.NTI.MTMxMA

�Sunday morning 3rd October/52. Never did the sun or the heavens + the earth appear more gloriously. The air is [illegible ] + pure + enlivening: not a vapor dims the sky--the fields and trees have on the variegated robes of autumn; + the whole world seems to enjoy its existence unusually [underlined] on this delightful day of rest. I wish I was in Boston to attend Church with you, today. I will, here, remark, that it is not decorous, nor gentlemanly, to read [underlined], or write [underlined], or whisper [underlined], or go [underlined] to [underlined] sleep [underlined], or stare [underlined] about [underlined], in Church, during the time of service. If we are not particularly edified; if the preaching or other performances don't suit us, our manner should exhibit no appearances of dislike; it should be grave and attentive. When we leave Church, we should not be heard to criticize [underlined] the services. I make these remarks, my son, because I don't feel very well satisfied with one example in Church, last Sabbath, that, you may be careful always to deport yourself like a gentleman, every where, especially [underlined] in Church [underlined]. I have seen young men, + young women [underlined], that think much of themselves and would have others [underlined] think [underlined] much [underlined] of [underlined] them [underlined], whispering [double underlined], + laughing [double underlined], in Church, in Prayer [underlined] time. Now [underlined], you just reflect a moment upon the impropriety of this. There [underlined], is the minister, uttering , in a solemn public manner, an invocation of the Most [underlined] High god + Father of our spirits, and there [underlined], are young [underlined] men [underlined] + women [underlined], well dressed, full grown, + occupying a conspicuous place in Divine Presence, joking and giggling upon the most trifling or profane subjects. How impious! How [double underlined] vulgar [double underlined]! Should you blame [underlined] me [underlined] for frowning [triple underlined]?