MR. HAMLINE,-Perhaps no city in this country, or sessions. Through the polite attentions of some literaeven in the world, surpasses the "City of Penn" in ex- || ry friends, I received an invitation to attend its sittings. ternal beauty, or the distinctive characteristics of its Never have I beheld so much talent and profound eruinhabitants. For the number and beauty of its public dition collected on one occasion as was concentrated edifices, the variety of its charitable and benevolent in- there. While sitting among such an august assemstitutions, and the enterprise and thrift of its inhabi-blage of real, sterling, intellectual and moral worth, I tants, it has always and deservedly been celebrated. could not help contrasting the then present scene with Few cities in the world have as great a number of that when Benjamin Franklin, with his little band of places of religious worship, in proportion to the popula- compeers, one hundred years before, proposed that they tion, as Philadelphia. Yet the religion of the greater should bring their little stock of books together and part, it is to be feared, partakes entirely too much of the form a common library, which should be the nucleus of general worldly spirit of a money-making community. a much larger collection. Verily, thought I, there is To the inexperienced eye of a stranger passing through sound sense and wisdom in the admonition, "Despise some of the principal business streets, it would seem not the day of small things." How much good did the almost impossible for the spirit of Christianity to exist || far-reaching and comprehensive mind of that one man there at all. Bustle, business, worldly care and anxiety, accomplish! And of how much more did he lay the and an all-absorbing desire to get rich, seem the perva- foundation! The American Philosophical Society, with ding characteristics of nearly all the inhabitants. Yet its immense and accumulating and salutary influence true religion and vital piety do there exist, and that, upon the intellectual character of our country, is not too, in their most lovely forms. And vice too, flourishes the least achievement of his penetrating judgment. there in all its hideousness. In no place have I ever Would that such minds as his were more numerous at been, where wickedness seemed so fond of displaying the present day! itself, in all the deformity of its true character, as there. It seeks not to conceal itself under the garb of virtue, but, as if conscious of countenance and support from the power of numbers, it throws aside every mask, and appears in its real unblushing character. To a stranger visiting this beautiful city there are many objects of particular interest. My limits forbid any thing more than a passing notice of a very few of these. I shall therefore endeavor to select such as will be most likely to interest the generality of your readers. Abercrombie, I think it is, in his work on the intellectual powers, has somewhere a remark of this kind, that "half a dozen different individuals may pass over the same ground, and have the same objects, precisely, presented to the eye; yet, perhaps, the observations of no two would in the least coincide. The mind of each being engaged on subjects relating to his individual sphere of labors and interests, would notice only those things connected therewith. Thus the farmer would notice the appearance of the crops-the architect the different styles of building-the geologist the varying soil and appearances of the different portions of the earth's surface-while the lover of nature, forgetful of utility, seeks only for the beautiful or the romantic in the diversified and ever-changing landscape brought before his view." Perhaps the spirit of this remark will be true in the present instance. Had I been a merchant, I might have collected some valuable information relative to that department of human industry; or a physician, I might have made particular observations on subjects * Continued from page 276. One object of intense interest to every American visiting Philadelphia is the old State-House. O how many interesting and hallowed associations cluster around that venerable pile! Here it was that the first American Congress assembled on the 5th of September, 1774. Here was formed, and here was adopted, that instrument so dear to every American heart, the Declaration of American Independence. Here, too, at the time of the mutiny in Pennsylvania, in June, 1783, were the assembled representatives of the people surrounded by a band of mutineers of between two and three hundred in number, and kept "in durance vile" for about two hours, while the discontented soldiery "sent a message to the council, complaining of the nonsettlement of their accounts, and the want of pay, and behaved in a menacing and disorderly manner." And within these venerated walls was drawn up, discussed, and finally adopted, that richest legacy of our ancestors, THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION! The old bell is still hanging there which called together the first Congresswhich summoned that body to the solemn acts of humiliation and prayer to the God of nations and the God of battles at the commencement of the war of the Revolution, and whose solemn peal called together, day after day for four months, the assembled wisdom of the nation, for deliberation upon the proposed national constitution! Who could stand where such scenes were once enacted and not feel? Who could stand where John Hancock and his determined compeers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors to secure the freedom