All the steeples in town are talking together , aloft in the sunny air , and rejoicing among themselves , while their spires point heavenward . Meantime , here are the children assembling to the Sabbath school , which is kept somewhere within the church . Often , while looking at the arched portal , I have been gladdened by the sight of a score of these little girls and boys , in pink , blue , yellow , and crimson frocks , bursting suddenly forth into the sunshine , like a swarm of gay butterflies that had been shut up in the solemn gloom . Or I might compare them to cherubs , haunting that holy place . About a quarter of an hour before the second ringing of the bell , individuals of the congregation begin to appear . The earliest is invariably an old woman in black , whose bent frame and rounded shoulders are evidently laden with some heavy affliction , which she is eager to rest upon the altar . Would that the Sabbath came twice as often , for the sake of that sorrowful old soul ! There is an elderly man , also , who arrives in good season , and leans against the corner of the tower , just within the line of its shadow , looking downward with a darksome brow . I sometimes fancy that the old woman is the happier of the two . After these , others drop in singly , and by twos and threes , either disappearing through the doorway or taking their stand in its vicinity . At last , and always with an unexpected sensation , the bell turns in the steeple overhead , and throws out an irregular clangor , jarring the tower to its foundation . As if there were magic in the sound , the sidewalks of the street , both up and down along , are immediately thronged with two long lines of people , all converging hitherward , and streaming into the church . Perhaps the far-off roar of a coach draws nearer , -- a deeper thunder by its contrast with the surrounding stillness , -- until it sets down the wealthy worshippers at the portal , among their humblest brethren . Beyond that entrance , in theory at least , there are no distinctions of earthly rank ; nor indeed , by the goodly apparel which is flaunting in the sun , would there seem to be such , on the hither side . Those pretty girls ! Why will they disturb my pious meditations ! Of all days in the week , they should strive to look least fascinating on the Sabbath , instead of heightening their mortal loveliness , as if to rival the blessed angels , and keep our thoughts from heaven . Were I the minister himself , I must needs look . One girl is white muslin from the waist upwards , and black silk downwards to her slippers ; a second blushes from topknot to shoe-tie , one universal scarlet ; another shines of a pervading yellow , as if she had made a garment of the sunshine . The greater part , however , have adopted a milder cheerfulness of hue .
Their veils , especially when the wind raises them , give a lightness XXXXX the general effect , and make them appear like airy phantoms , as they flit up the steps , and vanish into the sombre doorway .
At Beyond for from in of to until with within