Transatlantic Sketches by
Philip Kelland -
44 pages
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1858. Excerpt: ... LECTURE II. We are now across the border, and very opportunely commence our acquaintance with the States on the first day of the week. The Sabbath, both at Detroit, where we first spent it, and throughout the country generally, is very well kept--just as well, I believe, as in Scotland. Handsome churches of various denominations stand out prominently in every city, vying with each other in architecture. At one place you see spire after spire contending for height and beauty; at another you find that the prevailing taste leads to Grecian porticoes or Byzantine domes. And then the interiors are fitted up with great luxury, and with an utter disregard to cost. Carved woods, and velvet cushions, and Turkey carpets, are profusely scattered. My custom was to attend the Presbyterian service, that I might learn how the sons of severe Scotland conduct CHURCHES AND CHURCH MUSIC. 45 themselves under a change of circumstances. If the specimens I stumbled on may be regarded as a fair average sample of the whole, I have but a sorry report to bring back. The first preacher we listened to gave us an animated onslaught on Calvinism, slashing the doctrines of the Shorter Catechism unmercifully. The next said nothing intelligible at all. A third lectured his audience for an hour on their want of interest in church matters; and from their apparent want of interest in the lecture, I have no doubt they deserved all they got. A fourth was a plain-spoken earnest man, reminding me a little of old Scotland. But the grand characteristic feature of all the churches was the singing. This was performed by a professional quartett, with florid accompaniments on the organ. As an Episcopalian, I find no fault with the organ, quite the contrary; but I think some of the symphonies and volun...