Quaker Anecdotes. Edited by Richard Pike. (Hamilton, Adams, and Co.)—Of
books of anecdote and the like, there is only one criticism possible, that which Martial passed on his own book of epigrams,—" Sent bona, sent quesdam mediocria, sent male plum." The best thing in the book, to our mind, is the following, told of a certain "Friend Hopper." He once had one Kane, an inveterate swearer, brought before the magistrate, and fined for blasphemy :—
"He did not see the man again for a long time; but twenty years afterwards, when he was standing at his door, Kane passed by. The Friend's heart was touched by his appearance, for he looked old,. feeble, and poor. He stepped out, shook hands with him, and said, in kindly tones, Dost thou remember me, and how I caused thee to be fined for swearing ?'—' Yes, indeed, I do,' he replied ; I remember how many dollars I paid, as well as if it were- but yesterday.'—' Did it do thee any good?' inquired Friend Hopper.—' Never a bit,' answered he 'It only made me mad' to have my money taken from me.' The poor man was invited to walk into the house. The interest was calculated on the fine, and every cent repaid to him. I meant it for thy good,' said the benevolent Quaker, and I am sorry that I only provoked thee.' Kaue's countenance changed at once, and tears began to flow. He took the money, with many thanks, and was never again heard to swear."
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