of all associations yet established.  The arrangements are admirably adapted for the projects in view.  All the seats are delightfully soft, and as somnolent as church pews, to which they bear a close resemblance.  The machine men, and all those appointed to situations on the line, are mostly in orders; but belong to different denominations.  The scheme originated in Oxford, and has spread rapidly throughout the length and breadth of the land.  Several of the stokers are bishops, and the reverend feeders discharge their respective duties with singular effect.  It is hoped besides, that it may, under divine guidance, be the glorious means of bringing Popery within the influence of truth, whilst its enemies—­for it has enemies—­as who has not—­its enemies assert that whether it shall take in Popery, or Popery take in it, is a matter very difficult to be determined.

“They are also exceedingly expert at tract writing, which they perform, if I may say so, without boasting or vanity, very much in my own spirit.  Poor Susanna is ailing—­I mean a serious young person in our family who tended our little olive branches and understood my habits.  She is leaving us, and I shall miss her, for I am one of those persons, my dear friend, who have a heart for—­and I trust I may say, that can sympathize with—­my fellow creatures, however humble.  Do you remember that I once availed myself of a Christian privilege, to mention between us the subject of family prayer?

“I remain, my dear M’Clutchy, with, may I hope, a few of the graces of my calling—­an earnest wrestler against sin,

“Solomon M’Slime.”

“Now, Darby,” said he, having folded the letter enclosing his tender for Harman’s farm, and handed, it to him, “now, that so much is despatched, I trust we may have a word or two upon a subject of still higher importance.  How do you feel in a spiritual way?—­Are your views as clear as ever?—­are you supported—­I mean inwardly, for that is the only true support after all?”

“Thrath, Mr. M’Slime, I’m afeard to spake, sir, for fraid I’d say either more or less than the truth.”

“That is a good sign, Darby, but you must avoid profane swearing, which is a habit you contracted when in the bonds of iniquity; but you must reform it—­or rather, grace will be given you to reform it.”

“I hope so,” replied Darby, “and that I’ll still get a clearer knowledge of the truth, plaise Goodness.”

Darby, as he uttered these words, would have given a trifle to have had M’Clutchy to look at.  Little did Solomon suspect the truth to which his convert alluded.

“May it in charity be granted!” exclaimed Solomon, slightly twitching up his eyebrows.  “But, Darby, will you be properly prepared on next Sabbath (D.V.) to bear strong testimony against error and idolatry?”

“Why, I’ll do my best, sir,” replied Darby, “and you know the best can do no more.”

“Well, but you can faithfully say that you are utterly free from every taint of Popery.”