Not otherwise.

It is a fine trait of national character, though it is one which has brought upon the English much unmerited ridicule.

One may differ from them in faith and in one's estimate of the real value of these services, which are often only saved from being irreverent in their performance by the perfect sincerity of parson and congregation.

But no one who dispassionately judges them can deny that the custom inspires respect for English consistency and admiration for their supreme contempt of surroundings.
I presume that the periodical manifestations of religious belief to which I refer are intimately and indissolubly connected with the staid and funereal solemnity which marks an Englishman's dress, conversation, and conduct on Sunday.

He is a different being for the nonce, and must sustain the entire character of his dual existence, or it will fall to the ground and forsake him altogether.