better
world. The salary is liberal, but the appointment--especially to a man
of sincere principles--is full of care and responsibility. Allow me, my
dear Val, to recommend you and your friends to purchase shares in
the Spiritual Railway Society--it is under Him the safest 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 contracte