where they were standing, Anne cried out, "Why, I do believe it is the old pig trough!"

If you

"Miss Anne Wells," said Albert, drawing himself up very proudly, "this is the good ship, Boston, Captain Wells; first mate, Albert Spencer; cargo, specie; bound for the Bermuda Islands. have engaged a berth you can come aboard. Cabin passengers £30, steerage half price." All this seemed quite grand to Patty, who did not comprehend half of it, and she thought her brother and cousin very large boys indeed.

After much shouting, and pushing, and pulling, the boat,-which really was the pig trough, was brought to the place where they wanted it, and Jack took Patty in his arms to put her in. But she was a little frightened, and struggled and begged him to take Anne first. Jack was not strong enough to lift Anne quite over the sides of the boat, so that her feet struck against it, pushing it away, and they both came very near tumbling forward into the water.

"Never you mind," said Jack, "wait a minute." Down he sat on the grass, and off came his shoes and stockings, and up went his trousers in a great roll above his knees. Then taking Anne on his back he walked bravely into the water, and with Albert's assistance seated her safely in the boat. Patty, too, with a slight trembling, found herself for the first time on the water. They had a little stool to sit on, and though the boat was not very clean, nor quite water-tight, and their feet and clothes began to be wet and soiled, they did not mind it. Jack told them they must keep very still or they would upset the boat. Patty did not enjoy it much at first, for she scarcely dared to breathe or to lift an eye-lash, lest she should do some mischief. Seeing at length that everything seemed to go on smoothly, she grew more

at ease, and was greatly amused in watching the long poles splashing about in the water, making little ripples, and bubbles, and waves. It was no easy matter to steer clear of all the trees, and Jack was continually calling out, "Loosen the fore-top-sail," "tack to larboard," "hoist the jib-boom," "breakers ahead!" Once, in spite of the skill both of Captain Wells and his first mate, the boat ran against a tree with so much force as to throw both the girls off their seats, and make the boys nearly lose their balance; but Jack laughed, and said they had only stopped to take in wood and water. They coasted round in various directions, stopping at San Francisco, Liverpool, Havre, &c., and finally, having sailed quite round the world, came back again to the place from which they started.

No sooner were Anne and Patty on dry land again than they scampered off as fast as their feet would carry them, to tell their mamma all about it. At first they were so eager that they both talked together, and it was difficult to understand what either of them said. After they were a little calmer, mamma asked Anne very quietly how there came to be so much water in the orchard. "Why, to be sure, because it has rained so long."

"But did I not hear a little girl complaining yesterday of the rain, and wishing it would not come so all at once?"

"Oh, yes, I know I did," said Anne, blushing, "but I am sure I never shall again. I wish it would rain all the time." "Then, my dear, you could not go out at all," replied her mother.

"Mamma," said Patty, "I know we ought to be glad when it rains, and glad when it is sunshiny, because God makes the weather, so it is not right to fret about it at all."

Dear children, do you not think Patty was right?

A LESSON AND A WARNING TO YOUNG CHRISTIANS. In the town of lived an eminently pious and devoted young woman, who, for several years, was housekeeper in a small family. Having her time much at her own disposal, especially the Lord's-day, she employed herself in various ways in furthering the interests of religion. She was a teacher in the Sabbath school, a distributor of tracts. and a frequent visitor of the poor and afflicted. For a length of

time, a young man, respectably circumstanced in life, paid marked attention to her, and at length offered her his hand in marriage. He occupied a seat in the same place of worship with herself, and was of steady and industrious habits, and, apparently, inclined to seriousness, but not decidedly pious. This last circumstance formed an objection, and, indeed, the only objection, to his acceptance. For weeks and months the young woman hesitated as

to what was her duty. Before placed in this trying position, she had always regarded it as the duty of believers to "marry only in the Lord;" nor could she now feel herself justified in adopting a different course. But the young mau appeared to be "not far from the kingdom of heaven," and she might be the means of his conversion. This, however, was a dangerous experiment, and not to be ventured upon till she had sought counsel from others. She consulted several of her christian friends, and, among others, her class-leader; and all agreed that it was the most scriptural, and, consequently, the safest, to be equally joined together; but as the young man was seriously inclined, and a regular attendant upon the means of grace, her advisers expressed their hope that he would soon be brought over to the truth, and rather favoured than discouraged her acceptance of his proposals. She now felt almost relieved from difficulty. The young man's kind attentions, her own inclinations, her worldly prospects, and the advice of her friends, were all on the favourable side; conscience only offered a little opposition: but that was soon silenced by the cherished hope that the object of her affections would become pious. She consented. And shortly after they became man and wife. All went on smoothly and happily for a season, nor did the bride meet with the least interruption in her religious exercises. time, however, the round of duties became rather tedious to one who had no relish for them himself. He therefore proposed, in the kindest manner, that some little alterations should be made. The first was, that she should give up her connexion with the school, remarking that married people were not expected to devote their Sabbaths to the school, and that others might be found who would efficiently supyly her place. A very few weeks more passed away before it was suggested by the husband that there were many young people who could, quite as conveniently, and more so than his wife, distribute tracts in a district so extensive. By his tender but pressing entreaties she was induced to comply, and thus decline

