Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-04-30
RAINY SUNDAYS.

People find it easy to excuse themselves
from church-going on stormy Sundays,
but they are generally the chief sufferers
for their efieminacy The hours hang
heavy-the spirits are depressed, and the
temper is often uncommonly peevish, from
secret feeling of shame and neglect of
duty. The Portland Transcript has some
very pertinent reflections on this sub
jeet
A rainy Sunday is the church gocr's
holiday When he is awakened in the
morning by the drops pattering upon the
roof or windOw-pane he nestles more com
iortably in his bed, and congratulates
himself because he may take another nap.
lie rises at II late hour and comes down
with Il headache, which, somehow, a strong
cup of coffee does not dispol. Then he
casts about for employment, for, of COURSE
he is not going to church in the raini lie
might muddy his boots, or spoil his bea-
ver-silk hat, we meant Perhaps he takes
up the last novel but if he is Il business
man, il is more probable that he will lool.
over some old accounts, even going
10 the store-in spite of the rain to do
so.
Z" So the day wears leadenly on and in
spite of himself he feels uncomfortable
lie has spent the day wretchcdly, and he
knows it; yet surely you would not have
him go to church in the rain
"But we would, though That is just
what rainy Sundays are made for When
the sun shines and the grass is green
when
"'Flowcrs sprnging, birds ara singing
aud all is fair without, then one can wor-
ship in the open air, and in the devotional
walk have all his deepest religious feelings
aroused. But when the sky lowers and
the rain or snow falls, it is the duty of all
to go to church.
For our part we like n stormy Sunday
for church-going better than Il fair one
We always liked to go to school on rainy
days, because then there were fewer
scholars, and we got more of the masters
attention. Then, too, he became familiar,
put by his stern demeanor, and drawing
the faithful few around him, told us tales,
or explained the difficult lessons. There
was IL cosiness about tue school-room on
such days that we liked
> 80 on rainy Sundays we go to church,
because then we Gun get larger share of
the sermon. When the house is full, and
the butterflies of fashion are nuttering in
the pews, and rank is there with naughty
= head, somehow we never can get any good
from the preacher. We feel overlooked
= in the busting crowd, and are disturbed
y by the wandering gances and loud wills
= perings of over-dressed girls and rustling
= matrons. There is always a little boy to
Kick his heels against the pew, and move
restlcssly about from scat to seat there
J. is always IN old gentleman to nod hi,
u head at us, with close shut eyes, as if an
= swering our internal questionings There
. is cold air of the world, of formal cerc.
y mony and hoartless parade abou. the
y, church that chils the religious element il
= our being.
Is ." But on rainy Sundays, when the but
q terllies remain at home for the fear of soil
II ing their wings, and the little boy play
y horse at home in the garnet, and the oil,
. gentleman takes his nap upon his owl
II bed, we get good share of the sermon
/ and seldom go to sleep. Then the few
g present are dressed in subdued coors. ar,
+ quiet and attentive, and a sort of gratcfu
Il gloom comes in at the hazy windows AM
Il wraps in all partial obscurity Then TIN
Is preacher puts aside the airs of oratory -
! Then the spirit of true religion seems tC
l. rest upon the worshippers, and the worl,
= is shut out. Then, indeed, is it good to III
o there.
n Reader, if you would enjoy Il rain,
y Sunday go to church.