JOHN O'GROAT'S HOUSE.

In the reign of James IV., of Scotland, Malcolm Gavin and John de Groat arrived in Caithness, from the south of Scotland, bringing with them a letter written in Latin by that prince, recommending them to the countenance and protection of his loving subjects in the county of Caithness. They purchased, or got possession of, the lands of Warse and Dungisbay, lying in the parish of Canisbay, on the side of the Pentland Frith: and each of them obtained an equal share of the property they acquired. In process of time their families increased, and there came to be eight different proprietors, of the name of Groat, who possessed these lands among them; but whether the two original settlers split their property among their children, or whether they purchased for them small possessions from one another, does not appear.

These eight families, having lived peaceably and comfortably in their small possessions for a number of years, established an annual meeting to celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of their ancestors on that coast. In the course of their festivity on one of these occasions, a question arose respecting the right of taking the door, and sitting at the head of the table, and such like points of precedency, each contending for the seniority and chieftainship of the clan, which increased to such a height as would have probably proved fatal in its consequences to some, if not to all of them, had not John de Groat, who was proprietor of the ferry, interposed. He assured them that as soon as they appeared to split and quarrel among themselves, their neighbours, who, till then, treated them with respect, would fall upon them, take their property from them, and expel them from the country. He therefore, conjured them, by the ties of blood and mutual safety, to return quietly that night to their several homes; and he pledged himself that he would

satisfy them all with respect to precedency, and prevent the possibility of such disputes among them at their future anniversary meetings. They all agreed, and departed in peace. In due time, John de Groat, to fulfill his engagement, built a room, distinct by itself, of an octagon shape, with eight doors and windows in it, and having placed in the middle a table of oak, of the same shape, when the next anniversary meeting took place, he desired each of them to enter at his own door, and to sit at the head of the table, he taking himself the seat left unoccupied. By this ingenious contrivance, any dispute in regard to rank was prevented, as they all found themselves on a footing of equality, and their former harmony restored. That building was then named John O'Groat's House; and though the house is totally gone, the place where it stood still retains the name, and deserves to be remembered as long as good intentions and good sense are estimable in a country.

Kirkaldy.

G. D. L.

A WONDERFUL PROPHET.

THERE is now living in the town of Thorverton, Devon, a very wonderful prophet. He is not the Wandering Jew, nor the son of Noah, nor John the Baptist, nor the old Levite. His first father lived before Adam was created. The New Testament makes mention of his name in Mark, Luke, and John, so that we may believe he is not an impostor. But he knows not his parents, neither did he ever suck his mother's breast. His beard is not white, but red as vermillion-he goes barefooted both winter and summer-his coat is neither knit nor spun, it is neither silk, hair, linen, nor woollen, yet it is of a most beautiful colour. He takes no money if offered to him. He cares not for "the pomps and vanities of this wicked world," for he would rather sleep in a

CHILDREN'S Influence.

barn than in a king's palace. He walks without a staff; he useth neither pistol nor gun, yet he has such weapons to defend himself as mortal man never had. He is no coward, though he puts up with many injuries, but is very valiant, and marches boldly forward to face his enemies. He lets all men alone with their religion; he is neither Jew, Mahometan, Papist, nor Protestant, yet he eats no flesh meat in Lent. He is very watchful-he will not sleep on a bed, but sits up all night on a singular kind of chair with his clothes on. He cries out upon the wicked world with outstretched arms and a loud voice, and often rises early in the morning to warn men that the day is coming. All his sayings and prophecies are true. Poor women have great reason to rejoice that such a prophet is come amongst us to stand before their drunken husbands as a pattern of sobriety, for he is a teetotaller, drinking only water, and teaches his children to do so. He denieth not the christian faith, but has done what he could to prove the word of Christ true. He preached a sermon once that convinced a man of his sin, and caused him to weep bitterly for swearing and telling lies. And, finally, when the Lord cometh to judge the world in righteousness, he will not be charged with sin.

Thorverton.

R. F. QUERY.-Who is this Prophet? A brief answer in verse is requested.

CHILDREN'S INFLUENCE.

WHAT influence can I exert on those around me? I fancy I hear some little boy asking himself this question. Have you never thought, little boy, when you were quarrelling with your companions that the disposition and temper you then displayed were calculated to rouse similar passions in them, and by imitating you in their own spirit, they would think it

more courageous even to fight than acknowledge they were in the wrong? You know that this has been the case, and thus have found that it was possible for you to exercise an evil influence. Now just reverse the picture. Suppose that you were continually manifesting a spirit of kindness and goodness, always willing to do anything to promote the happiness and welfare of your companions, do you not think that you would be able in this way to exert an influence for good? Is there no power in kindness? Will not other children be led by your conduct to love your principles and imitate your example? We generally try to imitate those we love, so that by the influence of one child a spirit of kindness will pervade the whole of that little circle, and thus, in a great measure, the character for life will be formed. Indeed we cannot tell or imagine the amount of good which children can do in this way. Brothers and sisters exert an influence over each other the effect of which is felt through the whole of their lives. Little children, be kind to each other. Talk together about what you read. Do not allow yourselves to be easily offended with each other; and, above all, Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.

""Twill save you from a thousand snares,
To mind religion young;

Grace will preserve your following years,
And make your virtues strong."

And in order that you may succeed in exerting a kind influence all around you, think of Jesus Christ, and how kind he was. He laid down his life to save us when we had done wrong to God. He loved even his enemies, and prayed for them when he died for our sins on the cross.

I trust my young friends will profit by these remarks, as they are made with a sincere desire to do them good. Haverfordwest. A FRIEND.

"A NOBLE ROMAN," was the title by which a citizen of Rome desired to be distinguished; but, alas! how few of them deserved that honourable distinction.

Rome is a city of Italy, built on seven small hills, on the banks of the river Tiber, not far from the seashore. It is an ancient place; though not so ancient as Damascus or Jerusalem. There is a curious tale told about its first founders-Romulus and Remusbeing suckled by a wolf. No doubt it is only a tale;