of their country, and not feel a new glow of patriotism thrill through his soul? Or who 310 SKETCHES BY THE WAY. could tread the hall where WASHINGTON presided over weapons of death which they carried partly for service, the nation's convention, and not feel a deeper attach- if occasion should require, and partly as the insignia of ment to that palladium of our liberties, the national their profession. constitution; or feel his heart rising in gratitude to God for having bestowed upon us such a rich boon? I must confess, while within those walls, and standing before that "old bell," a feeling of solemnity, awe and veneration came over me which I had never before experienced. And standing there, surrounded thus on all sides by mementoes of the past, I became completely lost in the contemplation of other days and other scenes. The State-House bell bears the following interesting inscription, commemorative truly of the piety of our forefathers. On the upper part, near where it is swung, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof," Lev. xxv, 10. Nearer the mouth, "By order of the assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania for the State-House in Philadelphia;" and just below, “ Pass & Stow, Philadelphia, MDCCLIII." Little did George II. think when that bell was first hung that it would literally fulfill in the life-time of his successor, the command contained in the motto, which like a belt surrounded it. The view from the top of the State-House steeple is exceedingly beautiful. Standing on its platform and facing the east, you have before you and on your left the Delaware, with its shipping and beautiful scenery, dotted here and there with elegant country seats, and an occasional island in the river to make the landscape complete. On your right, and at your feet, are Washington and Franklin squares, with their variegated and luxuriant foliage, extending to all an invitation to their cool and delightful retreat, and affording a pleasing contrast to other parts of the wide-spread and diversified panorama. A short distance in front, the marble walls and stately dome of the Merchants' Exchange attract observation. While on every side the eye is relieved by the lofty shot towers, the innumerable church steeples and other elevated structures which adorn the city. Another object of interest is the navy-yard. Here is to be seen every thing belonging to naval equipments and naval armaments. Cannons of almost every size; balls, and all the implements of death on the ocean wave, with all the materials for constructing vessels of any class. Two large buildings are occupied to protect the vessels and workmen while engaged in building. One of these is considerably larger than the other. In it was laid the keel of the Pennsylvania, and from it she was launched forth upon the bosom of the oceanher destined element. The Raritan, a first class frigate, was launched but a short time since. As many as twenty thousand persons are said to have witnessed this interesting spectacle. When I saw her she was receiving her masts, &c. The sloop of war now being built, will soon be ready also for the ocean's bosom. When shall nation cease to lift up sword against nation, or to learn the art of war any more? Sentinels from the marine corps were stationed on duty in different parts of the navy-yard, whose suits of white uniform-the emblem of innocence-contrasted strongly with the Another object of curiosity to visitors, is the mint. Strangers are admitted from 9 o'clock in the morning till 12. In company with one or two gentlemen, I walked up one morning, and having registered our names, an attendant very politely conducted us through the building and showed us the interesting process of coining. The metal is first prepared in bars of the proper size and thickness for the intended species of coin. The coins are then cut out, rimmed, and prepared for receiving the impress of the dies. All the operations, both preparing and stamping, are performed by machinery. Through the politeness of the officers of the mint we obtained full sets of the different coins as specimens. I shall not attempt a description or even a notice of the public and benevolent institutions of Philadelphia. A volume might easily be written, filled with important and interesting information concerning them. Such an undertaking, or even a passing notice of them, I must leave to future visitors and more experienced pens. There is one, however, which I cannot omit, the Girard College. This institution has been the subject of notice so frequently that it might appear a work of supererogation to allude to it here. Yet it is in itself a work of such magnificence and splendor that it would seem almost criminal to omit all notice whatever of its grandeur. It is saying but little when the declaration is made that no institution in this country of a like character can compare with it for external beauty. It is still unfinished, at least the main building, although the workmen are busily employed upon it. The buildings consist of two large edifices of probably one hundred feet by fifty, and four stories high, built of dark or mottled marble, and intended, I believe, for study rooms, dormitories, &c. These are completed. A meteorological observatory is also finished and furnished with appropriate instruments, at present under the superintendence of Professor Bache, of the Pennsylvania University, a gentleman to whom the scientific world are indebted for many valuable experiments and discoveries in meteorology. Besides these, is the main edifice, or what may emphatically be