Buckingham, would have six for his. It was not until the reign of James the First that coaches became general. In that reign, too, the first hackney coaches were seen; and, oh, what cumbrous, strange looking things they were, much more like a waggon than a coach. They held eight persons, three on each side of it, and two on stools facing the doors. The English people thought them very convenient; for, before their introduction, the only way of travelling was on horseback, the lady often riding on a pillion behind her husband, or, in case of illness, she must be carried in a close litter. But the great drawback to the use of coaches was the wretched roads. They were, indeed, in a deplorable state, being filled with deep ruts and large stones, which very much endangered the travellers."

"How I should have liked to have seen some of the coaches," said Annie; what great, heavy, lumbering things they must have been."

"They were, indeed, awkward, and it would make you smile could you see them; however, on this nice, firm road, they might be able to travel faster than in olden times. I well remember," said mamma, "listening with great interest to my grandmother's tales of journeys by coach many years ago: how they would be blocked up with snow, or else attacked by robbers; even when she was young it was bad enough; but it must have been very much worse when coaches were first started."

"Things are altered now," said papa. "Willie, we stopped at a little house a short time ago, and an old man came out to receive money; why did I give him some ?"

"It was the turnpike-gate, papa; everyone riding must pay on passing the gate."

"Yes, Willie; and the money we give at the turnpike is spent in mending the roads, and in paying men for working on them. In this way all our roads are nicely kept and well mended."

"When were coaches introduced into France?" asked Annie.

"In the reign of the French King Henry the Second. But for a long time there were only three coaches in Paris; the French gentlemen thought them only fit for ladies, and a man was called very lazy if seen in one. Henry the Fourth was always very timid in a coach, for it had been foretold that he should die in one; and, strange to say, he really was killed by Ravaillac, during a state procession, while seated in the royal carriage. Ravaillac jumped on the hind

wheel, and stabbed the king while engaged in reading a letter."

"Poor King Henry! But did not the breaking of the window arouse him, papa ? or was it open ?" said Willie.

"The windows and doors were of leather, dear; if they had been glass, the noise caused by their breaking might have saved his life."

While papa was speaking, a wasp flew into the carriage, and, much to Annie's terror, came buzzing round her, then settled on the door in view of all.

"Never mind; don't be frightened; all of you be quiet, and look at it. Now, Annie, dear, what are the colours of that wasp ?"

"Black and yellow, papa, just like our carriage. Oh, papa, I know that now you are going to answer my question."

"The wasp has answered you, Annie, dear; and has, I trust, given us all a very useful lesson, showing how foolish it is to be vain and proud of anything we possess, when the very things we admire and are proud of are possessed also by the humblest insects. I have been reading a very nice book, written by Mr. Hugh Miller, called, 'My Schools and Schoolmasters,' which has made me notice the flies and wasps; shall I tell you what he says about them?"

"Do, please, dear papa; we should like to hear it very much."

"He says that one day he was spending a half hour near a small pond, which, although it was a very dirty one, pleased him exceedingly, for in it he found plenty to study and think about."

"A dirty pond! Papa, what could he find to study there?" exclaimed Willie.

"Many things; for insects, reptiles, and worms were Mr. Miller's lesson-books, and in this pond he liked best to watch their movements. There was one sort of dragonfly, nearly as large as the middle finger, which greatly pleased him; also he found some others, smaller, but quite as pretty. The large dragon-fly was of a beautiful yellow and black, the smaller ones were black and blue, or black and crimson. While he was looking at them, he noticed some carriages standing in a yard near a workshop, and marked that they were painted the same colours, and ornamented in very much the same style, as the flies: some were yellow and black, like the dragon-fly; others black and blue, and black and crimson, like the small flies. Mr. Miller even thought he could see some resemblance to a chariot in the fly: the

body of the insect seemed something like the body of a chariot, and its head and neck the coach-box, while the wheels, poles, and springs of the chariot, and the general framework on which the vehicle rested, corresponded to the wings, limbs, and antennæ of the fly."

"Dear papa, that is very wonderful; I shall begin to study the flies, and try and find out the resemblance myself," said Willie. "How clever Mr. Miller must be, papa! But did man imitate the fly in making his chariot?"

