person, Sam, has been saved when at the brink of
destruction, by laying fast hold on the bible. Who can
doubt, that the commandments had a Divine origin? Short,
simple and yet comprehensive; the first four point to
our duty to our Maker, the last six, towards our social
duties. In this respect there is a great similarity of
structure, to that excellent prayer given us--"

"Oh, Minister," said Mr. Slick, "I beg your pardon, I
do, indeed, I don't mean that at all; and I do declare
and vow now, I wasn't a playin' possum with you, nother.
I won't do it no more, I won't, indeed."

"Well, what did you mean then?"

"Why I meant her ten fingers, to be sure. When a woman
clapper claws her husband, we have a cant tarm with us
boys of Slickville, savin' she gave him her ten
commandments."

"And a very improper expression too, Sir," said Mr.
Hopewell; "a very irreverent, indecent, and I may say
profane expression; I am quite shocked. But as you say
you didn't mean it, are sorry for it, and will not repeat
it again, I accept your apology, and rely on your promise.
Go on, Sir."

"Well, as I was a savin', the moment she found herself
a coasting of it that way, flounder fashion, she hung on
by her ten com--I mean her ten fingers, and her ten toes,