After a

another step in the path of duty. By and bye, her attending class and the public means of grace was felt to be inconvenient; this, therefore, must be altered, and a less frequent attendance must suffice. The class soon became quite neglected. Sabbath morning service was next occasionally, and then frequently, omitted, and, ere long, evening too. The wife now became a stranger at the house of God, and most likely to her bible and closet. In everything she listened to his suggestions, yielded to his wishes, and at length quite forsook her God! In a little more than twelve months, affliction came-severe afflictionthreatening speedy dissolution. Her friends were called to take their last adieu. The husband was from home, but was sent for with the greatest speed. He returned just in time to witness life's sad close; and as he approached her dying bed, with eyes like stars starting from their spheres, she thus addressed him: "You're come! are you? I loved you; and therefore yielded to your entreaties and became your wife! I loved you; and therefore listened to your wishes and left the Sabbath school! I loved you; and by your desire I was prevailed upon to neglect my class! I loved you; and because I loved you, I declined in the ways of religion! I loved you; and this led to my forsaking God! And now I'm going to hell!" and instantly expired.

GOVERNING PRINCIPLES OF RELIGION.Those who cry down moral honesty, cry down that which is a great part of religion -my duty toward God, and my duty toward man. What care I to see a man run after a sermon, if he cozen and cheat as soon as he comes home? On the other side, morality must not be without religion; for if so, it may change, as 1 see convenience. Religion must govern it. He that has not religion to govern his morality, is not a dram better than my mastiff dog; so long as you stroke and please him, and do not pinch him, he will play with you as fairly as may be. He is a good moral mastiff; but if you hurt him, he will fly in your face, and tear out your throat.-John Selden.

NOTES OF THE MONTH.

POLITICAL.

Before our last number reached our readers, Parliament had met. After an interval of more than five months, during which had transpired many events involving wellnigh the nation's destiny, England had been without a parliament; and the conduct of affairs had been left to the direction, for a while almost despotic, of her Majesty's advisers. Now, however, the Commons of England are assembled, to deliberate on national affairs, and guard the national interests; and those who were before anxious and fearful may now breath freely. How much had occurred during the inter

val of separation! Parliament separated in the very midst of the war with Russia, when all eyes were being anxiously directed to the plains before Sebastopol; it met with Sebastopol in our hands, and with peace fully in prospect! During the part of the session already passed, many topics have come up for discussion. Very wisely, discussion on the war has been suspended, until after the close of the Paris convention. But on this account the more time has been left for the consideration of social questions; and should the attention of the country be not again drawn away to warshould peace be proclaimed-it may be hoped, from present appearances, that the

present session will have important legislative results.

The Peace Convention has now met. The representatives of the various powers have assembled in Paris, and are holding their deliberations there. Not much information has yet reached us, but it must be confessed that there is generally manifested a degree of anxiety and uneasiness as the hour of decision advances, which contrasts somewhat painfully with the confidence previously entertained. We believe that the convention will result in peace, simply because we believe that Russia is weakened and distressed by the war; but it will require much wisdom on the part of the plenipotentiaries of the allies, to weather the storm that will meet them, and to "double Cape Horn." Some fears have been entertained lest the conferences should have the effect of in a measure separating the interests and feelings of France and England. Should such be the case, the prospect would be indeed dark, and at our disunion Russia would assuredly rejoice; but the frankness and cordiality which have characterised both the governments in all their proceedings hitherto, seem to furnish a security against such a sad contingency. May those who have such great interests committed to their charge be aided from on high: and may they have that wisdom which cometh from above, which is first pure, then peaceable!