"I do not think he meant to imitate the fly, dear; but he felt the need of a coach, and invented one which he thought quite original, little dreaming that the very insects which were humming around him, and settling on the wheels of his newlyframed carriage, were very much the same shape, and exactly the same colours, as those with which he had adorned his work. Oh, Willie, what is the finite skill of man, compared with the infinite power and wisdom of God! Man's noblest works of art, his temples, pyramids, and towers, are all insignificant compared with God's works; the mountains, hills, rocks, and plains will endure, when all human achievements have passed away. But man has, in many instances, copied God's works. What gave him the first idea of ship building, Annie ?"

"Seeing the little nautilus, with its tiny sail and its boat-like shell; was it not, papa?"

"Yes, dear, the man-of-war, the great steamer, and the merchant vessel, all owe their origin to the little nautilus. Man is indebted to nature for most of his works of art. He cannot invent anything which he thinks new, without finding it has existed in nature a long time before he was born. The Bible says, you know, 'There is nothing new under the sun.""

"What a wonderful world ours is, papa," said Willie, "everything seems new, and yet all is old!"

"It is a wonderful and strange world, Willie, and the more you learn about it, the more you will be surprised at the things you will see in it. Should not the contemplation of earth's wonders lead us to praise its great Creator? How kind he is to his sinful creatures; he leaves no wants unsupplied. I often think if the earth is so beautiful now, what must it have been when there was no curse nor sin upon it; here everything is marred,-the most lovely spots in the world are the seats of the greatest wickedness,-all the animals suffer,

-thorns choke the ground,-and every" thing shows man is no longer the happy being he once was; then when I think of Eden, when everything was so lovely, it makes me long for the time when Christ shall reign over all the earth, and all shall again be peaceful and beautiful. Yet there is one fact that makes me love this earth very much, fills me with thankfulness when I look at all its beauties, and makes me peaceful when I think of leaving it. It is, that Christ died here to take away sin, the sin of the world;' and now all those who believe on him, shall have all their sins washed away, be made holy and happy, and when they die be taken to dwell with their Saviour in the sinless land. What a fearful thing sin must be, dear children, to have required the sacrifice of God's own Son, before we could be pardoned. I trust my dear ones will ask the great God for his Holy Spirit, to enable them to feel themselves guilty sinners, and to fly to their Saviour for pardon and salvation. Christ will hear even the youngest child, who really desires to be saved; and remember, that if you do not go to Him now, you must feel his anger, and God's anger, for ever.

"I should like you, dear children, to think of what I have been saying, remember what a loving Saviour invites you to come to him, and know that the great God who made this world and all its wonders, has engaged to be your heavenly Father. How many loving promises has he given in his Holy Word to those who trust and fear him; but how terrible will be the doom of those who refuse his offers of mercy, and despise his gracious invitations.

"Poor little Alfred is very tired, let us sing our evening song very quietly, as we are nearly home."

Then sweetly rose the sound of happy voices, softly singing,

"Softly fades the sun's last ray,

Day's bright beams have passed away;
Evening shadows round us

fly,

Now we raise our songs on high.
"Lord, we lift our thoughts to thee,
Thou hast led us carefully;
Through the day no harm has come,
To disturb our peaceful home.
"For our parents' tender care,
Grateful children, Lord, we are;
Now with them our voices rise,
In our evening sacrifice.

"Hear, oh, hear, our fervent songs,
Praise to thee, great God, belongs;
Ever, Lord, our simple lay,
We will sing at close of day."

NOTES OF THE MONTH.

POLITICAL.

The great struggle in the United States is now at last over. Contrary to our hopes, though we must say not to our expectations, the slave-power has once more triumphed, and the name of Buchanan is added to the Louis Napoleons, the Bombas, and the Francis Josephs of the world. The triumph is in this case all the more galling, inasmuch as it has been gained only through the aid of those who ought to have been its strongest opponents. Who could have thought that Pennsylvania, also, would turn traitor to liberty? Yet so it was! And the fall of Pennsylvania has been the fall of freedom in the New World.

What may be the result of this defeat of freedom it is impossible yet to say. The principle of the struggle has been, Slavery Extension or No Slavery Extension; and the avowed object of the party of Buchanan has been, to add Kansas, Nicaragua, Cuba, Texas, California, and Mexico, to the side of the slave-power. Whether the President will be all that has been expected of the popular candidate, is hard to determine. Probably the responsibilities of power will diminish the eagerness of faction; and Buchanan the President, will be a different man from Buchanan the candidate. never was there so much cause for fear: never, therefore, so much cause for watchfulness and prayer May He who has the hearts of all men in his hands bring good out of even this evil!

