step that he is passing
+through the garden of America. We reached Geneva in the early part of the
+afternoon. There is not a lovelier spot beneath the far-expanded sky for
+the site of a village than the banks of the Seneca. Though the business
+part of the village is situated principally on the northwest corner of the
+lake, by far the most beautiful part of the town stretches along on the
+western bank which rises some fifty or hundred feet above the quiet waters
+of this beautiful lake. Here a street runs along parallel with the lake,
+and the most delightful residences are built up on either side. Almost
+every dwelling has before it a fine court-yard filled with shrubbery and
+ornamented with flowers. And those built on the brow of the lake have
+gardens terraced down to the water's edge.
+
+The lake is here some three miles wide, stretching off forty miles to the
+south, and presenting on the opposite side a beautiful and
+finely-cultivated country. On this street, looking off upon this lovely
+sheet of water, stands the college. As we recede to the west the land rises
+by gentle and successive undulations for a mile or two, furnishing on the
+summit of these successive ridges the most delightful locations for
+residences, from some of which you have brought within the ken of your eye
+the whole village and lake, and country beyond. I have already partially
+described the street that runs along on the western bank of the lake, which
+is adorned and shaded with trees, and on which the college and principal
+churches are built. Farther west and running parallel with this is another
+street inferior in beauty, but peculiarly attractive to me, as at its
+northern extremity is situated the old burying ground, where sleeps the
+dust of many, many dear friends.
+
+Memory loves to go back to the past. I well recollect a summer evening of
+1820. The day had declined, and the curtains of night were drawn around the
+green earth. While twilight still lingered in the west, gently fading into
+darkness, the moon rose in full orbed splendour. I was returning, with a
+friend from a walk. Our course lay along on the margin of the lake. Never
+did I see a sweeter or lovelier scene, than was exhibited on the bosom of
+that lake, lit up with a flood of splendour streaming down from the bright
+orb of night. That beautifully-expanded sheet of water lay in unruffled
+smoothness. The lake seemed like a sea of glass. If a ripple run over that
+transparent surface, it was so gentle, that it seemed only the rocking of
+the moon-beams to sleep that played there. The air was bland and balmy, and
+full of the fragrance which the verdant and flowery earth gave forth. But
+with myself and my friend, life then looked thus bright and fresh and fair.
+Our walk terminated at the threshhold of my own paternal mansion. We went
+in and sat down. Three other persons joined us. We looked out upon the
+moonlight scene, and talked of future days. There was not one sad or
+clouded brow there. I can remember every countenance in that happy group as
+though it were but yesterday night. But now of the five that sat there and
+enjoyed the delightful converse of that sweet night, I alone am the only
+survivor. All the rest have for these nine years slept within the precincts
+of the burial-ground.
+
+One of this little group was the friend of my childhood. His father was the
+parish priest, from whose lips my infant ear first drank in the sounds of a
+preached gospel.--I well recollect with what a throbbing heart I first drew
+near the chancel in an old time-stained church in New England, with a band
+of children like myself to rehearse to this holy man my catechism. I well
+recollect the solemn tones of his voice, and the benignant look with which
+he pronounced a blessing on our young heads. I can never forget the many
+kind, cordial welcomes I have received under the roof of the pastor of my
+childhood. The young man to whom I have referred was his eldest son. We
+were now far from the scene where had past the sports and frolics of
+childhood. The good hand of the Lord had shown me that there was something
+better than the fading vanities of this empty world to occupy and absorb
+the affections of an immortal being. Often had I tried to lead my young
+friend to see things as I saw them. When absent I had written to him; but
+though his affection for me seemed unchanged, he always evaded any coming
+to the point, in relation to his own personal salvation. Though amiable and
+moral, he was naturally gay and vivacious, and the world had still an
+unbroken hold upon his affections. On the evening to which I have referred,
+he seemed more than ordinarily pensive. In less than a year, though
+apparently full of vigour and health, he was suddenly laid upon a sick bed.
+The last night of his life I was with him, and did not leave his room till
+the dawn of morning. At midnight when all was still, he called me close to
+his bed-side, and thanked me for my letters that I had formerly written to
+him, and all my solemn admonitions, and assured me that they had not been
+forgotten, but had made very deep impressions upon his mind. And then he
+continued--"I wish to be saved, I wish to give my heart up to God, I wish
+to be pardoned and have a hope in Christ. Oh that I had sought the Lord in
+health, and now were at peace with him." Then he fervently called on God
+for mercy. His mind soon began to wander. The next morning he was an
+unbreathing corpse.
+
+Another of this company, was one who had been associated with me in study.
+The home of his childhood was amid the rugged hills of New England. He had
+contended with a long train of difficulties to push his way onward to the
+threshold of the sacred ministry. The last obstacles now seemed giving
+away. In about a year he would go forth as the accredited ambassador of the
+King of kings. Animated with this thought, and the brightening prospect
+around him, his mind on that evening seemed winged with hope, and his
+conversation was full of life and sprightliness. Just about a year had
+gone. The day for his ordination was appointed. His friends were anxiously
+waiting to see him put the sacred armour on. But the hand of disease
+suddenly seized him, and on the very day he was to have been ordained, he
+died, and I trust went up to the heavenly court to be made there a "priest
+unto God."
+
+A third in this group, was a beloved brother, who had been to me not only a
+brother, but my spiritual father. It was his voice that first directed my
+feet to the cross of Christ; and it was from his hands that I first
+received the consecrated memorials of a Saviour's dying love. The cares and
+toils and anxieties of his spiritual flock were even then wearing away his
+life. A few years passed by, and my friend--my counsellor--my brother, was
+borne to that same burial-ground, where his voice had been so often heard,
+committing "Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust." There are those
+that remember the pastor's counsel, who still go to that grave where his
+ashes sleep, and water it with their tears.
+
+The last in that group which sat and conversed so delightfully together on
+the evening to which I have adverted, was one who bore to me a dearer and
+more sacred relation than any or all of these. Can I ever forget the
+kindliness of that eye that beamed with such sweet affection on me? Can I
+ever forget the soft velvet pressure of that hand, which when I was sick
+was laid so gently on my burning, feverish brow? Can I ever forget that
+cradle hymn, that calmed my infant fears, and hushed all my troubles to
+repose? Can I ever forget the tones of that sweet voice that first breathed
+into my infant ear the name of Jesus? Can I ever forget the appearance of
+that dear form, the heavenliness of that look, or even the seat in which
+she sat, when I was first taught to kneel down by her side, and say "_Our
+Father who art in heaven?_" No! Every other image may fade from my memory,
+but my mother's will be there for ever!
+
+On that evening to which I have referred, no one appeared more cheerful or
+happy, and no circumstance added more enjoyment to that hour than the
+presence and conversation of my dear and beloved mother. But a few years
+only had elapsed, and the charm of our home was gone! Well do I recollect
+that night when I was called from my bed, and saw the last breath trembling
+on her quivering lips. Well do I recollect how that brother of whom I have
+just spoken, as we stood silent around that bed from which a departing
+saint was about to go up to glory, took her dying hand, and as the last
+pang was ended, said in the deep solemn stillness that pervaded the weeping
+group, "The bitterness of death is passed, and _she is at rest_!" Her grave
+is in the burying ground. Of all that company that sat and talked and
+looked out on that moonlight scene I only am left. Oh what reason have I to
+praise the Lord! What reason to die daily!
+
+The commencement of Geneva College had occurred a few days previous to my
+arrival. This institution had been struggling for many years with a series
+of difficulties, most of which are now happily overcome. The corporation
+have recently received an endowment that will enable them to compete with
+any kindred institutions in the country. They have an able and
+well-organized faculty, at the head of which is President Hale, a man not
+only of varied and large acquirements, but of most bland manners and
+devoted piety. There is an influence now gathered around this institution
+that must very soon elevate it to a high rank among the institutions of our
+country. It gives fair promise at present of being what one of its
+originators toiled and prayed and spent many anxious days and nights to
+make it. Though he has gone to his rest and though he saw gathering over it
+during his life nothing but clouds and darkness, he will reap the fruits of
+his labours in eternity.
+
+I spent a Sunday here that strikingly reminded me of former days. The
+congregation were already gathered. I went in, and sat in the same pew I
+used to occupy long before I assumed the responsibilities of the sacred
+office. The place itself was unaltered, but the worshippers--what a change
+had come over them! Here and there was a well-known countenance, but how
+many pews were occupied with those who were strangers to me! And then,
+where was that venerable father--that promising young jurist--that
+physician rising rapidly to eminence--that blooming, beautiful young bride,
+that drew all eyes towards her? Where was that mother in Israel--that much
+respected and hoary headed man, whose voice used to give such deep emphasis
+to the responses? Where were a hundred others, whose images came up fast
+before me? Ah! the grave, the grave had swallowed them up! And where too
+was the pastor whose voice used to echo through this temple? He too was
+gone! That voice which had so often called upon sinners to turn and flee
+to calvary, and urged the heaven-bound pilgrim onward towards the goal, was
+now hushed in death! On a tablet near the pulpit I saw his name inscribed,
+but I believe it was written in deeper and more durable characters upon the
+hearts of some who worshipped with me that morning.
+
+The day was bright and sunny. There seemed that morning to rest on the mind
+of the assembled worshippers a sweet, holy calm, the emblem of that "rest
+which remaineth for the people of God." The deep, solemn tones of the
+service, came that morning with unwonted power on my ear. Every sentence of
+the liturgy, fraught as it is with the richest vein of evangelical piety,
+seemed particularly on that occasion to give wings to my devotion, and to
+bear my soul upward to the very courts of the most high God. It was a
+sacramental season. The sermon was appropriate, faithful, solemn, and
+affecting. The communion service began. The bread was broken and the wine
+poured out. As I went forward to kneel at that altar, I could not but call
+to remembrance my feelings eighteen years before, when I first bowed there
+to vow a vow unto God, and receive a token of the Saviour's dying love. The
+thoughts and feelings of that hour I will not presume to obtrude upon you.
+There was a rush of sensibilities and recollections that quite overcame me
+for the moment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+A JAUNT FROM PHILADELPHIA TO ALBANY.
+
+     A bleak, dreary morning--Bishop of Illinois--Sail up
+     the Delaware--New York Bay--Sail up the
+     Hudson--Unexpected meeting--College friend--Story of
+     his afflictions--Poor African servant.
+
+
+The sketches contained in the three following chapters were written in
+1838.
+
+
+                              _Fairfield, N. Y., Sep. 21, 1838._
+
+After having passed a day or two in the country, or gone along some two or
+three hundred miles by stages, steamboats, and railroad cars, in looking
+back upon the scenes through which you have passed, the company you have
+met, and the different individuals with which you have been brought in
+contact, one feels almost astonished to reflect how many touching incidents
+of human woe have been brought to his notice during this short period.
+Sorrow and sadness seem to lie every where on the surface of society. You
+cannot enter a steamboat, or walk through the streets of a large town, or
+mingle at all in the circles of the living, without meeting with something
+to remind you, and that most painfully, "_that man is born to trouble_."
+Does not this show that ours is a world full of disorder and sin? Does it
+not show that some great moral convulsion has occurred here, which has
+upturned the very foundations upon which human nature was originally built?
+Surely a God of order and of benevolence would never have created such a
+world as ours now is! Surely this world is not now what it was when upon
+its original creation, "the morning stars sang together, and the sons of
+God shouted aloud for joy!" I do not see how any one can prosecute an
+investigation upon the subject of moral philosophy, and not come to the
+conclusion that the Bible is the only book in the world that gives any
+satisfactory account of the origin and history of man.
+
+It was a bleak and dreary morning upon which we left Philadelphia. The wind
+blew fiercely, and the waters of the Delaware seemed stirred the very
+bottom as we entered the steamboat. Notwithstanding the earliness of the
+hour, and the roughness of the weather, a great crowd was rushing on board.
+Among the number was the Bishop of Illinois. The last time I had seen him
+to have any continued conversation with him, was more than a year since,
+near the banks of the Mississippi, in the extreme northwest corner of his
+extensive diocese. I was sorry to find on the present occasion, that the
+bishop seemed a good deal depressed in reference to the prospects of the
+Church in his diocese, though still looking to the Lord and trusting in his
+wise government. I could in some measure enter into his feelings, as I had
+travelled over the vast field of destitution in the midst of which he is
+placed. Being entrusted with the interests of the Church in the vast and
+powerful state of Illinois, without funds, without a salary adequate to his
+own support, with only here and there a single labourer to co-operate with
+him, how can he carry out the designs of his office? Though a thousand
+fair fields lie blooming before him, all promising a rich and luxuriant
+harvest, how, with his present means, can he take possession of them? He
+wants a vast increase of missionary men, and pecuniary means to sustain
+them. The discouragements around him are innumerable. What can be done for
+the West? What can be done for Illinois? I believe if three or four of our
+eastern clergy, who have acquired character and standing in the Church,
+were to go into each of the western dioceses, and there co-operate
+together, determined to stand by the Church, to sink or swim with it,
+determined never to leave the ground till the whole western wild should
+blossom as the rose, this would do more for the cause of religion than any
+other measures that could be adopted. Are there not in the length and
+breadth of our Church a dozen men of this character, who will make this
+sacrifice for Christ and for undying souls? If we had the spirit, and the
+faith, and the self-sacrifice of Paul, is it not probable that we should
+see, if not in divine visions, yet in many of our waking hours, and perhaps
+in the dreams of the night, imploring thousands standing on the banks of
+the Wabash, the Illinois, and the Mississippi, stretching forth their hands
+and saying, "_Come over and help us!_"
+
+Our sail up the Delaware was characterized with nothing new or unusual. The
+cars took us on at their usual rate. And in due time we were safely landed
+at the battery in New York. At five o'clock, P. M., we found ourselves
+again embarked on board one of the North river steamers. As we pushed out
+from the wharf and gazed over the beautiful bay that stretched around us,
+studded with islands and whitened with a hundred sails, the thought most
+forcibly pressed itself upon my mind, that Americans need not be ashamed
+to speak of New York bay, even in connection with the bay of Naples, though
+the latter in the bold shores of Capri, the towering summit of Vesuvius,
+and the vast, extended, circling sweep of its waters has, doubtless,
+features of _sublimity_, which the former cannot claim.--As we passed the
+_palisades_, and began to approach the mountain scenery of the highlands, I
+was more than ever impressed with an idea which I embraced while in Europe,
+that, take it all in all, there is no river scenery in the world comparable
+with that of our own Hudson.
+
+While I stood upon the deck of our steamboat, gazing upon the precipitous
+and rugged sides of the _palisades_ that rise like a wall of masonry above
+the noble Hudson, a gentleman approached me and said, "I ought to know you;
+I think we were class-mates in college. My name is W----."
+
+When I first looked at the speaker, the remembrance of him as an old
+college acquaintance, was like the faded and indistinct recollections of a
+forgotten dream. But as one and another particular was mentioned, the
+picture of the past gathered fresh brightness, and stood before my mind's
+eye with all the vividness of an occurrence of yesterday. More than fifteen
+years had elapsed since we bid adieu to our _Alma mater_ and to each other.
+Our class at the time we graduated, consisted of about eighty; my
+acquaintance with W. during our college course was slight, and as his
+residence was in one of the remote southern states, I had never met with
+him before since the day of our graduation. We, however, immediately upon
+this unexpected meeting, felt our hearts strongly drawn towards each other,
+by the power of old associations. We sat down and talked over college
+scenes, till the shades of evening gathered around us. I was astonished to
+find how many of our class were already numbered with the dead: and how
+many among the most gifted and talented of our old associates had fallen
+victims to intemperance. During the fifteen years since we last met, we
+ourselves had passed through a variety of scenes, and had each tasted of
+the cup of sorrow. I became deeply interested in my friend's history, and
+though the dark summits and lofty mountain peaks of the highlands were
+around and above us, and at this time rendered still more wild and romantic
+by the partial darkness in which they were enwrapped, I had no eye nor ear
+for any thing but the touching tale to which I listened. The outlines of
+the story were as follows:--
+
+While young W. was still in college, he had formed an acquaintance with Mr.
+Y----, who then resided in a neighbouring city, and filled one of the
+highest offices in the state. Mr. Y's. family, for several generations
+back, had been regarded among the most respectable in the land. Young W.
+was often invited to share the hospitalities of his house, and soon became
+a frequent visiter there. There were in this family three young ladies,
+daughters of Mr. Y., all of them accomplished and interesting. Jane, the
+youngest, was particularly beautiful and attractive. To her W. felt his
+heart drawn with resistless power. Himself belonging to a distinguished and
+wealthy family in Georgia, he did not hesitate to aspire to the hand of the
+lovely Jane Y. His suit was successful. After having passed through a
+course of law studies, the happy hour arrived in which he was permitted to
+stand up and claim Jane as his wedded bride. The evening of the
+celebration of their nuptials, witnessed a scene of most brilliant
+festivity in the old family mansion of Mr. Y. All the gaiety, and
+splendour, and luxury which are found in the brightest paths and most
+resplendent saloons of fashion, were that night there. When the next
+morning dawned, and the family gathered around the table for breakfast,
+there was an occasional cloud of gloom that every now and then came over
+the mother's countenance: for that day she was to part with her daughter!
+Jane was now the wife of a planter in Georgia, and upon that distant
+plantation was to be her future home. Her young and joyous heart, though
+for a moment depressed, as she gave the parting kiss to each of the family,
+soon recovered its wonted buoyancy. Her presence flung an immediate
+sunshine around the habitation to which she was conducted, and her happy
+husband thought again and again that he had never before known half her
+worth. Years passed on, and Jane had now become the mother of two beautiful
+children. This couple were as happy as this world could make them. They had
+health and wealth, ease, family distinction, and promising children, and
+yet they lacked one thing absolutely essential to their happiness. They
+were strangers to the transforming power of divine grace. Living remote
+from any place of divine worship, they seldom visited the house of God, and
+were becoming each year more indifferent to divine things.
+
+At length the following incident awakened Mrs. W---- to a consideration of
+the things of eternity. There was a female slave on the plantation advanced
+in years, who was very ill. Mrs. W---- had an amiable and tender heart, and
+never failed to do all in her power to render the situation of their
+slaves comfortable. She visited them in sickness and did every thing to
+minister to their wants and to alleviate their sufferings. Hearing of the
+illness of old Peggy she hastened to the cabin to see what she could do to
+relieve her. As she stood on the threshold of the door, just ready to
+enter, she heard the voice of this old negro woman lifted up in prayer. She
+immediately stopped, feeling that it would be wrong to interrupt any human
+creature while communing with God. The words which this old female slave
+uttered were very simple, but full of pious sentiment. As Mrs. W----
+listened she heard her say, "Oh Lord God, me am a poor sinner, but massa
+Christ died for sinners, therefore, good Lord, do have mercy upon me, poor
+dying cretur, for Jesus' sake. My sins many, oh do blot them all out--make
+me, poor slave, holy--make me fit to enter heaven--and oh bring massa and
+missa and the little babies there. Save us all for Jesus' sake." As Mrs.
+W---- listened to these simple words, her heart was touched--the tear fell
+upon her cheek. She entered the cabin, and found old Peggy stretched on a
+couch, and evidently struck with death. In haste and with agitation she
+asked what she could do for her. The old servant replied, "Nothing,
+nothing--I am now going home." As Mrs. W---- appeared distressed and
+anxious to do something for her, Peggy said, "Dear missa, don't be troubled
+about me--you have always been good to we poor blacks. The Lord bless you.
+You can do no more for me, I shall be gone soon." But, said Mrs. W----,
+"Are you not afraid to die?" Upon this inquiry, the did woman raised
+herself up, and clasping her hands, looked towards heaven and said in the
+most plaintive, touching tone, "Oh Jesus, should me be afraid to come to
+thee?" And then her eye sparkling with joy, as she turned to Mrs. W----,
+she said, "Me love Jesus--me give him my heart; Jesus knows me, and
+therefore me no fear to go through the dark valley to him: for he says in
+the good book, '_I know my sheep and they follow me, and I give unto them
+eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out
+of my hand._'" The old woman was exhausted by this effort and fell back
+upon the bed with her eyes closed, apparently dying. One or two coloured
+persons who were in the room, now gathered around the bed, expecting every
+moment to see her breathe her last. After ten or fifteen minutes she again
+opened her eyes, and fixing an intense look upon Mrs. W----, said, "Dear
+missa, do you not love Jesus?" * * * She would have said more, but her
+tongue was already palsied in death--the muscles around her mouth
+quivered--her eye seemed glazed--her breath was gone: her soul was in
+eternity!
+
+Mrs. W---- went home serious and thoughtful. She retired to her chamber and
+took down her long neglected Bible. She perused the sacred page for a long
+time. She knelt down and tried to pray. She found her heart was cold, and
+that there was no love to Jesus there. She called upon God for mercy. The
+deep fountains of sensibility in her heart were at length broken up, and
+she wept in agony of spirit over her impenitence and hardness of heart.
+When her husband came in, he found her bathed in tears and instantly
+demanded the cause. She told him of Peggy's death, and of the solemn
+impression made upon her mind, adding, "I have a presentiment that I shall
+not live long, and I am determined no longer to neglect the salvation of my
+soul." "Oh," said W----, who at that time was rather inclined to be
+skeptical, "do not indulge in such gloomy and nervous feelings or think
+about such superstitious matters."
+
+Mrs. W----, however, remained steadfast to her purpose. From this time she
+daily read the sacred Scriptures, and sought divine illumination at the
+mercy-seat. The Methodist ministers who had officiated on the plantation
+among the slaves, and by whose instruction old Peggy had been taught the
+way to heaven, were invited to visit Mr. W----'s house. The voice of prayer
+was now frequently heard in that dwelling. Mrs. W---- had already become a
+decided Christian, and was leading her husband on in the same path, when
+she was suddenly attacked with a violent fever. From the very commencement
+she felt that this sickness would be unto death. When it was evident that
+she was rapidly sinking and could survive but a few hours, she begged her
+husband to sit down at her bed-side and the children to stand by their
+father, and then calmly addressed him in substance as follows: "Charles, I
+told you a year ago I had a strong presentiment that I should not live
+long. Ever since that time I have been looking forward to this hour. I have
+a hope in Jesus, which is 'as an anchor to my soul.'--Though I love you and
+these dear children above all earthly things, I am willing to leave you all
+in the hands of God and to _depart and be with Christ which is far better_.
+But, dear husband, will you not join me in yonder heaven? Will you not
+bring these dear, precious ones with you there? Oh! then seek the salvation
+of your soul in the atoning blood of Christ, and train up these children in
+the nurture and admonition of the Lord." These were her last dying words.
+The green grass has for more that two years waved over her grave. Before
+her death the decease of her father had thrown a vast increase of wealth
+into her husband's hands. But that bereaved husband with all his vast
+wealth, as he looks upon his motherless children, and upon Jane's
+grass-covered grave, feels that this world is all an empty show, that we
+look for happiness in vain beneath the skies.
+
+This was the outline of W----'s story. The hour had already become late
+before our conversation drew to a close. We each sought our respective
+berths in the cabin below. When we awoke in the morning, we found ourselves
+in the immediate vicinity of Albany. We were soon on shore moving up State
+street. * * * *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE IRISH COUPLE.
+
+     Albany--The Irish mother--Incidents that occured five
+     years ago--The disappointed emigrants--The Little
+     Falls--Rural retirement.
+
+
+                                         _Fairfield, N. Y., Sept. 22._
+
+Our stopping place in Albany was at CONGRESS HALL, which we reached some
+time before the sun sent his resplendent beams abroad: the morning was damp
+and hazy, and upon the whole every thing looked dull and gloomy around us.
+We were, however, occupying one of the most delightful positions in the
+place--our inn being located on one corner of the beautiful enclosure in
+front of the capitol or state-house, whence we could overlook almost the
+entire city. As I sat down by a window which commanded a view of the
+state-house park, or square, my travelling companion directed my attention
+to a female, who with tattered vestments and feeble steps, was pacing
+backwards and forwards one of the gravelled walks in the verdant enclosure
+before us. She was carrying in her arms a sickly looking infant, some nine
+or ten months old, and the whole appearance both of the mother and child,
+seemed to indicate that they were houseless wanderers, and had passed the
+night without a shelter. As in her continued walks up and down the
+gravelled avenue, she occasionally approached near the window where we sat,
+I saw that she was about middle aged, and had evidently once had a fine and
+expressive countenance, though the traces of sorrow and grief were now
+deeply worn there.
+
+We were called to our breakfast: as soon as it was dispatched we hurried
+away from our hotel to the grand railroad depot, whence we were to take our
+departure westward. On our way we passed directly by the gravelled walk,
+where we had seen the poor woman, who had so much excited our sympathy. She
+now sat on the ground, her infant sleeping in her lap, and herself
+apparently absorbed in melancholy. She was evidently of Irish extraction,
+and though her appearance bore evidence of extreme poverty, there were no
+indications about her of intemperance. I could not but think what a tale of
+sorrow, of disappointed hopes, and perhaps of cruelly blighted innocence,
+would that Irish mother's history, if recorded, unfold. My thoughts
+immediately went back to that beautiful Emerald Isle, over whose green
+fields I had so recently roamed. Though I had seen some misery there, I had
+seen much happiness and contentment. I verily believe there is often to be
+found more real happiness in the mud cottage than in the gilded palace. The
+Irish have strong and generous feelings, and strong family affection. As I
+saw that poor Irish mother sitting there upon the ground, so forlorn and
+desolate, my imagination pictured to me her early home, where she passed
+her childhood beneath the glad eye of her affectionate parents. They saw
+her grow up, the pride of their heart, and thought that she would be the
+solace of their declining years. But the tempter came--she was lured from
+her home--she passed over the deep waters, and found herself in a foreign
+land. Her base husband soon showed himself the degraded victim of
+intemperance, and after a few years deserted her--leaving her houseless,
+homeless, in poverty, and broken-hearted sorrow. Perhaps in point of fact
+there were no lines in the history of that poor Irish mother in
+correspondence with this picture, but I believe, if the real history of
+many an emigrant from that green isle were known, we should feel more
+kindly to that people, and the heart and hand of Christian charity would be
+more frequently open to relieve the destitute among them. I know not where
+we shall find on earth such noble elements of character as in the Irish
+race. I confess I have been charmed and filled with admiration with some
+specimens I have met of Irish Christian gentlemen. I cannot turn my face
+away from any poor Irishman who asks alms at my door, unless he be
+manifestly the victim of intemperance, and begs to procure the means of
+indulgence in this sin. It is true we are sometimes liable to be deceived.
+Clothes and money are sometimes procured under false pretexts. But even
+then they may minister to the comfort of the destitute, and if we have
+given for Christ's sake, we shall not lose our reward.
+
+I do not mean by these remarks to intimate that I regard it as a Christian
+duty to give to all without discrimination who ask alms at our hands--but
+simply to say, that I think it better to give to twenty undeserving objects
+than to turn our face away from one who is Christ's representative here on
+earth. (Mat. xxv. 35-46.) Neither do I mean to affirm, that there is not
+danger of being deceived by some who make large demands upon us for
+assistance. In such cases we should undoubtedly proceed with great caution:
+and even then, after all, we may be beguiled. A case in point now occurs to
+me.
+
+While residing in New England, on a dull, cold, rainy Saturday afternoon,
+some five years ago, I heard a ring at my door. As the servant did not
+immediately appear to answer the call, I myself went to the door, where I
+found two persons in shabby and tattered dress, standing on the steps, with
+their clothes dripping with rain. The female was the first to speak,
+inquiring if I would not render some assistance to a distressed couple, who
+were extremely destitute, and far from country and home. The tones of her
+voice were so sweet and gentle, her manners so modest and unobtrusive, and
+the language which she used so well chosen, and even elegant, I felt
+convinced that they had indeed seen better days, and I should have done the
+greatest violence to my feelings, and every better principle of my nature,
+had I not opened my door and bid them enter. After they had dried
+themselves by the fire, and partaken of some refreshment, I asked them to
+tell me their history. The outline of it was as follows:--They were both
+natives of Ireland, where they had always resided till about four years
+since. Mrs. S----, the name of this female, and the wife of the man who
+accompanied her, was the daughter of a clergyman of the Established Church,
+who was vicar of a parish in Ireland, the name of which I do not now
+recollect. She was brought up in great tenderness and highly educated, as
+she was an only daughter. Being a novel reader and full of romantic ideas,
+she took it into her head to fall in love with a young bricklayer, who was
+engaged in working upon a house that was building near the vicarage. She
+found means of meeting him unknown to her parents, and they were soon
+engaged to be married. At the appointed time she stole away secretly from
+home, met her lover at a specified spot, and then they went together to a
+distant part of the country, where they were married. She then sent home to
+her parents, confessing the whole affair. They were very indignant, and
+returned so severe an answer, that she and her husband concluded to embark
+at once for America.--They soon put their resolution into execution, and
+after a very long voyage found themselves at Montreal, without any means of
+subsistence. Her husband succeeded in obtaining some employment, so that
+they lived along comfortably for nearly a year. About this time she became
+the mother of a little daughter; and accidentally hearing that the Rev. Mr.
+----, who was a brother of her mother's, and had been in this country
+several years, was residing at Troy, she persuaded her husband to go with
+her in quest of her uncle. When they reached Troy, they found that there
+was no Rev. Mr. ---- residing there. Here they lived for some time, Mr.
+S---- hiring himself out to a builder, who was carrying on a large business
+there. After S---- had earned about one hundred dollars besides his living,
+this builder unexpectedly failed, and absconded without paying off any of
+his hands. S---- was again left in poverty, and without employment. A few
+months before, their little babe had sickened and died. They had recently
+heard that their relative resided in Boston. They therefore started off
+with the hope of finding him: having at length reached Northampton in great
+destitution, they made known their situation to the Rev. Dr. P----, who
+relieved them from present distress, and informed them that the clergyman
+whom they were seeking lived in Philadelphia. With a view of going thither
+they had come to the place where I resided. The whole story appeared
+natural, and though they told it to a number of different individuals, they
+never contradicted themselves. Mr. S---- was rough and uncultivated--just
+such a man as a bricklayer would be. On the other hand Mrs. S---- was
+evidently an accomplished lady. She was acquainted with books, played on
+the piano forte, and sung beautifully. A clergyman bearing the name of the
+one whom she claimed as her uncle, actually resided in Philadelphia, and
+had not long since visited England and Ireland, as she said. I could detect
+no incongruity in any part of the narrative. They remained with us a
+week--during which time a number of our friends fitted them both out with
+new apparel, and procured for them the means of travelling with comfort to
+Philadelphia. I have seldom known so much sympathy to be awakened for
+destitute strangers as there was in their case. Several individuals
+accompanied them to the steamboat when they left, and wished them God
+speed. I sent by them a letter to the Rev. Mr. ---- informing him of the
+facts above related. This was the last I ever heard of them! I saw the Rev.
+Mr. ---- in a few months; he informed me he had never received the letter,
+that he had no relatives in Ireland, and that so far as he was concerned it
+must have been a sheer fabrication. My friends and myself, when these facts
+came to our knowledge, had a hearty laugh over this affair, and though we
+regretted that this Irish couple had used such deception, at least in one
+particular we did not regret that we had fed the hungry, clothed the
+naked, and sent them on their way with solemn admonitions about the
+salvation of their souls.
+
+Very little of interest is to be seen on the way between Albany and
+Schenectady across those sandy plains, save the distant tops of the
+Cattskill to the south, and the misty summits of the Green mountains to the
+north. Our course from Schenectady up the valley of the Mohawk was very
+delightful. The beautiful sylvan scenery up this valley, with its broken
+sheets of water, and dark rich verdure, reminded me of some scenes in
+England, which I can never forget. I need not describe the grand and rugged
+mountain scenery which nature has thrown up in forms of singular wildness
+around the _Little Falls_, nor the upland and undulating country through
+which one has to pass to reach the spot whence I write.
+
+Here then, I am, far away from the strife of tongues, the agitations of
+business, and the dust and din of the city. The green hills are all around
+me, presenting a coat of dark rich verdure, which shows that they have not
+this season felt the blight of the withering and far-spread drought. All
+amid these retired hills appears full of quietness and repose--a fit place
+in which to study one's own heart and try to get nearer to heaven. I
+attended the other evening, what in England would be denominated _a cottage
+meeting_. The inhabitants of the neighbourhood were gathered together in a
+private house, and after suitable devotions conducted by the pastor, the
+people were familiarly and solemnly addressed on the subject of their
+immortal interests. These meetings, I understand, are held weekly in
+different parts of the village, and will, I doubt not, carry salvation to
+many a house. What an inexpressible blessing is a faithful pastor, who
+cares for the flock, and uses every means in his power to guide them in the
+way everlasting!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+WESTERN NEW YORK.