The great nine weeks' contest on the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States has at last come to an end. As in the balanced state of parties, and with five candidates in the field, it proved to be impossible to gain for any one candidate the majority of votes required by the constitution, it was resolved at once to appoint the candidate who should be elected simply by a majority; and as

soon as this decision had been arrived at, Mr. Banks, the anti-slavery candidate, was chosen by a majority of 103 to 100. This is the first time a Speaker holding anti-slavery views has been chosen, -the first time, indeed, that a person holding those views has been appointed to any high office in the Federal Government: and though the struggle has been long, and the victory a hard one, we trust it may be regarded as a promise of other victories to come. The political influence of the Speaker is considerable: no doubt Mr. Banks will use that influence consistently with the views of which he has been selected the representative.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The Ecclesiastical questions of the month have arisen chiefly out of discussions which have taken place or have been announced in Parliament. First of all comes the discussion of the Sabbath Question, which arose out of a motion of Sir J. Walmsley's, in favour of opening the British Museum and the National Gallery on the Lord'sday. The question in some points of view is a somewhat difficult one, difficult especially in regard to the duty of the

legislature in regard to it; and it may seem somewhat ungracious on the part of the religious public to seek to prevent the hard toiling workers of our land, from using for amusement, if they so list, their only day of rest. But we are satisfied that the passing of Sir Joshua Walmsley's motion would have struck a blow at the religion of England which would have been long and painfully felt. The keeping of the Sabbath, on whatever principle, is one of the chief safe-guards of Christianity and morals amongst us. It is one that will, we trust, be ever maintained. In a social point of view the preservation of the Sabbath is of great importance. If the first day of the week ever cease to be a day of sacred rest, it will soon begin to be a day of secular toil. This consideration alone should make the working classes especially eager for the maintenance of the Sabbath. It is gratifying to know that the tone of feeling on the question has been proved in this discussion on the whole to be healthy. In nearly all the large towns meetings have been held, which have for the most part resulted in petitions being agreed to in opposition to Sir J. Walmsley's motion: the table of the House of Commons has literally groaned under the weight of petitions presented. The result of the whole is what might have been expected: the motion has been defeated by a large majority, which will probably set the question at rest for some to come.

Other questions have been introduced for discussion, which will probably present themselves for notice hereafter. We must, however, direct the attention of our readers, to Sir W. Clay's Church and State Abolition Bill, which will be brought up for second reading, it is expected, in a few days. It is not yet too late to petitioncertainly not too late to influence the votes of individual members of parliament. If Sir William is properly supported, this vexed question will be settled at last.

Our readers are already familiar with the case of Archdeacon Denison, who is well known to the ecclesiastical world for combining Romish views of the Lord's supper with preferment in the Anglican protestant church. Mr. Ditcher, a disgusted clergyman, some time ago induced the Archbishop of Canterbury to appoint a commission of enquiry into the archdeacon's case. That commission reported in due course, and a prosecution should have followed. This, however, the archbishop declined. It was a difficult and troublesome matter, and would cost ten thousand pounds! But these reasons failed to satisfy Mr. Ditcher, who applied to the Court of Queen's Bench for a mandamus compelling the archbishop to proceed. This mandamus has been issued, so that a prosecution is now inevitable. The matter presents several curious subjects of contemplation; amongst others the incongruity of a civic court compelling an ecclesiastical authority to do his duty! Many other matters will find curious illustration, we imagine, before this curious case comes to a close.

WATERLOO ROOMS, EDInburgh.

a

On Thursday, the 17th of January, a farewell soirée, on the occasion of the Rev. Francis Johnstone leaving Edinburgh for Cambridge, was held in the Waterloorooms. There was a large attendance, consisting of the members of the church over which Mr. Johnson had presided for ten years, as well as friends of other denominations, and from distance. Provost Robertson, of Dunfermline, occupied the chair, and, after tea, delivered an introductory speech. The occasion of their meeting that night (he said) was the cause of regret and sorrow to all of them; for they had met publicly to bid farewell to one who had been the means of planting that church,-one who had shared with them prosperity and adversity. Besides ministering to the wants of that church, Mr. Johnstone had laboured most abundantly for the interests of the churches in connection with the Baptist denomination, especially in training young men to the work of the ministry; and he had been ever useful and diligent in preaching a free gospel. Mr. Wilson, senior student, on behalf of the students attending the Theological Academy, expressed their great regret at his departure, and their earnest wish that he might be blessed in his labours at Cambridge; the Rev. Mr. Pearson, of Leith, and the Rev. Mr. Wallace, of Paisley, expressed similar sentiments. Mr. Sinclair then, in the name of the directors of the Theological Academy, read address to Mr. Johnstone, expressing their regret at his departure, and bearing testimony to the success which had attended his labours as tutor of the Academy. On behalf of the directors and subscribers of the Academy, Mr. Banks, the treasurer, presented Mr. Johnstone with a handsome time-piece, and Mr. Stuart presented Mrs. Johnstone with a gold chain and locket, both bearing an appropriate inscription; while Mr. Sinclair, one of the deacons, in the name of the members of the church, presented Mrs. Johnson with a handsome silver tea service. Mr. Johnstone acknowledged these proofs of esteem in an earnest and eloquent speech. The Rev. Mr. Simpson offered some words of counsel to the church, in their present circumstances; and the proceedings terminated with votes of thanks to Provost Robertson for presiding, and to the friends from a distance.