But

On the Continent of Europe affairs are in a very uncertain condition. During the month there have been again rumours of war-rumours especially of danger to the "grand alliance." There appears to be no doubt that France is in a very ominous condition, and that it will require all the skill of the Emperor to meet the breakers which lie a-head. The appeals of France and England to Naples have been unsuccessful to induce the King to be less despotic and crue as a manifestation to the world, therefore, all diplomatic connexion between the courts has ceased. A war with Persia has sprung up-bow, nobody exactly knows; and the doors of St. Stephen's are closed, so that we are not likely to know until it is too late.

Parliament being closed, honourable gentlemen are everywhere "appealing to the country." Lord Palmerston has been at Manchester, Mr. Roebuck and Mr. Hadfield at Sheffield, Admiral Napier and Mr. Pellatt at Southwark. et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. By the bye, M. Kossuth, though no M. P., has also been to Manchester, aud has been received with even more enthusiasm than the Premier himself. The contrast between the two men, who stood thus within a few hours of each other on the same platform, is almost as great as that between

their speeches. The Times has been pouring contempt on M. Kossuth again: we wonder who best represents the people of England -the Times in its scorn, or the thousands of Manchester in their enthusiastic plaudits !

Crime is having a festival once more. The last great case is that of Redpath, who has defrauded the Great Northern Railway Company, it is said, of nearly two hundred thousand pounds, The state of things indicated by the repetition of such cases is truly appalling.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The movement in favour of Disendowment in Ireland has been inaugurated by a meeting at the London Tavern, at which Mr. Miall and others spoke. The facts presented, especially by Mr. Miall, were most important. We heartily wish this

movement success.

The Denison case continues to attract attention, and sundry protests and manifestatoes regarding it have appeared. It is impossible yet to say what will be the issue of this great contest.

BAPTIST ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND.

The first annual conference of this association was held in the Religious Institution-rooms, Glasgow, on Thursdy, Oct. 23rd, when there was a good attendance of members and friends from various towns. The conference sat about three hours, and were engaged in the consideration of questions having reference to the spiritual condition of the denomination, and the means by which a greater amount of spiritual life and activity might be attained. Many valuable suggestions were made. A public meeting was also held in the evening, in Hope-street Baptist chapel, which was numerously attended. The Rev. Dr. Paterson made an introductory statement, explanatory of the constitution and objects of the association. The association consisted of Evangelical Baptists, who were admitted as members on payment of not less than 2s. 6d. annually to the funds. The objects of the association were-first, to promote the revival of spiritual religion in the denomination; secondly, to encourage young men of promising ability and piety to devote themselves to the work of the ministry, by providing, where necessary, educational aid; and, thirdly, to aid comparatively feeble churches in sustaining the ordinances of the gospel, and to promote similar purposes. The chairman made several remarks on each of these objects, but dwelt particularly on the first, showing the necessity there was for increased earnestness and activity on the part of the ministers, deacons, and members. Addresses of a practical character, bearing upon the objects of the association, were afterwards delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Martin, of Edinburgh; Culross, of Stirling; and Wil. liams, of Glasgow.

CROSS-STREET CHAPEL, ISLINGTON.

A social meeting of the above congregation and friends was held in Myddletonhall, on Thursday evening, Oct. 23rd, when upwards of 400 persons partook of the refreshments, so liberally and gratuitously provided by the ladies of the congregation. After tea a public meeting was held, over which the pastor, the Rev. A. C. Thomas, presided. A hymn having been sung, the Rev. A. G. Fuller engaged in prayer. The chairman then stated that in February last the church and congregation had resolved to raise during the year, for chapel-debt and new school rooms, the sum of £1,000; of that sum the committe had either received or held promises to the amount of £814 83. 10d., leaving nearly £200 to be yet raised. The cost of their projected schools-provided their adopted plan be carried out-would exceed their intended outlay by about £400, as the committee had felt it necessary to enlarge the dimensions of the schools, and this involved the necessity of an entire alteration of their vestries, so as to provide class-rooms for the schools. Towards this £600 the committee hoped to realise £200 from the sale of articles left from their former bazaar, and from other sources. The committee had not felt themselves justified in resolving upon this additional outlay, without first appealing to the subscribers and friends -hence this meeting. The meeting was then addressed in pertinent and encouraging terms by the Revs. B. S. Holis, Dr. Hewlett, A. G. Fuller, Wm. Barker, and Wm. Heaton, Esq., and Jos. Payne, Esq. In the course of the evening a sketch of the elevation and ground plan of the school, together with a report of the committee, and list of subscriptions, were circulated amongst the audience, and promises were received amounting to about £100. It is gratifying to know that the church at Crossstreet, after so many vicissitudes, has, during the first year of Mr. Thomas' ministry, received large and constant accessions. And many indications of its growing prosperity are obvious.

