and children, and even in young men and misses. The family chairs are
occupied by the aged and the ailing, while most of the people sit upon
benches without backs. The singing is superior, both in the structure of
the tunes and the fullness and sweetness of voice of most of the singers.
Such tunes as China, Mear, Northfield, Windham, Exhortation, etc., set to
our most solid hymns and sung with the understanding and in the spirit,
have never been excelled, and probably will not be in this world. The
preaching also is excellent, and the hearing corresponds. Tears are
abundant, and responses neither scant nor misplaced, and impressions deep.

At the close of the public service nearly all "remain for class meeting."
The speaking is clear, direct, and candid; the singing spontaneous, brief,
and spirited. When the class meeting closes, hand-shaking and shouts close
the scene, and most of the people return immediately home.

No tobacco smoke has polluted the air of the place. No gossip or worldly
talk has profaned the sacred day. Such as by distance, feebleness, or any
other cause would be likely to fail of coming back to the late afternoon or
evening meeting are led, if possible, to remain and eat with the family.
From half a dozen to a dozen usually accept of the cordial invitation, and
find a strong evangelical influence in the very atmosphere of this place of
worship.

At the closing meeting in the latter part of the day some fruit usually
appears from the personal labors bestowed upon guests between meetings;
thus putting the divine seal upon the hospitality and influence of the
cottage chapel.

The picture of this day is substantially the description of the Sabbaths of
years at this meeting place.