The greater part , however , have adopted a milder cheerfulness of hue . Their veils , especially when the wind raises them , give a lightness to the general effect and make them appear like airy phantoms as they flit up the steps and vanish into the sombre doorway . Nearly all -- though it is very strange that I should know it -- wear white stockings , white as snow , and neat slippers laced crosswise with black ribbon pretty high above the ankles . A white stocking is infinitely more effective than a black one . Here comes the clergyman , slow and solemn , in severe simplicity , needing no black silk gown to denote his office . His aspect claims my reverence , but can not win my love . Were I to picture Saint Peter keeping fast the gate of Heaven and frowning , more stern than pitiful , on the wretched applicants , that face should be my study . By middle age , or sooner , the creed has generally wrought upon the heart or been attempered by it . As the minister passes into the church the bell holds its iron tongue and all the low murmur of the congregation dies away . The gray sexton looks up and down the street and then at my window-curtain , where through the small peephole I half fancy that he has caught my eye . Now every loiterer has gone in and the street lies asleep in the quiet sun , while a feeling of loneliness comes over me , and brings also an uneasy sense of neglected privileges and duties . Oh , I ought to have gone to church ! The bustle of the rising congregation reaches my ears . They are standing up to pray . Could I bring my heart into unison with those who are praying in yonder church and lift it heavenward with a fervor of supplication , but no distinct request , would not that be the safest kind of prayer ? -- `` Lord , look down upon me in mercy ! '' With that sentiment gushing from my soul , might I not leave all the rest to him ? Hark ! the hymn ! This , at least , is a portion of the service which I can enjoy better than if I sat within the walls , where the full choir and the massive melody of the organ would fall with a weight upon me .
At this distance it thrills XXXXX my frame and plays upon my heart-strings with a pleasure both of the sense and spirit .
As at by from of on that through to while