Some of the sculptured resemblances of the founders of almshouses are ludicrously uncouth. No longer ago than yesterday, I was standing opposite one of them. There stood the benevolent man in his flowing robe, long curls, waistcoat half down his thighs, and shoes nearly up to his ankles, with gold collar and gold chain hanging from his neck. His left foot was advanced so much before the other, that he seemed to be holding out his leg to call forth the admiration of the spectator; and this, for odd thoughts sometimes come into my mind, set me musing on the words of holy writ: "The Lord delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy," Psa. cxlvii. 10, 11. For the last time, I say, then, that I like almshouses heartily, and that I like those heartily that found them, and those who inhabit them. More than once have I said that active benevolence to man is the soul of thanksgiving to God, especially when exercised towards God's people; and that the Lord of life and glory condescends to accept such offerings, is, I think, borne out by the words, "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward,” Matt. x. 42; and, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me," Matt. xxv. 40. ON CEDAR PENCILS. ANOTHER odd subject, you will say; but if you bear in mind from what odd and trivial sources many important thoughts, and words, and actions have arisen, you will let me take my course, and allow me, in my rambling way, to prate a little on the subject of cedar pencils. It is the settled conviction of my mind, that there is no subject in the wide range of thought that may not, directly or indirectly, be connected with profitable meditations on the Divine goodness. Oh, how much more dependent are we frail and feeble creatures, for our daily comforts on little things, than we are apt to imagine! What should we do without pins and needles; thread and string; snuffers, penknives, and scissors? Were you to deprive me, and ten thousand others in the world, of our green shades, spectacles, pens, ink, paper, and cedar pencils; it would be like clipping a fish of its fins, or depriving a bird of her wings. A cedar pencil is to me a thing of value; for without one, how should I note down my passing thoughts in wandering through the highways and byways of life? I have tried all manner of substitutes in vain. Some time ago I took an inkhorn into the fields, and hung it to a button of my waistcoat; but a friend told me that every one I met would take me for an exciseman. My pride -what poor proud creatures we are!-took the alarm, and my inkhorn was laid by. I then tried the patent pencil-case, which is supplied by points of black lead; but I could not write with it pleasantly, for the points, such as they were, never seemed free from shaking, so my patent pencilcase was put aside too. A few weeks ago I bought one of the pocket fountain-pens, that, when once properly arranged, enables me, by the pressure of my thumb, to obtain a supply of ink to write with in the open air. It cost me sixteen silver shillings, and for the passing hour did very well; but the ink was shortly dried up, and then it took me half an hour to render my pocket fountain-pen fit for service. In short, I was obliged to resume my cedar-pencil. Both the sight and smell of a cedar pencil are pleasant to me, bringing with them, as they do, so many remembrances of my youth, from the time when I first sketched the outline of a gatepost to the day when I finished my chef d'œuvre The of Conway Castle. Days of my childhood! what With shine and shade, with spring and fall— The trade of cedar pencil making is conducted, to a considerable extent, by the Jewish people; so that in their business, no doubt, they are often carried back in imagination to the goodly groves of Lebanon, and the temple of temples built by Solomon. How fallen are the Israel of God, and what a lesson do they proclaim to every unbelieving heart! Who hath rebelled against the Lord with advantage? "Who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?" Job ix. 4. How many nations have been cut off for their pride and impiety! The mighty of Babylon and Egypt were brought low, and the princes of Media and Persia were humbled in the dust. "The Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. The cedars in the garden of God could |