called the college. This is built of white marble, covered also with marble slabs, and surrounded by a colonnade of forty Corinthian columns, each of which I was informed cost from $15,000 to $17,000! These columns, which are of the same material with the main part of the building, are most of them in an unfinished state. This edifice itself contains eight recitation rooms, fifty feet square, with double arched ceilings, and four rooms of like dimensions and finish, intended for society halls, &c. The interior of the building is nearly ready for occupancy, and had not the funds failed might soon have been used for the purposes designed. While gazing from the roof of this immense pile, I was completely absorbed with the thought, what may not the power of man accomplish! While standing FAMILY RELIGION. upon the shores of the Atlantic I was lost in the contemplation of the majesty of the Creator as exhibited in its vast expanse. But while viewing this immense structure, I could only think of the greatness and the folly of the human mind. And I know not which feeling predominated, wonder and admiration at the powers of human art, or sorrow at the needless expense of so much money which might have been far more profitably employed in adorning the minds of its intended inmates. 311 The into the circular basin before mentioned. A large building is erected immediately on the banks of the Schuylkill, which is thrown open for the accommodation of visitors. A dam is built across the river which affords motive power for raising the water, and at the same time adds greatly to the beauty of the scene. machinery employed is capable of raising one thousand gallons per minute, and even this is not deemed adequate for contingencies which may arise. They are therefore at the present time enlarging the sphere of their usefulness, by the addition of two new motive wheels to the six already employed, which will increase their powers of doing good about one fourth. The only remaining object of interest in Philadelphia, which I can notice, is the celebrated water-works at Fairmount. This has been the theme of so many pens, that I almost fear to approach it, lest I should not The mind delights to linger in the review almost as do the subject justice, and by a prosaic description ex- much as it did on a first visit to this paradise of the haust the already wearied patience of your readers. I"City of brotherly love" when reality took the place of had seen many notices of this celebrated place, but none ideal retrospection. But fearing that yourself and readwhich enabled me to form any just conception of its ers are already wearied, I will close with a single suggestrue character. From the many eulogies it has receiv-tion in the form of a query. Why should not the ed, my expectations were raised very high. But when "Queen of the West" do something thus to gratify the I viewed it in the distance from the top of the Girard refined and cultivated taste of her numerous visitors as College, I anticipated a disappointment. And a disap-well as her sister cities of the eastern shore? pointment I experienced, although a very agreeable one. My highest anticipations were more than realized! Indeed nature and art seem to have done their utmost in making this the most delightful retreat the imagination could conceive, or the genius of beauty desire! FAMILY RELIGION. THE duty of cultivating family religion will be adFairmount is a natural elevation, and the summit, mitted by all pious families, and it will be almost as which has been graded off for the reservoirs, is proba- readily admitted that family religion is greatly neglected. bly from sixty to one hundred feet above the Schuyl- In these days of Sabbath schools, parents seem to have kill. As you approach it from the city, the prospect is delegated to teachers of Sunday school classes the reneither imposing, nor very beautiful. The reservoirs, ligious instruction of their children. The good old five in number, are inclosed by a white fence, with a ways of family instruction are forsaken. The cate graded walk around them; and the sloping embank-chism is laid upon the shelf, and the children have bements, and the sides of the hill, are covered with grass, come estranged from the ways of their fathers. The with here and there a solitary tree. But the concen- great doctrines and duties of our holy religion are not tration of beauty is on the Schuylkill side. The bank, now the subjects of discussion, or thought, or knowlwhich in some places is little less than a solid ledge of edge. We are confident that there is less real knowlnearly perpendicular rocks, combines all the different edge of the doctrines of the Gospel among those who kinds of scenery, from the wild and romantic in minia- compose the present generation that is now coming forture, to the quiet beauty of an ornamental flower garden. ward and occupying the stage, than among those of the This precipitous declivity is descended by a wooden stair- past. We have often heard in the monthly concert for way, with one or two arbors for resting places, and sha- Sabbath schools the present system of things lauded ded by the beautiful catalpa and other ornamental trees highly, when we could not respond to the sentiments which grow between the massive rocks, or are planted which were uttered. We rejoice in the design and inat their base! Among these rocks and trees, and in stitution of Sabbath schools, but not as relieving in any places almost inaccessible, are several beautiful speci- manner the obligation of parents to their children. mens of statuary, sculptured