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 a-tempered 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 . O , I ought to have gone to church ! The hustle 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 through my frame , and plays upon my heartstrings , with a pleasure both of the sense and spirit . Heaven be praised , I know nothing of music , as a science ; and the most elaborate harmonies , if they please me , please as simply as a nurse 's lullaby . The strain has ceased , but prolongs itself in my mind , with fanciful echoes , till I start from my revery , and find that the sermon has commenced .
It is my misfortune seldom to fructify , XXXXX a regular way , by any but printed sermons .
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