THE PENNY POST BOX. The Penny Post Box. THE BLIND PREACHER. BLIND, not as regarded his mental, but his bodily sight, was our venerable friend, who only a few months ago entered, at a very advanced age, into the joy of his Lord. He had been a preacher of the gospel many years, and usually at places from three to twenty miles distant from his own home. On these occasions he was generally conducted by his faithful wife, or by some young man whom he repaid for his kindness by the wise counsels he imparted as they walked along. He was generally acceptable as a preacherhis manners, owing partly to his blindness, being grave, and peculiarly impressive. So they were to the writer, then a young man, when he first heard him forty years ago. He would often make references to light and darkness in his preaching, and refer to his own blindness in the language of our great poet-" Hail, holy light," &c., which he would quote with great correctness, emphasis, and interest. With his early history the writer is not acquainted. From the following note, which we received from him a short time before his death, it would appear that, whilst yet a youth, he began to fear, and love, and serve God. We insert what follows, not on account of their poetic merit, but for his sake who wrote them, and the spirit of piety they breathe. The Acrostic will remind some of our readers of those lines by Weslev-whose language is, of course, more perfect, though the sentiment is the same "Shall I, for fear of feeble man, The Spirit's course in me restrain?— Aw'd by a mortal's frown, shall I Shall I, to soothe the unholy throng, DEAR BROTHER, I have sent you the following lines, written by a blind lad sixty years ago. They are at your service if you think them worthy of notice. I hope you or your kind wife will correct the imperfections. Sister C. keeps her bed yet; and with regard to myself I am very weak and feeble; I cannot get out much. My respects to your family. Wishing you every blessing, I remain, yours affectionately, Retford. S. S. THE FRAILTY OF MAN. REMEMBER! O thou mortal man, On this, O man, you may depend, Fly, then, to Christ, who bled for thee, And seek his grace so rich and free, Receive redemption through his blood, Pardon for sin, and peace with God. AN ACROSTIC. Written after first Speaking in Public. Shall I of sinners be afraid? A m I ashamed of what I've said? E very day and every hour, Shall I one day before thee stand; E very day of Christ my king. FACTS, HINTS, AND GEMS. Facts, Hints, and Gems. Facts. SUPPLIES FOR THE ARMY. The First Government Contract, in March, 1854, was for 65,000 gal. lons of porter, 3000 gallons of pale ale. 50,000 lbs. of preserved potatoes 10 000 lbs. of chocolate, 80,000 lbs of coffee, 8000 lbs of tea, 100,000 | lbs of sugar. 200 000 lbs. of rice, and 10 000 lbs. of Scotch barley for broth, beside immeuse quantities of bread and meat. Since then the supplies have been enormous 500.000 lbs. of boiled beef, preserved, in December, for instance. The Supplies from Private Sources have been very great, displaying ex. traordinary consideration and sym. pathy for the brave men who are engaged in this perilous enterprise A London Cook engaged to make up "potted game" of all the game any gentlemen might send to him for the purpose. Many Ladies united to send a good supply of Christmas plum pud dings-cold of course. A Scotch Nobleman sent out a vessel laden with all kinds of useful provisions, cordials, and medicines Owners of Pleasure Yachts have generously employed them in carry ing out supplies of all kinds. Tobacco and Cigars.-A dealer in London sent cigars worth 250 guineas a pipe maker sent thousands of pipes packed in "shag" and "returns." The Queen and Prince sent a supply of tobacco for the Guards. The Supply of Clothing has been immense. Up to October 150,000 pair of socks, 100,000 woollen shirts, 90,000 pair of flannel drawers, 80,000 pair of woollen gloves, 40,000 railway-wrappers, 40,000 waterproof capes, 40.000 fur coats, and 12,000 pair of seal skin boots. A Further Contract was made for 50,000 fur helmets, with flaps to cover the neck, 50,000 pea-jackets and leather overalls, and 44,000 suits of complete winter-dress. But How Expensive is War! this is not all-how destructive! Many of these things never reached the brave fellows; thousands of whom perished for want of them. Hints. TO ADMIRE EXCELLENCY in others without imitating it is fruitless admiration; and to condemn error without avoiding it is unprofitable censoriousness. KEEPING SECRETS.-A secret is a curious thing. It seems to have a fermenting power of expansion, and is ready to burst some people till they let it out. Mind who you trust with one. HAVE YOU DONE WRONG?-Why then confess it at once. Honest confession is noble, and stands next in rank to innocence. AN AVARICIOUS MAN has really no enjoyment of what he so greedily keeps; but a generous man really enjoys what he gives away. MIND YOUR MONEY.-Dont let it have its own way. It may take wings and flee away. The love of it is the root of all evil. It is a useful servant, but a most tyrannical master. ENERGY. Those who think with energy usually speak with energy; and those who think and speak with energy will act with energy. In this way great things are done. PAY NO RESPECT TO WIT when seen in the company of malice. To smile at a jest, which plants a thorn FACTS, HINTS, AND GEMS. in another's breast, is to become a partaker in the evil deed. THE DRUNKARD'S CIRCLE, formed around the fireside of the beer-shop or public house, looks warm, and there is tale, soug, and fun for you there And what else - poverty, misery, ruin. Be not sucked into that circle. You are a ruined man if you do. THE HAPPIEST CIRCLE may be formed around your own firesidecheap, snug, cheerful, merry, joyous; such as you, and all belonging to you, will love and ever remember with delight. Gems. THE SPIRITUAL TELESCOPE.The bible is a spiritual telescope by which we see "the land that is very far off." OUR TITLE DEED to a heavenly inheritance is the bible. A mere professor reads it as he would the title deed to another man's estatethe christian reads it as his own. SIN DISORDERS THE SOUL.-It embitters memory; troubles conscience; inflames evil desires; and, like a bomb-shell, carries self-destruction along with it. INTERCESSION OF CHRIST.- hat is it? "It is Jesus speaking a good word to God for us," was the reply of a boy of six years old. Had not his mother taught him? GOD IS A ROCK,-Remember that unstable christian. He does not ebb and flow like thy poor heart. He is a rock, and is work is perfect. Rest on Him. WHAT WILL ETERNITY BE TO ME? -Will it be joyful or mournful? The answer must turn on one point. Art thou converted? If thou art thou art safe. If not OUR RELIGION must lead us to daily conflict with besetting sins, or it will only conduct us 'in & smooth way to endless ruin. BE quiet-more ready to hear than to speak; Be prayerful-make known your requests unto God; Be hopeful-and never give way to despair; Be gracious-more willing to give than receive; Be submissive-like Him when he sojourned below; And God's grace be with you henceforth evermore! J. S. HARVEY. LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO. LEICESTER: WINKS AND SON. Sold by all Booksellers. PRICE ONE HALFPENNY MONTHLY. |