ble for them to settle down, each village for itself, into this unbroken uniformity. And, indeed, they have nothing like the look of intelligence, of alertness and inquisitiveness of mind, that are seen in America.

Switzerland-Schaffhausen-Observance of the Sabbath on the Continent-Comparisons of the general Aspect and Manners of the People on the Route, with those of our Country-Falls of the Rhine-Zurich-Zug-Righi-William Tell-Lucerne Thun.

SCHAFFHAUSEN, (SWITZERLAND), SEPTEMBER 8. We entered Switzerland about ten miles north of this, and the entrance was most appropriate. We had scarcely passed the boundary stone, with Baden inscribed upon it, when there sunk down a deep and narrow valley on our right-deep as if it were placed out of this world, and looking calm, undisturbed, silent, and sequestered, as if it did not belong to this world. We soon descended into it; and with a glorious and gorgeous vista of autumnpainted hills constantly opening before us, we rode all the way to Schaffhausen.

To-day is Sunday, and we are resting at this place. The Sabbath, all over the continent of Europe, it is well known, is partly a holyday. I con

fess that I was extremely desirous of observing what was the character and effect of this holyday; what kind of relaxation was permitted by the usages of the European churches, both Catholic and Protestant, on Sunday. I had anticipated some modification of the common holyday. I had thought it likely, that relaxation for one part of the day, connected with religious services on the other, would possess a character of unusual decorum. And in this I am not disappointed. Unless it be, that I find everywhere, in all the villages and cities which I have had an opportunity of observing on Sunday, a quietness and decorum quite beyond my expectation. The population is all abroad, indeed, after the hours of divine service, in the streets and the public places; but it seems to suffice the people to take a quiet walk with their families; and there is a remarkable restraint among the multitudes upon all noise, loud talking, and laughter.

I state the fact as it is, and as a matter, certainly of gratifying information. But I cannot conceal that it presents to me a very serious question. And the question is, how far it is desirable that our Sabbath-keeping should partake of the European character. There is much, doubtless, to be objected against the European mode. The day seems to be entirely spent in public-in public worship, or

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in the public walks. It seems to have no distinct moral object with the people around me. Now this is what, above all things, I would secure. But whether the object is best secured by the views and usages that prevail among us is the question.

We ought, on this subject, to look at the general principles on which time is to be used to the best account or on which, in other words, time is to be devoted and hallowed to religious uses. Suppose I wish to set apart a day to any intellectual or moral use. How shall I best arrange it? And here, let me say, that I know of nothing in the Scriptures that forbids the application of such general reasoning. To sanctify a day is to set it apart for a religious purpose; and the question is, how is that purpose to be best accomplished? Now, I say, that if I were to arrange the employments of any day, in order to turn its hours to the greatest account for my mind or heart, I should not devote all its hours to study, reading, meditation, or prayer. That is to say, in other words, I must give some of its hours to relaxation. And this is what any man does of necessity, let his creed or system be what it will.

So that the only question is, what sort of relaxation a man shall give himself. Shall it be taken within doors, or abroad? Shall a man sit down

in a sort of superstitious stupor, as thinking that there is something in gloom and dulness that is peculiarly acceptable to Heaven; or shall he go forth under the open sky, and amid the fresh breezes? Shall he sleep away some hours of the day, or spend them in easy conversation and useful exercise? Which mode of relaxation--for relaxation there must be-will be most favourable to health, to cheerfulness, and to agreeable associations with the Sabbath?

But it may be said, that it is dangerous to depart from the old strictness, and that the people will go fast enough and far enough, without being helped on in their course. I grant that there is danger arising from the boundless freedom of the country. I certainly fear that the innocent relaxations of the Sabbath might go to excess and disorder. But may we not hope, that an intelligent and wholesome public opinion is to lay restraints as effectual as bayonets and a police? Besides, the danger exists, whether we discuss the subject or not. Is it not better to take the right and tenable ground at once, than to take a wrong ground which is continually sliding beneath our feet, and bearing us and everything else with it? tiousness is not the only danger.

Yet more: licen

There is danger

in bondage, too. For what, I ask, is the effect