+
+
+                              _Fairfield, N. Y., Oct. 1._
+
+Within the last week I have made an excursion into the central part of
+Western New York. I never fail, while travelling through this region, to be
+impressed with the conviction, that this is the garden of America! The soil
+itself has in every field you pass, and upon every hill-side and vale to
+which you turn your eye, ten thousand witnesses to attest its astonishing
+fertility. And then there are treasures beneath the soil more valuable than
+silver or gold, in the vast beds of lime and plaster, and the exhaustless
+saline springs, scattered at different points over this region. Here, also,
+you have beautiful scenery in ten thousand varied forms: and if you wish to
+view nature in one of her more awful moods, you have only to draw near and
+listen to the tremendous roar of Niagara, and see the collected waters of
+an hundred lakes, dashed headlong in one great, furious tide, down the vast
+precipice, to the deep, rocky channel below.
+
+I am sure the traveller who passes along the old post-road from Utica to
+Buffalo, and sees the hundred beautiful villages, the noble forests, the
+majestic trees, the rich foliage, the luxuriant orchards, the luscious
+fruits, the crops of yellow wheat, the fields of waving corn, the vast
+enclosures of dark, fertile soil, the peaceful lakes and silvery streams
+that everywhere meet the eye, will exclaim, THE GARDEN OF AMERICA! And then
+when he sees all this beautiful region intersected by canals and bound
+together by turnpikes, railroads, and lake and steam navigation, he will
+feel that Western New York possesses advantages of a most singular and
+superior character!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Last year in some few sketches of a tour to the West, a brief description
+was given of Geneva. This sweet village, take it all in all, I must regard
+as the gem of Western New York. I cannot conceive of a more lovely place
+for residence than this beautiful village on the banks of Seneca lake.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was towards the close of the day that I reached this place, a spot with
+which so many sweet and sacred recollections were connected in my mind. My
+destination for the night was a few miles beyond it in the country. The
+road along which I passed lay through a scene full of sylvan beauty,
+disclosing every half mile to the eye of the traveller through the opening
+of the trees a beautiful view of a portion of the lake, that now slept in
+the sweet evening calm, tranquil as a sea of glass. The house of our
+friends was at length reached--and there were such greetings and gladness
+of heart, as they only feel who have been long and far separated from each
+other, with but little hope that they should ever again meet this side of
+eternity.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A SUMMER TOUR.
+
+     Retirement--Seneca Lake--Burlington, N. J.--Brooklyn,
+     N. Y.
+
+
+The following chapters are made up of letters detailing incidents of travel
+connected with a tour from Philadelphia to Rhode Island, and from thence
+into Western New York, during the summer of 1840.
+
+
+                                         _Seneca, July 22._
+
+Although nearly five weeks have elapsed since I left Philadelphia, I have
+not, till the present time, had an opportunity of redeeming my promise in
+giving you the sketches I promised. I am now enjoying what I have been
+sighing for ever since I started on my summer excursion, _quietude_ and
+_seclusion_. Here I am encompassed with delightful rural scenery, and
+passing the livelong day undisturbed by the calls of either friends or
+parishioners making demands upon my time or services.
+
+I cannot understand, how those who reside in the city and who escape for a
+weeks in summer from the dust, and din, and heat, and ceaseless cares that
+assail them amid the scenes of their daily occupation, can from choice fly
+for recreation to other cities, or to fashionable watering places, where
+they are sure to encounter all the inconveniences they have left behind,
+with scarcely any of their home comforts. To me it would seem infinitely
+more desirable to seek "a lodge in some vast wilderness--some boundless
+contiguity of shade." Indeed I must say, I very much prefer a wholly rural
+district, to the most picturesque country village, in which to spend the
+few weeks during which I am to seek to recruit my health, and prepare for
+the duties and labors that await me on my return to the city. In such a
+situation one has not to make a constant effort to be agreeable. You can
+sit down and vegetate for a while, without being called upon to make any
+intellectual exertion whatever. Here one can sit or walk, wake or sleep,
+lounge or ride, as he chooses; he can read or write, or stroll forth amid
+the quiet fields, or sit beneath the shade of some wide-spreading tree.
+There is much in such a scene to hush all stormy passions to repose--to
+tranquilize one's existence, and to lift up the heart in devout aspirations
+to God.
+
+My location for a few weeks is in just such a rural district near the banks
+of Seneca Lake, a beautiful expanse of water, of which I will tell you more
+hereafter. Around me are scattered farm-houses and orchards, and smiling
+fields, interspersed here and there with remaining fragments of that once
+mighty forest, that in the early history of this country waved in unbroken
+majesty from the shores of one lake to another. Here we see all the beauty
+of dark, deep, American foliage, and all the light, glowing brightness of
+American verdure, so strikingly in contrast with the English. On every side
+of me, I see from the window where I sit writing, the busy scenes of the
+hay harvest--the mowers swinging their scythes or pausing for a moment to
+whet the shining steel--the young lads, full of the life and spring of
+joyous youth, spreading the new mown grass--the rakers gathering up the hay
+into winnows, or rolling it into heaps; and the loaded wains creaking under
+the burthen of the fragrant products of the meadow, slowly moving towards
+the barn or the rising stack. I look across to another field, and there
+waves in silent beauty the newly tasselled corn; while in a third, I see
+the golden headed wheat, gently nodding in the breeze, or bowing before the
+keen stroke of the cradler, or the more slow, but no less sure onward
+movement of the reaper. Above this rural scene spreads a cloudless canopy,
+and upon it the great luminary of day is pouring a flood of brightness. The
+sky, however, is not always cloudless here--the heavens not always
+serene--nor the day always bright, as I shall have occasion to relate to
+you before finishing these sketches.
+
+Having thus informed you something of my present locality, I will return to
+the commencement of my journey, and if you and your readers will follow me
+in a tour along a very common-place track, I will endeavor to furnish them
+and you with such GLEANINGS BY THE WAY as I was able to make.
+
+Our first landing place after turning our backs upon Philadelphia, was
+Burlington, N. J., where we spent a week in the most delightful manner.
+Often as I had passed that place by steamboat or rail road car, and much as
+I had admired its location, a single stroll along the green bank that
+skirts the Delaware, shaded as it is with luxuriant and full grown trees,
+convinced me that I had never appreciated one half of the beauties of this
+sweet spot. The country seat of one of my parishioners, located on GREEN
+BANK, amid the thickest and tallest cluster of those trees which add so
+much beauty to the whole extent of the river side, was the hospitable
+mansion where we spent our time--and from which we could look out and watch
+the changing phases of the river, the passing of the steamers, the
+garniture of the fields beyond, the glowing tints of the evening sky, and
+the golden glories of the setting sun. We enjoyed our walks along the
+verdant bank and over the green lawn--we enjoyed our little excursions
+across the river in the row-boat--but most of all we enjoyed that sweet
+Christian converse we were permitted to have with the kind friends beneath
+whose hospitable roof we lodged.
+
+Strangers in passing Burlington are usually attracted by the singular
+appearance of one particular mansion that stands near the banks of the
+river, surmounted by a small cross. Although this is sometimes mistaken for
+a church, I need not tell you it is the residence of the Bishop of New
+Jersey. This structure to an American eye, at first sight, has rather an
+uncouth appearance; but this impression will be corrected in the mind of
+every one who takes the trouble to visit this Episcopal palace. The
+interior arrangements are delightful, and exhibit great taste. While
+traversing its spacious apartments, we were strikingly reminded of some
+antiquated structures that we saw in England. During our stay at
+Burlington, the Bishop was absent. The institution of St. Mary's Hall is,
+of course, one of the things that will be likely to attract the attention
+of a visitor to this place. I was invited by the superintendant to attend
+the family worship of the young ladies connected with this institution on
+Sunday evening. The evening service of the Liturgy was read; after which,
+by the request of the superintendent, I addressed a few words of Christian
+counsel to the assembled group. I have seldom seen a more interesting or
+intelligent company of young beings than those who then sat before me; and
+the solemn attention and evident sensibility with which they listened, led
+me to hope that under the Christian culture they were receiving, in
+connection with their intellectual training, they would all at last be
+found among the sheep of Christ's heavenly fold.
+
+Our time passed quickly away while we remained at Burlington, and the hour
+we had fixed for our departure, came by far too soon. But life itself is
+like a journey, and to all our bright sunny spots here below, we have to
+bid an adieu almost as soon as we have reached them. Our next stopping
+place, after leaving Burlington, was Brooklyn, N. Y., where we were
+welcomed to the hospitalities of the spacious domicile of a Christian
+friend, to whom our hearts were knit in strong attachment, when existence
+with us was fresher than it now is. O, it is delightful to find, in this
+cold, heartless, fickle world, one who remains amid all the fluctuations of
+this changeful scene, the same; one, who, after the lapse of years, and
+who, though borne high upon the swelling tide of worldly prosperity,
+continues to the end the same simple, warm-hearted friend and consistent
+heavenly-minded Christian that he was at the first starting point of life.
+Such was the friend in the bosom of whose happy family we were permitted to
+abide during our stay at Brooklyn.
+
+I shall by no means attempt to enter into a detail of the scenes or
+incidents connected with our visit to New York, or Brooklyn; but there are
+two things which I am not disposed to pass entirely by.
+
+I was present during a portion of the exercises of the commencement of the
+New York Seminary, and felt particularly interested in the Address of
+Bishop Ives to the graduating class. It contained exceedingly well-timed
+counsel, calculated to produce a most salutary effect upon the minds, not
+only of those about to assume the responsibilities of the sacred office,
+but of all those engaged in the exercise of its functions. The subject was
+the indispensable necessity of humility to the clerical character. There
+was a pathos and force and unction about the Bishop's remarks, that we
+think must have gone home to every heart.
+
+Had we among us universally that lowliness of mind and gentleness of spirit
+which the Bishop so happily pourtrayed and so delightfully enforced, we
+should soon learn, both laity and clergy, in the great essentials to "be
+all of one mind; to love as brethren; to be courteous; to be patient toward
+all men, not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but
+contrarywise blessing." May the Lord speed the happy day when all the
+members and ministers of our Church may "_be clothed with humility_"--may
+have as the controlling principle of their lives, dwelling in them and
+pervading all their thoughts and actions, "_the meekness and gentleness of
+Christ_."
+
+The other particular to which I referred as worthy of some passing notice,
+I shall have to reserve for my next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+GREEN WOOD CEMETERY.
+
+     Brooklyn--Improvements--Ride--Approach to the
+     Cemetery--Views--Beautiful scenes.
+
+
+                                          _Seneca, July 29th._
+
+In my last I conducted you on my journey as far as Brooklyn, N. Y. My
+temporary stay there was at South Brooklyn, a portion of that enterprising
+town which has been but recently built up. Scarcely any thing during my
+tour has more astonished me than the wonderful growth of this place. From a
+little rural village, it has grown up, in a few years, to a city, which,
+though it cannot pretend to rival the mighty metropolis that lies spread
+out in gigantic dimensions on the other side of the river, can still number
+its _thirty_ or _forty_ thousand inhabitants. One of the causes that have
+contributed to the rapid growth of this town, is its vicinity to New York.
+Gentlemen engaged in business in New York, find it pleasant and healthful
+to have their residences located upon the hills of Brooklyn, which look off
+upon the beautiful bay, and are daily fanned with fresh breezes from the
+ocean. While Brooklyn is thus increasing in population, I was happy to find
+that a corresponding increase was observable in its religious institutions
+and houses of public worship. The temporary edifice occupied by the
+congregation of Christ Church, of which our friend the Rev. K. G---- is
+rector, is soon to be abandoned, and a new and beautiful Gothic structure
+is to be erected for the occupancy of that congregation. I was greatly
+delighted with what I saw of this congregation. The labours of our brother
+seem to have been peculiarly blessed. He has gathered around him a most
+interesting people, and God has sent among them already multiplied tokens
+of his converting grace. Whereever the Gospel is faithfully, and earnestly
+preached, and its holy precepts illustrated in the daily walk and
+conversation of those who "bear the vessels of the Lord," religion will
+prosper, and the church become like the garden of the Lord.
+
+But I commenced this letter with a view of giving you an account of another
+matter, referred to in my last--a visit to the Green Wood Cemetery.
+
+The friend with whom I was staying, charged me not to think of leaving
+Brooklyn without paying a visit to this Cemetery. I had heard something of
+these picturesque grounds, but had formed no adequate conception of their
+beauty. Several racy and graphic notices, from time to time, have appeared
+in the New York papers, as I since learned, of this magnificent ground
+plot, where is to be constructed a vast subterranean city for the dead.
+None of these, however, had fallen under my eye, and I therefore did not go
+prepared to witness the magnificent scene of wild and sylvan beauty, that a
+ride over these grounds revealed to me. My visit to this spot almost
+instantly unfolded to me the origin and propriety of its name, GREEN WOOD
+CEMETERY--a large portion of the grounds being covered with green wood.
+The great interest of this spot arises from the natural beauty of the
+grounds in connection with the association of the purpose to which it has
+been devoted: for as yet not a grave has been dug here, nor a monument
+reared.
+
+It was a bright sunny morning, while a bland balmy sea breeze refreshed the
+air, in which we started to visit the Green Wood Cemetery. We rode from
+South Brooklyn along on the margin of the bay, some two miles or more, till
+we had passed the little village of Gowanus, before we ascertained the
+exact locality of this future city of the dead. A short distance beyond the
+village just named, at a spot signalized in the Revolutionary war as the
+scene of a bloody engagement, we left the road, and entered a lane leading
+to the grounds of this Cemetery. This lane, from the gate onward, had all
+the appearance of wild and uncultivated rusticity, being shut in on either
+side with a sort of rude hedge, and shaded by forest trees and brushwood.
+For a while it conducted us through cultivated grounds, and we saw on each
+side of us, rich fields of grain, and corn growing in all the luxuriance of
+summer. Soon, however, this lane in its winding and upward course brought
+us into a scene perfectly sylvan, and woodland in its character. There was
+a stillness and seclusion around us that impressed us with the idea that we
+were in the depths of a vast forest,--such as we might expect to find a
+thousand miles from the great metropolis, whose steeples, and shipping, and
+scenes of vast activity were visible a few rods from the spot we now
+occupied. We had already entered upon the grounds of the Cemetery. They
+consist of about two hundred acres. I never before saw the same extent of
+territory combining such vast variety of scenery. There is here forest and
+field, hill and dale, streamlet and lake in such variety, and singular
+juxtaposition, that in following the circuitous avenue that conducts you
+over these grounds in a ride of four miles, one is impressed with the idea
+that he has been travelling over a very extended district of country. It
+was not only the grounds themselves, but the views we caught of distant
+objects, from different points of the winding avenue, that helped to give
+effect to this whole scene. As we proceeded, every turn of the carriage
+wheel, either brought to view some new developement of striking sylvan
+beauty, or opened upon us some new feature of loveliness, or grandeur in
+the surrounding prospect. At one point we were completely embosomed in
+trees, where all was stillness and deep repose as though we were shut up in
+some remote dell, amid the lofty and rugged Alleghanies. Then again we
+emerged into smiling plains, and sunny fields, and smooth lawns of deepest
+green. Again our path conducted us into a dense forest, and we directly
+found ourselves upon the wooded brow of a steep declivity, sweeping off
+down to the margin of a little silent lake, whose dark shaded waters gave
+back with more than pictorial beauty, every tree and limb, and leaf whose
+shadow fell upon their surface: and then soon we again emerged from this
+forest scene, and found grassy fields, and an extended open country lie
+stretching around us. The winding avenue which we traced, every few rods
+brought us to a point of observation, where the surrounding scenery, made
+up of bays and islands, rivers and mountains, cities and villages, farms
+and country houses, and forests, put on a new phase, and, like the turn of
+a kaleidoscope, presented a new and still more beautiful picture to the
+eye.
+
+The highest elevation of land in these grounds, is near their centre, and
+is said to be the highest point of land upon Long Island,--it manifestly is
+the highest point in this part of the Island. It is called Mount
+Washington, from a determination already formed on the part of the
+proprietors of this ground, to erect upon its summit a lofty and
+magnificent monument to the Father of his country. From this elevated
+point, a panoramic view of surpassing beauty, in almost illimitable
+perspective, opens upon the eye. In one direction you see the blue waves of
+the outstretched ocean, upon which are visible all along the margin of the
+horizon, the whitened canvass of a hundred receding or approaching vessels;
+while in the intervening space, are seen the plains of Flatland and
+Flatbush, covered with grain, and verdure, and orchards, and forests,
+villages, hamlets, and farm-houses. Turning directly around, the whole bay
+of New York, with its beauteous islands, and the two magnificent rivers,
+whose mingled waters form the bay, together with the great metropolis
+itself, burst upon the view. Or to trace the prospect more leisurely:--at
+one point, you see in the distance, Sandy Hook, and the Lighthouse; and a
+little further to the right, Staten Island, the Lazaretto, Brighton, and
+the Jersey shore: still farther to the right appears Jersey City,--the
+waters of the broad Hudson, and along its banks, the palisades, and, still
+higher up, the highlands fading away in the dim distance. At a point in the
+landscape much nearer us rises to view the city of New York with its canopy
+of perpetual haze,--its hundred spires, and encircling forests of masts,
+while in still closer vicinage we can trace the East River, with all its
+busy show of commerce, and see Brooklyn sitting like a bridal queen upon
+this shore of the island.
+
+We have often followed the remains of some friend, or parishioner, to the
+picturesque grounds of our own LAUREL HILL--we have _traced_ each winding
+walk among the groves and tombs of MOUNT VERNON, and gazed upon the various
+monuments, the sculptured tombs, the dark shrubbery, and encircling scenery
+of _Pere la Chaise_; but we have no where seen such combined beauties, and
+natural advantages for a rural cemetery, as in the grounds which we have
+here attempted to describe. And what will these grounds be some hundred
+years hence, when art shall have reared up in every vale, around the margin
+of every lake, and upon every hill-side a thousand marble monuments, and
+when a larger population shall be ensepulchred here, than the living mass
+of beings that now inhabit New York and Brooklyn? What multitudes and
+myriads will those two cities within the next hundred years send to be
+entombed here! How will the population of this subterranean city go on
+increasing, till all these acres are covered over with piles of human dust!
+And what a scene will be exhibited here, when the last trumpet sounds! What
+myriads will start up here at that call! "For all that are in their graves
+shall hear his voice and come forth!" And how solemn the truth which the
+Saviour subjoins,--"they that have done good unto the resurrection of life,
+and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation!"
+
+I have lingered so long about the grounds of Green Wood Cemetery, that I
+can tell you nothing in my present letter about our excursion to Rhode
+Island.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+RHODE ISLAND.
+
+     Sail up the Sound--Burning of the
+     Lexington--Providence--Meeting of old friends--Mr.
+     Emerson--Transcendentalism--Westerly.
+
+
+                                         _Seneca, August 1._
+
+In my last I was principally occupied in giving you some account of the
+picturesque grounds of Green Wood Cemetery. It was on Tuesday afternoon,
+the thirtieth of June, at five o'clock, that we started in the well-built
+and beautiful steamer MASSACHUSETTS, on our way upon an excursion to Rhode
+Island. The scenery along the East River and up the Sound presents
+evidences of higher cultivation, but possesses features of less native
+picturesque wildness and rural beauty, than that which opens to view along
+the pathway of the Hudson. The atmosphere we encountered on our way to the
+steamboat issuing from every street of the great metropolis we had just
+left, was like the heat from a burning furnace. In delightful contrast with
+this, was the cool refreshing breeze that played around the bow of our
+advancing steamer, as we tracked our way up the river and along through the
+whirlpools and breakers of Hurlgate, a pass far more formidable, and
+requiring vastly more nautical skill than the famous Straits of Pelorus
+with Scylla on one side and Charybdis on the other. The evening was
+beautiful, and our sail up the Sound proved truly delightful. The last rays
+of twilight were beginning to fade away, and the countless stars studding
+the arched firmament, to twinkle with unwonted brightness, when we reached
+the spot where we were told the ill-fated LEXINGTON met her disastrous end.
+I could not but contrast the scene around me at the moment with the events
+of that awful night. We were sailing along over the tranquil and starlit
+bosom of the Sound, with the balmy breath of a summer evening fanning us:
+with no alarms within,--no raging tempest without. But on that fearful
+night, and aboard that ill-fated vessel, what a scene was exhibited! What
+amazement and terror and dismay must have seized every heart when the
+conflagration broke forth in all its fury! What added exceedingly to the
+excitement, and no doubt tended greatly to bereave many of all
+self-possession and presence of mind, was that the fire burst out in the
+central part of the steamer, cutting off all communication between those
+occupying the forward and the hinder part of the boat. Thus, in this moment
+of awful peril, husbands and wives,--parents and children, brothers and
+sisters were suddenly separated from each other by a wall of fire, and
+deprived of each other's counsel when most they needed it: and thus they
+were filled with increased alarm, not only for themselves, but for each
+other. Alas! this was an hour when no man could help his brother,--when the
+parent could neither save himself nor his children. If they remained on
+board the burning vessel, they must be consumed. If they plunged into the
+roaring waves they would sink into the depths beneath, and find there a
+watery grave: or if they should escape the fury of the waves by clinging
+to a bale of cotton, or some floating part of the wreck, the chill winds of
+winter, and the icy waters that dashed over them, would soon stagnate and
+freeze to the very fountain the warm current of life. Thus all the elements
+of nature were armed against them, flame, and flood, and frost, and they
+could not escape. No imagination can conceive the horror or agony of the
+scene! I leaned over the side of our steamer, as we passed the spot where
+this awful scene occurred, and tried to picture to myself some of its
+outlines. Even the picture which rose before me was too awful to
+contemplate.
+
+What a lesson that disaster ought to teach us of our entire dependence upon
+God for safety while travelling by land or by sea! What an admonition ought
+it to sound in our ears to be always ready for death! We know not the day
+nor the hour in which the Son of Man cometh! Our death may be as sudden,
+and as unexpected, as that of any of those on board the Lexington, though
+it occur in our own dwelling, and in the bosom of our family. If we are
+truly the Lord's people, and our names are in the Lamb's book of life, it
+matters little _when_, or _where_ death meets us: for then the grizly king
+becomes the friendly porter that opens to us the golden gates of paradise.
+
+The more usual course that passengers now pursue to Providence and Boston
+is to stop at Stonington, and take the railroad cars from that point. By
+this means they reach Providence and Boston several hours earlier than they
+were accustomed to by the old route. But as the steamboat arrives at
+Stonington long before morning, we were not disposed to leave our quiet
+berths for the sake of reaching Providence some three or four hours earlier
+than we otherwise should, and therefore kept on in the old course around
+Point Judith touching at Newport.
+
+The time that we spent at Providence in the midst of our old friends, I
+need not tell you, was passed most delightfully. The church where I once
+preached the reconciling word, the lecture-room where I saw countenances
+that called up with thrilling emotions the memory of days and scenes that
+will be fresh in my recollection through all eternity,--the private circle
+where cordial greetings, and more than Highland welcomes met us, all these
+and the countless associations they awakened, seemed to throw around us
+such a circle of enchantment, that, when the time had elapsed which we had
+designed to spend there, we still lingered from day to day, as though
+unable to pass that circle. If there be one draught of enjoyment more
+delicious than another which a Christian minister is permitted to drink
+this side of heaven, it is, when after years of absence, he returns to
+visit the flock from whom in the providence of God he was removed, and with
+whom his labours were once greatly blessed, and finds those for whose
+salvation he laboured, and whom he was instrumental in introducing into the
+fold of the Redeemer, "standing fast in the Lord," and exhibiting "the
+fruits of the Spirit;" or learns that those who are gone, and are numbered
+with the dead, departed in the triumphs of Christian faith. St. John could
+say, "_I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the
+truth._" And St. Paul, "_For now we live if ye stand fast in the Lord._"
+The highest zest of the pleasure I enjoyed in this visit to the scene of my
+former labours, arose from what I saw and heard of the stability, and
+increased spirituality of a people with whom I hope to sit down one day,
+in company with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God.
+
+You are familiar with the whole topography of Rhode Island, and therefore I
+need say nothing of the interblending of rural scenery and retirement, with
+city embellishment and comfort, which so eminently distinguish not a few of
+the neat and elegant residences in Providence. There is one feature in the
+moral character of this city, which distinguishes it from most other New
+England towns. In almost all New England the great mass of mind is
+educated, and the people upon all subjects think for themselves. Generally,
+however, especially in the interior, the descendants of the Puritans,
+cleave in religious matters to the faith of their forefathers, and are
+opposed to all change. But in Rhode Island, there has always been a more
+liberal, and free-thinking spirit on the subject of religion than in any of
+the other New England states.--It was here that Roger Williams fled when
+his Puritan brethren would not tolerate him in the Bay state. It was
+through his influence that a more enlightened feeling in reference to
+religious toleration was made to pervade the community settling at
+Providence, than was found at that period in any other New England town.
+And probably there is no place in our country, where, at this time, a more
+kind and catholic spirit, or a greater freedom from the influence of
+narrow, sectarian feeling prevails, than here. This tolerant spirit,
+however, in some minds, manifests a strong tendency to latitudinarianism.
+Hence, perhaps, there is no community in the world where a new religious
+sect would so soon gather intelligent adherents as at Providence, and no
+where, where more sound and able, and fearless advocates would rise up to
+defend "the faith once delivered to the saints." I have been led into this
+train of reflection, from encountering a greater prevalence of the
+transcendental spirit, at Providence, than I have anywhere before met in
+our country. This offshoot of German neology, issuing from the same parent
+stock with Socinianism, finds a congenial soil in a Unitarian community.
+You are aware that the Rev. Mr. Emerson, formerly a Unitarian minister at
+Boston, has embraced transcendentalism in all its heights and depths.
+Whether he be actually deranged, as some suppose, or not, matters very
+little, since multitudes, and some who desire to be classed among the
+_elite_ of the land, are ready to gather around him and receive the law of
+their belief from his mouth. He has recently made a visit to Providence,
+and developed by means of lectures and conversations, his peculiar views.
+He is spoken of as a man of genius, and wonderfully attractive. He is a
+thorough pantheist. He believes that every thing in nature is a part of
+God--that good men are incarnations of Deity, and that it was in this sense
+alone, that God is said to be "_made flesh_" in the person of Jesus Christ.
+He places Socrates, and Zoroaster and Jesus in the same category, and
+considers that they differed from each other only in the degree of
+inspiration which they had. He thinks that the writings of Socrates and
+Plato, and Zoroaster should be bound up in the same volume with the Bible,
+and that they are entitled to more confidence, and marked with deeper
+wisdom than some portions of our present canon of Scripture.
+
+During Mr. Emerson's stay at Providence, having advanced some crude idea,
+he was referred to a saying of the Saviour, which contradicted his
+position: when he very deliberately replied, "_Jesus was mistaken_." On
+another occasion speaking of the Saviour, he said: "Jesus was a very good
+man, I wish he had been better: he had no fun, no humour in his character,
+in this respect he was imperfect." Such are some of the specimens of gross
+infidelity, which the abettors of transcendentalism in New England, openly
+put forth. The charm of this transcendental scheme consists partly in the
+metaphysical mystification, the sentimental namby-pambyism,--the crazed
+poetic inspiration, with which the masters of this school speak and write.
+Then there is much to soothe and flatter the pride of the human heart, in
+the idea which they would have every man take up that he is a pure
+emanation of Deity,--a bright scintillation from the divine mind, and that
+all he has to do, is to follow the lofty inspirations of his own mind, and
+then he will sparkle forth along the track of being, an incarnate God. One
+very truly remarked in relation to transcendentalism, that it was no new
+doctrine,--that it was taught as long ago as when man was in the garden of
+Eden: even then, the father of lies, said to our first ancestors, eat the
+forbidden fruit, and "_ye shall be as gods_."
+
+In the midst of abounding iniquity and multiplying error, it behoves the
+friends of truth to stand on the watch tower and give the people timely
+warning. I felt greatly refreshed and truly delighted in various interviews
+with the clergy whom I met in Rhode Island. My mind naturally reverted to
+the scenes of former days, when I was so pleasantly associated with them,
+and when we used to meet at the monthly Convocations as a band of brothers,
+having one heart and one mind, and labouring together for one simple
+object, the upbuilding of the Saviour's kingdom and the glory of God. Great
+changes since that period have taken place. Some of these brethren have
+gone to the north, and some to the south--some to the east, and some to the
+west; and yet the character of the Rhode Island clergy continues the same.
+Take them all in all, I know of no set of men more thoroughly evangelical
+or more truly devoted to the best interests of the Church of Christ; or
+occupying a more elevated stand for piety and learning and talents, than
+the clergy of Rhode Island.
+
+I passed a few days at Westerly, and could not but remember with gratitude
+my first visit to this place some six years ago. As I saw the beautiful
+church--the neat parsonage house--the respectable congregation, and the
+multiplied tokens of true piety around me, I could not but say, "_What hath
+God wrought!_" Never can I doubt that the power of God is connected with
+_Revivals of religion_, while I remember the scenes of Westerly--while so
+many "fruits of the Spirit" remain, of consistent, devoted, exemplary
+followers of Christ, brought to a knowledge of the truth in a revival.
+Because men get up imitations of the work of the Lord, as the magicians did
+of the miracles of Moses, it does not invalidate the Lord's work any more
+than those magical attempts did the truth of his miracles.
+
+I have room only to add, if the Lord permits, you will soon hear from me
+again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE SUDDEN STORM.
+
+     Rapid travelling--Auburn--Stage coach--Seneca
+     Lake--Summer's sultry heat--Sudden change--Fierce
+     tempest--Imminent peril.
+
+
+                                         _Seneca, August 6th._
+
+In our journey to this place, we had a practical illustration of the
+increased facilities and greatly accelerated movements of modern
+travelling. Having left New York on Wednesday evening, the fifteenth of
+July, at five o'clock, we found ourselves the next evening, before nine
+o'clock, at Auburn--a distance but little short of three hundred and fifty
+miles, which was passed over, omitting, in our reckoning, the time spent at
+Albany, Utica, and Syracuse, in about twenty-one hours.
+
+I cannot now stop to notice the refreshing influence of the broad-swelling
+tide of the noble Hudson as we sailed up this stream--nor the picturesque
+aspect of the palisades--nor the more sublime features of the rugged and
+sombre highlands, throwing their dark shadows upon the moonlit waters
+below; neither can I now stay to tell you any thing of the improvements in
+the capital of the great empire state, nor of the improving aspect of the
+interior city, which stands, as it were, on the dividing line between
+Eastern and Western New York--nor yet of the peculiarities of the rising
+town, which is the centre and the great emporium of the salt trade, and
+which has appropriated to itself the dignified name of the renowned city
+where the great Archimides met his fate. Passing by all these, with
+railroad speed, and all the varied beauties of a magnificent agricultural
+region, I hasten to give you some account of an adventure in which we found
+ourselves involved just before arriving at this place. The railroad is
+completed no farther than Auburn, from which place we were obliged to come
+on in a common stage coach. The morning was very hot and dusty, and our
+ride, although only about twenty miles, seemed long and tedious. The driver
+of our coach, in order to avoid the deep sand between Waterloo and Geneva,
+took the lake-road, which brought us on to the beach of the lake, about
+three miles from Geneva. From this point, on quite to the village, we keep
+along upon the circling margin of the lake, with the waters of the broad
+Seneca dashing up over the pebbly shore, almost laving with every returning
+surge the carriage wheels. Here too we see the whole expanse of the lake,
+which is about three miles wide, together with the beautiful farms that
+sweep away from the shores back into the country; and are also able to
+follow the long track of these far stretching waters many miles towards
+their head. Upon a noble and finely-elevated bluff of land which forms the
+shore and northwestern corner of this beautiful lake, the village of
+Geneva, with its colleges and churches, and stores and elegant residences,
+surrounded with gardens and embowered in shade, lies spread out in one
+noble panoramic view. We had reached the point where all this scene of
+beauty opened upon us. We thought we never saw the lake more placid--nor
+all nature more quiet. Every thing seemed to be oppressed with the weight
+of the sultry and heated atmosphere. Immediately around us was a rural
+district, from the living features of which Thomson might have drawn all
+the pictures that make up one scene of his SUMMER. A various group of herds
+and flocks were scattered around us. Some lay ruminating on the grassy
+bank; while others stood half in the flood, and "often bent to sip the
+circling surface." Deeper in the lake drooped the strong laborious ox "of
+honest front, which incomposed he shook;" and lashed from his sides the
+troublous insects with his tail. Not a breath of air seemed to shake a
+bough of the leafy elm, or spread a ripple over the glassy waters. But as
+we rode leisurely along the sandy beach, a little cloud seemed gathering
+over the lake, and now and then a faint gleam of lightning played with
+fitful and flickering blaze over its darkening fold. We had nearly reached
+the place of our destination, and were congratulating ourselves that we
+should be in the midst of our friends and under safe shelter before the
+shower reached us. But scarcely had we thought this, before the heavens
+began to gather blackness and the wind to rise and roar as though a tempest
+were coming. And indeed a tempest was coming; for scarcely five minutes had
+elapsed after the first visible indications of the coming storm before a
+perfect gale struck us. The waters of the lake were dashed into the wildest
+scene of agitation--the trunks, and band-boxes, and baggage began to be
+blown from the top of our coach, and chased along on the ground, "like a
+rolling thing before the whirlwind." And then the rain began to descend,
+and to rush into our carriage as though the water had been scooped up from
+the lake and poured upon us in a torrent. We had no time to fasten down
+the uprolled curtains of our coach; we had no time to protect ourselves in
+any way--our baggage was flying--our horses were frightened--our driver
+could hardly keep in his seat. And still the storm increased: the wind
+swept down in a narrow column from the head of the lake with all the fury
+of a tornado, and blew our horses and coach quite up against the fence,
+where the rain continued to come in upon us as though a water spout had
+broken directly over our heads. But this was not our greatest difficulty.
