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
words, "Blessed are they who hear the word of the Lord and keep it," and
then the benediction.
And then the reverend divine descends from his desk and walks down the
aisle, bowing gravely right and left to his people, not one of whom
stirs till the minister has gone out; and then the assembly disperses,
each to his own home, unless it be some who have come from a distance,
and stay to eat their cold pork and peas in the meeting-house.
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