'
'I do not know that that is quite the best thing, though in a degree
it is unavoidable,' said her mother.
'So I was thinking,' said Helen; 'I think it must make religious
knowledge like a mere lesson; I know that is what Lizzie dreads, and
they begin the Bible before they can read it well.'
'But can it, can it really be so melancholy? will all those bright-
faced creatures, who look so earnest and learn so well, will they
turn their backs upon all that is right, all they know so well?' said
poor Anne, almost ready to cry. 'O Mamma, do not tell me to think
so.'
'No, no, you need not, my dear,' said Lady Merton; 'it would be
grievous and sinful indeed to say any such things of baptized
Christians, trained up by the Church. The more you love them, and
the more you hope for them, the better. You will learn how to hope
and how to fear as you grow older.'
'But I have had as much experience as Lizzie,' said Anne; 'I am but a
month younger, and school has been my Sunday delight ever since I can
remember; Mamma, I think the Abbeychurch people must be very bad--you
see they keep shop on Sunday; but then you spoke of our own people.
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