"The pulpit, therefore (and I name it, fill'd With solemn awe, that bids me well beware With what intent I touch that Holy thing), I say the pulpit (in sober awe Of its legitimate peculiar powers) Must stand acknowledged, while the world shall stand, The most important and effectual guard, Support and ornament of virtue's cause. There stands the messenger of truth: there stands The legate of the skies! His theme divine, His office sacred, his credentials clear. By him the violated law speaks out Its thunders; and by him, in strains as sweet As angels are, the Gospel whispers peace." COWPER. Illustration: Stone Pulpit in Dartmouth Church THE PULPIT "I suppose we must not expect you to conform to all our usages at first, Mr. Dole," said Mr. Acres, as they walked out of the churchyard one Sunday, after the Afternoon Service; "but no doubt you will soon see the fitness of our several forms and ceremonies, and then you will do as we do. Of course these things are--compared with others--of no great importance; but still it is better, even in small matters, to avoid differences in our mode of worship." "Yes, that is so, sir; but you must give me time, and I shall be glad if you will tell me what you have specially noticed in my manner different from others? I don't wish to seem particular." "Well, to be candid then, Mr. Dole, it seems strange to us to see a man when he comes into church _stand up_ and say his prayers in his _hat_, instead of reverently _kneeling down_." "I never thought of that before, but I dare say it does; but then you know, sir, that is our way at the _meeting_. I see, however, that it is much more proper in God's house to obey the precept of His Holy Word, and 'fall low on our knees before His footstool.'" "Then for the same reason you will, I am sure, see that, instead of _sitting_ during the other prayers, as I notice you do, it is proper to _kneel_ at those times too. You will find that all in our church, from the oldest to the youngest, except poor Old Reynolds and Tom Barham (who are too infirm to kneel), do so. Then again, when the _Creed_ is said, I see you do sometimes stand up, but not always; and I notice you don't turn to the _East_, as all the rest of the congregation do." "No, I confess I don't do that. I like the idea of repeating our Confession of Faith whenever we meet at church: I suppose the want of this practice is one reason why the different leading sects of Dissenters are constantly being broken up into fresh divisions. Yes, there is certainly something very supporting to a Christian in so declaring with the Church every where, his belief in the great doctrines of their common Faith; but the fact is, I have some scruples about turning to the East at that time. Even old Mrs. Tubbs, who, you know, is a Church-woman, says she thinks it is superstitious."