from the white marble. We have never regarded the instruction given in them These are so situated, and their drapery so arranged, as suited to take the place of that which belongs to the that when seen by moonlight it needs not the imagina- family circle. We would urge a return to family intion of the poet to invest them with life and purity, or struction as lying at the foundation of family religion. an acquaintance with classic scenes to believe them the We would press upon our readers the duty of cultivatutelary divinities of this romantic spot. At the foot ting the genius of religion in the family circle. What of this ledge is a level spot beautifully laid out, and immense interests are involved in it! Who can tell manifesting in its adornment the utmost refinement of how much the salvation of some who are near and dear taste. In the centre of this ornamented spot is a beau- in the family relation, may depend upon the religious tiful circular basin or fountain, with four quadrangular character of those who have named the name of Christ! jets in the corners of a square, while in the centre is a You, who are parents, be faithful to your children. much larger single jet, all throwing their cooling streams Teach them diligently the fear of the Lord. Cast not of amber purity many feet into the air, which fall again off your responsibilities upon others. 312 THE VENERABLE DEAD. THE VENERABLE DEAD. DIED, at Walnut Grove, Kanawha county, Va., July 23, 1843, Mrs. ANN SMITH SUMMERS, widow and relic of Geo. Summers, Esq., in the 85th year of her age. This venerable lady was the daughter of John Radcliffe, of Fairfax county, Va., where she herself was born on the 16th day of October, 1758. Although of delicate physical construction, and often times the victim of disease, she has survived all the contemporary members of her family, and has gone down to the grave, in advanced old age, as the mature and ripened harvest is garnered in its season. Thy golden harp its praise shall pour, And hymning triumphs speak thy joy. Cherubic choirs, in song uniting, Hail thee, "Sainted sister! come Trusting Christian-trembling, doubting, Ransom'd spirit, welcome home." Original. TO THE DEPARTED. AN IMPROMPTU WRITTEN AT THE TOMB OF HARRISON. In the life of Mrs. Summers, were illustrated the virtues and excellencies of a good woman. The confiding "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for love of the wife toward her husband-the doating affection of the mother for her children-the indulgent kindness of the mistress to her servants-the charities of social and neighborhood intercourse; and better than all these the contrite heart and humble faith of the Christian, were characteristics which distinguished her walk through life. With her, the duties and concerns of time were not forgotten or omitted, but they were subordinate to the great interests of eternity. Her leading thoughts were of heaven-her absorbing desire, was that by a life of penitence and faith, she might be fitted for its enjoyment; and her continual, struggling prayer, to the latest moment of consciousness, was to be held united to God, by a living, grasping faith, through her Redeemer, in whom alone she trusted for salvation, and into whose possession, she delivered her whole heart, with all its hopes and fervent aspirations. Her family and friends will weep for her, who has so long concentrated their attention and affectionate interest, but in the midst of their sorrowing for her departure, they will rejoice in the presence of the only alleviation to the anguish of surviving friendship and affection-an assured conviction, that she has entered into that inheritance of glory reserved for the righteous, where no clouds or darkness are; where weeping, trusting, fearing, and believing, are all swallowed up in fruition, and where the lamentations of penitence are exchanged for the shout of victory and the lofty hymns of eternal praise. The following lines were written on the death of Mrs. Ann Smith Summers. Pilgrim, is life's voyage ended? Are all its cares and sorrows o'er? Say, have these been made to cease? Thy jeweled crown, and smiles of love, With those in robes of white above? To fear, to weep, to doubt no more, Shall anxious days and nights employ; them who shall be heirs of salvation ?" SPIRIT of the dead! where dost thou dwell? Its silent hours where dost thou trace? Surpassed by seraphim alone? With speed of an archangel's wing? Amid the gentle shades of eve Thou comest, blest spirit of the dead! To bid each sorrowing thought depart, And with celestial blessings cheer The lonely, sad, and stricken heart. "Tis God who sends thee thus in love To guide the wayward thoughts to heaven; And gently draw to Him above, The heart with keenest anguish riven. In love to thee, in love to them, He bids thee be their guide and friend Till sceptre, harp, and diadem, In heaven his hands to them extend. Thy harp for that triumphal scene With joy thou hast already strung; E'en now its cords impatient seem, For that enraptured, blissful song. For if the exulting chorus rise And swell with joy each seraph's breast To welcome to the upper skies Each earth-born soul received to rest; How must thy soul with rapture thrill To greet thy blood-wash'd kindred there; With them the choral anthem swell With them the crown of triumph wear! GRACE TRIUMPHANT. 