Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Took Frank for a walk this evening.

Aetat: 7. “Dear Papa, what is a right angle?”

I did not think Euclid’s definition would illuminate the childish mind, so I replied “You see that Chimney?”

“Yes, dear P.”

“Well it is strait up, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“And the top of the roof is straight along.”

“Yes.”

“Well then the angle or corner that one line makes with one another, just as the line of the side of that chimney makes with the line of the roof is called a right angle. An angle is a corner, and that particular shape of angle or corner is called a right angle.”

“I understand that dear P.”

The little man always says dearp, it is his abbreviation of short for dear papa.

“I think you do.”

“And what is a wrong angle, dearp.”

… Divine Service at 7 p.m. Mr. Jenkins of Upton House sent me a petition for signature against the admission of professed Atheists into Parliament, as the Government are about to introduce a Bill doing away with the oath “So help me God” – for the ostensible purpose of admitting Mr. Bradlaugh who was elected by the Northampton people a year or two ago, but has not hitherto been allowed to take his seat.

Harry took it out for signature. Mr. Wells a Quaker refused to sign it, saying he should be glad to see Bradlaugh in the House, as the religious question ought not to have any weight.

… Taught in School. Private prayers – gave pence to those who said them well.