Congregation; and when I got into the church, the clerk very civilly
seated me close to the pulpit.
Nothing can possibly be more simple, apt, and becoming than the few
decorations of this church.
Directly over the altar, on two tables in large letters, the ten
commandments were written. There surely is much wisdom and
propriety in thus placing, full in the view of the people, the sum
and substance of all morality.
Under the pulpit near the steps that led up to it, was a desk, from
which the clergyman read the liturgy, the responses were all
regularly made by the clerk; the whole congregation joining
occasionally, though but in a low voice; as for instance, the
minister said, "Lord, have mercy upon us!" the clerk and the
congregation immediately subjoin, "and forgive us all our sins." In
general, when the clergyman offers up a prayer, the clerk and the
whole congregation answer only, Amen!
The English service must needs be exceedingly fatiguing to the
officiating minister, inasmuch as besides a sermon, the greatest
part of the liturgy falls to his share to read, besides the psalms
and two lessons.
The joining of the whole congregation in prayer has something
exceedingly solemn and affecting in it.
Two soldiers, who sat near me in the church, and who had probably
been in London, seemed to wish to pass for philosophers, and wits;
for they did not join in the prayers of the church.