+Our carriage was now in a position in which it seemed impossible that it
+should not be upset. The wheels had already become entangled in the fence.
+One of the huge stakes of the fence was thrust into the window of our
+carriage which we could not remove, while the carriage itself was rocking,
+and nearly on its side. The horses all this time were floundering and
+jumping, and exceedingly restive; but the wind was so strong that they
+could not move forward. There were three ladies in the coach, of whom I had
+the care, besides my wife and children, and nurse. Never before did I so
+fully realize that I was held in the hollow of God's hand, as at this
+perilous moment. For at least five minutes there seemed to be but a hair's
+breadth between us and death. But we looked unto the Lord, and he delivered
+us. In a few moments the storm abated--the rain ceased--the dark clouds
+rolled away, and the sun came forth as bright and as lustrous as though no
+mist or dark thunder cloud had ever obscured his disk.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST.
+
+     Sunday--Sacred worship--The sanctuary recalling
+     youthful scenes--Early plighted vows at the table of
+     the Lord--Retrospect--Mournful reflections--Change in
+     the congregation--Mr. and Mrs. N---- The
+     C----family--Col. T---- Village burial ground--C----The
+     buried pastor--My mother--Palmyra--Early ministerial
+     labours--Lyons.
+
+
+                                        _Fairfield, Aug. 15th._
+
+In these GLEANINGS BY THE WAY, I have very little plan or method, but send
+you just what happens to interest me most at the time.
+
+Perhaps there are no two places that we visit, after long years of absence,
+with so much interest as _the sanctuary_ where we first plighted our vows
+of allegiance at the sacramental table to Jehovah, and the old, shaded
+_burial place_ where repose the ashes of many whom we knew and loved in
+early life. In my late excursion through Western New York, I was permitted
+to enjoy this pleasing, yet melancholy satisfaction. Upon the first Sunday
+of the present month, I was permitted to worship in the sanctuary where
+twenty-two years before I first knelt at the communion table to receive the
+consecrated symbols of my Saviour's dying love. As I stood within the rail
+of the altar and looked around that sanctuary, a tide of thought rushed
+upon me, awakening in my mind varied and conflicting emotions.
+
+The sacred place with its history called up some pleasing reflections. I
+could not but rejoice that "_the truth as it is in Jesus_," continued to be
+proclaimed there, and that the cross of Christ was perpetually held up as
+the sinner's only hope. I could not but rejoice to see the increase and
+prosperity of Christ's spiritual flock; the number of communicants having
+swelled from _fifty_ to nearly _two hundred_. I could not but be thankful
+to remember how mercifully and kindly the Lord had led me through the
+wilderness for more than twenty years, and how unerringly he had fulfilled
+all his covenant promises!
+
+But there were also painful reflections called up by what I saw before me.
+Remembering as I did that here, in this spot my covenant vows were pledged
+before high heaven, I could not but recollect how far I had fallen short of
+that entire consecration to God--that separation from the world, and
+supreme love for Christ, implied in those vows--I could not but recollect
+what poor returns I had rendered to that Saviour who had laid down his life
+for my redemption, to that merciful God
+
+    *   *   *   *   *   * that sought me
+    Wretched wanderer, far astray;
+      Found me lost, and kindly brought me
+    From the paths of death away.
+
+Since the hour I had first knelt at that altar to consecrate myself to the
+service of Jehovah, his covenant promises had been all verified. "Not one
+thing had failed of all the good things which the Lord my God had spoken
+concerning me." During all this period, "his loving kindness he had not
+taken away, nor suffered his faithfulness to fail." But amid all these
+unwearied displays of divine faithfulness, alluring me with the sweetness
+of spiritual joys, and rousing my dullness, as well as rebuking my
+waywardness with the chastenings of a father's rod, how often had I, like
+Israel of old, by spiritual declension, and worldly conformity "forsaken
+the Lord--provoked the holy one of Israel unto anger, and gone away
+backward!" Most overwhelming, indeed, would have been the review of the
+past, but for that voice of redeeming love which breathed from the altar on
+which lay the symbols of Christ's great sacrifice, saying--"the blood of
+Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin." "Come now, and let us reason
+together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as
+white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." "If
+any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the
+righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins."
+
+The scene within that sanctuary also awakened other mournful reflections. A
+large congregation sat before me, but where were the individuals and
+families that twenty years before filled those pews? Only here and there
+amid the assembled congregation could be traced a familiar countenance. The
+great mass had gone! Some had undoubtedly left the place and removed to
+other parts of the country; but the majority of the senior members of the
+former congregation, had finished their probation and gone to the Spirit
+land! How solemn did the place seem as I stood and looked upon the mere
+handful now remaining of that large congregation that once filled this
+temple. There were four pews to which my eye was particularly directed. I
+recollected distinctly how they were occupied twenty years ago. Each of the
+families that sat in those pews were among the most respectable and
+influential people in the place. Regular as the Sabbath morn came, was Mr.
+and Mrs. N---- with their large and interesting family seen moving up the
+aisle in a dignified train and with looks of deepest seriousness towards
+their pew. He was for a long time one of the wardens of the church. He had
+filled some most important posts of civil duty, and enjoyed the esteem and
+respect of all. Mrs. N---- afforded in her whole life a most lovely
+specimen of consistent, dignified, matronly piety. So extensive were the
+charities of this family, that it might almost literally be said of them,
+that "they were eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame. They delivered the
+poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help
+him,"--so that in truth wherever they went in the neighbourhood of their
+own home, "the blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon them; and
+they caused the widow's heart to sing for joy." But those venerable forms,
+those worthy characters, were no longer to be seen in that pew. Long since
+they had been borne to the place of the dead, and several of those children
+that used to sit by them, had also been laid by their side in the grave.
+Adjoining this pew, was another occupied by a family of great
+respectability and worth. The head of this family was one who filled a
+large space in the public mind, and for many years held a seat in the
+highest legislative council of the nation. I looked for him in that pew,
+but he was not there! he was numbered with the dead! I was wont to see amid
+that family group, a young beautiful blooming girl--the pride of her
+parents' hearts, but now _she_ was not there! She had been married, and
+had every thing around her that earth could afford to make one happy. But
+in the midst of all that was bright and lovely, consumption had fixed its
+deadly blight upon her, and nothing could rescue her from the grave.
+
+I looked across the church to two other pews, their former occupants,
+though they were families that had been long residents in the place, and
+possessed great wealth and respectability, were gone. Not a single
+representative of either family remained in the congregation or the place.
+Mr. C----, the head of one of these families, was also long a warden of the
+church. They had a lovely daughter, who was an only child. I well recollect
+her appearance in the house of God. She was a delicate flower, and most
+tenderly was she nurtured by her affectionate parents. All their earthly
+hopes seemed to centre in her. No expense was spared in her education.
+Every advantage that was supposed calculated to refine her taste, cultivate
+and expand her intellect, embellish her manners, and fit her to shine in
+the world, was placed within her reach. She was indeed a lovely young
+being. She had already interested the affections of one every way worthy of
+her. He was highly educated--of an excellent moral character, and belonged
+to a family of great wealth, influence and respectability--the very family
+who occupied the other pew of which I am soon to speak. But strong parental
+affection, high personal accomplishments--the brightest prospects in life,
+and the warm attachment of a devoted lover, could not shield Susan from the
+power of disease, or the cold iron grasp of death. The long grass now waves
+over her grave, and her broken-hearted father lies by her side. Their large
+estate has been scattered to the winds--and her mother resides in a
+distant part of the land a lonely widow.
+
+I have already alluded to a fourth pew in this sanctuary, whose occupants I
+had some twenty years before so often seen in this place of worship. Col.
+T---- held a proud place among the distinguished and influential men in
+Western New-York. He possessed all which wealth and high standing and
+extensive influence can impart to secure to himself and family the most
+unalloyed earthly enjoyment. And I trust that he had something better than
+this, even that hope, which sheds light over the gloom and darkness of the
+grave. He and his family were regular attendants upon the service of the
+sanctuary. He had two sons whom he expected would inherit a portion of his
+property and perpetuate his name in the world. But the youngest to whom we
+have before alluded, did not long linger upon the shores of time, after he
+saw the object of his young affections torn from him and swallowed up in
+the grave. His only surviving brother, in the very midst of life, shortly
+followed him. And soon his father and his mother were laid by his side.
+This is a picture--a miniature picture of life! Thus doth "the fashion of
+this world pass away!" What solemn testimony was before me, that "all flesh
+is grass, and all the goodliness thereof as the flower of the field." How
+emphatic then did the words of the prophet seem--"The grass withereth, the
+flower fadeth; because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the
+people is grass." Not only had the flock changed--but the pastor was also
+gone! He who had instructed my youth--who had led me to the Saviour--who
+had first broken to me the sacramental bread, and given some of the first
+impulses to my preparation for the ministry--no longer stood before that
+altar--his voice was no longer heard in that sanctuary! A simple marble
+slab placed in the recess behind the pulpit, told the melancholy tale that
+he too had gone to the spirit land.
+
+The account I have given you of my visit to this sanctuary, is so full of
+death I need scarcely take you to the village burial ground. It was a
+place, however, consecrated by the dust of too many dear friends for me to
+abstain from treading among its grass-covered and heaped hillocks of earth.
+This burial place, consisting of several acres of ground, enclosed by a
+neat pale, and shaded by shrubbery and trees, was located in the outskirts
+of the town, and at present, is seldom used for interments. A solitary walk
+amid its graves brought up a long train of recollections of the past. How
+mournful, yet how sacred did I find the satisfaction of brushing away the
+long grass that had grown over the spot where reposed the mouldered ashes
+of one who gamboled with me amid the sports of childhood's careless hour,
+and rushed onward at my side in life's joyous course till youth was
+ripening into manhood, and then the barbed arrow of death met him, and he
+fell like a young, vigorous, foliage-clad tree, struck by heaven's bolt, in
+all the freshness of his existence! How mysterious and inscrutable did the
+ways of Providence appear to me as I trod down the tall weeds that had
+grown up around the grave of one who had been associated with me during a
+portion of my academical life, and who looked forward to the same
+profession with myself! C---- had one of the warmest and most amiable
+hearts that ever beat within the human bosom. He had faults of character,
+but they were all counterbalanced and lost amid the many excellencies that
+distinguished him. He had long contended with poverty and discouragements
+of various kinds, in order to press his way towards the sacred ministry.
+After years of toil, and sacrifices of every kind, when he had just reached
+the goal, and was to be invested with the ministry of reconciliation,
+disease fastened upon his earthly tabernacle, and he sank down in death. No
+tender mother, nor kind sister was near to close his dying eyes. No family
+friends were present to follow his remains to the tomb. There he lies in a
+lone spot, far from the home of his childhood, with the weeds grown up all
+around his grave, and few that pass by understand the full import of the
+simple inscription of the marble slab that marks the spot where his ashes
+repose!
+
+And there too, amid the gathered crowd of the dead, was all that remained
+of the mortal part of one whose voice had been heard a hundred times amid
+those grounds repeating the solemn burial service of our Church. But years
+have passed away since that service was repeated over him. Well do I
+recollect the melancholy occasion, when the cold icy clod of winter fell
+upon his coffin, as the affecting words were pronounced--"_We commit his
+body to the ground: earth to earth--ashes to ashes, dust to dust._" I could
+not pass through those grounds without paying a visit to the grave of the
+buried minister, for he had not only shed spiritual light upon my path, but
+was united to me by the strong ties of kindred and blood. He was my own
+brother! The grass was green over his grave; for it had flourished there
+undisturbed for more than twelve years.
+
+But no spot in all that ground seemed so sacred, or so pregnant with power
+to awaken deep emotions and melt my soul into tenderness, as my mother's
+grave! What a volume of past recollections does every visit to that grave
+call up! What hallowed thoughts and sacred remembrances stand associated
+with the dust that slumbers in that narrow house? Can I ever forget a
+sainted mother's love! Can I ever forget the hour she took my tiny hand
+into hers and led me to a secret place there to pray for me and to teach me
+how to lift up my infant voice to the Creator of the skies? Can I ever
+forget how each night and morning in childhood's happy days I knelt at her
+side to repeat "OUR FATHER?" Can I ever forget how in my childish sorrows
+her voice soothed my distress, and her bright beaming smile spread a
+sunshine around my path? Can I ever forget how, when sickness came upon me,
+and the scorchings of fever sent the blood boiling through my veins, she
+hung over me like a guardian angel--laid her soft hand upon my burning
+brow, and night after night sat and watched by my pillow? Can I ever forget
+that look of holy rapture and unutterable gratitude that lit up her
+countenance when the constraining love of Christ first led her unworthy
+child to go forward and take hold of the horns of the altar? And above all,
+can I ever forget her prayers and solemn counsel, her holy trust in Christ
+and upward looking towards the summit of the everlasting hills, when the
+icy hand of death was upon her, and her hold upon life was breaking away?
+And could I stand by her grave, and not have these recollections come
+thronging upon me? But I must stop. I had almost forgotten that I was
+writing for the eye of others. Did I not know that many into whose hands
+these remarks will fall, have also stood by _a mother's grave_, and
+thought and felt unutterable things, and will therefore appreciate the
+source and sacredness of these feelings to which I have been almost
+involuntarily led to give expression, I would immediately erase them from
+this sheet.
+
+But I have lingered over these scenes much longer than I intended. I had
+purposed to give you some account of an excursion I made to Palmyra and
+Lyons, two rising and beautiful villages located within sixteen miles of
+each other, at different points on the line of the great Erie Canal. The
+whole range of country from Geneva onward to these villages, and still
+farther north till we reach the shores washed by the waves of the broad
+Ontario, which expands before the eye like a great inland sea, is one of
+the richest and most beautiful farming districts found in our country. This
+region, fourteen years ago, was the scene of my early missionary labours.
+It was then comparatively a new country. A change has come over the whole
+aspect of this agricultural district, and that within so limited a period,
+that it would almost seem to have been effected by the wand of enchantment.
+Edifices too for public worship have been raised, and the sound of the
+church-going bell is now heard in many places where a few years since all
+seemed like spiritual desolation. The Episcopal Church had neither
+existence nor local habitation in the county of Wayne fourteen years ago.
+An effort had been previously made at Palmyra to establish the Episcopal
+Church, but it proved abortive. Palmyra, Lyons, and Sodus, were the
+principal points where my early ministerial labours were bestowed. Here we
+organized churches, and in two places commenced rearing up houses of public
+worship. In each of these three places they now have a settled pastor. I
+spent a Sabbath most delightfully at Palmyra, preaching in the neat and
+tasteful church edifice erected there. Most deeply affecting was it to see
+among the serious and exemplary communicants of this church some who during
+my residence in that place were among the giddiest youth of the village.
+
+At Lyons they are building a beautiful stone Gothic Church--which will be
+an ornament to the village, and highly creditable to those engaged in this
+enterprise. I have met with but few men, to whom upon so short an
+acquaintance, I have felt my heart more drawn than to the worthy young
+pastor placed over this congregation. His ministerial fidelity, attractive
+pulpit powers, and lovely Christian character seem to have attracted all
+hearts towards him. Here too, was I delighted to find among the
+communicants some whom I had baptized in infancy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE ORIGIN OF THE MORMON DELUSION.
+
+     The golden Bible--Moral, political, and numercial
+     importance of the Mormon sect--Views of
+     Revelation--Causes that have contributed to spread
+     Mormonism--Martin Harris--Interview with the
+     author--Transcripts from the golden Bible--Jo Smith,
+     the Mormon prophet--His early history--First pretended
+     revelation--His marriage--Chest containing the golden
+     Bible--Attempts to disinter it--Consequence--Delusion
+     of Harris--Translation and publication of the _Book of
+     Mormon_.
+
+
+The sketch that follows, detailing some facts connected with the rise and
+origin of Mormonism, is made up partly of a series of letters written by
+the author in 1840 for the columns of the EPISCOPAL RECORDER, a religious
+periodical published in Philadelphia, of which he is one of the editors,
+and partly of facts and documents that have since come into his hands.
+
+The present chapter contains the substance of the first letter of the
+series referred to.
+
+                                            _Palmyra, Aug. 24th._
+
+I proceed to give some account of the rise and origin of the Mormon
+delusion, as I am now in the region where this imposture first sprung up.
+In the town of Manchester, about six miles from this place, may still be
+seen an excavation in the side of a hill, from whence, according to the
+assertion of the Mormon prophet, the metallic plates, sometimes called THE
+GOLDEN BIBLE, were disinterred. A writer in the NEW YORK EVENING EXPRESS,
+who has been recently travelling in the West, remarks that "the Mormons
+have assumed a moral and political importance which is but very imperfectly
+understood." He then proceeds to add in relation to them that, "associated
+on the religious principle, under a prophet and leader, whose mysterious
+and awful claims to divine inspiration make his voice to believers like the
+voice of God; trained to sacrifice their individuality; to utter one cry;
+to think and act in crowds; with minds that seem to have been struck from
+the sphere of reason on one subject; and left to wander like lost stars,
+amid the dark mazes and winding ways of religious error; these remarkable
+sectaries must necessarily hold in their hands a fearful balance of
+political power. In the midst of contending parties, a single hand might
+turn their influence, with tremendous effect, to which ever side presented
+the most potent attraction, and should they ever become disposed to exert
+their influence for evil, which may Heaven prevent, they would surround our
+institutions with an element of danger, more to be dreaded than an armed
+and hundred-eyed police." It is not, however, in reference to their
+political, but to their _religious_ influence, that we entertain a degree
+of apprehension. This sect has been organized only about ten years, and yet
+they profess to number, in their society, _one hundred thousand_ souls.
+This undoubtedly is an exaggeration, but it has been stated from a source
+upon which reliance can be placed, that there are probably not less than
+_sixty thousand_ persons now professing the Mormon faith. It is said also
+that they are putting forth the most indefatigable efforts by itinerant
+missionaries, both in this country and in Europe, to make proselytes to
+their creed. These facts show the importance of spreading upon the columns
+of our religious journals from time to time statements that tend to unveil
+the trickery and artifice by which this system of imposture was got up and
+continues to be perpetuated.
+
+There are two or three reasons why the Mormon delusion has spread so
+rapidly, and which will probably continue to give it more or less currency.
+
+One cause is, that it fully and cordially admits the truth of the sacred
+Scriptures. Did it discard all previous revelation,--pour contempt upon the
+Saviour of the world, and set up an independent claim for a revelation
+wholly new, it would have gained comparatively few adherents. But
+recognizing the truth and credibility of the sacred Scriptures, and
+retaining as it does, many doctrines which are held in common by different
+denominations of Christians, and covering its own absurdities with imposing
+forms and lofty pretensions, it opens a winning asylum for all the
+disaffected and dissatisfied of other persuasions, and contains much that
+is congenial to almost every shade of radicalism, or erratic religious
+character.
+
+Another cause which has contributed to the rapid spread of this imposture,
+is, that it appeals strongly to the love of the marvellous,--to that thirst
+and anxiety, so rife with a certain class of mind, to know more than God
+would have us know,--to find some discovery that will carry us farther than
+revelation,--to get some one to come back from the grave, and tell us what
+is in eternity,--to see with our own eyes a miracle, and obtain some new
+glimpse of the invisible world. There is manifestly existing in a certain
+order of men, in every part of the world, and in every period of time, a
+strong propensity of this sort. What but this propensity would have given
+such potent and almost irresistible influence to _Joan d' Arc_, who, from
+an ostler maid in an obscure country inn in France, by claiming heavenly
+inspirations, and pretending to see visions, and to hear divine voices
+calling her to re-establish the throne of France, and to expel the foreign
+invaders, rose to such surprising eminence and power, as to be the very
+pivot upon which the destinies of the whole nation turned!--as to be
+invested with the military conduct of the French army,--directing and
+raising sieges,--inspiring the troops with invincible courage, and
+spreading disaster and defeat through all the ranks of the British army, so
+that the Duke of Bedford, after all the previous success and triumph of the
+English arms at Verneuil and Orleans, and with all his tact and ability,
+could scarcely keep any footing in France? What but this deep-rooted
+propensity could have prepared men to have received the dreams, and
+reveries, and pretended revelation of Emanuel Swedenborg, or of Ann Lee; or
+to have yielded up their reason to a belief in the clairvoyance of animal
+magnetism? And not to multiply instances abroad, what but such a propensity
+as the one to which we have now referred, attracted the New Jerusalemites
+around _Jemima Wilkinson_, and gave her so much power over a large
+community of men and women? What but this, opened the way for the monstrous
+claims set up by the execrable _Mathias_, who drew after him, as by the
+power of enchantment, and subjected to his dictum, whole families,--persons
+of education and refinement, and among the number, several men of
+intelligence, respectability and fortune? It is to this same principle,
+this anxious desire to look deeper into the hidden mysteries of the
+invisible world, than any mortal has hitherto been privileged to do, that
+the originators of this "cunningly devised fable" of Mormonism have
+appealed. While they admit the truth and credibility of the sacred
+Scriptures, they profess to have obtained an additional revelation, by
+which new illumination is shed over every page of the sacred word,--all
+controversies settled, and the obscurity that hitherto hung over many
+religious subjects dispelled. They profess to bring to light a historical
+and religious record, written in ancient times, by a branch of the house of
+Israel that peopled America, from whom the Indians are descended. This
+record, which, engraven upon metallic plates, lay deposited in the earth
+for many centuries, not only corroborates and confirms the truth of holy
+writ, but also opens the events of ancient America, as far back at least as
+the flood. They pretend that this record "pours the light of noon-day upon
+the history of a nation whose mounds and cities, and fortifications, still
+repose in grand but melancholy ruins, upon the bosom of the western
+prairies." The Mormons not only claim this new revelation, but profess to
+have still among them the gift of prophecy and miracles. They contend that
+miracles and revelations from heaven, are as necessary now, and as
+important to the salvation of the present generation, as they were in any
+former period, and that they alone possess this privilege of immediate and
+constant intercourse with heaven.
+
+But that which has given vastly the greatest strength to Mormonism is the
+violent persecution which its disciples have suffered in the West, and
+especially in Missouri. Nothing can be more impolitic, or unjust, or
+farther removed from the spirit of the gospel, than to oppress and
+persecute any set of men on account of their religious tenets; and
+certainly nothing can give them more strength or rapid growth than such a
+procedure.
+
+The Mormons first located themselves, as a body, in Kirtland, Geanga Co.,
+Ohio. Some difference arose among their leaders on account of certain
+banking operations which they attempted, and they separated, and a portion
+of them went to Independence, Jackson Co., Mo. The people in the
+neighbourhood of that location became unfriendly to them, and drove them
+away by force, subjecting them to great sufferings and loss of property.
+They were at last entirely and forcibly expelled from the state of
+Missouri. They afterward purchased the town of Commerce, said to be a
+situation of surpassing beauty, at the head of the lower rapids on the
+Illinois shore of the Mississippi river. The writer to whom I have already
+referred, and who has revisited these western Mormons this present summer,
+remarks:--"The name of the place where they now reside, they have recently
+changed to Nauvoo, the Hebrew term for fair or beautiful. Around this
+place, as their centre, they are daily gathering from almost every quarter:
+and several hundred new houses, erected within the last few months, attest
+to the passing traveller the energy, industry, and self-denial with which
+the community is imbued. They have also obtained possession of extensive
+lands on the opposite side of the river, in that charming portion of Iowa
+Territory, known as the 'Half Breed Reservation;' and there upon the
+rolling and fertile prairies they are rapidly selecting their homes and
+opening their farms. As the traveller now passes through those natural
+parks and fields of flowers which the hand of the Creator seems to have
+originally planted there for the inspection of his own eye, he beholds
+their cabins, dotted down in most enchanting perspective, either on the
+borders of the timbers, or beside the springs and streams of living water
+which are interspersed on every hand."
+
+The other portion that remain in Ohio, have erected a stone temple in
+Kirtland, of splendid appearance and singular construction. The first floor
+is a place of worship, with four pulpits at each end; each pulpit
+calculated to hold three persons. These pulpits rise behind and above one
+another, and are designed for different grades of ministers according to
+their rank in office. These are the two principal settlements of these
+people, although there are small societies of them found in almost every
+part of the United States. In some instances not only members but ministers
+of orthodox churches have been led to leave their own churches, and
+identify themselves with the Mormons.
+
+It is time that I should acquaint you with some facts that came to my
+personal knowledge full thirteen years ago, connected with the rise of this
+imposture.
+
+It was early in the autumn of 1827 that Martin Harris called at my house in
+Palmyra, one morning about sunrise. His whole appearance indicated more
+than usual excitement, and he had scarcely passed the threshold of my
+dwelling, before he inquired whether he could see me alone, remarking that
+he had a matter to communicate that he wished to be strictly confidential.
+Previous to this, I had but very slight acquaintance with Mr. Harris. He
+had occasionally attended divine service in our church. I had heard him
+spoken of as a farmer in comfortable circumstances, residing in the country
+a short distance from the village, and distinguished by certain
+peculiarities of character. He had been, if I mistake not, at one period, a
+member of the Methodist Church, and subsequently had identified himself
+with the Universalists. At this time, however, in his religious views he
+seemed to be floating upon the sea of uncertainty. He had evidently quite
+an extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, and possessed a manifest
+disputatious turn of mind. As I subsequently learned, Mr. Harris had always
+been a firm believer in dreams, and visions, and supernatural appearances,
+such as apparitions and ghosts, and therefore was a fit subject for such
+men as Smith and his colleagues to operate upon. On the occasion just
+referred to, I invited him to accompany me to my study, where, after having
+closed the door, he began to draw a package out of his pocket with great
+and manifest caution. Suddenly, however, he stopped, and wished to know if
+there was any possibility of our being interrupted or overheard? When
+answered in the negative, he proceeded to remark, that he reposed great
+confidence in me as a minister of Jesus Christ, and that what he had now to
+communicate he wished me to regard as strictly confidential. He said he
+verily believed that an important epoch had arrived--that a great flood of
+light was about to burst upon the world, and that the scene of divine
+manifestation was to be immediately around us. In explanation of what he
+meant, he then proceeded to remark that a GOLDEN BIBLE had recently been
+dug from the earth, where it had been deposited for thousands of years, and
+that this would be found to contain such disclosures as would settle all
+religious controversies and speedily bring on the glorious millennium.
+That this mysterious book, which no human eye of the present generation had
+yet seen, was in the possession of Joseph Smith, jr., ordinarily known in
+the neighbourhood under the more familiar designation of _Jo Smith_; that
+there had been a revelation made to him by which he had discovered this
+sacred deposit, and two transparent stones, through which, as a sort of
+spectacles, he could read the Bible, although the box or ark that contained
+it, had not yet been opened; and that by looking through those mysterious
+stones, he had transcribed from one of the leaves of this book, the
+characters which Harris had so carefully wrapped in the package which he
+was drawing from his pocket. The whole thing appeared to me so ludicrous
+and puerile, that I could not refrain from telling Mr. Harris, that I
+believed it a mere hoax got up to practice upon his credulity, or an
+artifice to extort from him money; for I had already, in the course of the
+conversation, learned that he had advanced some twenty-five dollars to Jo
+Smith as a sort of premium for sharing with him in the glories and profits
+of this new revelation. For at this time, his mind seemed to be quite as
+intent upon the pecuniary advantage that would arise from the possession of
+the plates of solid gold of which this book was composed, as upon the
+spiritual light it would diffuse over the world. My intimations to him, in
+reference to the possible imposition that was being practiced upon him,
+however, were indignantly repelled. He then went on to relate the
+particulars in regard to the discovery and possession of this marvellous
+book. As far as I can now recollect, the following was an outline of the
+narrative which he then communicated to me, and subsequently to scores of
+people in the village, from some of whom in my late visit to Palmyra, I
+have been able to recall several particulars that had quite glided from my
+memory.
+
+Before I proceed to Martin's narrative, however, I would remark in passing,
+that Jo Smith, who has since been the chief prophet of the Mormons, and was
+one of the most prominent ostensible actors in the first scenes of this
+drama, belonged to a very shiftless family near Palmyra. They lived a sort
+of vagrant life, and were principally known as _money-diggers_. Jo from a
+boy appeared dull and utterly destitute of genius; but his father claimed
+for him a sort of second sight, a power to look into the depths of the
+earth, and discover where its precious treasures were hid. Consequently
+long before the idea of a GOLDEN BIBLE entered their minds, in their
+excursions for money-digging, which I believe usually occurred in the
+night, that they might conceal from others the knowledge of the place where
+they struck upon treasures, Jo used to be usually their guide, putting into
+a hat a peculiar stone he had through which he looked to decide where they
+should begin to dig.
+
+According to Martin Harris, it was after one of these night excursions,
+that Jo, while he lay upon his bed, had a remarkable dream. An angel of God
+seemed to approach him, clad in celestial splendor. This divine messenger
+assured him, that he, Joseph Smith, was chosen of the Lord to be a prophet
+of the Most High God, and to bring to light hidden things, that would prove
+of unspeakable benefit to the world. He then disclosed to him the existence
+of this golden Bible, and the place where it was deposited--but at the same
+time told him that he must follow implicitly the divine direction, or he
+would draw down upon him the wrath of heaven. This book, which was
+contained in a chest, or ark, and which consisted of metallic plates
+covered with characters embossed in gold, he must not presume to look into,
+under three years. He must first go on a journey into Pennsylvania--and
+there among the mountains, he would meet with a very lovely woman,
+belonging to a highly respectable and pious family, whom he was to take for
+his wife. As a proof that he was sent on this mission by Jehovah, as soon
+as he saw this designated person, he would be smitten with her beauty, and
+though he was a stranger to her, as she was far above him in the walks of
+life, she would at once be willing to marry him and go with him to the ends
+of the earth. After their marriage he was to return to his former home, and
+remain quietly there until the birth of his first child. When this child
+had completed his second year, he might then proceed to the hill beneath
+which the mysterious chest was deposited, and draw it thence, and publish
+the truths it contained to the world. Smith awoke from his dream, and,
+according to Harris, started off towards Pennsylvania, not knowing to what
+point he should go. But the Lord directed him, and gained him favour in the
+eyes of just such a person as was described to him. He was married and had
+returned. His first child had been born, and was now about six months old.
+But Jo had not been altogether obedient to the heavenly vision. After his
+marriage and return from Pennsylvania, he became so awfully impressed with
+the high destiny that awaited him, that he communicated the secret to his
+father and family. The money-digging propensity of the old man operated so
+powerfully, that he insisted upon it that they should go and dig and see if
+the chest was there--not with any view to remove it till the appointed
+time, but merely to satisfy themselves. Accordingly they went forth in the
+stillness of the night with their spades and mattocks to the spot where
+slumbered this sacred deposit. They had proceeded but a little while in the
+work of excavation, before the mysterious chest appeared; but lo! instantly
+it moved and glided along out of their sight. Directed, however, by the
+_clairvoyance_ of Jo, they again penetrated to the spot where it stood, and
+succeeded in gaining a partial view of its dimensions. But while they were
+pressing forward to gaze at it, the thunder of the Almighty shook the spot,
+and made the earth to tremble--a sheet of vivid lightning swept along over
+the side of the hill, and burnt terribly around the place where the
+excavation was going on, and again, with a rumbling noise, the chest moved
+off out of their sight. They were all terrified and fled towards their
+home. Jo took his course silently along by himself. On his way homeward,
+being alone and in the woods, the angel of the Lord met him, clad in terror
+and wrath. He spoke in a voice of thunder: forked lightnings shot through
+the trees, and ran along upon the ground. The terror which the appearance
+of the divine messenger awakened, instantly struck Smith to the earth, and
+he felt his whole frame convulsed with agony, as though he were stamped
+upon by the iron hoofs of death himself. In language most terrific did the
+angel upbraid him for his disobedience, and then disappeared. Smith went
+home trembling and full of terror. Soon, however, his mind became more
+composed. Another divine communication was made to him, authorizing him to
+go alone by himself and bring the chest and deposit it secretly under the
+hearth of his dwelling, but by no means to attempt to look into it. The
+reason assigned by the angel for this removal, was that some report in
+relation to the place where this sacred book was deposited had gone forth,
+and there was danger of its being disturbed. According to Harris, Smith now
+scrupulously followed the divine directions. He was already in possession
+of the two transparent stones laid up with the GOLDEN BIBLE, by looking
+through which he was enabled to read the golden letters on the plates in
+the box. How he obtained these spectacles without opening the chest, Harris
+could not tell. But still he had them; and by means of them he could read
+all the book contained. The book itself was not to be disclosed until
+Smith's child had attained a certain age. Then it might be published to the
+world. In the interim Smith was to prepare the way for the conversion of
+the world to a new system of faith, by transcribing the characters from the
+plates and giving translations of the same. This was the substance of
+Martin Harris' communication to me upon our first interview. He then
+carefully unfolded a slip of paper, which contained three or four lines of
+characters, as unlike letters or hieroglyphics of any sort, as well could
+be produced were one to shut up his eyes and play off the most antic
+movements with his pen upon paper. The only thing that bore the slightest
+resemblance to the letter of any language that I had ever seen, was two
+upright marks joined by a horizontal line, that might have been taken for
+the Hebrew character He. My ignorance of the characters in which
+this pretended ancient record was written, was to Martin Harris new proof
+that Smith's whole account of the divine revelation made to him was
+entirely to be relied on.
