"1691. For a pint of brandy, when Mr. George Bell preached here, 1s. 4d.--When the Dean of Durham preached here, spent in a treat with him, 3s. 6d.--For a stranger that preacht, a dozen of ale, 1s." Thus it plainly appears that church-wardens had a feast jointly with the minister at the parish expense, at least whenever a stranger preached. * * * * * THE GATHERER "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." SHAKSPEAKE. * * * * * STATIONERY LETTER. ( _For the Mirror_.) TO MR. ----, STATIONER, HOLBORN. SIR,--Sometime ago I wrote to you to send me a _ream_ of _foolscap_, which I begged might be sent without delay, as it was for the purpose of writing out my Christmas bills. I think you must have forgotten me; and if I do not have the _paper_ soon, I may wear a _fool's-cap_ on account of not having my bills out in time. Mr. ----, who, in your absence, must sustain the greatest weight of business, and is, as I may say, the _Atlas_ of your house, was the person I chiefly depended on. As for Mr. ----, one of your household, he dresses in _royal purple_, and being but in a _medium_ way between sickness and health, was drinking _imperial_ when I saw him, and therefore did not in-_quire_ about the business; nor did I choose to come _cap_ in _hand_ to a gentleman that seemed as stately as an _elephant_, though to my thinking he is a _bundle_ of conceit, all _outside_ show; in short, a piece of _lumberhand_, on whom I would not _waste paper_ to write him a _note_. My journeyman, who is but a _demy_ sort of a chap, will make but a _small hand_ of the bills, and I shall go to _pott_. You also will be a sufferer, if you _post_-pone sending my _paper_, for you shall have neither _plate paper_,[1] nor a _single crown_, no, nor a _cartridge_ of halfpence from me this half year, unless you play your _cards_ better. I have more bills to write out than a _bag cap_, made of the largest _grand eagle_ you have in your warehouse, could contain; so that I shall look as _blue_ as your _sugar_-paper, and bestow on you to boot some very ugly prayers, not in _single hand_, but by _thick_ and _thin couples_, that will be a _fine copy_ for my young man to take example by, if you disappoint. Your humble servant, J. J. [1] Bank notes. * * * * * RUSTIC SIMPLICITY. A village pastor was examining his parishioners in their Catechism. The first question in the Heidelberg Catechism is this: "What is thy only consolation in life and in death?" A young girl, to whom the pastor put this question, laughed, and would not answer. The priest insisted. "Well, then," said she, at length, "if I must tell you, it is the young shoemaker, who lives in the Rue Agneaux." * * * * * TALL PEOPLE.