The sermon is over. The more demoralized among the little boys, whose
sleepy eyes have been more than once admonished by the hare's-foot wand
of the constables,--the sharp paw is used for the boys, the soft fur is
kept for the smooth foreheads of drowsy maidens,--look up thoroughly
awakened now. Bright eyes glance from beneath silk or tiffany hoods, for
a little interlude is coming. Many things may happen in this pause after
the sermon. Questions may be asked of the elders now, which the elders
may answer,--if they can. Some lay brother may "exercise" on a text of
Scripture,--rather severe exercise, it sometimes turns out. Candidates
for the church may be proposed. A baptism may take place. If it be the
proper month, the laws against profaning the Sabbath may be read. The
last town-regulations may be read; or, far more exciting, a new marriage
may be published. Or a darker scene may follow, and some offending
magistrate may be required to stand upon a bench, in his worst garments,
with a foul linen cap drawn close to his eyes, and acknowledge his sins
before the pious people, who reverenced him so lately.

These things done, a deacon says impressively, "Brethren, now there is
time for contribution; wherefore, as God hath prospered you, so freely
offer." Then the people in the galleries come down and march two
abreast, "up one ile and down the other," passing before the desk, where
in a long "pue" sit the elders and deacons. One of these holds a
moneybox, into which the worshippers put their offerings, usually
varying from one to five shillings, according to their ability and
good-will. Some give paper pledges instead; and others give other
valuables, such as "a fair gilt cup, with a cover," for the
communion-service. Then comes a psalm, read, line after line, by some
one appointed, out of the "Bay Psalm-Book," and sung by the people.
These psalms are sung regularly through, four every Sunday, and some ten
tunes compose the whole vocal range of the congregation. Then come the