f
they kept out wind and weather. Wood was preferred, because it was
cheaper, and quicker worked. Thus lived the first generation. The
condition of the second was somewhat improved; they had become
accustomed to their houses and were tolerably satisfied. The third had
never seen anything better, and not having the means of comparison,
could not make it to their own disadvantage, and finally, as man is a
creature of custom and habit, and reverence, they learned to regard
a style of building that had sprung out of the necessities of their
ancestors, as an evidence not only of good sense, but of good taste.
The immigrants, arriving from time to time, might have disabused them,
but these would naturally fall into the ways and sentiments of the
people, and were their tastes ever so ambitious, probably had not the
means to gratify them. This is the origin, and thus is to be explained
the continuance of American architecture."

"An architecture," said the Judge, "that would have driven a Greek
out of his senses. But though I will not quarrel with you about
its origin, does not its perpetuation for so long a time affect the
character of our countrymen for taste?"

"It will pass away," said Armstrong, gloomily, "and with it the stern
virtues that are of more importance than a trifle like this."

"There can be no connection between an improvement in architecture,
and a deterioration of morals."

"Prosperity brings wealth, and wealth is the means to gratify the
caprices of luxury and taste. Perhaps, at some future day when stone
and marble shall have susperseded wood and brick; and magnificent
Grecian and Gothic temples, resplendent in stained glass, taken the
places of the humble, unpretentious meeting-houses, the thoughtful and
judicious will sigh for those times of primitive simplicity, when an
humble heart was more than an ostentatious offering, and God's word
was listened to devoutly on hard seats instead of being dozed over in
cushioned pews."

"You are becoming gloomy, Armstrong," said the Judge. "This will
never do. Progress, man, progress I tell you is the word. The world is
improving every day. Banish these sick fancies."

Armstrong shook his head. "I envy you," he said, "your hopeful and
joyous spirit, while I know you are mistaken."

"Well, well, my friend, I wish I could give you a portion of it. But
to come back to where we started from. After finding so much fault, it
is time to praise. However we may ridic