+
+One thing is here to be noticed, that the statements of the originators of
+this imposture varied, and were modified from time to time according as
+their plans became more matured. At first it was a gold Bible--then golden
+plates engraved--then metallic plates stereotyped or embossed with golden
+letters. At one time Harris was to be enriched by the solid gold of these
+plates, at another they were to be religiously kept to convince the world
+of the truth of the revelation--and, then these plates could not be seen by
+any but three witnesses whom the Lord should choose. How easy it would be,
+were there any such plates in existence, to produce them, and to show that
+Mormonism is not a "cunningly devised fable." How far Harris was duped by
+this imposture, or how far he entered into it as a matter of speculation, I
+am unable to say. Several gentlemen in Palmyra, who saw and conversed with
+him frequently, think he was labouring under a sort of monomania, and that
+he thoroughly believed all that Jo Smith chose to tell him on this subject.
+He was so much in earnest on this subject, that he immediately started off
+with some of the manuscripts that Smith furnished him on a journey to New
+York and Washington to consult some learned men to ascertain the nature of
+the language in which this record was engraven. After his return he came to
+see me again, and told me that, among others, he had consulted Professor
+Anthon,[2] who thought the characters in which the book was written very
+remarkable, but he could not decide exactly what language they belonged to.
+Martin had now become a perfect believer. He said he had no more doubt of
+Smith's commission, than of the divine commission of the apostles. The
+very fact that Smith was an obscure and illiterate man, showed that he must
+be acting under divine impulses:--"God had chosen the foolish things of the
+world to confound the wise, and the weak things to confound the mighty; and
+base things of the world, and things which are despised--yea, and things
+that are not to bring to nought--things that are--that no flesh should
+glory in his presence:" that he was willing to "take of the spoiling of his
+goods" to sustain Smith in carrying on this work of the Lord; and that he
+was determined that the book should be published, though it consumed all
+his worldly substance. It was in vain I endeavoured to expostulate. I was
+an unbeliever, and could not see afar off. As for him, he must follow the
+light which the Lord had given him. Whether at this time Smith had those
+colleagues that unquestionably afterwards moved, unseen, the wheels of this
+machinery, I am unable to say. Even after Cowdery and Rigdon were lending
+the whole force of their minds to the carrying out of this imposture, Jo
+Smith continued to be the ostensible prominent actor in the drama. The way
+that Smith made his transcripts and translations for Harris was the
+following. Although in the same room, a thick curtain or blanket was
+suspended between them, and Smith concealed behind the blanket, pretended
+to look through his spectacles, or transparent stones, and would then write
+down or repeat what he saw, which, when repeated aloud, was written down by
+Harris, who sat on the other side of the suspended blanket. Harris was told
+that it would arouse the most terrible divine displeasure, if he should
+attempt to draw near the sacred chest, or look at Smith while engaged in
+the work of decyphering the mysterious characters. This was Harris's own
+account of the matter to me. What other measures they afterwards took to
+transcribe or translate from these metallic plates, I cannot say, as I very
+soon after this removed to another field of labour where I heard no more of
+this matter till I learned the BOOK OF MORMON was about being published. It
+was not till after the discovery of the manuscript of Mr. Spaulding, of
+which I shall subsequently give some account, that the actors in this
+imposture thought of calling this pretended revelation the BOOK OF MORMON.
+This book, which professed to be a translation of the golden Bible brought
+to light by Joseph Smith, was published in 1830--to accomplish which Martin
+Harris actually mortgaged his farm.
+
+In addition to the facts with which I myself was conversant in 1827 and
+1828, connected with the rise of Mormonism, I have been able to lay hold of
+one or two valuable documents, and to obtain several items of intelligence,
+by which I shall be enabled to continue this sketch of the rise and origin
+of this singular imposture. To my mind there never was a grosser piece of
+deception undertaken to be practised than this.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[2] In the following chapter the reader will find an account of this
+interview.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+A LETTER WRITTEN BY PROFESSOR ANTHON.
+
+     The circumstances that led to this letter--Martin
+     Harris--His visit to New York--Interview with Dr.
+     Mitchell--Professor Anthon.
+
+
+A few months subsequent to the publishing of the foregoing letter, the
+author saw in the columns of the _Church Record_ a letter from Professor
+Anthon which singularly corroborated the statement that Martin Harris made
+to him in relation to his having had an interview with that gentleman, when
+on his first mission to New York in quest of some interpreter who should be
+able to decipher the mysterious characters of the golden Bible. The cause
+which drew forth the letter from the learned professor is thus stated. The
+Rev. Dr. Coit, Rector of Trinity Church, New Rochelle, West Chester county,
+N. Y., hearing that the Mormons in that place--for there is scarcely a town
+or village where some of them are not found, "were claiming the patronage
+of Professor Anthon's name, in behalf of their notions, took the liberty to
+state the fact to him, and ask in what possible way they had contrived to
+associate him with themselves." In reply to this inquiry, Professor Anthon
+wrote the letter above referred to--which we here insert:
+
+
+                              _New York, April 3d, 1841._
+REV. AND DEAR SIR:
+
+I have often heard that the Mormons claimed me for an auxiliary, but, as no
+one, until the present time, has ever requested from me a statement in
+writing, I have not deemed it worth while to say any thing publicly on the
+subject. What I do know of the sect relates to some of their early
+movements; and as the facts may amuse you, while they will furnish a
+satisfactory answer to the charge of my being a Mormon proselyte, I proceed
+to lay them before you in detail.
+
+Many years ago, the precise date I do not now recollect, a plain looking
+countryman called upon me with a letter from Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell
+requesting me to examine, and give my opinion upon, a certain paper, marked
+with various characters which the Doctor confessed he could not decypher,
+and which the bearer of the note was very anxious to have explained. A very
+brief examination of the paper convinced me that it was a mere hoax, and a
+very clumsy one too. The characters were arranged in columns, like the
+Chinese mode of writing, and presented the most singular medley that I ever
+beheld. Greek, Hebrew, and all sorts of letters, more or less distorted,
+either through unskilfulness, or from actual design, were intermingled with
+sundry delineations of half moons, stars, and other natural objects, and
+the whole ended in a rude representation of the Mexican zodiac. The
+conclusion was irresistible, that some cunning fellow had prepared the
+paper in question, for the purpose of imposing upon the countryman who
+brought it, and I told the man so without any hesitation. He then proceeded
+to give me a history of the whole affair, which convinced me that he had
+fallen into the hands of some sharper, while it left me in great
+astonishment at his own simplicity.
+
+The countryman told me that a _gold book_ had been recently dug up in the
+western or northern part (I forget which), of our state, and he described
+this book as consisting of many _gold plates_, like leaves, secured by a
+gold wire passing through the edge of each, just as the leaves of a book
+are sewed together, and presented in this way the appearance of a volume.
+Each plate, according to him, was inscribed with unknown characters, and
+the paper which he handed me, a transcript of one of these pages. On my
+asking him by whom the copy was made, he gravely stated, that along with
+the golden book there had been dug up a very large _pair of spectacles_! so
+large in fact that if a man were to hold them in front of his face, his two
+eyes would merely look through one of the glasses, and the remaining part
+of the spectacles would project a considerable distance sideways! These
+spectacles possessed, it seems a very valuable property, of enabling any
+one who looked through them, (or rather through one of the lenses,) not
+only to decypher the characters on the plates, but also to comprehend their
+exact meaning, and be able to translate them!! My informant assured me that
+this curious property of the spectacles had been actually tested, and found
+to be true. A young man, it seems, had been placed in the garret of a
+farm-house, with a curtain before him, and having fastened the spectacles
+to his head, had read several pages in the golden book, and communicated
+their contents in writing to certain persons stationed on the outside of
+the curtain. He had also copied off one page of the book in the original
+character, which he had in like manner handed over to those who were
+separated from him by the curtain, and this copy was the paper which the
+countryman had brought with him. As the golden book was said to contain
+very great truths, and most important revelations of a religious nature, a
+strong desire had been expressed by several persons in the countryman's
+neighbourhood, to have the whole work translated and published. A
+proposition had accordingly been made to my informant, to sell his farm,
+and apply the proceeds to the printing of the golden book, and the golden
+plates were to be left with him as security until he should be reimbursed
+by the sale of the work. To convince him more clearly that there was no
+risk whatever in the matter, and that the work was actually what it claimed
+to be, he was told to take the paper, which purported to be a copy of one
+of the pages of the book, to the city of New York, and submit it to the
+learned in that quarter, who would soon dispel all his doubts, and satisfy
+him as to the perfect safety of the investment. As Dr. Mitchell was our
+"Magnus Apollo" in those days, the man called first upon him; but the
+Doctor, evidently suspecting some trick, declined giving any opinion about
+the matter, and sent the countryman down to the college, to see, in all
+probability, what the "learned pundits" in that place would make of the
+affair. On my telling the bearer of the paper that an attempt had been made
+to impose on him, and defraud him of his property, he requested me to give
+him my opinion in writing about the paper which he had shown to me. I did
+so without any hesitation, partly for the man's sake, and partly to let the
+individual "behind the curtain" see that his trick was discovered. The
+import of what I wrote was, as far as I can now recollect, simply this,
+that the marks in the paper appeared to be merely an imitation of various
+alphabetical characters, and had, in my opinion, no meaning at all
+connected with them. The countryman then took his leave, with many thanks,
+and with the express declaration that he would in no shape part with his
+farm or embark in the speculation of printing the golden book.
+
+The matter rested here for a considerable time, until one day, when I had
+ceased entirely to think of the countryman and his paper, this same
+individual, to my great surprise, paid me a second visit. He now brought
+with him a duodecimo volume, which he said was a translation into English
+of the "Golden Bible." He also stated, that notwithstanding his original
+determination not to sell his farm, he had been induced eventually to do
+so, and apply the money to the publication of the book, and had received
+the golden plates as a security for repayment. He begged my acceptance of
+the volume, assuring me that it would be found extremely interesting, and
+that it was already "making a great noise" in the upper part of the state.
+Suspecting now that some serious trick was on foot, and that my plain
+looking visitor might be in fact a very cunning fellow I declined his
+present, and merely contented myself with a slight examination of the
+volume while he stood by. The more I declined receiving it however, the
+more urgent the man became in offering the book, until at last I told him
+plainly, that if he left the volume, as he said he intended to do, I should
+most assuredly throw it after him as he departed. I then asked him how he
+could be so foolish as to sell his farm and engage in this affair; and
+requested him to tell me if the plates were really of gold. In answer to
+this latter inquiry, he said that he had never seen the plates themselves,
+which were carefully locked up in a trunk, but that he had the trunk in his
+possession. I advised him by all means to open the trunk and examine the
+contents, and if the plates proved to be of gold, which I did not believe
+at all, to sell them immediately. His reply was, that if he opened the
+trunk the "_curse of heaven would descend upon him and his children_."
+"However," added he, "I will agree to open it, provided you will take the
+'curse of Heaven' upon yourself for having advised me to the step." I told
+him I was perfectly willing to do so, and begged he would hasten home and
+examine the trunk, for he would find he had been cheated. He promised to do
+as I recommended, and left me, taking his book with him. I have never seen
+him since.
+
+Such is a plain statement of all that I know respecting the Mormons. My
+impression now is, that the plain looking countryman was none other than
+the prophet Smith himself, who assumed an appearance of great simplicity in
+order to entrap me, if possible, into some recommendation of his book. That
+the prophet aided me by his inspiration, in interpreting the volume, is
+only one of the many amusing falsehoods which the Mormonites utter relative
+to my participation in their doctrines. Of these doctrines I know nothing
+whatever, nor have I ever heard a single discourse from any one of their
+preachers, although I have often felt a strong curiosity to become an
+auditor, since my friends tell me that they frequently name me in their
+sermons, and even go so far as to say that I am alluded to in the
+prophecies of Scripture!
+
+If what I have here written shall prove of any service in opening the eyes
+of some of their deluded followers to the real designs of those who profess
+to be the apostles of Mormonism, it will afford me a satisfaction,
+equalled, I have no doubt only by that which you yourself will feel on this
+subject.
+
+I remain very respectfully and truly, your friend,
+
+                              CHAS. ANTHON.
+_Rev. Dr. Coit_, New Rochelle, N. Y.
+
+It will be seen that in the main this tallies exceedingly well with what
+Harris told the author, in relation to the fact of his interview with
+Professor Anthon. He kept back in his account of the interview all allusion
+to the discouragements which the Professor threw upon his enterprise. There
+can be no doubt but that the person who waited upon Professor Anthon in the
+manner above stated, was Martin Harris.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE MORMON, OR GOLDEN BIBLE.
+
+     The origin of the Book of Mormon--The statement of Mr.
+     Isaac Hall, father in law of the Mormon Prophet--Rev.
+     Mr. Spaulding's Historical Romance--Mrs. Davison's
+     statement--The blindness of Martin Harris--Testimony of
+     the three witnesses--The eight witnesses.
+
+
+The communication which follows is the second in the series of letters
+referred to in a former chapter.
+
+
+                              _Fairfield, August 31, 1840._
+
+According to the intimation given in my last, I proceed to furnish you with
+some further facts in relation to the origin and history of Mormonism. In
+developing the history of this imposture, and showing the several steps by
+which it has won its way to the regard, and gained the confidence of
+thousands, it may seem desirable to furnish some account of what is
+denominated THE BOOK OF MORMON--a volume containing 588 duodecimo pages,
+consisting of fifteen different books, purporting to be written at
+different times, and by different authors, whose names they respectively
+bear. The period of time which these historical records profess to cover,
+is about a thousand years--commencing with the time of Zedekiah, king of
+Judah, and terminating with the year of our Lord 420.
+
+This volume, as I have already intimated, has exerted a most important
+influence in giving some plausibility to the claims set up by the
+originators of the Mormon imposture. I am quite confident there never would
+have been any permanent converts to Mormonism, had not this volume been
+ushered into existence. The story of the GOLDEN BIBLE, like a thousand
+previous and no less marvellous tales told by Jo Smith, would have long
+since sunk into oblivion but for the publication of this book. The origin
+of this volume--how it came into being--is a grave question. The general
+impression is that neither Jo Smith nor Martin Harris had intelligence or
+literary qualification adequate to the production of a work of this sort.
+Of the correctness of this impression, however, I am not quite confident.
+The subsequent career of Smith has shown that he possesses great tact, and
+cunning. The authorship of this volume is a question of some interest. The
+Mormons say that it is a revelation from God. They claim for it a divine
+character. They say that the successive narratives spread upon the pages of
+this volume, are the identical records engraven upon the metallic plates to
+which we have already referred, and which, like the leaves of a book, were
+deposited in a box and hid in the earth; that the writing on these plates
+was in "_the Reformed Egyptian language_:" that Joseph Smith was directed
+by an angel to the spot where this sacred deposit lay; and subsequently
+inspired to interpret the writing, by putting two smooth flat stones, which
+he found in the box, into a hat, and then putting his face therein. This is
+the claim set up for the BOOK OF MORMON, and which has seduced many
+unstable souls.
+
+Had the originator of this fabulous history, called the BOOK OF MORMON,
+kept entirely behind the scenes up to the present period, and had there
+been no clue by which the authorship of this figment of the imagination
+could be traced, it would still have been abundantly evident to every
+intelligent person, that it was the product of some shrewd and designing
+mind, who calculated to find his advantage in gulling the credulous and
+superstitious. The people of Palmyra, at the commencement of the printing
+of this book, only laughed at the ridiculousness of the thing, and wondered
+at the credulity of Harris. As the publication progressed, and the contents
+of the book began to be known, the conviction became general that there was
+an actor behind the scene, moving the machinery, of far higher intellectual
+qualifications than Smith or Harris. Suspicion in some degree rested upon a
+man by the name of Cowdery, who had formerly been a school teacher, if I
+mistake not, and was now known to be in some way connected with Smith in
+preparing this volume for the press.
+
+I will here insert a document which I have in my hands, and which may tend
+to throw some light upon the origin and authorship of the Book of Mormon,
+which I found in a little work, entitled "RELIGIOUS CREEDS AND STATISTICS."
+The author gives a brief sketch of Mormonism, and among other things
+inserts a letter or statement written by Isaac Hale, the father-in-law of
+Jo Smith, giving some account of his first acquaintance with Smith. I had,
+previously to meeting with this letter, felt anxious to obtain some facts
+in relation to Smith's marriage, in order to ascertain how those facts
+would agree with the statements made by him to Martin Harris, which I
+noticed in my last letter. While at Palmyra, I met with a respectable
+clergyman of the Episcopal Church, who had formerly belonged to the
+Methodist connection, that was acquainted with Mr. Hale. He represented him
+to be a distinguished hunter, living near the _Great Bend_ in Pennsylvania.
+He was professedly a religious man and a very zealous member of the
+Methodist Church. The letter to which I have referred, is accompanied with
+a statement, declaring that Mr. Hale resides in Harmony, Penn.: appended to
+the letter also is Mr. Hale's affirmation or affidavit of the truth of the
+statement there made, taken before _Charles Dimon, Justice of the Peace_;
+and there is also subjoined the certificate of William Thompson and Davis
+Dimock, Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of
+Susquehanna, declaring that "they have for many years been personally
+acquainted with Isaac Hale of Harmony Township, who has attested the
+foregoing statement, or letter, and that he is a man of excellent moral
+character, and of undoubted veracity."
+
+The letter or statement above referred to, is as follows:
+
+"I first became acquainted with Joseph Smith, Jr., in Nov. 1825. He was at
+that time in the employ of a set of men who were called "_money-diggers_;"
+and his occupation was that of seeing, or pretending to see, by means of a
+stone placed in his hat, and his hat closed over his face. In this way he
+pretended to discover minerals and hidden treasure. His appearance at this
+time, was that of a careless young man, not very well educated, and very
+saucy and insolent to his father. Smith and his father, with several other
+"money-diggers," boarded at my house while they were employed in digging
+for a mine that they supposed had been opened and worked by the Spaniards,
+many years since. Young Smith gave the "money-diggers" great encouragement
+at first, but when they had arrived in digging to near the place where he
+had stated an immense treasure would be found, he said the enchantment was
+so powerful that he could not see. They then became discouraged, and soon
+after dispersed.
+
+"After these occurrences, young Smith made several visits at my house, and
+at length asked my consent to marry my daughter Emma. This I refused, and
+gave him my reasons for so doing; some of which were, that he was a
+stranger, and followed a business that I could not approve. He then left
+the place. Not long after this, he returned: and while I was absent from
+home, carried off my daughter into the State of New York, where they were
+married without my approbation, or consent. After they had arrived at
+Palmyra, N. Y., Emma wrote to me, inquiring whether she could have her
+property, consisting of clothing, &c. I replied that her property was safe,
+and, at her disposal. In a short time they returned, bringing with them a
+Peter Ingersol, and subsequently came to the conclusion that they would
+move out, and reside upon a place near my residence.
+
+"Smith stated to me that he had given up what he called "glass-looking,"
+and that he expected to work hard for a living, and was willing to do so.
+Soon after this, I was informed they had brought a wonderful book of plates
+down with them. I was shown a box, in which it is said they were contained,
+which had, to all appearance, been used as a glass box, of the common sized
+window glass. I was allowed to feel the weight of the box, and they gave me
+to understand, that the book of plates was then in the box: into which,
+however, I was not allowed to look. I inquired of Joseph Smith, Jr., who
+was to be the first that would be allowed to see the book of plates? He
+said, it was a young child.
+
+"After this, I became dissatisfied, and informed him, that if there was any
+thing in my house of that description, which I could not be allowed to see,
+he must take it away; if he did not, I was determined to see it. After
+that, the plates were said to be hid in the woods.
+
+"About this time, Martin Harris made his appearance upon the stage: and
+Smith began to interpret the characters or hieroglyphics, which he said
+were engraven upon the plates, while Harris wrote down the interpretation.
+
+"It was said that Harris wrote down one hundred and sixteen pages, and lost
+them. Soon after this happened, Martin Harris informed me that he must have
+a _greater witness_, and said that he had talked with Joseph about it;
+Joseph informed him that he could not or durst not show him the plates, but
+that he, (Joseph,) would go into the woods where the book of plates was,
+and that after he came back, Harris should follow his track in the snow,
+and find the book, and examine it for himself. Harris informed me
+afterwards, that he followed Smith's directions, and could not find the
+plates, and was still dissatisfied.
+
+"The next day after this happened, I went to the house where Joseph Smith,
+jr., lived, and where he and Harris were engaged in their translation of
+the book. Each of them had a written piece of paper which they were
+comparing; and some of the words were--"My servant seeketh a greater
+witness, but no greater witness can be given to him." There was also
+something said about "three that were to see the thing;" meaning, I
+supposed, the book of plates; and that "if the three did not go exactly
+according to orders, the thing would be taken from them." I inquired whose
+words they were, and was informed by Joseph or Emma, (I rather think it was
+the former,) that they were the words of Jesus Christ. I told them then,
+that I considered the whole of it a delusion, and advised them to abandon
+it. The manner in which he pretended to read and interpret, was the same as
+when he looked for the money-diggers, with the stone in his hat, and his
+hat over his face, while the book of plates was at the same time hid in the
+woods!
+
+"After this, Martin Harris went away, and Oliver Cowdery came and wrote for
+Smith, while he interpreted, as above described. This is the same Oliver
+Cowdery whose name may be found in the book of Mormon. Cowdery continued a
+scribe for Smith, until the book of Mormon was completed, as I supposed,
+and understood.
+
+"Joseph Smith, jr., resided near me for some time after this, and I had a
+good opportunity of becoming acquainted with him, and somewhat acquainted
+with his associates; and I conscientiously believe, from the facts I have
+detailed, and from many other circumstances, which I do not deem it
+necessary to relate, that the whole "Book of Mormon," (so called,) is a
+silly fabrication of falsehood and wickedness, got up for speculation, and
+with a design to dupe the credulous and unwary, and in order that its
+fabricators might live upon the spoils of those who swallowed the
+deception.
+
+                              "ISAAC HALE."
+
+I shall have occasion hereafter to refer to the loss of the one hundred and
+sixteen pages mentioned in the preceding letter, and to the manner in which
+they were lost; as this fact will not only tend to illustrate Harris'
+character, but to throw some farther light upon the sinuous track which
+was pursued to palm off the BOOK OF MORMON as a divine revelation. Whether
+Smith and Cowdery were acting alone at the time referred to by Mr. Hale, or
+were then deriving their illumination from Rigdon, I have no means of
+determining. It is highly probable, however, that they then had access to a
+copy of the manuscript written by Mr. Spaulding, of which we shall soon
+speak, and this copy was undoubtedly obtained through the agency of Rigdon.
+The true authorship of what constitutes the basis of the BOOK OF MORMON,
+unquestionably belongs to Mr. Spaulding. I cannot think, however, that the
+Book of Mormon is an exact copy of Mr. Spaulding's "_Historical Romance_,"
+as Mrs. Davison very properly denominates it. No intelligent or well
+educated man would have been guilty of so many anachronisms and gross
+grammatical errors as characterise every part of the Book of Mormon. While
+Mr. Spaulding's _Historical Romance_ is unquestionably the ground-work of
+this volume, the christianized character of the work--the hortatory clauses
+about salvation through the blood of Christ--and the adaptation of the
+whole to meet the peculiar religious views of Martin Harris, and to tally
+with the pretended discovery of Jo Smith, are evidently parts of the work
+added to Mr. Spaulding's manuscript. In farther corroboration of this idea,
+I will just advert to two facts. _First_, in this record, some portions of
+which were professedly written six hundred years before the appearance of
+our Saviour, the various _dramatis personae_ seem as familiar with the
+events of the New Testament and all the doctrines of the gospel, as any
+preacher of the present day. Now no intelligent and well educated man
+would be guilty of such a solecism as that of putting into the mouth of a
+Jew who lived four hundred years before the birth of Christ, a flippant
+discourse about things as though they were then familiarly known, when they
+did not occur till some five hundred years afterwards. Hence I infer that
+these parts were added to the original document of Mr. Spaulding by Jo
+Smith, Cowdery, Rigdon, or some of the fraternity.--_Another_ reason,
+leading me to the opinion that considerable alterations were made in the
+document referred to, stands in connection with the fact to which I have
+already adverted--the loss of the one hundred and sixteen pages, which were
+never replaced. These pages were lost in the following way. Harris brought
+home the manuscript pages and locked them up in his house thinking them
+quite safe. But his wife, who was not then, nor ever afterwards became a
+convert to Mormonism, took the opportunity, when he was out, to seize the
+manuscript and put it into the hands of one of her neighbours for safer
+keeping. When the manuscript was discovered to be missing, suspicion
+immediately fastened upon Mrs. Harris. She, however, refused to give any
+information in relation to the matter, but simply replied: "If this be a
+divine communication, the same being who revealed it to you can easily
+replace it." Mrs. H. believed the whole thing to be a gross deception, and
+she had formed a plan to expose the deception in the following manner.
+Taking it for granted that they would attempt to re-produce the part she
+had concealed, and that they could not possibly do it verbatim, she
+intended to keep the manuscript until the book was published, and then put
+these one hundred and sixteen pages into the hands of some one who would
+publish them, and show how they varied from those published in the Book of
+Mormon. But she had to deal with persons standing behind the scene, and
+moving the machinery that were too wily thus to be caught. Harris was
+indignant at his wife beyond measure--he raved most violently, and it is
+said actually beat Mrs. H. with a rod--but she remained firm, and would not
+give up the manuscript. The authors of this imposture did not dare to
+attempt to re-produce this part of the work; but Jo Smith immediately had a
+revelation about it which is inserted in the preface of the Book of Mormon
+as follows: "As many false reports have been circulated respecting the
+following work, and also many unlawful measures taken by evil designing
+persons to destroy me, and also the work; I would inform you that I
+translated, by the gift and power of God, and caused to be written _one
+hundred and sixteen pages_, the which I took from the book of Lehi, which
+was an account abridged from the plates of Lehi, by the hand of Mormon;
+which said account, some person, or persons, have stolen and kept from me,
+notwithstanding my utmost exertions to recover it again: And being
+commanded of the Lord that I should not translate the same over again, for
+Satan had put it into their hearts to tempt the Lord their God, by altering
+the words, that they did read contrary from that which I translated and
+caused to be written, and if I should bring forth the same words again, or,
+in other words, if I should translate the same over again they would
+publish that which they had stolen, and Satan would stir up the hearts of
+this generation that they might not receive this work: but behold, the Lord
+said unto me, I will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design
+in this thing: therefore thou shalt translate from the plates of Nephi,
+until ye come to that which ye have translated, which ye have retained;
+and behold ye shall publish it as the record of Nephi: and thus I will
+confound those who have altered my words. I will not suffer that they shall
+destroy my work: yea I will shew unto them that my wisdom is greater than
+the cunning of the devil."
+
+This was the expedient to which they resorted in order to avoid replacing
+the lost pages. Had those pages, however, been transcribed verbatim from
+Mr. Spaulding's manuscript, they would undoubtedly have re-produced them,
+and urged the fact of their being able to do so as a still further proof of
+their divine inspiration. But on the supposition that there was
+considerable new matter mingled up with Mr. Spaulding's sketches, it would
+be impossible for them to produce the one hundred and sixteen pages just as
+they were before, and they would therefore naturally devise some expedient
+to relieve themselves from the necessity of re-producing those pages. In
+all probability Cowdery, and Smith, and Rigdon, had all more or less to do
+in combining these additional parts with Mr. Spaulding's work.
+
+The origin of this work of Mr. Spaulding, to which I refer, and which
+unquestionably forms the entire ground-work of the BOOK OF MORMON, is thus
+described by Mrs. Davison, formerly the wife of Mr. Spaulding. This
+statement of Mrs. Davison was published some time last winter in the Boston
+Recorder, to the editors of which it was sent by the Rev. John Storrs, the
+Congregational minister in Hollistown, accompanied with a certificate from
+two highly respectable clergymen, the Rev. Mr. Austin and the Rev. A. Ely,
+D. D., residing in Monson, Mass., the present place of residence of Mrs.
+Davison,--stating that Mrs. Davison, the narrator of the following
+history, was formerly the wife of Rev. Solomon Spaulding, and that since
+his decease she had been married to a second husband by the name of
+Davison, and that she was a woman of irreproachable character, and a humble
+Christian, and that her testimony was worthy of implicit confidence.
+
+"As the 'BOOK OF MORMON' or 'GOLDEN BIBLE' has excited much attention, and
+has been put by a certain new sect in the place of the Sacred Scriptures, I
+deem it a duty which I owe to the public, to state what I know touching its
+origin. That its claims to a divine origin are wholly unfounded, needs no
+proof to a mind unperverted by the grossest delusions. That any sane person
+should rank it higher than any other merely human composition, is a matter
+of the greatest astonishment; yet it is received as divine by some who
+dwell in enlightened New England, and by those who have sustained the
+character of devoted Christians. Learning recently that Mormonism had found
+its way into a church in Massachusetts, and has impregnated some with its
+gross delusions, so that excommunication has been necessary, I am
+determined to delay no longer in doing what I can to strip the mask from
+this mother of sin, and to lay open this pit of abominations.
+
+"Rev. Solomon Spaulding, to whom I was united in marriage in early life,
+was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and was distinguished for a lively
+imagination and a great fondness for history. At the time of our marriage
+he resided in Cherry Valley, N. Y. From this place we removed to New Salem,
+Ashtabula county, Ohio; sometimes called Conneaut, as it is situated on
+Conneaut creek. Shortly after our removal to this place his health sunk,
+and he was laid aside from active labors. In the town of New Salem there
+are numerous mounds and forts, supposed by many to be the dilapidated
+dwellings and fortifications of a race now extinct. These ancient relics
+arrest the attention of the new settlers and become objects of research for
+the curious. Numerous implements were found, and other articles evincing
+great skill in the arts. Mr. Spaulding being an educated man and
+passionately fond of history, took a lively interest in these developments
+of antiquity; and in order to beguile the hours of retirement, and furnish
+employment for his lively imagination, he conceived the idea of giving a
+_historical sketch of this long lost race_. Their extreme antiquity of
+course would lead him to write in _the most ancient style_, and as the Old
+Testament is the most ancient book in the world, he imitated its style as
+nearly as possible. His sole object in writing this _historical romance_
+was to amuse himself and his neighbours. This was about the year 1812.
+Hull's surrender at Detroit occurred near the same time, and I recollect
+the date well from that circumstance. As he progressed in his narrative the
+neighbours would come in from time to time to hear portions read, and a
+great interest in the work was excited amongst them. It claimed to have
+been written by _one of the lost nation_, and to have been _recovered from
+the earth_, and assumed the title of "Manuscript Found." The neighbours
+would often enquire how Mr. Spaulding progressed in deciphering "the
+manuscript," and when he had a sufficient portion prepared he would inform
+them, and they would assemble to hear it read. He was enabled from his
+acquaintance with the classics and ancient history, to introduce _many
+singular names_, which were particularly noticed by the people, and could
+be easily recognised by them. Mr. Solomon Spaulding had a brother, Mr. John
+Spaulding, residing in the place at the time, who was perfectly familiar
+with the work, and repeatedly heard the whole of it read.
+
+"From New Salem we removed to Pittsburgh, Pa. Here Mr. Spaulding found a
+friend and acquaintance, in the person of Mr. Patterson, an editor of a
+newspaper. He exhibited his manuscript to Mr. Patterson, who was very much
+pleased with it, and borrowed it for perusal. He retained it for a long
+time, and informed Mr. Spaulding that if he would make out a title page and
+preface, he would publish it, and it might be a source of profit. This Mr.
+Spaulding refused to do, for reasons which I cannot now state. Sidney
+Rigdon, who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at
+that time connected with the printing office of Mr. Patterson, as is well
+known in that region, and as Rigdon himself has frequently stated. Here he
+had ample opportunity to become acquainted with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript,
+and copy it if he chose. It was a matter of notoriety and interest to all
+connected with the printing establishment. At length the manuscript was
+returned to its author, and soon after we removed to Amity, Washington
+county, Pa., where Mr. Spaulding deceased in 1816. The manuscript then fell
+into my hands and was carefully preserved. It has frequently been examined
+by my daughter, Mrs. McKenstry, of Monson, Mass., with whom I now reside,
+and by other friends. After the "Book of Mormon" came out, a copy of it was
+taken to New Salem, the place of Mr. Spaulding's former residence, and the
+very place where the "Manuscript Found" was written. A Mormon preacher
+appointed a meeting there, and in the meeting read and repeated copious
+extracts from the "Book of Mormon." The historical part was immediately
+recognised by all the older inhabitants, as the identical work of Mr.
