* *

CREED OF LORD BOLINGBROKE.

Lord Brougham says:--"The dreadful malady under which Bolingbroke
long lingered, and at length sunk--a cancer in the face--he bore with
exemplary fortitude, a fortitude drawn from the natural resources of
his vigorous mind, and unhappily not aided by the consolations of any
religion; for, having early cast off the belief in revelation, he had
substituted in its stead a dark and gloomy naturalism, which even
rejected those glimmerings of hope as to futurity not untasted by the
wiser of the heathens."

Lord Chesterfield, in one of his letters, which has been published by
Earl Stanhope, says that Bolingbroke only doubted, and by no means
rejected, a future state.

* * * * *

BUNYAN'S PREACHING.

It is said that Owen, the divine, greatly admired Bunyan's preaching;
and that, being asked by Charles II. "how a learned man such as he could
sit and listen to an itinerant tinker?" he replied: "May it please your
Majesty, could I possess that tinker's abilities for preaching, I would
most gladly relinquish all my learning."

* * * * *

HONE'S "EVERY-DAY BOOK."

This popular work was commenced by its author after he had renounced
political satire for the more peaceful study of the antiquities of our
country. The publication was issued in weekly sheets, and extended
through two years, 1824 and 1825. It was very successful, the weekly
sale being from 20,000 to 30,000 copies.

In 1830, Mr. Southey gave the following tribute to the merits of the
work, which it is pleasurable to record; as these two writers, from
their antipodean politics, had not been accustomed to regard each
other's productions with any favour. In closing his _Life of John
Bunyan_, Mr. Southey says:--

"In one of the volumes, collected from various quarters, which were sent
to me for this purpose, I observe the name of William Hone, and notice
it that I may take the opportunity of recommending his _Every-day Book
and Table Book_ to those who are interested in the preservation of
our national and local customs. By these curious publications, their
compiler has rendered good service in an important department of
literature; and he may render yet more, if he obtain the encouragement
which he well deserves."

* * * * *

BUNYAN'S ESCAPES.

Bunyan had some providential escapes during his early life. Once, he
fell