such an instrument; you are well acquainted with the Scriptures, from which many scenes may be selected, that you might exhibit in living beauty.

"My worthy brother in adversity," said Mr. Davenport, "I readily acknowledge that the thought greatly pleased me; your opinion concerning the practicability of improving the Camera, and adapting it to the design, is also gratifying: but I do not perceive the least probability of your wish, on my behalf, being realized, for certainly to accomplish what you propose, would be attended with great

expense, property."

and you

know I have no

"Yes, I do know that you have no property, and that the constructing such an instrument would be attended with very considerable expense; but should you not remember who has said, The silver is mine, and the gold is mine; the hearts of all are in his hand; do not give way to unbelief; there is nothing impossible with Him who has thus far supported you. Who can tell whether the Lord may not yet induce some of your friends to assist you?"

Mr. Davenport hesitated; but after much entreaty engaged to wait upon a gentleman who had formerly professed the greatest friendship for him, submit the design to his considera

C

tion, and request some assistance towards putting it in execution.

He was tolerably well received, but on mentioning the object of his visit, he perceived an immediate change in the behaviour of his professed friend. "What!" said he, "have you not done with your schemes? have you not squandered away your property? are you not content with living in idleness, but are you desirous further to tax those who contribute to your support? A man of your years should have known better than to have made such a proposal: however, not another shilling shall you ever have from me."

Mr. Davenport, though not unused to unpleasant reflections on his mis

The

fortunes, was almost overcome by this rebuff; and retired to his solitude, determining to cease from man. haughty individual to whom he had told his tale, not content with having personally insulted the afflicted man, immediately informed his acquaintance of what he termed the impru-. dence and enthusiastic folly of his visitant. Amongst others, he mentioned the circumstance to Mr. Ainsworth, a gentleman of large property and great benevolence. He had known Mr. Davenport in early life, and had at that time received many favours from him what he now heard produced an effect very different from that which was intended. He took an

early opportunity of calling upon the distressed man, accosted him in the most friendly manner, apologized for not having visited him sooner, and said, "Though I cannot repay what I owe you, I am come to acknowledge my obligations."

Obligations, Sir! I hope you are

not jesting at my misfortunes?"

"I am obliged to you, and that greatly, for the assistance which you afforded me when I was setting out in life; you then rendered me most essential service, and I may justly add, under God, I am obliged to you for that prosperity with which I have since been favoured.

I wait upon

you, at present, in consequence of