+Spaulding, in which they had all been so deeply interested years before.
+Mr. John Spaulding was present, who is an eminently pious man, and
+_recognised perfectly_ the work of his brother. He was amazed and afflicted
+that it should have been perverted to so wicked a purpose. His grief found
+vent in a flood of tears, and he arose on the spot, and expressed in the
+meeting his sorrow and regret that the writings of his sainted brother
+should be used for a purpose so vile and shocking. The excitement in New
+Salem became so great that the inhabitants had a meeting, and deputed Dr.
+Philastus Hurlbut, one of their number, to repair to this place, and to
+obtain from me the original manuscript of Mr. Spaulding, for the purpose of
+comparing it with the Mormon Bible, to satisfy their own minds, and to
+prevent their friends from embracing an error so delusive. This was in the
+year 1834. Dr. Hurlbut brought with him an introduction, and request for
+the manuscript, which was signed by Messrs. Henry Lake, Aaron Wright, and
+others, with all whom I was acquainted, as they were my neighbours when I
+resided at New Salem. I am sure that nothing would grieve my husband more,
+were he living, than the use which has been made of his work. The air of
+antiquity which was thrown about the composition, doubtless suggested the
+idea of converting it to purposes of delusion. Thus an historical romance,
+with the addition of a few pious expressions and extracts from the sacred
+Scriptures, has been construed into a new Bible, and palmed off upon a
+company of poor, deluded fanatics as divine. I have given the previous
+brief narration, that this work of deep deception and wickedness may be
+searched to the foundation, and the author exposed to the contempt and
+execration he so justly deserves.
+
+                              "MATILDA DAVISON."
+
+The whole mystery of the origin of this book seems to be cleared up by this
+statement, and I have seen no attempt made to gainsay or deny its truth.
+The farther, however, Martin Harris went into this delusion, the more he
+seemed to become infatuated. He had already embarked a large portion of his
+property in bringing out the publication of the book of Mormon, and though
+many things had occurred that we should think would have convinced any
+rational man that he had been made the subject of a deep laid scheme of
+deception, he still seems to have shut his eyes, and gone on in the dark.
+As I have already mentioned, at first, Martin Harris was assured that the
+golden plates, on which this record was engraven, would be his, and that it
+would be perfectly lawful to subject them to public inspection,--but as the
+managers of this imposture proceeded they found it necessary to advance
+with more caution, lest they should put into the hands of others the very
+elements which would contribute to their own utter explosion. Hence it was
+revealed to Jo Smith, that he would be authorized to show them only to
+three individuals who should assist in bringing forward this work, this was
+a lure to secure the continued co-operation of Harris. To convince Harris
+that he would be highly privileged, it was foretold in the book of Ether,
+written by Moroni,[3] that he that should find the plates should have the
+privilege of showing them to three persons. The passage referred to is as
+follows, "Behold ye may be privileged that ye may shew the plates unto
+those who shall assist to bring forth this work; and unto three shall they
+be shewn by the power of God; wherefore they shall know of a surety that
+these things are true. And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these
+things be established; and the testimony of three and this work, in the
+which shall be shewn forth the power of God, and also his word, of which
+the Father and the Son, and the Holy Ghost beareth record; and all this
+shall stand as a testimony against the world, at the last day."
+
+In order to satisfy Harris, and those whom they hoped to delude, it became
+necessary that three witnesses should see the plates. And accordingly we
+find appended to the book of Mormon the following certificate, headed with
+this caption:--
+
+     THE TESTIMONY OF THREE WITNESSES.
+
+     "Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and
+     people, unto whom this work shall come, that we,
+     through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus
+     Christ, have seen the plates which contain the record
+     which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of
+     the Lamanites, his brethren, and also of the people of
+     Jared, which came from the tower, of which hath been
+     spoken; and we also know that they have been translated
+     by the gift and power of God, for his voice has
+     declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety,
+     that the work is true. And we also testify that we have
+     seen the engravings which are upon the plates, and
+     they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and
+     not of man. And we declare with words of soberness that
+     an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought
+     and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the
+     plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it
+     is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus
+     Christ, that we beheld, and bear record that these
+     things are true; and it is marvellous in our eyes:
+     nevertheless the voice of the Lord commanded us that we
+     should bear record of it; wherefore to be obedient unto
+     the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these
+     things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ,
+     we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and
+     be found spotless before the Judgment seat of Christ,
+     and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And
+     the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
+     Holy Ghost, which is one God.--Amen.
+
+                              "OLIVER COWDERY,
+                              DAVID WHITMER,
+                              MARTIN HARRIS."
+
+To know how much this testimony is worth I will state one fact. A gentleman
+in Palmyra, bred to the law, a professor of religion, and of undoubted
+veracity, told me that on one occasion, he appealed to Harris and asked him
+directly,--"Did you see those plates?" Harris replied, he did. "Did you see
+the plates, and the engravings on them with your bodily eyes?" Harris
+replied, "Yes, I saw them with my eyes,--they were shown unto me by the
+power of God and not of man." "But did you see them with your
+natural,--your bodily eyes, just as you see this pencil-case in my hand?
+Now say _no_ or _yes_ to this." Harris replied,--"Why I did not see them as
+I do that pencil-case, yet I saw them with the eye of faith; I saw them
+just as distinctly as I see any thing around me,--though at the time they
+were covered over with a cloth."
+
+This was the way that Harris saw the plates, Cowdery, another of the
+witnesses, was one of the prime actors in getting up this "cunningly
+devised fable." Whether Whitmer, the third witness, was a deceiver, or one
+of the deceived, I am unable to say, but he and four of his brothers were
+among the earliest avowed converts to Mormonism. And as he was thus
+privileged because he assisted to bring forth the work, there can be but
+little doubt that he bore the same relation to it that Cowdery did. The
+declaration in the testimony "that an angel of God came down from heaven,
+and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates,
+and the engravings thereon," show but too well what sort of jugglery to
+blind people's eyes, this certificate is. They seem themselves not to have
+been satisfied with the testimony; and therefore, although it was expressly
+revealed that only three should see the plates, and that it should be
+established by the witness of three,[4] yet they immediately subjoin the
+testimony of eight additional witnesses in the following words: "Be it
+known unto all nations, kindreds and tongues, and people, unto whom this
+work shall come, that Joseph Smith Jr., the author and proprietor of this
+work has shewn unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the
+appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has
+translated, we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engraving
+thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work and of curious
+workmanship. And thus we bear record, with words of soberness, that the
+said Smith have shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a
+surety, that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And
+we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we
+have seen: and we lie not, God bearing witness of it." This is signed by
+Hiram Page, Jo Smith's father,--two of his brothers, and four of the
+Whitmers, brothers of the Whitmer, who was one of the three witnesses. They
+were all persons deeply interested in the success of this imposture, and
+expecting to make their fortunes by it. As I have before taken occasion to
+remark, Harris was ready to be duped by any thing which these jugglers were
+disposed to tell him. He seemed to think at length that he himself was
+inspired, and that revelations from heaven were made to him in reference to
+the most minute affairs in life. After the BOOK OF MORMON was published it
+was revealed to him that he should sell it for one dollar and fifty cents
+per copy. But as it did not sell very briskly at that price, he declared
+that another revelation was made to him from heaven, and that he was
+ordered to sell the book for one dollar per copy. No matter where he went,
+he saw visions and supernatural appearances all around him. He told a
+gentleman in Palmyra, after one of his excursions to Pennsylvania, while
+the translation of the Book of Mormon was going on, that on the way he met
+the Lord Jesus Christ, who walked along by the side of him in the shape of
+a deer for two or three miles, talking with him as familiarly as one man
+talks with another. With a knowledge of the facts that have now been
+stated, the existence of the Book of Mormon can well be accounted for, and
+also the success of this imposture.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[3] See Book of Mormon, page 548.
+
+[4] See Book of Mormon, page 548.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+MORMON JESUITISM.
+
+     Denial of Mrs. Davison's statement in reference to the
+     origin of the Mormon's Bible--The truth of her
+     statement corroborated by a letter from the Rev. John
+     Storrs--By another from the Rev. D. R. Austin.
+
+
+Up to the period, in which the preceding sketch was published in the
+columns of the Episcopal Recorder, no attempt was made, as far as our
+information extends, to contradict the statement of Mrs. Davison, or in any
+way to invalidate her testimony. Shortly after the appearance of the sketch
+above referred to, a small pamphlet was issued by one of the Mormon
+ministers, who, we understand, bears the relation of Pastor to one of the
+societies of that people, established in Philadelphia, who call themselves
+"The church of the latter day saints."
+
+Although we do not think, that the truth, or falsehood of Mormonism, in any
+degree turns upon the correctness, or incorrectness of the foregoing
+statement of Mrs. Davison, for deceit and imposture are enstamped upon
+every feature of this monster, evoked by a money digger and a juggler from
+the shades of darkness--still if her statement be correct and is to be
+relied upon, the facts brought out by Mrs. Davison would seem to be one of
+those singular developments of divine Providence, by which impostors are
+confounded, and their devices brought to nought; and therefore it may be
+well to look for a moment at the arguments that are offered to disprove,
+what the writer of the pamphlet just referred to denominates "THE SPAULDING
+STORY." The pamphlet itself abounds with low and scurrilous remark--just
+such as we should think would be likely to emanate from a Mormon leader.
+The principal points upon which the writer rests his argument, are,
+
+_First._ The worthless character of Dr. P. Hurlbut--who was deputed by a
+meeting called at New Salem to visit Mrs. Davison and obtain from her the
+manuscript written by her husband, Rev. Mr. Spaulding.
+
+_Secondly._ That Mrs. Davison neither wrote nor signed the letter published
+in the Boston Recorder, but that it was the production of the Rev. Mr.
+Storrs.
+
+_Thirdly._ That Sidney Rigdon did not join the Mormons nor have any
+connection with them, till after the Book of Mormon was published: and did
+not reside at Pittsburgh at the time he was supposed to have done so by
+Mrs. Davison.
+
+1. In reference to the first point: this writer depicts the character of
+Dr. Hurlbut, as made up of dissoluteness, depravity, and crime. He was for
+a considerable period a zealous Mormon, was ordained an elder, became a
+distinguished preacher among them, and continued so, until they could
+endure his vices no longer and cast him out--then he turned against them,
+and endeavoured to expose their deception and imposture. Whether this be a
+slander or true testimony, we have no means of ascertaining. But we do not
+see, that in either case it makes any thing for Mormonism, or in the least
+affects the truth of Mrs. Davison's statement. We can readily believe that
+a system of imposture like that of Mormonism, would have charms for just
+such a man as Hurlbut is described.
+
+2. The assertion that Mrs. Davison did not write nor subscribe the letter
+published in the Boston Recorder, furnishes a fair specimen of the
+Jesuitical tricks resorted to, to keep up this imposture. A letter is
+inserted in the pamphlet above referred to, written by Mr. John Haven, in
+which a conversation is related, said to have taken place between Mrs.
+Davison and the brother of the writer, and which is calculated and
+evidently designed to carry the impression that Mrs. Davison utterly
+disavowed the authorship of the letter, published in her name in relation
+to the Spaulding manuscript. To satisfy myself on the truth of this point,
+I addressed a letter to the Rev. Mr. Storrs, an extract from which I will
+subjoin:
+
+                           "_Hollistown, June 28th, 1841._
+
+     "The results of my inquiries from Dr. Ely and from Mr.
+     Austin confirm me in the opinion the Spaulding
+     manuscript was the foundation of the foolish affair
+     called the Mormon Bible. This is my opinion though we
+     may not be able to prove it directly. I have never
+     supposed, I have never said that they were one and the
+     same thing. Only that it was the _foundation_ of the
+     Mormon Bible: supposing that its story, its incidents,
+     and names, gave the Mormon leaders the idea of their
+     own book, and supposing that from it they manufactured
+     the book about which so much has been said. _So_ then
+     in using the word '_identical_' in relation to the
+     manuscript and Smith's book, it must be understood in a
+     modified sense.
+
+     "We may never be able to prove by direct testimony that
+     such was the foundation of the Mormon Bible. But we
+     have circumstantial evidence enough. The communication
+     made to the world by Mrs. Davison, it seems to me
+     settles the question.
+
+     "And then this testimony is not at all invalidated by
+     the letter written from this town by Mr. John Haven,
+     and published in the pamphlet you sent me, entitled
+     "the Origin of the Spaulding Story concerning the
+     manuscript found." And here observe the sophistry of
+     this communication. The questions and answers from the
+     letter are as follows: 'Did you, Mrs. Davison, write a
+     letter to John Storrs, giving an account of the origin
+     of the Book of Mormon? _Ans._ I did not. _Ques._ Did
+     you sign your name to it? _Ans._ I did not; neither did
+     I see the letter till I saw it in the Boston Recorder:
+     the letter was never brought to me to sign. _Ques._
+     What agency had you in having this letter sent to Mr.
+     Storrs? _Ans._ D. R. Austin came to my house and asked
+     me some questions, took some minutes on paper, and from
+     these wrote the letter. _Ques._ Is what is written in
+     the letter true? _Ans._ In the main it is.' The
+     quibbling here is palpable. It is very true Mrs.
+     Davison did not write a letter to me, and what is more,
+     of course she did not sign it. But this she did do, and
+     just what I wrote you in my former letter I supposed
+     she did: she did sign her name to the original copy as
+     prepared from her statement by Mr. Austin. This
+     original copy is now in the hands of Mr. Austin. This
+     he told me last week. But again, mark another and
+     important thing in this catechism. It is the distinct
+     avowal after all, and published by the Mormons
+     themselves that what she had said was true. "Is what is
+     written in the letter true? _Ans._ "_In the main it
+     is._" It is just as you or any other honest man under
+     similar circumstances would affirm such a production
+     to be the truth. In fact she does not as I understand
+     from the questions and answers disavow a single
+     statement made in the communication to which her name
+     was affixed. But she affirms it all as a verity. I must
+     confess my wonder that the Mormons should ever have
+     published the above quotations. It must be that they
+     thought their quibble about Mrs. D. not signing the
+     identical piece of paper sent to me, would cover up the
+     great and important fact that, she affirmed that all
+     that was sent to me was the truth. So then the
+     circumstantial evidence contained in the communication
+     published in the Recorder some few years ago that the
+     Spaulding manuscript was the origin of the golden Bible
+     remains sound.
+
+     "But another thing: I expect we shall never be able to
+     lay our hands on the identical manuscript, and thus
+     prove by comparison in the sight of all that one was
+     the foundation or origin of the other. But be this as
+     it may, the very fact that it is lost, is evidence in
+     my mind that the manuscript was the foundation of the
+     Mormon book. Dr. Hurlbut took the manuscript. It is
+     reported in Missouri, that he sold it for four hundred
+     dollars; that the manuscript is not to be found. I must
+     confess that my suspicions are, that a deep laid plot
+     has been consummated to obtain possession of the
+     manuscript, and thus preclude all possibility of its
+     ever being compared by competent men with the Book of
+     Mormon. At least my suspicions will not be removed
+     until the manuscript--and the _whole_ manuscript--is
+     returned to the hands of its owner. I am suspicious
+     that a deep and long game has been played by the
+     Mormons to obtain and destroy the manuscript. Some one
+     has got that manuscript and has got it secreted from
+     the public eye. And if that manuscript cannot be found,
+     in my mind will be proved that the Mormons have
+     conveyed it away. The burden of proof is on the
+     Mormons. To them it belongs to produce the manuscript.
+     If they have got the manuscript and will not produce
+     it, it is plain they fear its publication to the world
+     will destroy their pretended revelation.
+
+                              "Your brother in the Lord,
+                              JOHN STORRS."
+
+I also wrote to the Rev. Mr. Austin for information, who returned me an
+answer from which I make the following extracts.
+
+                "_Sturbridge, Mass., June 28th, 1841._
+
+     "The circumstances which called forth the letter
+     published in the Boston Recorder in April 1839, were
+     stated by Mr. Storrs in the introduction to that
+     article. At his request I obtained from Mrs. Davison a
+     statement of the facts contained in that letter, and
+     wrote them out precisely as she related them to me. She
+     then signed the paper with her own hand which I have
+     now in my possession. Every fact as stated in that
+     letter was related to me by her in the order they are
+     set down. (There is one word mis-printed in the
+     published letter--instead of "woman preacher," on the
+     second column, it should be _Mormon preacher_.)
+
+     "That the pamphlet published to refute the letter
+     should contain false statements is not surprising. A
+     scheme got up in falsehood must be sustained by lies.
+     But the truth of the statements contained in that
+     letter of Mrs. D. will remain unshaken, notwithstanding
+     all the Mormons can do. It gives a very clear,
+     consistent and rational account of the origin of that
+     abominable piece of deception and fraud.
+
+     "Mrs. Davison is now living about twelve miles from
+     this place; is an aged woman and very infirm. Dr.
+     Hurlbut was an entire stranger to her, and obtained her
+     confidence by means of the letters of introduction
+     which he brought from gentlemen in New-Salem. He
+     promised to return the manuscript in a short time. Mrs.
+     D. would only consent to lend it to him. He stated some
+     time after he had received the manuscript that he had
+     made $400 out of it. Mrs. D. has not the least doubt
+     now but that he obtained it in order to sell it to the
+     Mormons. If Dr. H. can be found, I have no doubt but
+     that the manuscript may be traced into the hands of the
+     Mormons--which would be about as satisfactory as to
+     find it. If they purchased it of him, (of which there
+     is no doubt) and refuse to present it, the reason is
+     obvious. I can give no information with respect to the
+     present residence of Dr. H. I suppose light on this
+     point may be obtained at New Salem.
+
+     "It is really wonderful how this most palpable delusion
+     has spread. The foundation of it is the most weak and
+     absurd of any delusion ever palmed upon the world. It
+     is remarkable how these manias all tend to one point.
+     Perfectionism, Unionism, and Mormonism, as they have
+     been developed in this region, have all aimed directly
+     at licentiousness. They feed and fatten upon one base
+     passion. Mormonism will doubtless have its day and then
+     die. Something quite as absurd will spring up in its
+     place. There is an appetite in the community which
+     craves such food. If it can be garnished with the name
+     of religion, it will go into more extensive use.
+
+     "This is one of the deepest plots of the devil. He has
+     placed his golden hook under the name of a "golden
+     book" in the nose of these miserable fanatics, and is
+     leading them in the direct way to destruction.
+
+     "Yours in the bonds of christian fellowship,
+
+                              "D. R. AUSTIN."
+
+3. In relation to the assertion, that Sidney Rigdon did not embrace
+Mormonism till after the publication of the Book of Mormon; and that he did
+not reside in Pittsburgh at the time stated by Mrs. Davison, we have some
+remarks to offer in a subsequent chapter.
+
+If Rigdon did not reside there at the time, still in accordance with Mrs.
+D's suggestion, a copy might have been made of Mr. Spaulding's manuscript,
+which subsequently came into his hands. This copy, even if Rigdon had no
+hand in preparing the Book of Mormon, and was wholly ignorant of the
+existence of Mr. Spaulding's manuscript, might have reached Smith in some
+other way. It is enough to know that the one was the foundation of the
+other, no matter who the agents in the imposture are. Even if it could be
+proved that Rigdon had no knowledge of the manuscript, and no hand whatever
+in preparing the Book of Mormon, this would in no respect invalidate Mrs.
+Davison's testimony, or show that Mr. Spaulding's historical romance was
+not the foundation of that book. Mrs. Davison merely conjectures that
+Rigdon must have been the agent--and that from circumstantial evidence--but
+she _knows_ that the outline of her husband's historical romance is
+actually the basis--the manifest substratum of the Mormon Bible.
+
+This point is made very clear by her testimony, that, in some way or
+other, Smith and his coadjutors obtained a copy of Mr. Spaulding's
+manuscript, which evidently forms the basis of this pretended bible, and
+fastens upon it the undoubted mark of imposture.
+
+But were not this the case--had Smith and those associated with him no such
+basis, on which to build the scheme developed in the Book of Mormon, this
+would in no way strengthen the claims which this volume sets up for a
+divine origin. The book itself is full of internal evidence of imposture
+and fraud.
+
+If the reader can have patience to follow us we will endeavour in the two
+subsequent chapters to furnish him with an outline of the principal topics
+contained in the Book of Mormon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON.
+
+
+According to the intimation given in the last chapter, we proceed to
+furnish our readers with a brief outline of the contents of that mysterious
+volume whose origin and history we have already given, and which, as we
+have seen, has exerted no small influence in imparting a degree of
+plausibility to the claims set up by this sect, and in gaining for them
+among the superstitious and the credulous, hosts of converts. I have before
+me a copy of the BOOK OF MORMON, which I have read through in order to
+furnish the following analysis. Since reading this volume of nearly six
+hundred pages, I am more than ever convinced that there were several hands
+employed in its preparation. There are certainly striking marks of genius
+and literary skill displayed in the management of the main story--while in
+some of the details and hortatory parts there are no less unequivocal marks
+of bungling and botch work.
+
+As I have already stated, this volume consists of fifteen separate books,
+which profess to have been written at different periods, and by different
+authors, whose names they respectively bear: all these authors, however,
+belonged to the same people, and were successively raised up by Jehovah,
+and by him inspired to carry on the progress of the narrative, and deposit
+the record when made upon metallic plates in the same ark of testimony
+which contained the plates handed down by their predecessors. The first
+book in the volume is called the Book of Nephi: it contains seven distinct
+chapters, and opens with an account of Lehi, the father of Nephi. Nephi,
+the writer of this first book, appears to be the grand hero of this epic.
+His father, Lehi, resided in Jerusalem--was a devout man, and one that
+feared God. His mother's name was Sariah--and the names of his three
+brothers were Laman, Lemuel, and Sam. The narrative commences with the
+first year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah. During this year the
+prophets of the most high God came and uttered such fearful predictions in
+relation to the destruction of Jerusalem, that Lehi became greatly alarmed
+for the city and for his people. He was so impressed with the messages
+which the Hebrew seers proclaimed, that he was led to go and pray with
+great fervency before the Lord. While in this solemn act of prayer, there
+came down a pillar of fire and rested upon a rock before him, blazing forth
+in awful majesty, and speaking to him out of the flames. Awed and terrified
+by this divine manifestation, he went home and cast himself upon his bed
+overwhelmed with anxious thoughts and fearful forebodings. While he lay
+there thus meditating upon what he had seen, he was suddenly carried away
+in a vision, and saw the heavens opened, and God sitting upon his throne,
+"surrounded by numberless concourses of angels." "And it came to pass," I
+here use the language of Nephi, (page 6,) "that he saw one descending out
+of the midst of heaven. And he beheld that his lustre was above that of
+the sun at noon day; and he saw twelve others following him, and their
+brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament; and they came
+down and went forth upon the face of the earth; and the first came and
+stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he
+should read. And it came to pass as he read, he was filled with the Spirit
+of the Lord, and he read, saying, Wo, wo unto Jerusalem! for I have seen
+thine abominations; yea and many things did my father read concerning
+Jerusalem--that it should be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof, many
+should perish by the sword, and many should be carried away captive into
+Babylon." Lehi, after this vision, became himself a prophet, and predicted
+the overthrow of the Holy City; on account of which he was persecuted by
+the Jews. While they were plotting to destroy him, he had another vision,
+by which he was instructed to take his family and depart into the
+wilderness. He immediately obeyed, leaving his house and land and gold and
+silver and precious things behind. In his journeyings he came near the
+shore of the Red Sea, and at length pitched his tent in a valley beside a
+river of water. His two eldest sons were quite unbelieving, and thought it
+absurd that their father should leave all his comforts behind, and come to
+dwell in a tent in the wilderness. But Nephi who was the third son, was
+piously disposed, and being led to seek the face of the Lord in prayer, had
+a revelation from God--that he should be led to a _land of promise_, and
+become a teacher and ruler over his brethren.
+
+After this, Lehi also had another vision, in which he was commanded to send
+Nephi and his brethren back to Jerusalem to obtain "_the record of the
+Jews, and also a genealogy of his forefathers, engraven upon plates of
+brass._" This was a mission attended with great danger, and replete with
+sundry adventures of a marvellous character. After the three brethren had
+reached Jerusalem, they cast lots to decide which should go to Laban, who
+seems to have been the keeper of these sacred deposites, and ask for the
+records. The lot fell upon Laman. He was received very roughly by Laban,
+and had to flee from his presence for his life, without attaining the
+object of his wishes. The two elder brothers now determined to abandon the
+object of their mission and go back to their father; but Nephi, full of
+faith, wished still to persevere, and therefore proposed that they should
+go to their former residence and collect together the gold and silver and
+precious things belonging to their father, and endeavour to make an
+impression upon Laban's mind by the offer of all these, if he would give
+them "the plates of brass." Laban was pleased with the exhibition of their
+treasures, and determined to slay them, in order to possess their wealth.
+They fled, however, into the wilderness, and hid themselves in the cavity
+of a rock. The two elder brothers now became utterly indignant with Nephi,
+and smote him with a rod, because he had led them into such an adventure.
+An angel of God, however, appeared, and rebuked them--enjoining it upon
+them to go up to Jerusalem again, and not to give over the enterprise upon
+which they had embarked--assuring them that the Lord would deliver Laban
+into their hands. Notwithstanding this divine reproof, the two elder
+brothers felt rather sorely towards Nephi, and went up again towards
+Jerusalem quite reluctantly. When they reached the walls of the city, they
+positively refused to go any farther. Nephi, however, offered to go again
+to the house of Laban. He proposed that they should hide without the walls,
+and wait till his return. It was night; and Nephi stole carefully into the
+city, directing his steps towards the house of Laban. As he drew near his
+residence, however, he found a man stretched out on the ground, drunk with
+wine. Upon examination, he found it was Laban himself. He was armed with a
+sword, the hilt of which was "of pure gold, and the workmanship exceeding
+fine." Nephi drew the sword from its scabbard, and as he held it up, he
+felt constrained by the Spirit to kill Laban. He had to struggle some time
+with the natural tenderness of his feelings, but his desire to obey God
+prevailed, and he therefore "took Laban by the hair of the head, and smote
+off his head with his own sword." He then stript off the garments of Laban,
+and put them on himself, and girded himself with his armour, and "went
+forth towards the treasury of Laban," and as he went, "he saw the servant
+of Laban that had the keys of the treasury." This servant mistook Nephi,
+who tried to imitate the voice of Laban, for his own master, and readily
+took out "the engravings which were upon the plates of brass" and carried
+them without the walls. When the servant discovered the mistake, he was
+very much frightened--but at length was prevailed upon to accompany these
+adventurers into the wilderness: therefore having obtained the object of
+their wishes, they returned to the tent of their father.
+
+Lehi now examined, at his leisure, the records engraven upon the plates of
+brass, and found that they contained the five books of Moses, "and also a
+record of the Jews from the beginning even down to the commencement of the
+reign of Zedekiah, and also many prophecies spoken by the mouth of
+Jeremiah." He also found a genealogy of his fathers, from which he learned
+that he was a descendant of Joseph.
+
+Here I cannot but remark that it is astonishing that he had not found out
+before this to what tribe he belonged; and it is not a little remarkable
+that as the sons of Joseph, Ephraim, and Manassah, were appointed to
+represent two tribes, in the place of Joseph and Levi, he had not told us
+from which of these descendants he sprang. We were all along at a loss to
+know what sort of officer Laban was, but here we are told at this stage of
+the narrative: "Thus my father Lehi did discover the genealogy of his
+fathers. And Laban also was a descendant of Joseph, wherefore he and his
+fathers kept the records." This seems to us quite a _non sequitur_.
+
+But to proceed. Upon obtaining these plates of brass, Lehi began to be
+"filled with the spirit, and to prophecy concerning his seed; that these
+plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, _kindreds_, tongues, and
+people, which were of his _seed_. Wherefore, he said that these plates of
+brass should never perish; neither should they be dimmed any more by time."
+
+Soon after this Nephi had a very wonderful vision, which he told to his two
+sons, by way of warning the two elder, Laman and Lemuel, of whom he had
+great fears--as they were disposed to be unbelieving and rebellious. This
+vision presented an allegorical representation. Lehi declared that he saw a
+man dressed in a white robe, who came and stood before him, and then bade
+him follow him. He did so. The white robed guide led him through a long,
+dark, and dreary waste. After travelling on for many hours in darkness he
+began to pray unto the Lord; and the Lord then led him into a large,
+spacious field, in the midst of which he saw "a tree whose fruit was
+desirable to make one happy." He partook of this fruit, which was intensely
+white, "exceeding all the whiteness he had ever seen." As soon as he had
+partaken of the fruit, "his soul was filled with exceeding great joy." This
+led him to wish that his family should come and partake of the same. While
+looking around to see if he could discover his family, he beheld a river of
+water, which ran along near the tree of whose fruit he had been partaking.
+At a short distance he beheld the head of this stream, and near it his wife
+and two younger sons, and they stood as if they knew not whither they
+should go: and he called out unto them with a loud voice to approach the
+tree and partake the fruit thereof, and they came. And then his anxieties
+were awake for his two elder sons, whom at length he discovered in the
+distance, near the head of the stream, but he could not induce them to come
+to him or approach the tree. And then he beheld a rod of iron extending
+along the bank of the river, leading to the tree by which he stood: and
+also "a straight and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron to
+the tree. And it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and
+spacious field, as if it had been a world, and he saw numberless concourses
+of people: many of whom were pressing forwards, that they might obtain the
+path which led unto the tree by which he stood." As soon as those who were
+advancing entered this narrow path they encountered "an exceeding great
+mist of darkness," so that many lost their way, while others caught hold of
+the end of the rod of iron, and pressed forward through the mist, clinging
+to the rod, and following it until they came into the light amid which the
+tree stood, and partook of its fruit. The persons who thus approached the
+tree, after they had partaken of the fruit, looked around and some of them
+seemed ashamed. "Lehi also cast his eyes round about, and beheld on the
+other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building: and it
+stood as it were in the air: and it was filled with people both old and
+young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceeding fine;
+and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards
+those which had come at, and were partaking of the fruit." This was what
+caused some who had come to the tree to be filled with shame, and to fall
+away. He saw continual multitudes pressing forward towards the tree, and
+others towards the great, and spacious building. With all his persuasion
+Lehi could not induce his two eldest sons to come and partake of the fruit
+of the tree, therefore he had great fears in relation to them.
+
+After relating this vision, Lehi began to prophecy in relation to the
+Saviour, and told very distinctly what is related in the New Testament
+about him. Nephi, however, became very anxious to see the tree of which his
+father had told, and at length he was gratified. The same vision was
+repeated to him, and he obtained also from the spirit of the Lord the
+interpretation thereof. The spirit commanded him to look. He did so, and
+first he beheld Jerusalem--then Nazareth--and "in the city of Nazareth, a
+virgin exceeding fair and white." And then he saw the heavens open, and an
+angel came down, and stood before him, and said, "the virgin which thou
+seest, is the mother of God, after the manner of the flesh." She was
+carried away in the spirit, and after awhile she returned bearing a child
+in her arms, and the angel said to him, "Behold the Lamb of God, yea even
+the eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father
+saw? And I answered him, saying: Yea, _it is the love of God_." Afterwards
+he looked and saw the son of God going forth among the children of men. He
+then saw in succession all the miracles of Christ--all the events of his
+life--the scenes that followed his crucifixion--and the whole history of
+the Christian Church up to the _present_ time--_beyond which_ the deponent
+Nephi sayeth not.
+
+The tree was the love of God in Christ--the rod of iron leading to it was
+the word of God--the mist and darkness, that blinded the eyes of those
+going to the tree, were the temptations of the devil--the large and
+spacious building was the pride and vain imaginations of the children of
+men.
+
+After this protracted vision, Nephi returned to the tent of his father, and
+found his brethren disputing about the allegorical sense of the vision of
+their father Lehi. He of course was now prepared to enlighten them. They
+asked him "what meaneth the river of water which our father saw?" and he
+replied, "The water was filthiness. So much was my father's mind swallowed
+up in other things, that he beheld not the filthiness of the water, and I
+said unto them, that it was an awful gulf which separateth the wicked from
+the tree of life, and also from the saints of God--a representation of
+hell."
