"Yes, Guy, and therefore I added the warning. Men have so far deceived themselves as to call into requisition some of the greatest triumphs of art, and profess them for His glory and honour, while distinctly violating His revealed commands."
"Ah! I know what you mean now, mother; but surely that sort of profession is either hypocrisy or ignorance."
"It results from both, and with God's Word before us, both are wholly inexcusable."
"Now, mother, I must just mention something that is in my mind on this very point, and I'm glad our little talk has brought us to it. You know our old church is very old indeed, and getting sadly dilapidated, and I should like to see it made respectable."
"So should I, my dear boy; and I think probably when Mr. Hazelwood is able to attend to it, he will have it made so."
"Well, suppose he gave me leave to do whatever I please with it; it is God's house—"
"You mean it is, and always has been, devoted to purposes of Christian worship."
"Yes, it is not used for anything else. Well now, could I make it too beautiful with all the taste and skill in architecture, painting, and sculpture, that I could muster to adorn it?"
"For a museum of beautiful things, an exhibition of your taste and liberality, or for its present purpose; which do you intend?"
"Of course for its present use—a place where the Gospel is preached, and where people meet to pray, and hear, and praise."