The approach is by a score and more of stone steps
and through enormous bronze doors on which the Ten Commandments are
illustrated.
Entering the Madeleine, one sees an interior richly adorned, floors of
marble, and lofty columns supporting a three-domed roof, through which
light enters. On either side are six confessionals of oak and gilt,
where prince and peasant alike confess their sins. Beyond is the altar
of spotless marble. How beautiful the group of white figures, which
represents Madeleine forgiven, and borne above on angels' wings! This
artistic group cost thirty thousand dollars.
On Sunday morning Leo and his friends came to the Madeleine which is the
metropolitan church of Paris. Here every Sunday exquisite music is
rendered, and here come the elite to worship and to add liberal gifts. It
is a broad policy that no Catholic Church on the globe, not even splendid
St. Peter's of Rome, is considered too good for rich and poor of all
nationalities to occupy together for the worship of the Master.
All the Parisian churches are crowded on Sunday mornings, but Sunday
afternoons are used as holidays, and all kinds of vehicles and trains are
burdened with well dressed people in pursuit of pleasure.
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