+
+I have neglected to mention that previous to Lehi's vision, Nephi and his
+brethren were commissioned to go up to Jerusalem the second time, to
+persuade Ishmael and his five daughters to join his father in the
+wilderness. The fifth chapter opens with a tender scene, in which Nephi
+and his brethren are married to the daughters of Ishmael. Immediately
+after, Lehi received a command to strike his tent and journey on into the
+wilderness. And when he arose the next morning and went forth to the tent
+door, "to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of
+curious workmanship, and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two
+spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the
+wilderness." They travelled on "for the space of four days nearly a south
+east direction." Various trials occurred in their journey. The elder
+brothers uniformly murmured, and Nephi was uniformly submissive. When in
+extremity the brass ball was their guide, pointing out the way, and
+exhibiting, inscribed on its sides, the various intelligence they needed
+visible at proper times. Ishmael died in the wilderness, where they
+sojourned for the space of eight years. At length they pitched their tents
+by the sea shore. Here Nephi was called to ascend a high mountain. There
+the Lord met him, and commanded him to construct a ship to carry his people
+across the waters to the promised land. He commenced the construction of
+this ship in the face of much opposition, and of many difficulties, being
+quite ignorant of the art of ship-building, and his brethren at the same
+time ridiculing and opposing him. But the Lord helped him, so that
+ultimately his brethren not only desisted from their opposition, but united
+in assisting him to complete it; and then they embarked with all their
+stock of seeds, animals, and provisions. During the voyage Nephi's elder
+brothers began again to be rebellious. They bound him with cords, and
+treated him with great cruelty. They, however, soon encountered a terrible
+gale, and were driven back from their course. The brazen ball which had
+miraculously guided them through the wilderness, and which was now a
+compass to steer by, ceased to work, and they were in the most awful peril.
+For a long time their fate seemed suspended, and their destiny doubtful;
+but the power of God at length softened the hearts of Laman and Lemuel, who
+released Nephi from his confinement, and then again every thing went on
+smoothly, and they soon reached the land of promise, which of course was
+America, where "they found beasts of every kind in the forest, both the
+cow, and the ox, and the ass, and the horse, and the goat, and the wild
+goat, and all manner of wild animals for the use of men." And "all manner
+of ore, both of gold and silver, and copper." Nephi by the command of the
+Lord made metallic plates soon after his arrival in America of this ore, on
+which he recorded their peregrinations, adventures, and all the prophecies
+which God gave him concerning the future destinies of his people and the
+human race. These plates were to be kept for the instruction of the people
+of the land, and for other purposes known to the Lord.
+
+The second book of Nephi consists of fifteen chapters. It opens with an
+account of Lehi's death, who, previous to his decease, calls all his
+children around him and their descendants, and reminds them of God's
+goodness in having brought them to the promised land, and gives each a
+patriarchal blessing, uttering sundry predictions in reference to their
+future destinies. After the death of Lehi, Laman and Lemuel undertook to
+destroy Nephi, who thereupon fled into the wilderness, taking along with
+him his own family, his brother Sam, and his younger brothers, Jacob and
+Joseph, who were born after his father went out from Jerusalem, and their
+families. He also took along with him the plates of brass, and the ball
+that guided them in their former wanderings in the wilderness by the Red
+Sea, and was their compass to steer by across the ocean. Being thus
+separated they became the heads of separate tribes. The Nephites soon grew
+into a numerous people, and built a temple "like unto Solomon's." They,
+like their father Nephite, for many generations were good christians,
+hundreds of years before Christ was born, practising baptism and other
+christian usages. Nephi here accounts for the color of the aborigines. It
+was the curse of God upon the descendants of his elder brothers on account
+of their disobedience. "Wherefore as they were white, and exceeding fair
+and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people, therefore
+the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them." A curse was
+also pronounced upon intermarriages with them. Nephi also declares that on
+account of the curse of God upon them "they did become an idle people, full
+of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of
+prey."
+
+In this book is also introduced "the words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi,
+which he spake unto the people of Nephi." He predicts the coming of Christ,
+and the return of the Jews from dispersion upon embracing the gospel. Nephi
+then takes up the subject, and transcribes several chapters from Isaiah by
+way of corroboration. This is followed by a long harangue, setting forth
+all the peculiar theology of the New Testament. He then predicts the
+appearance of a great prophet, and a marvellous book which he shall bring
+to light. The book of course is the golden Bible, and the prophet Jo Smith.
+"Wherefore," continues he, "at that day when the book shall be delivered
+unto the man of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of
+the world, _that the eyes of none shall behold it, save it be that three
+witnesses shall behold it by the power of God, besides him to whom the book
+shall be delivered_: and they shall testify to the truth of the book, and
+the things therein." This would seem to be directly in the teeth of what
+actually happened, for as we have seen in a former number there were eight
+other witnesses besides the three, who declared that they saw these
+mysterious plates. To elude this difficulty a saving clause is thrown into
+this chapter to this effect. "And there is none other which shall view it,
+save it be a few, according to the will of God, to bear testimony of his
+word unto the children of men." The reason is also here assigned why the
+plates are not spread before the learned--it is to teach them humility! An
+unlearned man is chosen to transcribe the hieroglyphics, or words of the
+book, that the learned may read them. The learned refuse to read the
+hieroglyphics, unless they can see the plates whence they are taken. This
+God will not permit. He has no need of learned men. He is able to do his
+own work. He will therefore make use of the unlearned to bring these hidden
+things to light. The prophet, though an unlearned man, will be competent
+through the power of God, not only to transcribe but to translate the book.
+
+Nephi discards altogether the idea that our present revelation is complete,
+or that our sacred books contain the whole canon of Scripture. He predicts
+that the Book of Mormon will meet with opposition,--that many of the
+Gentiles would say upon its appearance,--"A Bible, a Bible, we have got a
+Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible. Thou fool, that shall say, a
+Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a
+Bible save it were by the Jews? Know ye not that there are more nations
+than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God have created all men, and
+that I remember _they_ which are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule
+in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word
+unto the children of men, yea even upon all the nations of the earth?
+Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye
+not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God,
+that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore I speak the same
+words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run
+together, the testimony of the two nations shall run together also. And I
+do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday to-day and
+forever, and that I speak forth my words according to my own pleasure. And
+because that I have spoken one word, ye need not suppose that I cannot
+speak another; for my work is not yet finished, neither shall it be until
+the end of man; neither from that time henceforth and forever. Wherefore
+because ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words;
+neither need ye to suppose that I have not caused more to be written; for I
+command all men both in the east and in the west, and in the north and in
+the south, and in the Islands of the sea, that they shall write those words
+I speak unto them. Behold I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write
+it,--unto the Nephites, and they shall write it,--unto the other tribes of
+the house of Israel which I have led away, and they shall write it; and
+unto all the nations of the earth and they shall write it. And the Jews
+shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites the words of the
+Jews. And the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes
+of Israel, &c." This we consider one of the most pernicious features of
+this HISTORICAL ROMANCE,--that it claims for itself an entire equality in
+point of divine authority with the sacred canon. It is not only calculated
+to deceive and delude the credulous, and marvel loving, but to strengthen
+the cause of infidelity.
+
+The only remaining thing worthy of note in this second Book of Nephi, is
+the prediction of the ultimate conversion of the Indians, who are a part of
+the lost tribes of Israel, or descendants of Nephi, to Christianity,
+through the influence of Mormonism, and that soon after this event they
+would change their colour, and become "a white and delightsome people." The
+period occupied by the events related in this Book of Nephi, is fifty five
+years.
+
+The next book in course is the Book of Jacob, one of the younger brothers
+of Nephi; which contains five chapters. This book gives an account of the
+ordaining of Jacob by Nephi, to be priest over the people, and the
+particulars of Nephi's death. It also relates the circumstance of Jacob's
+confounding a man who rose up among them and sought to overthrow the
+doctrine of Christ; and contains a specimen of Jacob's preaching. One of
+the arguments by which he endeavoured to reclaim the Nephites from certain
+prevailing sins, was that if they did not repent, the curse of God would
+light upon them and they would become as dark coloured as the Lamanites.
+Sundry efforts were made by the benevolent Nephites "to reclaim and restore
+the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth." But it was all to no purpose.
+They continued to delight in wars and bloodshed, and cherished an eternal
+hatred against their brethren. To ward off their incursions, the people of
+Nephi had to fortify and protect their land with a strong military force.
+
+Jacob, who had brought up his son Enos "in the nurture and admonition of
+the Lord," when he saw his own decease approaching, gave him the plates and
+left him successor in office over the people of Nephi.
+
+The Book of Enos is short, as is also the two following books of Jarom and
+Omni, containing little except an account of the transmission of the plates
+from one generation to another till the time of king Benjamin, about 320
+years after the flight of Lehi from Jerusalem. During the latter part of
+this period, many wars took place between the people of Nephi and the
+Lamanites; so that Mosiah, then king, was warned to emigrate into a new
+region, or district of the wilderness--into a land called Zarahemla. After
+reaching there they discovered that the people of Zarahemla were also Jews
+who came from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was
+carried away captive into Babylon, and that they were also brought by the
+hand of the Lord across the great waters. The Lamanites at this period are
+described as "a wild, ferocious, and blood-thirsty people, wandering about
+in the wilderness with a short skin girded about their loins, and their
+heads shaven, and their skill was in the bow and the scimitar and the axe.
+And many of them did eat nothing save it was raw meat."
+
+But I must stop. I fear the reader is already wearied with these foolish
+vagaries of the imagination, which the Mormon prophet palms off upon his
+followers as the revelation of the Most High. To redeem our pledge in
+giving an analysis of the Book of Mormon, we shall be obliged to occupy
+another chapter with these details. If the reader cannot make up his mind
+to follow us, he can skip over the next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON CONTINUED.
+
+
+The question has been frequently asked, why the sect whose history we have
+been attempting to sketch, are called Mormons? The answer to this question
+will be readily suggested to any one who has patience to wade through Mr.
+Spaulding's historical romance. From the account that we have already given
+of the Book of Mormon we are led to see the mode by which it is pretended
+that the records of one generation of the Nephites were transmitted to
+another, and how the history of each preceding age was preserved. These
+records were engraven upon plates, and the plates, handed down from one
+prophet to another, or from one king to another, or from one judge to
+another--the Lord always having raised up some one to receive these plates,
+when the person in whose hands they had been previously placed was about to
+die. Mormon, who lived about four hundred years after the coming of Christ,
+while yet a child received a command in relation to these sacred deposites.
+The metallic plates which contained the record of all the generations of
+his fathers, from the flight of Lehi from Jerusalem to his own time,
+ultimately came into his hands. From these plates he made an abriged
+record, which, taken together, in connection with the record of his own
+times, constitutes the BOOK OF MORMON. Thus we see why the book bears this
+title. For Mormon was a sort of Ezra, who compiled the entire sacred canon
+contained in this volume. He lived at a very eventful period, when almost
+all his people had fallen into a fearful apostacy, and he lived to see them
+all destroyed, except twenty-four persons. Himself and these sole survivors
+of his race were afterwards cut off with a single exception. His son
+Moroni, one of the survivors, lived to tell the mournful tale, and deposite
+the plates under the hill where Jo Smith found them. Mormon took his name
+from a place where the first American church was founded, of which we shall
+hear directly, and where the first candidates for admission into the church
+were baptized, some two hundred years before the commencement of the
+Christian era. He was very distinguished in his way, and quite worthy to be
+the founder of this new sect, who have brought to light his records, and
+rescued from oblivion such a bundle of marvels, as no one ever heard the
+like before.
+
+I am sorry to say I must ask you to follow me through a _labyrinth_ of
+history, if I carry out the plan of furnishing an analysis of the Book of
+Mormon.
+
+We have already traced the history of the Lamanites and Nephites down to
+the period of King Benjamin, between three and four hundred years from the
+period of Lehi's flight from Jerusalem. The father of Benjamin was Mosiah,
+who was warned of the Lord to migrate to Zarahemla with all his people,
+that he and they might not be destroyed by the Lamanites. Zarahemla was
+subsequently the scene of much that is interesting in this history. It now
+became the dwelling place of the Nephites. Benjamin was the king of the
+land. He was a sort of David. He not only fought nobly, but took great
+pains to establish true religion among the people. He assembled them
+together, and addressed to them powerful exhortations, preaching to them
+"repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ." The people were so much
+affected that they fell to the earth--were converted, and became firm
+believers in Christ. Benjamin then thoroughly instructed them in the
+doctrines of Christianity, and finally died about four hundred and seventy
+six years after Lehi's flight. His son, Mosiah, reigned in his stead, who
+was no less eminent in kingly power and righteousness than his father. All
+these facts are given us in what is termed the Book of Mosiah, which
+contains thirteen chapters.
+
+In the fifth chapter we have quite an episode introduced. As we have before
+noticed, the Nephites had left their first residence and gone to dwell in
+the land of Zarahemla.--Some of their number, however, desired to go back
+to the land where they formerly dwelt. The first party that went out for
+this purpose were unsuccessful, having had much dissension among
+themselves. The second attempt, made under a leader by the name of Zeniff,
+resulted in their making a settlement in that land, and building a city
+called Lehi-Nephi. No intercourse, however, having been kept up by this
+colony with their parent country, the result of their enterprise remained
+unknown in Zarahemla. In the reign of Mosiah, however, a number of
+individuals determined to go out on an exploring excursion, and to
+ascertain what had been the fate of their brethren, who had thus gone up
+to the land of Nephi. The leader of this exploring party was Ammon, a man
+that afterwards became famous among the Nephites. This party travelled a
+long way through the wilderness. I suppose the wilderness, as the term is
+used in the book of Mormon in reference to America, means woods or forests.
+At length they approached the land of Shilom and Nephi. They had not
+proceeded far before an armed band fell upon them, and having taken them
+prisoners, bound them and brought them before the king of the land. His
+name was Limhi, and, as it appeared in the sequel, he was a descendant of
+Zeniff. As soon as Limhi learned Ammon's origin and the errand on which he
+came, he released him and his company from their bands, treated them with
+great hospitality, and invoked his and his country's aid to assist them in
+extricating themselves from the oppressive power of the Lamanites. Limhi
+also assembled his people together, and announced to them the character of
+these visiters. He then brought out the records of his people, and
+exhibited them to Ammon and his company. Ammon read the engravings upon the
+plates, which in substance were as follows:--Zeniff, the founder of this
+people, after leaving Zarahemla, travelled a long way through the
+wilderness, where he encountered various trials, and at length came to the
+land of Lehi-Nephi and Shilom. They found this country in possession of the
+Lamanites. From the king of Laman, however, he obtained by treaty the
+privilege of occupying this land. The Lamanites, the old enemies of his
+nation, allowed his people to go on and build cities, and make improvements
+for many years, and then rose up and sought to bring them under their
+dominion, that they might bear the relation of serfs or vassals to them.
+This attempt was rigorously resisted by Zeniff and the colony he had
+established. During the whole life of Zeniff, who now became their king,
+the Lamanites were invariably repulsed, and driven off. After his death the
+kingdom was conferred upon his son Noah, who proved to be a very bad and
+depraved man. Iniquity soon began to abound every where in the land, and
+vice to stalk shamelessly abroad with brazen front. Just at this time the
+Lord raised up among them a prophet by the name of Abinadi. He was very
+valiant for the truth. He reproved the people for their sins, and denounced
+the judgments of God openly against them. This fearless denunciation on the
+part of the prophet awaked the displeasure of the people, who determined
+and sought to slay the man of God. But Abinadi fled and escaped out of
+their hands. After about two years, however, he returned in disguise, so
+that they did not know that it was Abinadi. But as he continued to reprove
+them, and denounce heaven's wrath against them they determined to kill him.
+He however was not at all intimidated, but enforced his bold reproofs by
+repeating to them each one of the commands contained in the decalogue. This
+exasperated them the more, and they sought to destroy him at once; but he
+defied their efforts, declaring to them they could have no power over him
+till he had finished his message. Accordingly he went on, and preached unto
+them the coming of Christ, exhibiting the whole plan of salvation as laid
+down in the gospel. His preaching seemed to make some impression upon the
+mind of the king, but the priests of the land, who were wicked and who
+derided the idea of the coming of Christ--succeeded in getting him put to
+death. He was accordingly led forth and burned at the stake.
+
+Among those who were present, and heard Abinadi testify in reference to the
+coming and power of Christ, was a young man by the name of Alma, whose
+heart was touched by the words of the prophet. Though Abinadi perished in
+the flames, his spirit lived in Alma, who now became not only a firm
+believer, but a preacher of the doctrines which Abinadi taught. He, of
+course, became obnoxious both to the king and priests of Lehi-Nephi.--He,
+however, persevered in preaching, though he was obliged to do it in a
+private way. His preaching was attended with great effect. And now it was,
+that those who believed on him resorted to a place called MORMON for
+baptism. The record thus states the matter. "As many as did believe him,
+did go forth to a place which was called Mormon, having received its name
+from the king, being in the borders of the land, having been infested, by
+times, or at seasons, by wild beasts. Now there was in Mormon a fountain of
+pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket
+of small trees, where he did hide himself in the day-time from the searches
+of the king." Here the people came secretly to hear him. And Alma
+instructed them in the doctrines of Christ, and baptized them by immersion
+in the waters of Mormon. About two hundred and four souls were thus
+baptized. The record having recounted these facts, proceeds to say, "This
+was done in Mormon: yea, by the waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon,
+the waters of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there
+came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, how blessed are they, for
+they shall sing to his praise for ever." It was from this place, and these
+waters, that the individual took his name, from whom the sect of the
+Mormons derives their appellation.
+
+Alma and his operations at Mormon, however, soon became known, and created
+a great sensation. He and his followers were denounced as rebels, and a
+military force was sent out to cut them off. They had now increased to
+nearly five hundred souls. Apprized of the designs of King Noah, they
+immediately fled into the wilderness.
+
+The Lord did not allow the wickedness of the people of Lehi-Nephi to go
+unpunished. The Lamanites soon came upon them, and reduced them to a state
+of vassalage.--They were still allowed, however, to keep up the shadow of a
+government, and Limhi succeeded Noah in the kingdom. They were not only
+made tributary to the Lamanites, but repeated efforts were made on the part
+of the Lamanites to cut them off, and this led them to be always in a
+warlike posture. They were also exposed to assaults continually from a
+banditti that at times came up from the wilderness, and fell upon them.
+When Ammon and his party were seized by the armed forces of Limhi they were
+supposed to be one of these marauding bands. This explains the cause of the
+treatment which they at first received.
+
+Limhi, having thus explained matters to Ammon, proceeded to tell him that a
+short time before, a small party, having been sent out by him to search for
+the land of Zarahemla, missed the object of their search, but stumbled upon
+a country, filled with the ruins of ancient buildings, the remains of
+decayed and rust-cankered armour, and the bones of men and beasts. Here,
+also, were found the records of this extinct race, "engraven upon plates of
+ore." These plates, which were twenty-four in number, and of pure gold,
+they brought away with them, but the writing was in a language which
+neither Limhi nor any of his people understood. They applied therefore, to
+Ammon to see if he could translate it, but he could not. Ammon, however,
+told them that he knew one who could interpret these engravings, "even the
+king of the people which is in the land of Zarahemla." He remarked, "he
+hath wherewith he can look and translate all records that are of ancient
+date, and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters;
+and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for
+that he had not ought, and he should perish." I suppose these must have
+been the spectacles handed down with the plates through which Joseph Smith
+looked to read and translate the book of Mormon. Ammon, in his discourse to
+Limhi, greatly magnified the office of such a looker: "whosoever is
+commanded to look in them, the same is called seer. A seer is a revelator,
+and a prophet also. A seer can know of things which has past, and also of
+things which is to come: and a gift which is greater can no man have." The
+preceding quotation will give an idea of the grammatical correctness and
+style of this book.
+
+Limhi of course was very happy at the idea of having the historic facts
+veiled under these mysterious characters, constituting the written language
+of an extinct race, brought to light. In this he was gratified, as we shall
+subsequently see.
+
+But the great matter, which just at this time weighed most upon Limhi's
+mind, was, how he could extricate himself from the iron meshes of the net
+which the Lamanites had cast over his people. Ammon, however, devised an
+expedient, by which the whole people could flee secretly from Lehi-Nephi.
+They watched the opportunity and took their flight and found a secure
+asylum in Zarahemla, where they were received by Mosiah with joy, who also
+received their records, and the record which they had found in the country
+of the extinct people before noticed. Here this episode should end. But
+appended to this is a sub-episode in relation to the people, which were
+driven into the wilderness by the people of king Noah.--The followers of
+Alma, who were organized into a church at Mormon, and fled for their lives,
+travelled eight days through the dense forests, till at length they came to
+a very beautiful and pleasant country. Here they pitched their tents, and
+began to till the ground and erect buildings. They offered to make Alma
+their king, but he declined the honour, and dissuaded them from the idea of
+having a kingly government. He was already the founder of their Church, and
+filled among them the office of high priest. No irregularities were allowed
+in ecclesiastical discipline, as we are expressly informed that "none
+received authority to preach, or to teach except it were by him from God.
+Therefore he consecrated all their priests and all their teachers." The
+deep secluded glen which they inhabited was at length discovered by the
+roving tribes of the Lamanites, who immediately subjected them to a bondage
+that was peculiarly oppressive. They soon contrived, however, to escape
+from their hands, and fled to the land of Zarahemla, which was now becoming
+a refuge for the oppressed. They were there kindly received by Mosiah,
+shortly after the arrival of Limhi and his people. Thus ends this episode.
+
+All the people of Nephi were now assembled together, and also the people of
+Limhi and Alma, and in their hearing Mosiah read the records both of Zeniff
+and of Alma; and the Nephites were filled with amazement and joy.--Alma was
+called out to address the mighty concourse of these gathered tribes. King
+Limhi and all his people at once became converts to the doctrines of Alma,
+and desired baptism. And we are told: "That Alma did go forth into the
+water, and did baptize them; yea, he did baptize them after the manner he
+did his brethren in the waters of Mormon; yea, and as many as he did
+baptize, did belong to the church of God; and this because of their belief
+on the words of Alma. And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted unto
+Alma that he might establish churches throughout all the land of Zarahemla;
+and gave him power to ordain priests and teachers over every church. Now
+this was done because there was so many people that they could not all be
+governed by one teacher; neither could they all hear the word of God in one
+assembly; therefore they did assemble themselves together in different
+bodies, being called churches, every church having their priests and their
+teachers, and every priest preaching the word according as it was delivered
+to him by the mouth of Alma; and thus notwithstanding their being many
+churches they were all one church; yea, even THE CHURCH OF GOD!!" The
+people had generally, especially those who had lived in the land of king
+Benjamin, become very pious Christians. But many of the children, who were
+now growing up to man's estate, being still unregenerate, were full of
+unbelief; and some of them became awfully depraved. Among the number were
+the sons of the king, and also a son of Alma, who bore the name of his
+father. They were not only profligate in their lives, but bitter and
+scoffing infidels. While this young Alma, like Saul of Tarsus was laying
+waste the church of God, an angel of God appeared to him by the way, and
+descending in a cloud spoke to him in a voice of thunder which caused the
+earth to shake upon which they stood. He instantly fell to the earth, being
+struck dumb and entirely senseless. He continued in this state for two days
+and two nights and then rose up a perfectly changed and converted man, and
+became a most zealous preacher of righteousness. Four of the sons of Mosiah
+were also converted, and became preachers. These sons of the king were so
+zealous, that they embraced the idea of going on a mission to see if they
+could not convert the Lamanites. The plan having been approved by their
+father, they set off. We shall in due time hear what was the result of
+their efforts. But years passed away without any intelligence being
+received of them. Their father was growing old, and he had no one on whom
+to confer the kingdom. He therefore committed the records of his people for
+transmission to young Alma, who had now become so pious. He did not do this
+however, till he had translated the records of the extinct nation found by
+the people of Limhi, engraven upon twenty-four plates of gold.
+
+These records form what is called the book of Ether, in the BOOK OF MORMON,
+which is placed by Mormon nearly at the end of this volume. The substance
+of this record is as follows: The people who inhabited these regions, were
+descendants of Jared and his brother, who were among those that were
+engaged in building the tower of Babel. When Jared and his brother saw that
+God was confounding the language of all the builders, they cried unto him
+that he would have compassion on them and not confound their language. He
+did so. They also besought him to show them into what part of the earth he
+would have them go. He gave them a satisfactory response, guided them a
+long way through the wilderness, and instructed them to build barges to
+cross the sea. These were made air tight. A breathing hole was made in the
+top. To dissipate the darkness, they were instructed to obtain sixteen
+molten stones, which were touched by the finger of God, and thus these
+molten stones became in the dark barges like so many stars to enlighten the
+passengers. They embarked in these barges and were miraculously conducted
+over mountain waves to the promised land--which was America. Here they
+became mighty nations--built cities--cultivated the arts--and finally on
+account of their wickedness became exterminated by dreadful wars between
+themselves.
+
+The following description is the account given of Mosiah's mode of
+translating these records: "He translated them by the means of those two
+stones which was fastened into two rims of a bow. Now these things was
+prepared from the beginning, and was handed down from generation to
+generation for the purpose of interpreting languages; and they have been
+kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord; and whosoever has these things
+is called seer."--The same spectacles, as we have seen, came down as an
+heir loom to Jo Smith.
+
+We have now reached the five hundred and ninth year after the flight of
+Lehi. Here the book of Mosiah ends giving an account of the termination of
+the reign of the kings, and the commencement of a sort of republican
+government, or what is called the reign of the judges.--This change was
+brought about because none of the sons of Mosiah would accept the kingdom.
+Alma was made the first chief judge. The book of Alma here follows, which
+contains twenty-nine chapters, and occupies nearly two hundred pages of the
+BOOK OF MORMON. It is principally filled with details of the events that
+happened under the reign of the early judges of the wars and contentions
+among the people, of the efforts of Alma and others to establish the
+church, and an account of a war between the Nephites and the Lamanites. One
+of the first cases brought before Alma after he sat upon the judgment-seat,
+was that of Nehor, a very large man, and noted for his great strength. He
+preached strange doctrine to the people, declaring "_that every priest and
+teacher had ought_ to become popular; and they ought not to labour with
+their own hands, but that they _had ought_ to be supported by the people."
+This was one of his heresies. The other was the doctrine of the
+universalists, "he testified unto the people that all mankind should be
+saved at the last day and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that
+they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all
+men, and had also redeemed all men; and in the end all men should have
+eternal life." Gideon opposed him, and thereupon Nehor became wroth and
+slew him. He was accordingly brought before the judgment seat and doomed
+to die. After about five years Amilici, a cunning shrewd man, of similar
+sentiments with Nehor, rose up, and tried to lead away the people. He at
+length was so successful that he proposed himself as the king of the
+nation. The question whether he should be king, was decided by popular
+vote, and he was defeated. His adherents however still clave to him, and
+anointed him king, and immediately hereupon there commenced a civil war.
+The insurgents were defeated in battle, and fled to the Lamanists, who now
+came in like an inundation upon Zarahemla. But the people of Zarahemla
+cried unto the Lord, and went forth in his strength and utterly defeated
+them. The grotesque appearance of the Lamanites at this time is thus
+described. "The heads of the Lamanites were shorn; and they were naked,
+save it were a skin which was girded about their loins, and also their
+armor, which was girded about them, and their bows and their armour, and
+their stones and their slings. And the skins of the Lamanites were dark,
+according to the mark which was set upon their fathers, which was a curse
+upon them because of their transgression, and their rebellion against their
+brethren."
+
+A season of universal prosperity to the church followed this expulsion of
+the Lamanites, three hundred and fifty persons having been baptized by Alma
+during the seventh year of the reign of the judge. At the end of the eighth
+year there was a sensible decline in spiritual things. So alarming was the
+state of things, that Alma, who had hitherto held the office of chief judge
+and high priest, laid down altogether the ermine, and took up the crozier,
+devoting himself wholly to the business of preaching, with a view to
+revive and establish the churches. We have sundry specimens of his sermons,
+which show that he was a perfect _Boanerges_, a real son of thunder, with
+which few modern preachers, however versed in the doctrines of
+Christianity, or skilled in the tactics of Arminian theology, would venture
+to compete. Great effects attended his preaching generally in the various
+cities he visited, but when he reached the city of Ammonihah he could make
+no impression upon the minds of the people. He therefore gave them up in
+despair; but as he was departing an angel of God met him and told him to go
+back, and make another effort. He did so, and Amulek, a young man of some
+distinction, was converted, who laboured with him in the ministry. But the
+lawyers opposed them, and tried to stir up the people against them. Alma,
+however, waxed mighty in spirit, and confounded, and perfectly silenced
+Zeezrom, the most distinguished of the lawyers. Zeezrom himself was
+ultimately converted, and suffered much persecution for his new faith. Alma
+and Amulek were imprisoned, abused and every way insulted, but their prison
+doors were broken open, and they delivered in the sight of all the people.
+Among the most prominent topics of Alma's preaching was the speedy coming
+of Christ. He declared he would appear in this land in America after his
+resurrection. Before dismissing the subject of Alma and his preaching, who
+is one of the most distinguished characters in the book, I cannot refrain
+from transcribing a passage from his address to the people of Ammonihah.
+"And now, my beloved brethren, for ye are my brethren, and ye _had ought_
+to be beloved, and ye _had ought_ to bring forth works which _is mete_ for
+repentance, seeing that your hearts have been grossly hardened against the
+word of God, and seeing that ye are a lost and a fallen people."
+
+We have next an episode, giving an account of the missionary adventures of
+the sons of Mosiah, in their attempts to evangelize the Lamanites. These
+four sons most unexpectedly made their appearance in the land of Zarahemla
+after an absence of fourteen years. After they first reached the land of
+the Lamanites, they were seized and made slaves in the service of several
+princes that reigned there. Ammon, whose adventures are related with the
+most minuteness, was a perfect Guy of Warwick. He could encounter and
+overcome by his single arm, hundreds of men, all trying at the same time to
+overpower him. He gave a specimen of his prowess in this way, in protecting
+the king's flock, which he was leading to water, against the efforts of a
+band of hostile shepherds who tried to scatter and disperse the flock. The
+fame thereof came to the king. He was called into his presence. This opened
+the way for him to preach the Gospel to him. While he was speaking the
+power of the Holy Spirit was displayed in such a way that the king fell to
+the ground, and his wife and servants. They were, of course, all converted.
+Ammon now became a great man, and though he encountered much opposition,
+and many trials, he and his brethren succeeded in converting all the Kings
+and Queens, and most of the people of the Lamanites. They seem, generally,
+previous to their conversion, to have had, what in modern times is called
+the _power_. They were most generally struck down under the word, and after
+remaining insensible awhile, they rose up and began to shout praises to
+the Most High, being perfectly transformed. These converted people were
+called Anti-Nephi-Lehies. Soon the more fierce tribes of the Lamanites who
+still remained unconverted, made war upon these; and as they seem with
+these new views to have adopted the doctrine of non-resistance, they were
+in danger of being exterminated. Hence by the suggestion of the four
+missionaries, they determined to emigrate to Zarahemla. They had already
+reached the border of the land, and when the king's sons met Alma, their
+principal errand was to ask permission for this people to dwell in the land
+of the Nephites. This request was of course granted.
+
+Alma gave very long lectures or charges to his sons, and especially to
+Helaman, to whom he committed all the sacred plates, the interpreters, and
+the director which guided Lehi through the wilderness. To him he also
+uttered this prediction, "Behold I perceive that this very people, the
+Nephites, according to the spirit which is in me, in four hundred years
+from the time that Jesus Christ shall manifest himself unto them, shall
+dwindle in unbelief; yea, and then shall they see wars, and pestilences,
+yea, famines and bloodshed, even until the people of Nephi shall become
+extinct."
+
+Alma, after uttering this prophecy, disappeared in the same mysterious way
+that Moses did, and no man knoweth his grave unto this day. At this period
+all who believed in Christ took upon them the name of Christians. Various
+wars now raged between the Lamanites and Nephites. The people of Nephi
+erected many forts and high mounds to secure themselves from the invasion
+of their enemies.
