Chapter II · Chapter 2

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

later than; following

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

Having no one else present.

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

past form of “ascend” — travel up

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

someone who listens attentively

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

dearly loved

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading The story is not quite complete.

steadiness of mind under stress

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

in a sincere and heartfelt manner

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

in a dry laconic manner

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

set up or found

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

incapable of being resisted

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The story is not quite complete.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

plural of “lesson” — a unit of instruction

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

not any; not one

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

not one, and not any

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The story is not quite complete.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

above and across; more than

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The story is not quite complete.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

inspiring scornful pity

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

the sacred writings of the Christian religions

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

term of address for a man

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

in the near future

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The story is not quite complete.

past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

possessive form of “swift” — United States meat-packer who began the use of refrigerated railroad cars (1839-1903)

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

the fourth day of the week; the third working day

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

at the time that

From this reading But the fact is, that when he went into the church he found Roger _alone_, and exclaimed with evident surprise, "_What, Roger! none here but you_?"

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Soon after Swift's arrival at Laracor, he gave public notice that he would read prayers every Wednesday and Friday.

an affirmative

From this reading "_Yes, sir_," replied Roger drily (turning over the book to find the lessons, for the day), "_sure you are here too_."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading On the first of those days after he had summoned his congregation, he ascended the desk, and after sitting some time with no other auditor than his clerk Roger, he rose up and with a composure and gravity that, upon this occasion, were irresistibly ridiculous, began--"Dearly beloved Roger, the Scripture moveth you and me in sundry places," and so proceeded to the end of the service.