MERTHYR TYDVIL.

On Thursday evening, October 23rd, an interesting meeting was held at the Temperance-hall, for the purpose of presenting the Rev. Thomas Davis, of High Street Chapel, with a public testimonial on his removal to Haverfordwest. The entertainment commenced with a soirée, after which the presentation took place, D. Joseph, Esq, presiding. Mr. R. Jones, secretary of the committee, addressed the meeting in a speech of great ability and taste, at the close of which he presented Mr. Davis with a silver tea service and a purse of gold. The following inscription was engraven on the plate: Presented to the Rev. Thomas Davies, twenty years pastor of the English Baptist congregation, Merthyr Tydvil, a silver tea service, with a purse of sixty guineas, by his friends and admirers of all denominations, in token of their affectionate regard, and as a testimonial of their high

esteem of his catholic spirit and christian character, and of his consistent and valuable labours in aid of all good and benevolent public measures an institutions." Mr. Davies, with deep emotion, acknowledged the kindness. W. Robinson Smith, Esq., E. Purchase, Esq., Mr. R. Lewis, Mr. Harris, Mr. Jones, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Davies of Newport, also addressed the company.

EVESHAM.

On Thursday, Nov. 13th, the Rev. Thos. Michael was ordained as the pastor of the Baptist church, Mill-street, Evesham. In the morning, the Rev. Charles Vince, of Birmingham, delivered a discourse on "The Nature and Objects of a Christian Church." The Rev. Wm. Crowe, of Worcester, proposed the usual questions, and the Rev. George Cole, of Naunton, offered the ordination prayer. In the afternoon, the Rev. Thomas Thomas, D. D., of Pontypool, gave the charge to Mr. Michael, and in the evening the Rev. J. W. Todd, of Sydenham, preached to the people. The Revs. F. Overbury, of Pershore, M. Philpin, of Alcester, J. Philips, of Astwood, J. Green, of Upton, T. Young, of Morton, James Morris, of Chipping Norton, J. Pike, of Broadway, and S. Dunn, of Atch Lench, conducted the devotional services. After the morning service, upwards of 100 people sat down to a collation in the school-rooms, and after the evening service about sixty persons tock supper together in the same place, after which Mr. Warmington was called to the chair, when impressive and congratulatory addresses were delivered by the Revs. T. Young, Wm. Maizey, James Morris, J. C. Lunn, and Dr. Thomas. The services were all well attended, and many expressed the great pleasure the occasion gave them.

"THE BAPTIST MAGAZINE."

Our readers will be glad to hear that the editorship of "The Baptist Magazine" is henceforth to be committed to the Rev. Samuel Manning, of Frome. There will be no wonder at our expressing the opinion that a better choice of an editor could not have been made; and we quite expect to see the Magazine, under its new management, put on a much more attractive dress, and be conducted with both ability and energy. Mr. Manning's duties commence with the new year; we trust they will be continued for many years to come; and we can only ask for him that amount of support on the part of our brethren, which will enable him to make the Magazine in all respects worthy of the denomination, and serviceable to the great interests it is intended to promote.

DOVER.

On Wednesday evening, Nov. 12th, a tea-meeting was held to celebrate the opening of a spacious room which has just been erected over the vestry and schoolroom, at the rear of the Baptist chapel in this town. The room was filled almost to Overflowing, about 200 sitting down to tea.

'After tea, a hymn having been sung, the secretary of the school, Mr. W. Jacobs, read the report, from which it appeared that the room had been erected at a cost of £140, and that the whole amount had been raised by the voluntary contributions of the congregation and other friends. The meeting was addressed by several ministers connected with other Dissenting places of worship in the town, and by the superintendents of various Sunday-schools; and it was intimated by the minister of the chapel, the Rev. Mr. Pitt, that but for other engagements that evening, necessarily preventing it, the Rev. D. Marston, of Christ Church, would have been present also.

ARLINGTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Recognition services, in connection with the settlement of Mr. G. W. Humphreys, B.A., late of Bristol College, as pastor of the church at Arlington, were held on Thursday, Nov. 13th. In the afternoon, the Rev. J. Wassall, of Blockley, delivered a discourse on "The Christian Church." In the evening, at six o'clock, the Rev. Professor Gotch, M.A., of Bristol College, asked the questions and delivered the charge, after which the Rev. J. M. Stephens, of Cirencester, offered prayer, and the Rev. James Smith, of Cheltenham, addressed the church. The devotional exercises were conducted by the Revs. W. Reynolds (Independent), and J. Frize, of Fairford, J. Stratford (Independent), of Cirencester, R. Breeze, of Swindon, and T. Brooks, of Bourton-on-the-water. The congregations were very large, and the whole of the services deeply interesting.

BEWDLEY, WORCESTERSHIRE.

On Tuesday, November 11th, services were held in this place for the formal recognition of the Rev. J. Bailey, late of Ragland, Monmouthshire, as pastor of the church. In the afternoon a public tea meeting was held. At half-past six a public service commenced with singing and prayer. The introductory address, on "The nature of a gospel church," was delivered by the Rev. J. Mills, of Kidderminster. The Rev. B. C. Young, of Coseley, then delivered a very impressive charge to the pastor, and the Rev. T. Swan, of Birmingham, preached an excellent sermon to the church. Mr. Swan also addressed two newly-elected deacons, and concluded by presenting a purse of gold to the pastor, as a token of esteem, from the church, congregation, and inhabitants of the town.

COVENTRY.

On Monday evening, October 20th, a very interesting meeting was held in St. Mary'shall, Coventry, in connection with the settlement of the Rev. R. P. Macmaster, as minister of Cow-lane-chapel. Upwards of 600 sat down to tea. Mr. J. White, of Leamington, was called to the chair.

After the usual devotional exercises, the chairman made a few appropriate remarks, and addresses were subsequently delivered by the Revs. T. Swan, R. G. Williams, J. Angus, A. Gordon, LL.D., T. Lanvill, J. Taylor, T. Goadby, B.A., R. Macmaster, and others. Mr. Macmaster received many congratulations from his assembled friends on the cheering circumstances under which he begins his ministry at Coventry.

WARMINSTER, WILTS.

The Rev. John Price (late of Weymouth) having become the pastor of the Baptist church in this town, a recognition service was held, Oct. 30th, which was numerously attended. The engagements of the evening commenced with a social tea meeting. The repast being ended, the pastor was invited to take the chair. The Rev. J. Preece invoked the Divine blessing. Mr. Hardwick, one of the deacons, stated the object of the meeting. The Revs. Mr. Willis (Wesleyan), William Barnes, C. J. Middleditch, John Bigwood, A. Anderson, C. Stanford, Samuel Manning, Z. Clift, J. Fuller, J. Sprigg, M.A., J. Houlstone, and the pastor, took part in the service that followed.

GLASGOW.

The Baptist church, at present meeting in the Trades'-hall, Glassford-street, Glasgow, under the pastoral care of the Rev. J. Williams, have purchased a most eligible site for the erection of a place of worship in North Frederick Street, near to George's Square, at a cost of £1,225. It is expected that arrangements will be made to proceed with the building as soon as possible.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.

The Rev. S. Wills, D.D., of Norwood, has received and accepted the unanimous invitation of the church and congregation at Vernon chapel, Vernon-square, Pentonville, to the duties of the pastorate, from which the Rev. Owen Clarke, under a succession of afflictive providences, has felt it necessary to retire.-The Rev. W. Bontems, late of Whitchurch, Salop, has accepted the invitation of the church at Hereford, and has entered on his labours. -The Rev. S. A. Tipple, late of Wolverhampton, has accepted the cordial invitation of the Baptist church assembling in Upper Norwood chapel, to become their pastor, and commenced his stated labours on Lord's-day, November 16th.-The Rev. Isaac Davies, of New Court chapel, Newcastle-on-Tyne, having long suffered from an affection of the throat, has resigned his pastoral office. The church is, therefore, anxiously looking out for a suitable successor. The Rev. J. P. Barnett has resigned the pastorate of the church at Keighley, having accepted the cordial invitation of the church in Penzance, Cornwall. He expects to commence his labours in Penzance on the first Sunday in December.