NORWICH.

an

The Rev. T. A. Wheeler, of Norwich, has been presented with a silver inkstand, a purse containing 105 sovereigns, and a memorial on vellum, by the pastors of the "Associated Baptist Churches" in the county of Norfolk, and by various members of those churches; the amount being considerably increased by the liberal contributions of our Independent brethren in Norwich and other parts of Norfolk. Mr. Wheeler has ever been found the cordial and ready helper of his brethren and their churches, and has laboured earnestly and well in connexion with the various religious

associations of the county. The brethren
felt, therefore, that they were fully justified
in giving Mr. Wheeler this token of their
love. The meeting, at which the gifts
were presented, was held on the 16th of
January. A large number of ministers and
deacons of churches assembled. The
esteemed and beloved Rev. John Alexander
presided. The Rev. J. T. Wigner had
acted for his brethren as secretary, and
gave a report of the origin of the move-
ment. Spirited and affectionate addresses
were delivered by the Revs. A. Reed, J.
Brown, S. N. Dobson, Isaac Lord, J. P.
Lewis, W. Woods, J. Webb, J. Scott, and
R. Govett, &c. A vote of thanks was
given to Mr. Wigner and Mr. Alexander ;
and this very delightful and fraternal
closed
meeting was
with singing the
doxology. A beautiful crayon drawing of
Mr. Wheeler, subscribed for by the ladies
of the congregation, was presented the
same evening to Mrs. Wheeler, by the
Rev. J. Alexander, on behalf of the sub-
scribers.

BAFTIST HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY
FOR SCOTLAND.

This excellent society, that has for many years accomplished a large amount of good with comparatively small means, has hitherto been represented in England by our venerable friend the Rev. Lauchlin Mackintosh. We regret to learn that indisposition, and the accumulating infirmities of age, have compelled him to retire from his more active duties as travelling agent of the society. He carries with him, we are persuaded, the high christian regards of all who know him, with their best wishes that the evening of his life may be as tranquil and serene as its meridian has been laborious and useful. At Mr. Mackintosh's suggestion,-very cordially sustained and urged by the committee, the Rev. A. M. Stalker, late of Leeds, now of London, has consented, in the meantime, to represent the society in England. Mr. Stalker was well known to the fathers and founders of the institution, some of whom are now gone to their rest; and he is intimately acquainted with many of its devoted missionaries, and the spheres of their self-denying operations. We congratulate the society on securing the services of a gentleman whose name is so familiar to the churches of our denomination, and cordially commend him to the sympathies, and the object of which he is now the advocate to the liberal support, of all the friends of the Redeemer. We are acquainted with no society whose claims are more worthy than those of the Baptist Highland Mission.

HONITON, DEVON.

A tea meeting was held at the New Baptist Chapel, in this town, on Tuesday the 5th of February. The object of the meeting was to consider measures for the speedy liquidation of the debt on the chapel. The trays having been given by the ladies of the congregation, the proceeds of the tea were about £5. Addresses were delivered by

the minister, the Rev. W. Evans Foote, Revs. J. Stembridge, J. Bounsell (Independent), J. Chapman, and Mr. Robert Rippon. Collecting cards were taken by several of the people present, which, it is hoped, will at the end of the year realize a considerable sum. It will be remembered by our readers, that an appeal on behalf of this chapel was made last year in the pages of "The Church." Very many of the readers responded, and a sum of £7 was received. We take this opportunity to thank our friends for their kindness, and to say that any further donations, however small, will be very acceptable. Such donations may be sent in postage stamps to Mr. Foote, the minister.

TABERNACLE, EDINBURGH.