313 Original. GRACE TRIUMPHANT. BY W. H. LAWDER. RELIGIOUS biographies are of unspeakable value to the Christian Church. They teach the principles of Christian faith, and exemplify their practice in the lives of the pious, and then invite our attention to the glorious results in the peaceful and often triumphant exit of the saints of God. Thus they tend to strengthen the faith and animate the zeal of the Church. To this end, God has embodied in the holy Scriptures many interesting accounts of his ancient people, and calls upon us to “mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." With the hope that our humble effort may minister to the same end, we present the following biography. usual exercises of the school-room. She bore her class upon her heart to the throne of grace. She affectionately remembered them in the closet, praying for their conversion. And, as an evidence of the benevolent interest she cherished, she did not forget them, even in her last moments. She desired some friend to bear them her dying request that they should all meet her in heaven, assuring them she had prayed much for them. She appeared, sometime before her last illness, to have had a presentiment of her approaching end, and was evidently being prepared for her change. Her piety became more deep and spiritual. She engaged in all the devotional exercises of our private and social meetings with an unwonted fervor. The graces of the Spirit were maturing, and she seemed ripening for heaven. This was manifest, especially, in the benevolent concern she felt in the welfare of the poor. Her soul seemed drawn out after them. She sought them out, and, as far as her opportunities and means would serve, ministered to their wants. MARGARET, daughter of Edward and Martha Inskip, was born May 25, 1821, in Wilmington, Delaware. When she was but a child, her father removed with his family to Chester county, Pa. At this time they were all without God and without hope in the world. But in a short time God powerfully awakened and converted the only son. And, through his instrumental-resignation. ity, Margaret and her elder sister were brought to the mourners' bench. After a season of repentance and mighty prayer they were powerfully blessed, and testified Christ's power on earth to forgive sins. The parents, who were greatly exasperated at the religious pretensions of the son, were now driven to desperation by what they thought the everlasting disgrace of the daughters. To bring these youthful converts to terms, the most rigid measures were agreed upon. The son was to be driven out, a wanderer from his father's house, and the daughters to be kept with a vigilant eye. But these persecuting purposes did not move them from their steadfastness. They knew whom they had believed, and counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus their Lord. The threatening storm was, however, soon dispelled. God, who restrains the wrath of man, and makes the remainder of wrath to praise him, wrought mightily upon the hearts of the parents; and, by his blessing upon the invincible perseverance of these young disciples, they were powerfully convicted, and, in deep distress, sought and found pardoning mercy. Then were the daughters restored to favor, and the son, who looked to prospective exile, and who had virtually left home, was welcomed again to the paternal roof. As a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, for ten years, our departed sister witnessed a good confession, not having reached her twelfth year when she experienced a change of heart. She was not content with seeking her own good, but labored zealously for the salvation of others. With this in view, she entered upon the duties of a Sabbath school teachet, to which she devoted herself for the last six years of her life. Nor was she satisfied with having gone through the VOL. III.-40 Her disease was of the most painful character, and continued for the space of six weeks. But, during all her sufferings, she exercised the greatest patience and When, in a paroxysm of pain, she gave an involuntary expression to her sufferings, she would often check herself, lest she might be found to complain. A few moments before she closed her eyes in death she looked upon her friends, who had been waiting round her bed for three days, expecting every hour to be her last, and said, "You have waited long for my deathwe must wait the Lord's time." Though she looked for death every hour, her spirit was perfectly serene-"calm as summer evenings be." She spoke freely upon the subject of her departure, and as if she were about to take a pleasant journey to see some absent friend. Not only did she anticipate the event itself, but appeared to calculate many of its circumstances. Hence, among other requests, she made this of her sister Jones: "When I am dying, keep my head cool and my lips moist." Almost to her last dying gasp she was blessed, thank God! with the use of her speech and reason, and conversed freely with the family and other visiting friends. Below we will present a few of the many things she said during the three last days of her life. All her conversation could not be written; for she spoke in a strong voice, and with considerable rapidity, and the intervals were too short to write what she said at any one time; and, moreover, the scene was so overwhelming as to disqualify for the use of the pen any but the most rigid stoic. She died about six o'clock, P. M., Saturday, June 24. On the 22d, her pastor visited and found her very feeble. When he inquired of her in respect to her spiritual welfare, she attempted to answer, but found herself fainting, and simply replied, "Mother will tell you all." She recovered a little, and having composed herself, appeared engaged in deep and earnest prayer. Some fifteen or twenty minutes having passed, she sud |