174
SPEECHES.
of cake as was marvellous in my eyes—was over, and at a signal from one of the preachers, they all knelt down to prayer ; but while thus engaged, I could hear the repressed jingle of many a silver spbon, which some more careful dame was placing in security in her box or bag. After the prayer, a few hymns were played and sung ; during which period, I took the opportunity of walking with my companion around the space already mentioned, in order to obtain a full view of the assembled guests ; and then followed some speeches by the missionaries and one or two of the leading members, which afforded much interest to the assembled group. One old gentleman—a very excellent man, by the way, but rather too much given to prosing when in the pulpit— spoke in favour of tea-meetings and of the chapel debt, (to pay off which, these entertainments were given, as one means of raising money.) Another preacher gave us a long rambling anecdote of a bowie-knife ; paid high compliments to the ladies, which were received by a grin of applause ; said how much better it was to have these agreeable parties, and thus raise money, instead of the old way of trudging about from house to house, begging the inmates to put down their names for certain sums, and attributing the happy change to the fertile genius of the “ tender sex ;" and concluded by remarking, that in the course of a week or two there would be a bazaar held at the court-house, for the purpose of raising more cash to liquidate the chapel debt, at which he understood there was to be a solid lunchtable spread, besides one for confectionary ; and although he liked tea very well, he liked lunch a great deal better. After Mr. had concluded, a mild, quiet-looking man rose, who spoke of social intercourse, referred to Job's sons and daughters ; talked of heaven and heavenly enjoyments ; and then, after a few more speeches, more compliments to the ladies, a few more hymns, and a concluding prayer, came the cloaking, shawling, and bonneting, and we returned home, altogether pleased with our visit,