"I know it," replied his aunt, smiling. "I am quite aware that the age
of faith has passed away, and that republican institutions have made the
young ones as wise and incredulous as their elders. I don't half like it
myself!"

CHAPTER VI.

SUNDAY.--BIBLE STORIES.--CAPPING BIBLE VERSES.--BIBLE CLASS.

Sunday morning arose upon the earth, so clear, and calm, and beautiful,
that it almost seemed as if it were conscious of the blessings bestowed
by it upon millions of the human family. Happy day! when the man bent
under the heavy load of oppressive labor and corroding care, may take
the rest which the Maker of his frame intended for him, from the very
beginning. Now, throwing off the weight, he can realize that he is a
man--made in the image of his Creator, and made for happiness and
immortality. Now, he can afford to think: he is no longer the mechanical
drudge; he is no longer one little wheel in the great social machine; he
is to-day a reflecting being, and the desire for mental and spiritual
elevation throbs strongly within his heart. He sits at his hearth,
whether in the proud palace or in the humble cottage, for the
working-man is equally to be found in both, and feels himself to be the
centre of the home. He enjoys sweet converse with the wife of his youth,
and his children cluster round him, delighted to have his society. He
walks to the House of Prayer, surrounded by those he loves, and joins
with his fellow-men in adoration of the Great Supreme. He is happy, and
is prepared by the sweet Sabbaths below for the bliss above.

Nor should we forget, on this day, the numerous attractive circles to
be found throughout our highly-favored land, gathered together for
Sunday-School instruction. Here, the voluntary system works to a charm:
both teachers and scholars, drawn together by love, assemble, with
sparkling eyes and kindly words, in their respective classes. Here, all
ages can find something to interest them: the rosy-cheeked, chubby child
runs along to its Infant School, fearing to be one moment behind the
time, and singing,

"Oh, let us be joyful, joyful, joyful,"

with a full understanding of at least that part of the duty to be
performed. And the adult walks quietly to the Bible Class, where mutual
study and conversation about some passages of the Sacred Word elicit its
meaning, and throw new light upon the holy page. And, in the ages
intermediate between these two extremes, how bright and j