"Charity is an emanation from the choicest attribute of the Deity; it is, as it were, a portion of the Divinity engrafted upon the human stock; it cancels a multitude of transgressions in the possessor, and gives him a foretaste of celestial joys. It whetted the pious Martin's sword, when he divided his garment with the beggar; and swelled the royal Alfred's bosom, while a pilgrim was the partner of his meal. It influenced the sorrowing widow to cast her mite into the treasury; and held a Saviour on the Cross, when he could have summoned Heaven to his rescue. Its practice was dictated by the law, its neglect has been censured by the prophets; and when the Lord of the vineyard sent his only Son, he came not to destroy the law, but to fulfil it. Other virtues may have a limit here, but Charity extends beyond the grave. Faith may be lost in endless certainty, and Hope may perish in the fruition of its object, but Charity shall live for countless ages, for ever blessing and for ever blessed!"
THE END.
A Soap-eater, copied from a rare print of the time of Queen Elizabeth
A Tom of Bedlam copied from an Old Drawing of the time of Edw. 6th. in the possession of Fran. Douce Esq.
Copied from a Drawing of the time of Henry VIIth in the possession of Francis Douce, Esq.
PLATE XXXI.
Beggars leaving town for their workhouse.