138 REVERENCE FOR THE LORD'S DAY. 
I never heard them indulge in a joke or other 
levity ; and the practice of it is apt to give 
offence. They are so accustomed to take what 
is said in its literal meaning, that irony was 
always considered a falsehood, in spite of ex- 
planation. They could not see the propriety of 
uttering what was not strictly true, for any 
purpose whatever. The Sabbath-day is devoted 
entirely to prayer, reading, and serious medita- 
tion. No boat is allowed to quit the shore, nor 
any work whatever to be done, cooking excepted, 
for which preparation is made the preceding 
evening. I attended their church on this day, 
and found the service well conducted. The 
prayers were read by Adams, and the lessons by 
Buffett ; the service being preceded by hymns. 
The greatest devotion was apparent in every 
individual, and in the children there was a 
seriousness unknown in the younger part of our 
communities at home. In the course of the 
Litany they prayed for their sovereign, and all 
the royal family, with much apparent loyalty and 
sincerity. Some family prayers, which were 
thought appropriate to their particular case, were 
added to the usual service ; and Adams, fearful 
of leaving out any essential part, read in addition 
those prayers which are intended only as substi- 
tutes for others . A sermon followed, which was 
very well delivered by Buffett; and, lest any 
part of it should be forgotten, or escape attention, 
it was read three times. The whole concluded 
with hymns, which were first sung by the grown 
people, and afterwards by the children. The 
service thus performed was very long ; but the 
