Nov. 25th.-Quite fidgety and unsettled, walking in fact, and wandering in thought, through mere satisfaction. Just looked out of my window, and saw the kids pacing the lawn, giving life, and health, and joy to the whole scene-blessed them, and blessed God, who is good to me and mine beyond all, even His, goodness.

Dec. 3.-It cannot be disguised, I do enjoy being here; it is very natural, and not criminal, to derive profound and sincere pleasure from a restoration of long-omitted pursuits, long-denied affections, and long-desired scenes; but experience and mature life, and God's grace, teach me to rejoice with trembling.' These things of this world, like Jonah's gourd, come up in a night, and may perish in a night. I do most entirely thank God for His mercy in softening my father's heart, and pouring therein the sympathies of charity and truth. Not only in great things, but in the smallest, there is a wonderful and a complete change.

The second important event to which we have referred is told in these words:

Dec. 16th. This day my mother-in-law will be married to Palmerston.

The marriage of Lady Cowper to Lord Palmerston was an event which had an important bearing on the future of Lord Ashley. For many years, we shall find them associated in the closest intimacy, and the influence of their lives acting, and re-acting, on one another.

Lady Cowper was a recognised Queen of Society. Twenty years before her marriage with Lord Palmerston, she had ruled the world of fashion at Almack's, when Palmerston, one of the greatest dandies of the day, was a leading spirit in that gay circle. She was clever, brilliant, and witty; and after her marriage with Lord Palmerston "her assemblies

1839.]

LADY PALMERSTON'S RECEPTIONS.

285

neutral ground where distinguished persons of all parties, whether foreign or domestic, met for social intercourse, forgetting for the moment their political differences were a powerful aid to him as head of a Government." Mr. Disraeli in a speech at Glasgow, while alluding to it as a happy circumstance of public life in England that we do not, as a rule, permit our political opinions to interfere with our social relations, recalled, in the following words, one of his reminiscences : "If you are on the Continent, and wish to pay your respects to a minister, and go to his reception, you are invited by the minister. The consequence is that you find no one there except those that follow him. It is not so in England. I remember some years ago meeting, under the charming roof of one of the most accomplished women of the time, the most celebrated diplomatist of nearly half a century, and he said to me, 'What a wonderful system of society you have in England! I have not been on speaking terms with Lord Palmerston for three weeks, and yet here I am; but you see I am paying a visit to Lady Palmerston.

There was much in the character of Lady Palmerston that was truly estimable and lovable; and a time was coming when Lord Ashley was to find in her a staunch and valuable friend, in whose society he would take ever-increasing delight, and whose largehearted sympathies would bring him much comfort and satisfaction.

Few years in Lord Ashley's history closed more "Life of Lord Palmerston." By Hon. Evelyn Ashley, M.P.

happily than this. Projects that he had long had very near at heart, had taken definite shape; forces to assist in carrying them to completion were developing their strength; and, in addition to all this, a great void in his life was filled. The sense of estrangement between himself and his father had been an oppressive weight for many years, and now the burden was removed. pleasant picture of his life at this time is given in the closing words of his Diary for 1839

Α

Dec. 25th.-Christmas Day. St. Giles's. A long-established festival for soul and body, the date and centre of domestic ‘gatherings; a day blessed by everything that is gracious in past, present, and future times. After a long period of gloomy weather, the sun shone brightly. The church was alive with holly, and thronged by a decent, well-behaved, well-dressed congregation. The sacrament was administered to about one hundred communicants (an immense proportion in so small a parish), of whom I and my father formed a part, reconciled, God be praised, and made one again after so large an interval of human life. Never have I, by God's goodness, more enjoyed the public service of our blessed church, felt more soothed and elevated, more warmed and strengthened to future efforts under His guidance and rule, and in submission to His service.

Dec. 31st. Much occupied of late in cutting down bushes and improving the garden-this is a healthy and innocent pleasure. God Almighty,' says Bacon, first planted a garden.' So He did, and man was told to dress it and keep it.' This is the thing I have ever desired, and now I have my own way, for Lord S. is delighted to give it me, and is happy that I take so lively an interest in it.

CHAPTER VIII.

1840.

Announcement of the Queen's Marriage-A Magistrate--The Old Story renewed-The only Conservative Principle-Marriage of the QueenLetter from Daniel Webster-Attempt upon the Queen's Life-Church Extension-Chimney Sweeps-Early Legislation--Various Acts for Protection of Climbing Boys -Lord Ashley takes up the Question-Mr. StevensLabours In and Out of the House--Law Suits as "Test" Cases-A Rescued Boy--Progress of the Factory Movement-Mr. Oastler-Appointment of 2 Select Committee-Children not Protected by the Factory Acts -Commission Granted to Inquire into the Employment of Children--The Syrian Question-Mehemet Ali ad Ibrahim Pasha-Prospects of the Jewish People-Efforts for their Protection-Return to their Own Land-Conflict with France Anticipated-Memorandum to Lord Palmerston-The "Bear" Ellice-Thiers and Guizot- Fall of Acre-At Broadlands — Article in Quarterly on "Infant Labour "--Socialism and Chartism.

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THE Parliament of 1840 was opened by the Queen in person, and the speech from the Throne announced her intention to marry her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, a step which she hoped would be "conducive to the interests of her people as well as to her own domestic happiness." Sir Robert Peel, in the course of the discussion that followed in the House of Commons, observed that her Majesty "had the singular good fortune to be able to gratify her private feelings while she performed her public duty, and to obtain the best guarantee for happiness by contracting an alliance founded on affection."

The early meeting of Parliament broke up

the

period of rest and satisfaction that Lord Ashley was enjoying with his father at St. Giles's.

Jan. 6. Although no chicken, I had never attended a Sessions before, either as a spectator or a magistrate. I was interested and instructed, and I endeavoured, by God's mercy, to do judgment and love mercy. Our residence here is drawing to a close-the early meeting of Parliament, Jan. 16, for the Queen's marriage, we suppose, will separate us very soon. It will be a Providence, and almost a wonder, if we ever come together again, perfect in our health, our happiness, and our numbers.

Jan. 9th.-Acted as a magistrate in the local meeting at Cranborne. These things are epochs in one's life, and I have run half my course before I attain this one. It is easy now to understand, by experience, how difficult it is to combine the due administration of justice with the love of mercy. Raise then your eyes to the counsels of Heaven, and survey but the millionth part of the outmost verge of God's attributes and operations; unsparing justice and unlimited pardon at one and the same moment.

Jan. 12th.-Sunday.

in St. Giles's Church.

The last we shall enjoy for the present Were we under the caprices of a blind chance, I should quit this dear place in fear and sorrow; but, praised be God, we know in whom we trust, and He will unite us again, or separate us for ever, as seemeth best to His merciful wisdom.

Jan. 23rd.-London. 'Crambe repetita'—the old story renewed. The Carlton Club, the House of Commons, the turmoil and vicissitudes of politics, the hopes and fears of party! But politics and party now are not what politics and party were formerly; the struggle is between antagonist principles, and the issue is life or death to the Constitution in Church and State, under which the mercy of God has hitherto appointed us to live. I can imagine a successful resistance on our part, but I see eventual triumph for our enemies, because a mighty revolution is gradually taking place in the habits and character of thinking, among men. To oppose this is to oppose the flow of the river Amazon-steady, certain, and overwhelming. The only Conservative principle is the Protestant religion as embodied in the doctrines and framework of the Church of England.