A recognition service was held in the Tabernacle, on Sunday evening, Jan. 27th, in connection with the Rev. William Tulloch's settlement as pastor of the church meeting in that place of worship, and formerly under the care of the late revered and distinguished Mr. Haldane. The Rev. Mr. Swan, secretary to the Congregational Union of Scotland, conducted the opening devotional exercises; the Rev. Mr. Dickie proposed the questions and offered the recognition prayer; the Rev. Mr. Fawcett, who has taken a deep interest in the welfare of the church since his residence in the city, addressed the pastor elect; and the Rev. J. Watson addressed the church. The addresses, which were founded on 2 Tim. iii. 5 (last clause) and Rev. i. 28, were very solemn and appropriate, and were listened to throughout with great interest and attention. This is a very harmonious and happy settlement; and it is to be hoped that the cause, which was in a languishing state, will be resuscitated and extended by the blessing of God on the ministry of Mr. Tulloch.

THRISSELL-STREET CHAPEL, BRISTOL. This chapel, which was last winter destroyed by fire, has just been rebuilt, and was reopened on Wednesday, January 23rd. A public breakfast in the school-room inaugurated the proceedings. After breakfast excellent and interesting addresses were delivered by the Rev. Henry Clark, M A., minister of the place, and by the Rev. S. Hebditch, the Rev. J. Latrobe, and the Rev. H. Craik. The company then adjourned to the chapel, where a public service was held; the Rev. T. S. Crisp having commenced the service, the Rev. S. Luke preached from Isaiah lii. 8. The congregation and collection were good. In the evening the Rev. Thomas Winter preached to a large congregation from Haggai ii. 9. The chapel is much altered, and is altogether a great improvement upon the original building. expense is mainly covered by an insurance, which was very fortunately effected only a short time previous to the destruction of the old building. There is still, however, some debt remaining towards the expenses of the rebuilding.

The

ROCHDALE.

On Saturday evening, Jan. 26, the friends attending the Baptist chapel, West-street, Rochdale, held a tea meeting in the schoolroom beneath the chapel, in celebration of the liquidation of the debt on the chapel. About 400 persons took tea together, after which the pastor of the church, the Rev. W. F. Burchell, took the chair, and read an interesting history of the society since it was first instituted. The debt upon the chapel had gradually been reduced, till £305 only was left unpaid; last year they had succeeded in paying that off, and besides had in hand £100 surplus. Out of that they had a debt of £30 to pay, which would leave them a clear balance in hand of £70. Since 1833 the society had also erected a place at Cut-gate, near Bagslade, at a cost of £300, and another chapel near the Old Church, in Manchester-road, at a cost of £2,240. The erection of this latter place was commenced in 1853, and finished and opened in 1854. Of the debt on this place £1.200 had been paid off. At the close of this historical account, the meeting was addressed by Mr. James Littlewood, the Rev. Mr. Lewis, Messrs. H. Kelsall, Williamson, Jackson, and Wm. Littlewood.

SALEM CHAFEL, DOVER.

On Wednesday evening, January 23rd, a recognition tea meeting was held in the above place of worship, to welcome the Rev. A. Pitt (late of Upton-on-Severn) to the town. Upwards of 120 members and friends sat down to tea in the school-room, which was tastefully decorated with evergreens, flags, mottoes, &c. George Flashman, Esq., occupied the chair. After singing and prayer, the chairman delivered an appropriate address to the members of the church. Mr. Hills, one of the deacons, next read an address to the meeting, containing a brief history of the church at Salem, and the circumstances which led to the union with its present pastor. The Rev. A. Pitt then responded, in a detailed account of the providences which led him first to Dover, and to accept the united invitation of the church. Other addresses were given by the Rev. J. Grigsby (Independent), the Rev. J. Jones (Baptist minister), from Folkestone, the Rev. H. Fison (Wesleyan), Mr. Ashdown, and Mr. W. Hart (town missionary).

ABINGDON LOWER BAPTIST CHAPEL.

On Thursday evening, January 17th, a recognition service was held in connection with the settlement of the Rev. Samuel Edger, B.A., as minister of the above place. Mr. Edger addressed his friends on their mutual position, and the path of christian zeal and hope on which they were entering. The Rev. E. S. Pryce, B.A., of Gravesend (former pastor at Abingdon), gave an address, on "The relation subsisting between a minister and his people; and the Rev. John Aldis, late of MazePond, now of Reading, addressed the audience on "The influence of God's truth in the world." The Rev. R. H.