“But has not God ordered particular ways of worshipping him?”
“He has directed the mind and spirit with which he is to be worshipped, but not the particular form or manner. That is left for every one to choose, according as suits his temper and opinions. All these people like their own way best, and why should they leave it for the choice of another? Religion is one of the things in which mankind were made to differ.”
The several congregations now began to be dismissed, and the street was again overspread with persons of all the different sects, going promiscuously to their respective homes. It chanced that a poor man fell down in the street in a fit of apoplexy, and lay for dead. His wife and children stood round him crying and lamenting in the bitterest distress. The beholders immediately flocked round, and with looks and expressions of the warmest compassion, gave their help. A Churchman raised the man from the ground by lifting him under the arms, while a Dissenter held his head, and wiped his face with his handkerchief. A Roman Catholic lady took out her smelling-bottle, and assiduously applied it to his nose. A Methodist ran for a doctor. A Quaker supported and comforted the woman, and a Baptist took care of the children.
Edwin and his father were among the spectators. “Here,” said Mr. Ambrose, “is a thing in which mankind were made to agree.”
THE LANDLORD’S VISIT.—A Drama.
Scene—A room in a farmhouse. Betty, the farmer’s wife; Fanny, a young woman grown up; children of various ages differently employed.
Enter Landlord.
Landlord. Good morning to you, Betty.
Betty. Ah!—is it your honour? How do you do, sir? how are madam and all the good family?
Land. Very well, thank you; and how are you, and all yours?