Before we came to Easton, I formed the acquaintance of a Swiss mother, who seemed much pleased to find one that was about to visit her dear “Fatherland,” where she had spent the sunny days of her childhood.  After giving me directions and letters of introduction, she entreated me very earnestly to visit her home and kin, and bring them word from her.

New York was reached at 12:10 p.m.  As there were but three days remaining for seeing the city, I immediately began my visits to some of its principal points of interest.  Having first engaged a room at a hotel in the vicinity of the new Post-Office, I commenced to stroll about, and at 5:30 p.m., entered Trinity Church.  Its capacious interior soon disclosed to me numerous architectural peculiarities, such as are characteristic of the English parish churches or of cathedrals in general; and which render old Trinity quite conspicuous among her American sisters.  A fee of twelve cents entitled me to an ascent of its lofty spire, which can be made to the height of 304 (?) steps, or about 225 feet.

Sunday, June 20th.  Rose at 4:30 a.m. and visited Central Park.  This being an importune time for seeing the gay and fashionable life of the city, I contended myself with a walk to the Managerie, and returned in time to attend the forenoon service of Plymouth Church, in Brooklyn.  I reached the place before 9:00 o’clock, and formed the acquaintance of a young gentleman who was a great admirer of the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, and, being an occasional visitor at this church, knew how to get a seat in that congregation, which generally closed its doors against the faces of hundreds, after every available seat was occupied.  We at once took our stand at the middle gate, and there endured the pressure of the crowd for more than half an hour before the doors opened.  We were the first two that entered, and running up stairs at the head of the dashing throng, succeeded in making sure of a place in the audience.  The church has seating capacity for about 2,800 adults.  All the pews are rented to members of the congregation by the year, except the outer row of seats along the three walls; but these are generally all occupied in one or several minutes after the doors open.

The choir files in at 10:25.  A “voluntary” by the organist at 10:30, and by the choir at 10:32, during which time Mr. Beecher comes in, jerks his hat behind a boquet stand, and takes his seat.  Leads in a prayer in so low a strain that he can not be understood at any remote place in the audience.  At 10:55 he baptizes eight infants, whose names are passed to him on cards.  Concludes another prayer at 11:20 and announces his text, “Christ and him crucified.”  I Cor. ii. 2

Extracts from the Sermon.