Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Atlantic Essays

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 money-box, 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, out of the “Bay ”