+
+The Book of Helaman, which consists of five chapters, opens with the
+fortieth year of the reign of the Judges. It details sad accounts of
+dissensions and war, and strange alternations of prosperity and adversity
+to the church. A man by the name of Nephi, who was now chief judge,
+imitated Alma, and laying down his civil office, became a great preacher
+and prophet, performing miracles and mighty wonders. He went even to the
+Lamanites, and was so successful in converting them, that he arrested the
+tide of war and restored peace to the land. The earth shook, the heavens
+were opened, and angels came down at his voice. After Nephi, rose up
+Samuel, a Lamanite, who predicted that Christ would come in five years, and
+that on the day he was born, though the sun would go down as usual, there
+would be no night, it would continue as light as day. This was to be the
+sign. Another sign to attend his death, which was to take place in the
+thirty-fourth year after his birth, was three whole days of darkness, in
+which there were to be thunderings and lightnings, and earthquakes, and the
+rending of rocks and cleaving of hills. According to the testimony in the
+next book, at the end of five years the sign of his birth occurred, two
+days succeeding each other without any intervening night. The Nephites,
+therefore, knew that Christ had come. They accordingly reckoned their time
+from this period, regarding it as the commencement of a new era. The
+Lamanites that were converted now became white as the Nephites. At the end
+of thirty-three years, the signs that were foretold would accompany the
+death of Christ, appeared. There was a great tempest, and terrible thunder;
+the earth shook, as though about to divide asunder. Vivid lightning ran
+along on the ground, cities were overturned and buried in the midst of the
+sea--a terrible darkness came over the land for three days--and a great
+mourning and howling and weeping among the people. The voice of Christ was
+heard, amid the awful tempest, denouncing woes upon sinners, and offering
+grace and salvation to all who would repent and believe. After this Christ
+made his personal appearance on the earth, coming down from heaven with
+great glory. There were several occasions on which he appeared, at which
+times he delivered to the assembled thousands all the instruction, and
+performed nearly all the miracles recorded in the New Testament, and then
+he was again taken up out of their sight. He ordained twelve apostles and
+gave them singular gifts. He instituted baptism and the Lord's supper,
+blessed the children and healed the sick, but I am obliged to pass over all
+the details of these, as this chapter is already so long. Now all were
+baptized in the name of the Trinity. All the Nephites, and nearly all the
+Lamanites, became converted. For about fifty years the earth was almost a
+perfect paradise. But then the love of many began to wax cold, and iniquity
+to abound. Terrible wars ensued. The Nephites apostatized more and more
+from the faith, till at the end of four hundred years after Christ they
+became entirely destroyed, and Mormon, as we have said, was one of the last
+of his race, who committed the records of this people to his son, Moroni,
+who deposited them in the hill, where Joseph Smith found them. This is an
+outline of this historical romance, which the deluded Mormons now regard as
+a revelation from God. In this brief sketch we have been obliged to omit
+many things that attracted our attention; but I suppose that our readers
+are exceedingly glad we have reached the end, as the writer certainly is.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+FARTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN RELATION TO THE MORMON IMPOSTURE.
+
+
+Since preparing the preceding chapters for the press, there have come into
+the author's hands several documents, that seem to throw additional light
+upon the origin and authorship of the Book of Mormon. These documents
+consist of statements made by Mr. John Spalding, now residing in Crawford
+county, Pa., the brother of Rev. Mr. Spalding--by Mrs. Martha Spalding, the
+wife of Mr. John Spalding--by four gentlemen, residing in Conneaut,
+Ashtabula county, Ohio, the very spot where Mr. Spalding's historical
+romance was originally written, and by several others acquainted with the
+facts in reference to Mr. Spalding's manuscript. From these statements we
+make the following extracts:
+
+Mr. John Spalding, having given an account of the education of his brother,
+his preparation for the ministry, his subsequent relinquishment of its
+duties, and his engagement in mercantile business, says, "In a few years he
+failed in business, and, in the year 1809, removed to Conneaut, in Ohio.
+The year following, I removed to Ohio, and found him engaged in building a
+forge. I made him a visit in about three years after; and found that he had
+failed, and become considerably involved in debt. He then told me he had
+been writing a book, which he intended to have printed, the avails of which
+he thought would enable him to pay all his debts. The book was entitled the
+'Manuscript Found,' of which he read to me many passages. It was an
+historical romance of the first settlers of America, endeavouring to show
+that the American Indians are the descendants of the Jews, or the lost
+tribes. It gave a detailed account of their journey from Jerusalem, by land
+and sea, till they arrived in America, under the command of Nephi and Lehi.
+They afterwards had quarrels and contentions, and separated into two
+distinct nations, one of which he denominated Nephites and the other
+Lamanites. Cruel and bloody wars ensued, in which great multitudes were
+slain. They buried their dead in large heaps, which caused the mounds so
+common in this country. Their arts, sciences and civilization were brought
+into view, in order to account for all the curious antiquities, found in
+various parts of North and South America. I have recently read the Book of
+Mormon, and to my great surprise I find nearly the same historical matter,
+names, &c. as they were in my brother's writings. I well remember that he
+wrote in the old style, and commenced about every sentence with 'and it
+came to pass,' or 'now it came to pass,' the same as in the Book of Mormon,
+and according to the best of my recollection and belief, it is the same as
+my brother Solomon wrote, with the exception of the religious matter. By
+what means it has fallen into the hands of Joseph Smith Jr., I am unable to
+determine."
+
+Mrs. Martha Spalding's testimony is very similar. She says, "I was
+personally acquainted with Solomon Spalding, about twenty years ago. I was
+at his house a short time before he left Conneaut; he was then writing a
+historical novel founded upon the first settlers of America. He represented
+them as an enlightened and warlike people. He had for many years contended
+that the aborigines of America were the descendants of some of the lost
+tribes of Israel, and this idea he carried out in the book in question. The
+lapse of time which has intervened, prevents my recollecting but few of the
+leading incidents of his writings; but the names of Nephi and Lehi are yet
+fresh in my memory, as being the principal heroes of his tale. They were
+officers of the company which first came off from Jerusalem. He gave a
+particular account of their journey by land and sea, till they arrived in
+America, after which, disputes arose between the chiefs, which caused them
+to separate into different lands, one of which was called Lamanites and the
+other Nephites. Between these were recounted tremendous battles, which
+frequently covered the ground with the slain; and their being buried in
+large heaps was the cause of the numerous mounds in the country. Some of
+these people he represented as being very large. I have read the Book of
+Mormon, which has brought fresh to my recollection the writings of Solomon
+Spalding; and I have no manner of doubt that the historical part of it, is
+the same that I read and heard read, more than twenty years ago."
+
+Mr. Henry Lake, residing at Conneaut, gives the following statement: "I
+left the state of New York, late in the year 1810, and arrived at this
+place, about the 1st of January following. Soon after my arrival, I formed
+a co-partnership with Solomon Spalding, for the purpose of rebuilding a
+forge which he had commenced a year or two before. He very frequently read
+to me from a manuscript which he was writing, which he entitled the
+'Manuscript Found,' and which he represented as being found in this town. I
+spent many hours in hearing him read said writing, and became well
+acquainted with its contents. He wished me to assist him in getting his
+production printed, alleging that a book of that kind would meet with a
+rapid sale. I designed doing so, but the forge not meeting our
+anticipations, we failed in business, when I declined having any thing to
+do with the publication of the book. This book represented the American
+Indians as the descendants of the lost tribes, gave an account of their
+leaving Jerusalem, their contentions and wars, which were many and great.
+One time, when he was reading to me the tragic account of Laban, I pointed
+out to him what I considered an inconsistency, which he promised to
+correct; but by referring to the Book of Mormon, I find to my surprise that
+it stands there just as he read it to me then. Some months ago I borrowed
+the Golden Bible, put it into my pocket, carried it home, and thought no
+more of it. About a week after, my wife found the book in my coat pocket,
+as it hung up, and commenced reading it aloud as I lay upon the bed. She
+had not read twenty minutes till I was astonished to find the same passages
+in it that Spalding had read to me more than twenty years before, from his
+'Manuscript Found.' Since that, I have more fully examined the said Golden
+Bible, and have no hesitation in saying that the historical part of it is
+principally, if not wholly taken from the 'Manuscript Found.'"
+
+Mr. John N. Miller, residing in Springfield, Pa., who was then in the
+employ of Mr. Lake, and boarded in the family of Mr. Spalding, corroborates
+the preceding statement. After having mentioned being introduced to the
+manuscript of Mr. Spalding, he says, "It purported to be the history of the
+first settlement of America, before discovered by Columbus. He brought them
+off from Jerusalem, under their leaders; detailing their travels by land
+and water, their manners, customs, laws, wars, &c.
+
+"I have recently examined the Book of Mormon, and find in it the writings
+of Solomon Spalding, from beginning to end, but mixed up with Scripture and
+other religious matter, which I did not meet with in the 'Manuscript
+Found.' Many of the passages in the Mormon Book are verbatim from Spalding,
+and others in part. The names of Nephi, Lehi, Moroni, and in fact all the
+principal names, are brought fresh to my recollection, by the Golden
+Bible."
+
+Mr. Aaron Wright, of Conneaut, remarks, "I first became acquainted with
+Solomon Spalding in 1808 or 9, when he commenced building a forge on
+Conneaut creek. When at his house, one day, he showed and read to me a
+history he was writing, of the lost tribes of Israel, purporting that they
+were the first settlers of America, and that the Indians were their
+descendants. Upon this subject we had frequent conversations. He traced
+their journey from Jerusalem to America, as it is given in the Book of
+Mormon, excepting the religious matter. The historical part of the Book of
+Mormon, I know to be the same as I read and heard read from the writings of
+Spalding, more than twenty years ago; the names more especially are the
+same without any alteration. He told me his object was to account for all
+the fortifications, &c. to be found in this country."
+
+Mr. Oliver Smith, of Conneaut, gives the following statement: "When Solomon
+Spalding first came to this place, he purchased a tract of land, surveyed
+it out and commenced selling it. While engaged in this business, he boarded
+at my house, in all nearly six months. All his leisure hours were occupied
+in writing a historical novel, founded upon the first settlers of this
+country. He said he intended to trace their journey from Jerusalem, by land
+and sea, till their arrival in America, give an account of their arts,
+sciences, civilization, wars and contentions. In this way, he would give a
+satisfactory account of all of the old mounds, so common to this country.
+During the time he was at my house, I read and heard read one hundred pages
+or more. Nephi and Lehi were by him represented as leading characters, when
+they first started for America. Their main object was to escape the
+judgments which they supposed were coming upon the old world. But no
+religious matter was introduced, as I now recollect. When I heard the
+historical part of the Book of Mormon related, I at once said it was the
+writings of old Solomon Spalding. Soon after, I obtained the book, and on
+reading it, found much of it the same as Spalding had written, more than
+twenty years before."
+
+Mr. Nahum Howard, of the same place, gives a similar statement. We will
+detain the reader only by a single additional statement. Mr. Artemas
+Cunningham, of Perry, Geauga county, relates the following facts: "In the
+month of October, 1811, I went from the township of Madison to Conneaut,
+for the purpose of securing a debt due me from Solomon Spalding. I tarried
+with him nearly two days, for the purpose of accomplishing my object, which
+I was finally unable to do. I found him destitute of the means of paying
+his debts. His only hope of ever paying his debts, appeared to be upon the
+sale of a book, which he had been writing. He endeavoured to convince me
+from the nature and character of the work, that it would meet with a ready
+sale. Before showing me his manuscripts, he went into a verbal relation of
+its outlines, saying that it was a fabulous or romantic history of the
+first settlement of this country, and as it purported to have been a record
+found buried in the earth, or in a cave, he had adopted the ancient or
+Scripture style of writing. He then presented his manuscripts, when we sat
+down and spent a good share of the night, in reading them, and conversing
+upon them. I well remember the name of Nephi, which appeared to be the
+principal hero of the story. The frequent repetition of the phrase, 'I
+Nephi,' I recollect as distinctly as though it was but yesterday, although
+the general features of the story have passed from my memory. The Mormon
+Bible I have partially examined, and am fully of the opinion that Solomon
+Spalding had written its outlines before he left Conneaut."
+
+With such a cloud of witnesses, commentary seems quite unnecessary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+ORGANIZATION OF THE MORMONS, AND THEIR REMOVAL TO OHIO.
+
+     Steps leading to the Mormon emigration to the
+     West--Conversion of Parley P. Pratt--Mission to the
+     Lamanites--Sidney Rigdon--His avowed
+     conversion--Fanatic scenes at Kirtland--Dr. Rosa's
+     letter--Mr. Howe's statement--Smith's removal.
+
+
+Jo Smith, who aspired to the high character of a prophet of God, was far
+more successful in gathering early disciples than Mahomet. His own family,
+and numerous coadjutors, being in the secret with himself, and hoping to
+build up their fortunes by this scheme, became very zealous converts to the
+Mormon imposture.
+
+There was not much ground for Smith to hope to make converts in the
+neighbourhood where this fabrication was got up. In addition to his own
+family, Harris, Cowdery, Whitmer, and those whom they could personally
+influence, a few converts were obtained in the neighbouring towns, by the
+marvellous pretensions which the prophet set up. These, however, were
+either mere adventurers, or the firm believers in ghosts and hobgoblins.
+Soon after the Book of Mormon was issued from the press, a person by the
+name of Parley P. Pratt, passed through Palmyra, and hearing of the "golden
+Bible," sought an interview with the prophet, and immediately became a
+convert. This individual resided in Lorrain co., Ohio, and was very
+intimate with Sidney Rigdon. Rigdon was professedly a Campbellite Baptist
+preacher. He resided in the county of Geauga, and but a few miles from
+Kirtland, which afterwards became the head-quarters of the Mormons. About
+the time that Pratt visited the prophet, and gave in his adhesion to the
+Mormons, an expedition was fitted out for the Western Country, under the
+command of Cowdery, to convert the Lamanites, as the western Indians were
+called by them. The persons sent on this mission were Cowdery, Pratt,
+Peterson, and Whitmer. Under the guidance of Pratt, they reached the
+residence of Rigdon in Mentor, Ohio, the last of October, 1830.--Rigdon at
+first received them apparently with suspicion, and objected to the Mormon
+scheme, and the authority of the prophet, but in the course of two days,
+his objections gave way, and he avowed his conversion to the Mormon faith.
+He very soon started off in order to have a personal interview with the
+prophet. Smith of course was prepared to receive him, and declared there
+had just been made to him a revelation from the Lord in relation to this
+new convert. This pretended heavenly communication uses such language as
+the following--"Behold, verily, verily, I say unto my servant Sidney, I
+have looked upon thee and thy works; I have heard thy prayers, and prepared
+thee for a greater work--thou art blessed for thou shall do great things.
+Behold thou wast sent forth even as John to prepare the way before me, and
+Elijah which should come, and thou knewest it not--thou didst baptize by
+water unto repentance, but they received not the Holy Ghost; but now I give
+unto you a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water, and fire of the
+Holy Ghost, by laying on of hands, even as the Apostles of old."
+
+There is great reason to believe that this meeting of Smith and Rigdon was
+preconcerted--and that the pretended mission to the Indians was devised to
+form a plausible pretext for Rigdon, to come out openly in favour of the
+Mormons--and thus to conceal more effectually the hand which he might
+previously have had in concocting this scheme of imposture.
+
+Certain it is "their plans of deception appear to have been more fully
+matured and developed after the meeting of Smith and Rigdon. The latter
+being found very intimate with the Scriptures, a close reasoner, and as
+fully competent to make white appear black, and black white, as any other
+man; and at all times prepared to establish, to the satisfaction of great
+numbers of people, the negative or affirmative, of any and every question,
+_from Scripture_, he was forthwith appointed to promulgate all the
+absurdities and ridiculous pretensions of Mormonism, 'and call on the Holy
+Prophets to prove' all the words of Smith." A revelation was soon received,
+"that Kirtland, the residence of Rigdon and his brethren, was to be the
+eastern border of the 'promised land,' 'and from thence to the Pacific
+Ocean.' On this land the 'New Jerusalem, the city of Refuge,' was to be
+built. Upon it, all true Mormons were to assemble, to escape the
+destruction of the world, which was soon to take place."
+
+Those sent on the mission to the Lamanites having spent some time at
+Kirtland, succeeded in making a number of converts. After Cowdery and his
+associates, began to develope the peculiarities of their system, we are
+told that scenes of the most wild, frantic and horrible fanaticism ensued.
+"They pretended that the power of miracles was about to be given to all
+those who embraced the new faith, and commenced communicating the Holy
+Spirit, by laying their hands upon the heads of the converts, which
+operation, at first, produced an instantaneous prostration of body and
+mind. Many would fall upon the floor, where they would lie for a long time,
+apparently lifeless. They thus continued these enthusiastic exhibitions for
+several weeks. The fits usually came on, during or after their
+prayer-meetings, which were held nearly every evening. The young men and
+women were more particularly subject to this delirium. They would exhibit
+all the apish acts imaginable, making the most ridiculous grimaces,
+creeping upon their hands and feet, rolling upon the frozen ground, go
+through with all the Indian modes of warfare, such as knocking down,
+scalping, &c. At other times, they would run through the fields, get upon
+stumps, preach to imaginary congregations, enter the water, and perform all
+the ceremony of baptizing. Many would have fits of speaking all the
+different Indian dialects, which none could understand. Again, at the dead
+hour of night, the young men might be seen running over the fields and
+hills in pursuit, as they said, of the balls of fire, lights, &c., which
+they saw moving through the atmosphere."
+
+Three of the young converts pretended to have received commissions to
+preach from the skies, after having first jumpt into the air as high as
+they could. All these transactions were believed to be from _the Spirit of
+God_. They very soon numbered in this region a hundred converts. To these
+converts Rigdon, soon after joining Smith at Manchester, wrote a letter,
+disclosing among other things that Kirtland was to be the seat of
+empire--and that they were dwelling on their eternal inheritance, and that
+the land of promise extended from that place to the Pacific ocean.
+
+The facts above stated are principally taken from a volume entitled
+"MORMONISM UNVEILED," sent the author by a most estimable clergyman of the
+Episcopal Church, residing at Ashtabula, Ohio, with the information that
+this volume is regarded by all candid and respectable people in the
+neighbourhood of the Mormon settlement, as a correct and fair statement of
+facts. It may tend to throw some new light upon some of the actors in this
+grand drama of deception to insert a portion of the correspondence that led
+the clergyman just referred to, to forward this volume to the author. The
+Rev. Mr. Quinan, who now resides in Philadelphia, having formerly lived in
+the neighbourhood of Kirtland, was requested by the author to open a
+correspondence with some intelligent person in that neighbourhood, who
+would be able to give some account of the first emigration of the Mormons
+to Kirtland, and the line of operations which they had there pursued. Mr.
+Quinan's letter was addressed to Dr. A. Hawley. Dr. H---- put this letter
+into the hands of the clergyman above alluded to, who having obtained the
+following communication from Dr. Rosa, forwarded it to the author, with a
+postscript of his own appended, as will be seen in the insertion below. Dr.
+Rosa's letter is dated _Painesville, Ohio, June 3d, 1841_, from which we
+make the following extract.
+
+     * * * I think the history of Mormonism as published by
+     E. D. Howe--a copy of which can be obtained in our
+     place--contains all the material truths connected with
+     the rise and progress of that miserable deception.
+     There are occasionally new doctrines introduced and
+     incorporated with their faith, such as _being baptized
+     for the dead_. This is a common custom here. When a
+     member is satisfied that his father, mother, or
+     brother, or any other friend is in hell, he steps
+     forward and offers himself to the church in baptism for
+     that individual, and when properly baptised the
+     tormented individual will instantaneously emerge from
+     his misery into perfect happiness. There are many such
+     follies which the simple hearted are ready and willing
+     to believe. There is no permanent separation in the
+     society. There were a few seceders a few years since,
+     some of whom left them entirely, and became infidels,
+     and others held to the original purity of the doctrines
+     as they termed it.
+
+     As to Martin Harris--of late I have heard but little of
+     him. My acquaintance with him induces me to believe him
+     a monomaniac; he is a man of great loquacity and very
+     unmeaning, ready at all times to dispute the ground of
+     his doctrines with any one. He was one of the seceders,
+     and for a time threatened the Mormons with exposure, as
+     I have been informed; but where he is now I cannot say.
+
+     Jo Smith is regarded as an inspired man by all the
+     Mormons.
+
+     Sidney Rigdon is at the western settlement; he embraced
+     the Mormon religion in the latter part of October,
+     1830. See page 102 of the book as published by E. D.
+     Howe, above referred to.
+
+     In the early part of the year--either in May or June--I
+     was in company with Sidney Rigdon, and rode with him on
+     horseback a few miles. Our conversation was principally
+     upon the subject of religion, as he was at that time a
+     very popular preacher of the denomination calling
+     themselves '_disciples_' or Campbellites. He remarked
+     to me, that it was time for a new religion to spring
+     up; that mankind were all rife and ready for it. I
+     thought he alluded to the Campbellite doctrine--he said
+     it would not be long before something would make its
+     appearance--he also said that he thought of leaving for
+     Pennsylvania, and should be absent for some months. I
+     asked him how long--he said it would depend upon
+     circumstances. I began to think a little strange of his
+     remarks, as he was a minister of the Gospel.
+
+     I left Ohio that fall, and went to the state of New
+     York, to visit my friends, who lived in Waterloo--not
+     far from the mine of golden Bibles. In November I was
+     informed that my old neighbour, E. Partridge, and the
+     Rev. Sidney Rigdon were in Waterloo, and that they both
+     had become the dupes of Jo Smith's necromancies: it
+     then occurred to me that Rigdon's new religion had made
+     its appearance, and when I became informed of the
+     Spalding manuscript I was confirmed in the opinion that
+     Rigdon was at least accessary if not the principal in
+     getting up this farce. Any information that I can give
+     shall be done cheerfully.
+
+                         Respectfully, your obedient servant,
+                         S. ROSA..
+                         REV. MR. HALL.
+
+
+                              _June 5th, 1841._
+     REV. JOHN A. CLARK, D. D.
+
+     DEAR SIR:
+
+     The above letter I have obtained in answer to several
+     questions respecting Mormons and Mormonism, transmitted
+     by the Rev. Mr. Quinan to Dr. A. Hawley, of _this
+     county_, from you. This letter of Dr. Rosa's, together
+     with the book, "Mormonism Unveiled" which accompanies
+     it, I send as the best answers to your questions, and
+     the best expositions of Mormonism which can be
+     obtained. It is believed by candid and respectable
+     people in the vicinity of the Mormon Temple, that Mr.
+     Howe's book--"Mormonism Unveiled"--is very correct. As
+     to the deponents in reference to Spalding manuscript,
+     at New Salem (now Conneaut), I have been acquainted
+     with them for thirty years (excepting Miller), and
+     believe them to be credible and respectable persons.
+
+     It is indeed astonishing that so low an imposture
+     should ever have been countenanced at all; much more so
+     that hundreds of English converts should recently have
+     come over to it, and that four hundred more should now
+     be daily expected to take shipping at Buffalo, in order
+     to pass up our Lakes to join the Western Mormons!
+
+                              JOHN HALL,
+                         _Rector of St. Peter's, Ashtabula, Ohio_.
+
+In the conclusion of Mr. Howe's book--referred to in the preceding
+letter--we were particularly struck with the following statement, which
+seems to account perfectly for Rigdon's easy faith, and to identify him
+with this scheme of imposture from its very origin. The reader will
+recollect that Mrs. Davison states that the manuscript was lent to Mr.
+Patterson, the publisher of a newspaper in Pittsburg, with whose office
+Rigdon was connected. The author of the volume above referred to,
+says:--"It was inferred at once that some light might be shed upon this
+subject, and the mystery revealed, by applying to Patterson & Lambdin, in
+Pittsburg. But here again death had interposed a barrier. That
+establishment was dissolved and broken up many years since, and Lambdin
+died about eight years ago. Mr. Patterson says he has no recollection of
+any such manuscript being brought there for publication, neither would he
+have been likely to have seen it, as the business of printing was conducted
+wholly by Lambdin at that time. He says, however, that many manuscript
+books and pamphlets were brought to the office about that time, which
+remained upon their shelves for years, without being printed or even
+examined. Now, there is the strongest presumption that Spalding's
+manuscript, (or a copy of it) remained there in seclusion, till about the
+year 1823 or '24, at which time _Sidney Rigdon_ located himself in that
+city. We have been credibly informed that he was on terms of intimacy with
+Lambdin, being seen frequently in his shop. Rigdon resided in Pittsburg
+about three years, and during the whole of that time, as he has since
+frequently asserted, abandoned preaching and all other employment, for the
+purpose of _studying the Bible_. He left there, and came into the county
+where he now resides, about the time Lambdin died, and commenced preaching
+some new points of doctrine, which were afterwards found to be inculcated
+in the Mormon Bible. He resided in this vicinity about four years previous
+to the appearance of the book, during which time he made several long
+visits to Pittsburg, and perhaps to the Susquehanna, where Smith was then
+digging for money, or pretending to be translating plates. It may be
+observed also, that about the time Rigdon left Pittsburg, the Smith family
+began to tell about finding a book that would contain a history of the
+first inhabitants of America, and that two years had elapsed before they
+finally got possession of it.
+
+"We are, then, irresistibly led to this conclusion;--that Lambdin, after
+having failed in business, had recourse to the old manuscripts then in his
+possession, in order to _raise the wind_, by a book speculation, and
+placed the "Manuscript Found," of Spalding, in the hands of Rigdon, to be
+embellished, altered, and added to, as he might think expedient; and three
+years' study of the Bible we should deem little time enough to garble it,
+as it is transferred to the Mormon book. The former dying, left the latter
+the sole proprietor, who was obliged to resort to his wits, and in a
+miraculous way to bring it before the world; for in no other manner could
+such a book be published without great sacrifice. And where could a more
+suitable character be found than Jo Smith, whose necromantic fame and arts
+of deception, had already extended to a considerable distance? That Lambdin
+was a person every way qualified and fitted for such an enterprise, we have
+the testimony of his partner in business, and others of his acquaintance.
+Add to all these circumstances, the facts, that Rigdon had prepared the
+minds in a great measure, of nearly a hundred of those who attended his
+ministration, to be in readiness to embrace the first mysterious _ism_ that
+should be presented--the appearance of Cowdery at his residence as soon as
+the Book was printed--his sudden conversion, after many pretensions to
+disbelieve it--his immediately repairing to the residence of Smith, three
+hundred miles distant, where he was forthwith appointed an elder,
+high-priest, and a scribe to the prophet--the pretended vision that his
+residence in Ohio was the "promised land,"--the immediate removal of the
+whole Smith family thither, where they were soon raised from a state of
+poverty to comparative affluence. We, therefore, must hold out Sidney
+Rigdon to the world as being the original 'author and proprietor' of the
+whole Mormon conspiracy, until further light is elicited upon the lost
+writings of Solomon Spalding."
+
+We proceed, however, with our narrative. Rigdon tarried with Smith in
+Manchester about two months, receiving revelations, preaching in that
+vicinity, and trying to establish the truth of Mormonism. But meeting with
+little success, he returned to Kirtland, being followed in a few days by
+the prophet and his connections. This happened early in 1831. "From this
+point in the history of this delusion, it began to spread with considerable
+rapidity. Nearly all of their male converts, however ignorant and
+worthless, were forthwith transformed into 'Elders,' and sent forth to
+proclaim, with all their wild enthusiasm, the wonders and mysteries of
+Mormonism. All those having a taste for the marvellous, and delighting in
+novelties, flocked to hear them. Many travelled fifty and an hundred miles
+to the throne of the prophet, in Kirtland, to hear from his own mouth the
+certainty of his excavating a bible and spectacles. Many, even in the New
+England States, after hearing the frantic story of some of these 'elders,'
+would forthwith place their _all_ into a wagon, and wend their way to the
+'promised land,' in order, as they supposed, to escape the judgments of
+Heaven, which were soon to be poured out upon the land. The State of New
+York, they were _privately_ told, would most _probably_ be sunk, unless the
+people thereof believed in the pretensions of Smith.
+
+"On the arrival of Smith in Kirtland, he appeared astonished at the wild
+enthusiasm and scalping performances, of his proselytes there, as
+heretofore related. He told them that he had enquired of the Lord
+concerning the matter, and had been informed that it was all the work of
+the Devil. The disturbances, therefore, ceased. Thus we see that the
+Devil, for the time being, held full sway in making converts to
+Mormonism."[5]
+
+We have already stated that Sidney Rigdon, previous to his conversion to
+the Mormons, was a preacher among the Campbellite Baptists, and enjoyed
+considerable popularity. After his return to Kirtland, with his new
+companions and new faith, Elder Campbell, the founder of the sect to which
+he had previously belonged, sent him a challenge for a public debate, in
+which he would undertake to show the foolish absurdities, shameless
+pretensions, and manifest imposture of the whole Mormon scheme. This
+challenge, however, Rigdon very prudently declined accepting.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[5] Mormonism Unveiled.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+MORMON EMIGRATION TO MISSOURI.
+
+     Mission to Missouri--Cause that led to
+     emigration--Settlement at Independence--Change in
+     operations--Gift of tongues--Rule for speaking and
+     interpreting.
+
+
+Cowdery and those connected with his mission, after having made the
+converts we have noticed at Kirtland in the autumn of 1830, proceeded on
+still farther to the west, in order to convert the Indians. They at length
+set down in the western part of Missouri.
+
+The following extract from the volume already referred to, will explain the
+cause that led the Mormons to think of emigrating to Missouri.
+
+"The Mormons soon began to assemble in considerable numbers at and about
+Kirtland, the supposed 'eternal inheritance,' and those who were able,
+bought land; but the greater part of their dupes had thus far been the poor
+and needy, and came there with a view of enjoying all things 'in common,'
+as such doctrine had gone forth. Many, however, found out their mistake
+after their arrival; and the revelation appeared to be only that the
+prophet and some of his relations should be supported by the church. In
+consequence of their inability to purchase lands adjoining head-quarters,
+they were scattered about in several townships, much exposed to 'wild
+beasts,' and subject to have their faith shaken by the influence of reason.
+Several renounced it. They were daily running to the prophet with queries
+and doubts which were constantly arising upon their minds. He generally
+satisfied them by _explaining_; nevertheless, they annoyed him much and the
+necessity of withdrawing them from the influences which surrounded them
+became apparent; hence, their removal to Missouri, where they could, in
+time, purchase all the land which they should need at a low rate, and
+become a 'distinct people.'
+
+"As before noticed, Cowdery and his companions, proceeded on to the west,
+with the avowed intention of converting the Indians, under a command of the
+Lord. On their way they tried their skill on several tribes, but made no
+proselytes, although their deluded brethren at home could daily see them,
+in visions, baptising whole tribes. They finally arrived at the western
+line of the State of Missouri, late in the fall of 1830, with the intention
+of proceeding into the Indian country, but were stopped by the agents of
+the general government, under an act of Congress, to prevent the white
+people from trading or settling among them. They then took up their winter
+quarters in the village of Independence, about twelve miles from the State
+line. Here they obtained employment during the winter. In the following
+spring, one of them returned to Kirtland, with a flattering account of the
+country about Independence. About the first of June, the prophet assembled
+all his followers, for the purpose of a great meeting, at which time it was
+given out that marvellous events were to take place. Here many new attempts
+were made by Smith to perform miracles and otherwise to deceive his
+followers. Previous to this time, it should be remarked, nearly all the
+Mormonites had arrived from the State of New York, under a revelation, of
+course, to take possession of the 'promised land.' There were in all about
+fifty families. At the above mentioned meeting a long revelation was
+manufactured, commanding all the leading men and Elders to depart forthwith
+for the western part of Missouri, naming each one separately, informing
+them that only two should go together, and that every two should take
+separate roads, preaching by the way. Only about two weeks were allowed
+them to make preparations for the journey, and most of them left what
+business they had to be closed by others. Some left large families, with
+their crops upon the ground, and embarked for a distant land, from which
+they have not yet returned.
+
+"On arriving at the village of Independence, they proceeded to purchase a
+lot of land, upon which the prophet directed Rigdon and Cowdery to perform
+the mock ceremony of laying the corner stone of a city, which he called
+Zion. Of the future prosperity and magnificence of this city, many
+marvellous revelations were had by the prophet and many more marvellous
+conjectures formed by his disciples. Among others, it was said that it
+would in a few years exceed in splendor every thing known in ancient times.
+Its streets were to be paved with gold; all that escaped the general
+destruction which was soon to take place, would there assemble with all
+their wealth; the ten lost tribes of Israel had been discovered in their
+retreat, in the vicinity of the North Pole, where they had for ages been
+secluded by immense barriers of ice, and became vastly rich: the ice in a
+few years was to be melted away, when those tribes, with St. John and some
+of the Nephites, which the Book of Mormon had immortalized, would be seen
+making their appearance in the new city, loaded with immense quantities of
+gold and silver.
+
+"The prophet and his _life-guard_ of Elders, stayed in their city about two
+weeks. Revelations were had for a part of them to return to Ohio, a part to
+stay and take charge of the city, and a part to commence preaching 'in the
+region round about.' Much dissatisfaction was manifested by some as to the
+selection of the site, and the general appearance of the country. Smith,
+Rigdon and Cowdery returned to the old head-quarters in Kirtland. Their
+followers immediately commenced selling their lands, mostly at a great
+sacrifice, and made preparations for emigrating up the Missouri. All were
+now anxious to sell, instead of buying more land in Ohio. A special command
+was given to seventeen families, who had settled in one township, some
+three months previous, to depart forthwith to the promised land, who obeyed
+orders, leaving their crop to those who owned the land. Besides a great
+variety of special revelations relating to individuals, and other matters,
+a general one was given to the proselytes to sell their lands and other
+property and repair to Missouri as fast as possible, but not in haste.
+Accordingly, many went during the year, making sacrifices of property,
+(those few of them who had any,) in proportion to their faith and their
+anxiety to be upon their 'eternal inheritance.' In the mean time, thirty or
+forty 'Elders,' were sent off in various directions in pursuit of
+proselytes. This year passed off with a gradual increase, and considerable
+wealth was drawn in, so that they began to boast of a capital stock of ten
+or fifteen thousand dollars.
