TO THE AMERICAN READER. IN committing this volume to the American public, in a faithful translation by the hand of an esteemed friend, who thought it worth while to assume the task, the author would respectfully ask the reader to keep in mind, that, with the exception of the notes, it was written in Germany and for Germany, in view of false impressions and strong prejudices, which are widely spread in the higher circles of Europe, concerning the United States. The address delivered by appointment before the Evangelical Church Diet at Frankfort-onthe-Maine, in September last, is no part of the original work; but as it treats on the same subject under a different and more practical aspect, it was translated by another and equally skillful hand from the published proceedings of that large assembly, and forms now the third part in the place of a separate chapter on the German churches, which has been greatly abridged by the translator with the consent of the author. Since the publication of the original in Berlin, many things have happened in America in rapid succession in the departments of both national and state politics, of finance, and of municipal government, which seem to contradict the highly favorable views of this book on the present condition and future prospects of our country, and to justify the fear, that it is rotting before it is ripe, and will yet add another proof to the sad reflection of the poet of Childe Harold : In view of the history of the past and present year, we have no reason to boast and to look down upon any nation of the Old World. Still I would not on this account retract any sentiment publicly expressed at Berlin and at Frankfort, and several other cities of Europe. The manifold appearances of corruption, I hope, are only the scum on the surface; diseases of the skin, and not of the heart. They may darken our immediate prospects, but they cannot affect our ultimate destiny. Providence has evidently prepared this country and nation for the greatest work, and no power on earth can arrest its progress and prosperity, if we are true to our calling, if we fear God and love righteousness, mindful of the maxim--"No liberty without virtue; no virtue without religion; no religion without Christianity; Christianity, the safeguard of our republic and hope of the world." Mercersburg, Pa., Aug. 7, 1855. P. S. |