God was May I regard them and observe them as his own. Read a part of Psalm cxix., and in prayer found sweet refreshment of soul. pleased to allow me near access, and to lift upon me the light of his countenance. I lingered long at the throne, gazing upon uncreated beauty, and found more real enjoyment than all things human can possibly afford. My very soul was drawn out in petition for my dear people in Baldwin Place. "God be merciful unto them, and bless them, and cause his face to shine upon them," to-day, to-morrow, and forever. Went this morning to New Park Street. Heard a precious discourse from Rev. Mr. Miall, an independent minister. It wanted point and application to the conscience, but was full of good instruction, and breathed a charming spirit. My name was announced as the preacher for next Lord's day. I very reluctantly consented to this arrangement, and should gladly be excused. I have no ambition to preach in a London pulpit. Should I do so, however, I pray the Lord to purify my motives, and give me grace to do my duty. Several things in the public worship in London I much admire, and should be glad to see them imitated in Boston. 1. When the people enter the pews, they bow their heads in silent prayer for one or two minutes. 2. They have their pews well supplied with Bibles, as well as hymnbooks. 3. When the benediction is pronounced, they stand for half a minute in silence. 4. They are exceedingly moderate in leaving the house, never crowding the aisles. 5. Gentlemen do not put on their hats until they have reached the door. 6. They have pew-openers, who not only open the pews for their proprietors or regular occupants, but conduct strangers to such seats as might not otherwise be occupied. 66 The next Sabbath, as announced, he preached at the New Park Street Chapel, and writes in his journal, "O that good may prove to have been done to precious souls!" On the 27th the party left London, and went to Bristol, parting with great affection from the many friends they had made during the nearly four weeks of their residence at No. 6 Queen's Street Place. While at Bristol, they rode out to Barley Wood, the residence of Hannah More. Mr. Stow has left on record an exceedingly interesting account of this visit, but we are obliged to omit it. The 1st of June he reached RETURN TO BOSTON. 175 Liverpool. The following is the last entry in the journal which he kept of his first European tour: Liverpool, June 1. Attended to business preparatory to embarkation. Was introduced to Mr. Samuel Stillman Gair, of the house of Baring Brothers, and son of Rev. Mr. Gair, the predecessor of Dr. Baldwin, as pastor of the church which I have the honor to serve. He made many kind inquiries respecting some of the aged people of whom he had heard his mother speak. Mr. G. appears to be quite a gentleman, and generously offered to serve me in any way practicable. In every instance during my tour I have found bankers attentive and obliging, whether I did business with them or not. Six months have now passed away since I bade adieu to home and country; during that period I have seen much, enjoyed much, and suffered as well. God has been God all the way of my wanderings, and I would ever speak well of his goodness. One of the most discouraging circumstances in the prospects of the dissenters in England is, the strong propensity of the better sort to sympathize with the Establishment. "The third carriage goes to church." No sooner does a man become wealthy, or exhibit unusual talent, than he is noticed by Episcopalians; and poor human nature, too weak to withstand such influences, soon yields, and he is lost to the dissenting interest. The church has a power of patronage that draws off the superior minds; as one of the ministers said to me, Sir, we are constantly skinned by the Establishment." 66 During all the public meetings in London, I did not hear of a single prayer meeting; even the monthly concert of prayer, for the first Monday in May was omitted. Very few of the great meetings were opened with prayer. On the 4th he embarked on board the Columbia, and after the usual ocean experiences, reached Boston on the 16th. At the wharf a large company of his church and congrega tion met him, and gave him and his associates in travel a "most fervent and affecting welcome." The following Sabbath, with emotions which we can readily conceive, he stood once more in the spot so dear to him - the pulpit of the old Baldwin Place Church. June 20, Lord's day. Preached this morning to my dear people, from Psalm cxix. 65, in which I endeavored to glorify God by recounting some acts of his providential kindness. The house was crowded, the audience very attentive. The following hymn was sung as I entered the church: "Welcome, welcome, blessed pastor, Messenger of Jesus' grace, Welcome, welcome, Man of God, thy people's joy. "For a season, at God's bidding, Filling, warming every heart. "Heavenly Father, bless his message, In its wondrous saving power. "Let thy favor crown thy servant, Now, henceforth, and evermore." The objects which were contemplated by this tour abroad were in good part accomplished. Mr. Stow returned home greatly refreshed in spirit, and was prepared with new zeal to enter upon his ministerial labors. These labors he at once resumed with a joyous, elastic spirit. His heart was with his people, and he was ready to devote his recruited energies to any work by which their spiritual welfare might be promoted. He seemed, however, destined not to be left in peace. For the third time he received a pressing invitation to accept the presidency of Waterville College, which he declined, saying, in his own emphatic words, "So long as I can preach the gospel, and do the work of a pastor, I would ac |