+
+"Their common stock principles appear to be somewhat similar to those of
+the Shakers. Each one, however is allowed to 'manage his own affairs in his
+own way,' until he arrives in Missouri. There the Bishop resides; he has
+supreme command in all pecuniary matters, according to the revelations
+given by the prophet.
+
+"The next year commenced with something like a change of operations.
+Instead of selling their possessions in Ohio, they again began to buy up
+improved land, mills and water privileges. It would seem that the Missouri
+country began to look rather dreary to the prophet and his head men,
+supposing that they could not enjoy their power there as well as in Ohio.
+They could not think of undergoing the hardships and privations incident to
+a new country. Besides, the people there were not much disposed to
+encourage the emigration of such an army of fanatics--and their "Lamanite"
+brethren, under Gen. Black Hawk, were about that time commencing a war upon
+the whites.
+
+"They therefore, continued to extend their impositions by sending abroad
+every thing that could walk, no matter how ignorant, if they had learnt the
+tales and vagaries of their leaders. All that were so sent, were dubbed
+_Elders_ or _High Priests_, and furnished with a commission, purporting to
+have been dictated by the Lord to the prophet. These requisites being added
+to their credulity, they were of course inspired with all necessary
+self-sufficiency, zeal and impudence. They were thus prepared to declare
+that every thing which they stated or imagined, was absolutely true--for
+the _Spirit_ had so informed them.
+
+"During the year 1832, considerable progress was made in writing out, and
+revising the Old and New Testaments, which the prophet pretended to do by
+inspiration, or by the guidance of the Spirit. In this business, most of
+his leisure hours were occupied, Rigdon acting as scribe. They say that the
+Scriptures in their present form, retain but little of their original
+purity and beauty, having been so often copied and translated by unskilful
+hands. The whole of the old Bible is now said to be ready for the press, in
+its amended form, and will be forthcoming, as soon as the state of their
+finances will permit.
+
+"On the opening of the year 1833, the 'gift of tongues' again made its
+appearance at head-quarters, and from thence extended to all their branches
+in different parts. Whether the language now introduced differed materially
+from those practised two or three years previous, (and pronounced to be of
+the Devil,) we have not been informed. It appears that this last device,
+was all that was then lacking to make the system perfect. They had long
+before professed to be fully endowed with the power of healing all manner
+of diseases, discerning spirits, and casting out devils. But a succession
+of failures had rendered them rather stale, and given distrust to many of
+the faithful. A new expedient was therefore indispensably necessary, in
+order to revive the drooping spirits of the deluded, and at the same time,
+insure a new crop of converts. The scheme proved eminently successful.
+Hundreds were soon convinced of the truth of the whole, by hearing of and
+seeing the manner in which the 'tongues' were performed, although the trick
+would seem more susceptible of discovery than any previous one. This gift
+was not confined to the elders and high priests, who, in other respects,
+were supposed to have a superabundant share of 'the spirit;' but nearly all
+the proselytes, both old and young, could show their faith by speaking with
+'tongues.'"
+
+One would think from the following account that the Mormons had been taking
+some hints from the school of Edward Irving.
+
+Mr. Kilby, who was an elder among the Mormons, but afterwards came to his
+senses and renounced the delusion, relates some very curious facts in
+relation to their pretended gift of tongues. Two distinguished Mormon
+preachers, Mr. Cahoon and Patton, gave a rule for speaking in unknown
+tongues, and also for interpreting what was spoken by others.
+
+"This rule, they said, was perfect--that as long as we followed it we could
+not err. And so I believe; it was a perfect rule to lead men astray. The
+rule, as given by Cahoon, is this: rise upon your feet and look and lean on
+Christ; speak or make some sound; continue to make sounds of some kind, and
+the Lord will make a correct tongue or language of it. The interpretation
+was to be given in the same way." Subsequent to this there was a still
+greater emigration to Missouri. Soon disturbances of various kinds arose.
+
+We had prepared two chapters containing such facts as we were able to
+collect, to exhibit the history of the Mormons in their residence in
+Missouri, and the two wars in which they were engaged. But upon looking
+over the pages which we had prepared we cannot make up our mind to tax the
+reader with the details of these belligerent operations. The result of
+their last resort to arms was their expulsion or emigration from Missouri
+into Illinois, and the founding of their new city at Nauvoo where at
+present is the principal Mormon settlement. There are some few remaining
+facts to which we shall call the attention of the reader, in order to
+illustrate still further the folly, and depraved character of some of the
+prominent actors in this grand imposture.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+MORMON BANKING.
+
+     The prophet's attempt at financiering--Mr. Smalling's
+     letter.
+
+
+Allusion has been made to the attempts at financiering in which the Mormon
+prophet and his coadjutors embarked, before leaving Kirtland. The facts
+connected with this are presented in a clear light by Mr. Smalling, of
+Kirtland, in a letter addressed to Mr. Lee, of Frankford, Pa. An effort
+having been made at that village to establish a Mormon society, the Mormon
+preacher at the close of his lecture invited any one, who chose, to ask
+questions, or offer remarks. Mr. Lee being present arose, gave his views of
+the new sect, which were not very complimentary, and among other facts
+presented before the audience a ten dollar bank note issued by Smith and
+Rigdon, which he declared was a gross fraud, as they had never obtained a
+charter for a bank, and did not pretend to redeem their notes. Mr. Lee was
+quite brow-beaten by the Mormon preacher. To satisfy himself and the
+public, Mr. Lee wrote to Kirtland, and obtained a letter in reply from Mr.
+Smalling, from which we make the following extracts:
+
+                  _Kirtland, Ohio, March 10th, A. D. 1841._
+
+     DEAR SIR:
+
+     By request, and the duty I owe to my fellow-man, I
+     consent to answer your letter, and your request as to
+     Joseph Smith, Jr., and the Safety Society Bank of the
+     Latter Day Saints, as they call themselves at the
+     present, or Mormons. The followers of Smith believe him
+     to be a prophet, and he had a revelation that the
+     church must move to the Ohio, which they did, selling
+     their possessions and helping each other as a band of
+     brothers, and they settled in this place. The Smith
+     family were then all poor and the most of the church. I
+     visited them in 1833, they were then building a temple
+     to the Most High God, who, Smith said, would appear and
+     make his will known to his servants, and endow them
+     with power in their last days that they might go and
+     preach his gospel to all nations, kindred tongues, and
+     people. For this purpose they wrought almost night and
+     day, and scoured the branches in the east for money to
+     enable them to build. The people consecrated freely, as
+     they supposed for that purpose, for they supposed they
+     were to be one in the church of Christ, for so Smith
+     had told them by his revelations, and that they must
+     consecrate all for the poor in Zion. Thus many did
+     until they finished the temple, and in the meantime the
+     building committee built each of them a house, Sidney
+     Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jr. By this time the leaders
+     of the church, Smith, Rigdon, Carter and Cahoon, I may
+     say, all the heads of the church, got lifted up in
+     pride, and they imagined that God was about to make
+     them rich, and that they were to suck the milk of the
+     Gentiles, as they call those that do not belong to the
+     church, or do not go hand in hand with them. From this
+     you can see they have a great desire for riches, and to
+     obtain them without earning them. About this time they
+     said that God had told them, Sidney and Joseph, that
+     they had suffered enough and that they should be rich;
+     and they informed me, that God told them to buy goods
+     and so they did, to some thirty thousand dollars, on a
+     credit of six months, at Cleveland and Buffalo. In the
+     spring of 1836 this firm was, I believe, Smith, Rigdon
+     & Co. It included the heads of the church. In the fall,
+     they formed other companies of their brethren, and sent
+     to New York as agents for them, Hiram Smith and O.
+     Cowdery, and they purchased some sixty or seventy
+     thousand dollars worth, all for the church, and the
+     most of them not worth a penny, and no financiers. At
+     this time the first debt became due and not any thing
+     to pay it with, for they had sold to their poor
+     brethren, who were strutting about the streets in the
+     finest broadcloth, and imagining themselves rich, but
+     could pay nothing: and poverty is the mother of
+     invention. They then fixed upon a plan to pay the debt.
+     It was, to have a bank of their own, as none of the
+     then existing banks would loan to them what they wanted
+     and the most refused them entirely. They sent to
+     Philadelphia and got the plates made for their Safety
+     Society Bank, and got a large quantity of bills ready
+     for filling and signing; and in the meantime, Smith and
+     others, collected what specie they could, which
+     amounted to some six thousand dollars. The paper came
+     about the first of January, 1837, and they immediately
+     began to issue their paper and to no small amount: but
+     their creditors refused to take it. Then Smith invented
+     another plan, that was to exchange their notes for
+     other notes that would pay their debts, and for that
+     purpose he sent the elders out with it to exchange, and
+     not only the elders, but gave large quantities of it to
+     others, giving them one half to exchange it, as I am
+     informed by those that peddled for him. Thus Smith was
+     instrumental in sending the worthless stuff abroad, and
+     it soon came in again. There was nothing to redeem it
+     with, as Smith had used the greater part of their
+     precious metals. The inhabitants holding their bills
+     came to inquire into the Safety Society precious
+     metals: the way that Smith contrived to deceive them
+     was this: he had some one or two hundred boxes made,
+     and gathered all the lead and shot that the village had
+     or that part of it that he controlled, and filled the
+     boxes with lead, shot, &c., and marked them, one
+     thousand dollars, each. Then, when they went to examine
+     the vault, he had one box on a table partly filled for
+     them to see, and when they proceeded to the vault,
+     Smith told them that the church had two hundred
+     thousand dollars in specie, and he opened one box and
+     they saw that it was silver, and they hefted a number
+     and Smith told them that they contained specie. They
+     were seemingly satisfied and went away for a few days,
+     until the elders were sent off in every direction to
+     pass their paper off: among the elders were Brigam
+     Young, that went last, with forty thousand dollars;
+     John F. Boynton, with some twenty thousand dollars;
+     Luke Johnson, south and east, with an unknown quantity.
+     I suppose if the money you have was taken of those, it
+     was to Smith's and their profit; and thus they
+     continued to pass and sell the worthless stuff until
+     they sold it at twelve and a half cents on the dollar,
+     and so eager to put it off at that, that they could not
+     attend meeting on the Sabbath,--but they signed enough
+     at that price to buy one section of land in the
+     Illinois. There was some signed with S. Rigdon,
+     cashier, and J. Smith, Jr. president, for the purpose,
+     as it was then said, that if they should be called upon
+     when they could not well redeem, that they would call
+     them counterfeit, but they had no occasion to call any
+     counterfeit, for they never redeemed but a very few
+     thousand dollars, and there must be now a great many
+     thousands of their bills out. There was some which
+     others signed _pro. tem._ that were genuine too, the
+     name of F. G. Williams, N. K. Whitney, and one
+     Kingsbury, all those are genuine.
+
+     The church have not now nor never had any common
+     stock,[6] all that has been consecrated, Smith and the
+     heads of the church have got, and what they get now
+     they keep, for to show this I send you a revelation
+     which is as follows:--Revelation given July 9th, 1837,
+     in far west, Caldwell county, Missouri,--O Lord, show
+     unto us, thy servants, how much thou requirest of the
+     properties of thy people for a tything? Answer: Verily,
+     thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus
+     properties to be put into the hands of the bishop of my
+     church of Zion, for the building of mine house, and for
+     the laying the foundation of Zion, and for the
+     priesthood, and for the debts of the presidency of my
+     church, and this shall be the beginning of the tything
+     of my people, and after that, those who have been
+     tythed, shall pay one-tenth of all their interest
+     annually, and this shall be a standing law unto them
+     forever, for my holy priesthood saith the Lord: Verily,
+     I say unto you, it shall come to pass, that all those
+     who gather unto the land of Zion, shall be tythed of
+     their surplus properties, and shall observe this law,
+     or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you;
+     and behold, I say unto you, if my people observe not
+     this law to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the
+     land of Zion unto me that my statutes and my judgments
+     may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy; behold:
+     Verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of Zion
+     unto you, and this shall be one example unto all the
+     states of Zion, even so. Amen. They left here in a
+     great hurry, as there was many debts against them, for
+     the principal part that Smith had was borrowed, as also
+     the heads of the church in general, and they had to
+     keep the poor brethren lugging their boxes of silks and
+     fine clothes from place to place, so that they should
+     not be taken to pay their just debts, and mostly
+     borrowed money, until they succeeded in getting them
+     off in the night. They were pursued, but to no effect,
+     they had a train too numerous, so the people could not
+     get their pay, and thus they have brought destruction
+     and misery on a great many respectable families, that
+     are reduced to distress, while they live in splendour
+     and all kinds of extravagance. These statements are
+     well known here, and I presume will not be contradicted
+     there, unless by some fanatic that has no knowledge of
+     things as they do exist, or those deeply interested in
+     the frauds of the saints themselves.
+
+                         I am yours, &c.,
+                         CYRUS SMALLING, _of Kirtland, Ohio_.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[6] Instead of the stock being common, it appears the intention of the
+ringleaders is to monopolize it, and leave their poor dupes at last to
+shift for themselves.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+THE MORMON PROPHET AND HIS THREE WITNESSES.
+
+     An interesting public document--The Danite
+     band--Testimony of Dr. Avard--Paper drafted by Rigdon.
+
+
+We insert the following communications, published in a most highly
+respectable religious journal.
+
+From the New York Baptist Advocate.
+
+MORMONISM.
+
+MR. EDITOR:
+
+A rare public document of a most interesting character having fallen into
+my hands, I propose to furnish you several communications in reference to
+it, and likewise in relation to the people to whom it relates.
+
+The Mormons have been generally regarded as a harmless sect of deluded
+fanatics, unworthy of any particular notice; and the common impression
+seems to be, that they have been wronged and persecuted by the state of
+Missouri. For my own part, having had occasion to become better acquainted
+with their principles and history than many others, I have for a long time
+been endeavouring, as opportunity offered, to open the eyes of the
+community to their character, and to show that mischief lurks beneath this
+cover of apparent insignificance, and that there are two sides to the story
+of the Mormon war in Missouri.
+
+Near the close of the recent session of Congress, a pamphlet was printed by
+order of the United States' Senate, for the use of the members of Congress,
+entitled a "Document showing the testimony given before the judge of the
+fifth judicial circuit of the state of Missouri, at the court-house in
+Richmond, in a criminal court of inquiry, begun November 12th, 1838." A
+list of fifty-three individuals is given, as being charged with the crimes
+of high treason against the state, murder, burglary, arson, robbery, and
+larceny. Among the number are Joseph Smith, jr., Hiram Smith, Sidney
+Rigdon, and Parley P. Pratt. A copy of this document I succeeded in
+obtaining, after considerable difficulty, it not having been printed for
+general distribution.
+
+The first witness produced on behalf of the state was Dr. Sampson Avard,
+who had been a special teacher among the Mormons. He testifies that a band
+at first denominated the Daughters of Zion, but afterwards the Danite band,
+was formed by the members of the Mormon church, the original object of
+which was, to drive from the county of Caldwell all who dissented from the
+Mormon church. Joseph Smith, jr., blessed them, and prophesied over them,
+declaring that they should be the means, in the hands of God, of bringing
+forth the millenial kingdom. The covenant taken by this band was as
+follows, (holding up the right hand:) "In the name of Jesus Christ, the Son
+of God, I do solemnly obligate myself ever to conceal, and never to reveal
+the secret purposes of this Society, called the Daughters of Zion. Should I
+ever do the same, I hold my life as the forfeiture." This band felt
+themselves as much bound to obey Joseph Smith, jr., and his two
+counsellers, Hiram Smith and Sidney Rigdon, as to obey the supreme God.
+Joseph Smith, jr., in a public address, told them that they should stand by
+each other, right or wrong. He declared on another occasion, that all who
+did not take up arms in defence of the Mormons of Daviess, should be
+considered as tories, and should take their exit from the county. In
+reference to taking the property of others, in their expeditions to Daviess
+county, he told them that the children of God did not go to war at their
+own expense. He said it was high time they should be up, as the saints of
+the most high God, and protect themselves, and take the kingdom. On some
+occasions, he said, that one should chase a thousand, and two put ten
+thousand to flight; that he considered the United States rotten; that the
+Mormon church was the little stone spoken of by the prophet Daniel; and
+that the dissenters first, and the state next, was part of the image that
+should be destroyed by the little stone. In an address to the forces at Far
+West, about the time that Gen. Lucas appeared in that quarter with the
+militia, Smith told them, that for every one they lacked in number of those
+that came out against them, the Lord would send angels, who would fight for
+them, and that they should be victorious.
+
+This witness (Dr. Avard) received orders from Smith and his counsellors to
+destroy the paper containing the constitution of the Danite Society,
+inasmuch as if it should be discovered, it would be considered treasonable.
+This order he did not obey, but kept the paper in his possession; and after
+he was made prisoner by General Clark, he delivered it up to him. The
+Mormon preachers and apostles were directed to instruct their followers to
+come up to the state called Far West, and to possess the kingdom, and that
+the Lord would give it to them.
+
+A paper was draughted by Sidney Rigdon against the dissenters from
+Mormonism, and signed by eighty-four Mormons. It was addressed to Oliver
+Cowdery, David Whitmer, William W. Phelps and Lyman E. Johnson. Of these,
+Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were two of the three witnesses that
+testified to the truth of the Book of Mormon. This will therefore serve to
+show how much credit is to be attached to their testimony. These
+eighty-four Mormons, in the letter, say to the dissenters, (Cowdery,
+Whitmer, &c.) that they had violated their promise, and disregarded their
+covenant; that Oliver Cowdery had been taken by a state warrant for
+stealing, and the stolen property was found in the house of William W.
+Phelps, Oliver Cowdery having stolen and conveyed it; that these dissenters
+had endeavoured to destroy the characters of Smith and Rigdon by every
+artifice they could invent, not even excepting the basest lying; that they
+had disturbed the Mormon meetings of worship; that Cowdery and Whitmer had
+united with a gang of counterfeiters, thieves, liars and blacklegs of the
+deepest dye, to deceive, cheat and defraud the Mormons out of their
+property, by every art and stratagem which wickedness could invent,
+stealing not excepted; that they had attempted to raise mobs against the
+Mormons; that Cowdery attempted to pass notes on which he had received pay;
+that Cowdery, Whitmer and others, were guilty of perjury, cheating, selling
+bogus money, (base coin,) and even stones and sand for bogus! that they
+had opened, read and destroyed letters in the post-office: and that they
+were engaged with a gang of counterfeiters, coiners, and blacklegs.
+
+There, Mr. Editor, is the character of two of the three witnesses who
+testified that they had seen the plates of the Book of Mormon; that God's
+voice declared to them that they had been translated by his gift and power;
+that an angel of God laid the plates and engravings before their eyes; and
+that the voice of the Lord commanded them that they should bear record of
+it. This is the character of two of the three witnesses, according to the
+testimony of eighty-four _Mormons_, and not _opposers_ of Mormonism. To how
+much credit these two witnesses are entitled, you can judge for yourself.
+In the course of my communications on this subject, I shall exhibit the
+character of the other witness, (Martin Harris,) and likewise of Prophet
+Smith himself.
+
+
+From the Baptist Advocate.
+
+FROM OUR LATE WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT.
+
+MR. EDITOR:
+
+In my first communication on the subject of the Mormon war in Missouri, I
+showed, by Mormon evidence itself, that two of the three witnesses that
+testified to the truth of the Book of Mormon, viz: Oliver Cowdery and David
+Whitmer, are utterly unworthy of any credit whatever. In pursuance of my
+proposal in the same letter, I now proceed to exhibit the character of the
+remaining witness, Martin Harris; and likewise the character of Smith
+himself, over and above what has already been shown in relation to him.
+
+
+STATEMENT OF LUCY HARRIS, WIFE OF MARTIN HARRIS.
+
+                              _Palmyra, Nov. 29, 1833._
+
+Martin Harris is naturally quick in his temper. At different times while I
+lived with him, he has whipped, kicked, and turned me out of the house. In
+one of his fits of rage, he struck me with the butt end of a whip, which I
+think had been used for driving oxen, and was about the size of my thumb.
+He beat me on the head four or five times, and the next day turned me out
+of doors twice, and beat me in a shameful manner. His main complaint
+against me was, that I was always trying to hinder his making money. One
+day, while at Peter Harris's house, I told him he had better leave the
+company of the Smith's, as their religion was false; to which he replied:
+"If you would let me alone, I could make money by it."
+
+There is the character of the third witness of the trio, on whose testimony
+the Book of Mormon depends for support. Let us now look a little further at
+the character of Prophet Smith himself.
+
+Fifty-one of Smith's old acquaintances in Palmyra, declare him destitute of
+that moral character which ought to entitle him to the confidence of any
+community, spending much of his time in money digging, and being addicted
+to vicious habits.
+
+Peter Ingersol, of Palmyra, testifies, that Smith acknowledged that he
+could not see in a stone, as he had pretended.
+
+William Chace, of Manchester, Ontario county, N. Y., testifies, that Smith
+acknowledged he had no Book of Mormon, and never had any.
+
+Parley Chace, of Manchester, states, that Smith was entitled to no credit
+whatever; that he was lazy, intemperate, worthless, and very much addicted
+to lying, boasting of his skill in it, digging for money, and scarcely ever
+telling two stories alike in relation to the Golden Bible matter.
+
+David Stafford, of Wayne county, testifies, that Smith used to get
+intoxicated, on which occasions he would quarrel and fight.
+
+Barton Stafford, of Manchester, testifies, that Smith was very much
+addicted to intemperance, even after he professed to be a prophet; and when
+intoxicated, he frequently made his religion his theme.
+
+Henry Harris, of Cuyahoga county, Ohio, testifies, that such was Smith's
+character for lying, that the jury did not believe him when under oath.
+
+Rev. Nathaniel C. Lewis, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a relative
+of Smith's wife, testifies, that Smith's general character was that of an
+impostor, hypocrite, and liar.
+
+Alva Hale, brother-in-law of Smith, testifies, that Smith told him, that
+his gift in seeing with a stone and a hat, was a gift from God; but at
+another time he told him, that this "_peeping_" was all nonsense. He
+further testifies, that he knows Smith to be an impostor and liar.
+
+Levi Lewis testifies, that he has heard Smith and Harris both say, that
+adultery was no crime. Lewis further testifies, that he knows Smith to be a
+liar; that he saw him intoxicated at three different times, while composing
+the Book of Mormon; that he has heard him use the most profane language;
+that he has heard him say he was as good as Jesus Christ; that it was as
+bad to injure him as it was to injure Jesus Christ; and that God had
+deceived him with regard to the plates, which was the reason he did not
+show them.
+
+Let this suffice on this point. And now we have before us the character of
+this false prophet, and of his three supporters, on whose credibility the
+fate of the Book of Mormon depends. Not one word of commentary is
+necessary, after such an exhibition of their worthlessness and vileness;
+and I shall, therefore, leave it as it is to speak for itself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+CONCLUDING SKETCH IN RELATION TO MORMONISM.
+
+
+The following letter is the last in the series, originally written for the
+columns of the Episcopal Recorder.
+
+Although I have occupied your attention so long with the history of the
+origin and rise of Mormonism, I have a few words more to add before closing
+the subject. Several facts which have come to my knowledge, since
+commencing these sketches, lead me to apprehend, that the developments we
+have been attempting to make are not ill-timed. Is there any one who would
+have formed so low an estimate of the Christian intelligence of this land,
+as to have concluded _a priori_ that a deception so barefaced, and, withal,
+so ridiculous, as the pretended disinterment of the Mormon Bible from one
+of the hills of Western New York, and _this_--set on foot by an illiterate
+vagrant hanging on the skirts of society, and of exceedingly doubtful moral
+character, and backed by the pecuniary means of a man of the most credulous
+and superstitious cast of character, whose sanity of mind was greatly
+questioned by all his acquaintance, should have gained in a period of ten
+years such dominion over human belief, as to be received as the undoubted
+truth of God by more than sixty thousand persons. We are surprised to hear
+of the success of this imposture in the Great Valley of the West, although
+there is material there for almost every erratic conception of the human
+mind to act upon. But what shall we say of the success of Mormonism in the
+Atlantic states,--gathering its converts from orthodox and evangelical
+churches? Will it not fill intelligent Christians with surprise to learn
+that the Mormons are establishing themselves not only in many parts of New
+England, but that they are spreading through Pennsylvania, and that they
+already have two churches formed in Philadelphia, and that a portion of the
+members of these churches, have been regular communicants in the Methodist
+and Presbyterian Churches? Such, however, is the fact. And we shall not be
+greatly surprised, if this "mystery of iniquity" continues to work, and
+that those who have dared to "_add to the words_" of God's finished
+revelation, shall receive the threatened curse. We shall not be surprised
+if "God shall send upon such, strong delusion, that they should believe a
+lie," and that they "wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."
+
+One thing however is distinctly to be noted in the history of this
+imposture. There are no Mormons in Manchester, or Palmyra, the place where
+this Book of Mormon was pretended to be found. You might as well go down
+into the Crater of Vesuvius and attempt to build an ice house amid its
+molten and boiling lava, as to convince any inhabitant in either of these
+towns, that Jo Smith's pretensions are not the most gross and egregious
+falsehood. It was indeed a wise stroke of policy, for those who got up this
+imposture, and who calculated to make their fortune by it, to emigrate to a
+place where they were wholly unknown. As soon as they had arranged their
+apparatus for deceiving weak, and unstable souls--as soon as the Book of
+Mormon was printed and their plans formed, the actors in this scene went
+off _en masse_ to a part of the country where their former character and
+standing were unknown, and where their claim to divine inspiration could be
+set up with a little more show of plausibility than it could have been any
+where in the state of New York. Mormonism had to grow a number of years in
+a western soil, and there acquire a sort of rank and luxuriant growth,
+before it could be transplanted with any success to a point near its
+birth-place. And even now it keeps very much in the background its grand
+pecularities. The Mormon preachers, I am told, in this region, generally
+dwell upon the common topics of Christianity, rather than upon the
+peculiarities of their system. The object of this is manifest. They wish to
+strengthen themselves by a large accession of converts, before they stand
+on the peculiarities of their system. But all Christians should beware of
+their devices. Their whole system is built upon imposture. They believe
+Joseph Smith to be a prophet of God, when there is not a man in our
+Penitentiary, that might not with just as much plausibility lay claim to
+that character. They believe the BOOK OF MORMON to be a divine revelation,
+when it can be proved, that the whole ground-work of it was written by Mr.
+Spalding as a Religious and Historical Romance. They believe that they have
+the power among them to work miracles, when even "Satan with all" his
+"power and signs and lying wonders," and with all his deceivableness, has
+not been able to sustain their claim to in a single instance.
+
+Martin Harris, after he went to Kirtland, Ohio, where, as we have seen, the
+first Mormon settlement was formed, used occasionally to return to
+Palmyra. As one of the three witnesses, he claimed divine inspiration, and
+is, I believe, to the present day regarded by the Mormons, as one of the
+greatest and best among "_the latter-day saints_." In these visits to the
+place of his former residence he not only endeavoured to proselyte his old
+acquaintances to his new faith, but used sometimes to edify them with very
+solemn prophecies of future events. I was informed by Judge S---- of
+Palmyra, that he came to his office so much and uttered his prophecies so
+frequently that he at length told him, that he would not consent to his
+uttering his predictions any more orally, but that he must write them down
+and subscribe his name to them, or else seek some other place for the
+exercise of his prophetic gift. Harris instantly wrote down two
+predictions, attaching his signature to each.
+
+The one was a declaration that Palmyra would be destroyed, and left utterly
+without inhabitants, before the year 1836. The other prediction was that
+before 1838 the Mormon faith would so extensively prevail, that it would
+modify our national government, and there would at that period be no longer
+any occupant of the presidential chair of the United States. To these
+predictions he subjoined the declaration that if they were not literally
+fulfiled, any one might have full permission to cut off his head and roll
+it around the streets as a foot-ball. Bear in mind that this was one of the
+pretended chosen witnesses of God, to testify to the truth of the Book of
+Mormon. I need not say that both these prophecies in their entire failure
+of fulfilment, convicted him of falsehood, and show how little is the value
+of his testimony.
+
+Another fact worthy of note in this connection is, that as Harris, Smith,
+Rigdon, &c., all expected to make their fortune out of this scheme. The
+banking enterprise in which they engaged, as we have seen, liked to have
+proved a ruinous operation to them all. Ultimately this speculation
+contributed to sever Harris from Smith and Rigdon, who went farther west,
+and commenced operations in Missouri. Harris, in one of his late visits to
+Palmyra, remarked to a friend of mine, that Jo Smith had now become a
+complete wretch, and that he had no confidence either in him or Rigdon.
+Recollect that this is the testimony of one of the three chosen witnesses
+by which the truth of the Book of Mormon is to be established.
+
+One fact more. You recollect that it was mentioned in a former No. of these
+sketches, that Martin Harris' wife could not be induced to come over to the
+Mormon faith. He consequently abandoned her, visiting her only once or
+twice a year. She at length declined in health, and was evidently sinking
+down to the grave. A gentleman of undoubted veracity in Palmyra told me
+that a few days before her death, Harris returned, and on one occasion
+while sitting in the room with her, appeared to be very much occupied in
+writing. She inquired what he was writing? He replied that he was writing a
+letter to a female to whom he was going to be married when she was dead!
+And according to his words he was married to her in a very few weeks after
+his wife's death. What are we to think of Mormonism, when we remember that
+a man of such feelings and such morality was one of the chosen witnesses to
+attest its truth.
+
+I have already said, that the Mormons in this region cautiously keep out of
+sight the peculiarities of their system, and principally dwell upon the
+common topics of Christian faith and practice. One proof of this is, the
+very few copies of the Book of Mormon, that are found among them. I am told
+that among all the members of the two Churches established in Philadelphia,
+there are not more than twenty copies of the Book of Mormon. This book I
+suppose is only for the initiated--for those whose faith is well
+established.
+
+Another fact in proof of the foregoing position is the effort they use to
+drop the name of Mormons, and to assume the more taking one of "Latter day
+Saints"--and when called upon to state their creed, instead of declaring
+boldly that Joseph Smith is the prophet of God, and that the Book of Mormon
+is his word, they rather dwell upon those points of faith which all
+Christians hold in common.
+
+In illustration of this last remark, I will here insert a written statement
+given by Joseph Young, of Kirtland, Ohio, an elder of the Mormon Church,
+while on a visit to Boston to establish his faith in that city.
+
+"The principal articles of the Latter-day Saints, vulgarly called
+_Mormons_, are
+
+"1. A belief in one true and living God, the creator of the heavens and the
+earth, and in his Son Jesus Christ, who came into this world 1800 years
+since, at Jerusalem; was slain, rose from the dead, ascended on high, and
+now sits on the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens; that through the
+atonement thus wrought out, all men may come to God and find acceptance;
+all of which they believe is revealed in the holy Scriptures.
+
+"2. That God requires all men, wherever his gospel is proclaimed, or his
+law known, to repent of all sins, forsake evil, and follow righteousness;
+that his word also requires men to be baptized, as well as to repent; and
+that the direct way pointed out by the Scriptures for baptism, is
+immersion. After which, the individual has the promise of the gift of the
+Holy Spirit; that this divine communication is absolutely promised unto all
+men, upon whom "the Lord our God shall call," if they are obedient unto his
+commandments. This gift of the Holy Spirit, was anciently bestowed by the
+laying on the apostle's hands: so this church believes that those who have
+authority to administer in the ordinances of the gospel, have this right
+and authority, through prayer; and without this authority, and this gift,
+the church is not _now_ what it _anciently_ was; consequently, cannot be
+recognised as the true Church of Christ.
+
+"3. That God will, in the last days, gather the literal descendants of
+Jacob to the lands, anciently possessed by their fathers; that he will lead
+them as at the first, and build them as at the beginning. That he will
+cause his arm to be made bare in their behalf; his glory to attend them by
+night and by day. That this is necessary to the fulfilment of his word,
+when his knowledge is to cover the earth as the waters cover the seas. And
+that, as men anciently saw visions, dreamed dreams, held communion with
+angels, and converse with the heavens, so it will be in the last days to
+prepare the way for all nations, languages and tongues, to serve him in
+truth.
+
+"4. That the time will come when the Lord Jesus will descend from heaven,
+accompanied with ten thousand of his saints; that a mighty angel will lay
+hold on the dragon, bind him, cast him into the pit, where he will be kept
+from deceiving the nations for a thousand years; during which time, one
+continued round of peace will pervade every heart. And,
+
+"5. They believe in the resurrection of the body: that all men will stand
+in the presence of God and be judged according to the deeds, or works, done
+in this life; that the righteous will enter into eternal rest, in the
+presence of God, but the wicked be cast off, to receive a just recompense
+of reward; and that, to ensure eternal life, a strict obedience to all the
+commandments of God, must be observed, to the end."
+
+You see there is not even a remote allusion to what constitutes the gist of
+their whole system. But I will here leave the subject for the present.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Gleanings by the Way, by John A. Clark
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