THE YOUTHS CABINET.

pear, indeed, that the Jews ascribed mira-
culous influence to the water. Probably
Bethesda was a mineral spring, possessing
medicinal virtues of considerable value in
some diseases, but which were, naturally
enough, greatly overrated.

The Jews were in the habit of speaking
of all their blessings as if they came di-
rectly from God. This pool was called
the “house of mercy.” When its waters
were agitated, they spoke of the effect as
having been produced by one of God’s
messengers. In this light our blessings
ought always to be viewed. But how
differently do the great mass of man-
kind regard them. Thousands, who, dur-
ing the summer months, resort to Sarato-
ga, and other fashionable watering-places,
though sensible that their health is im-
proving under the influences which God
has so kindly made accessible to them,
never, it is feared, feel one thrill of grati-
tude to their divine Benefactor. On the
contrary, perhaps, they are more gay;
more thoughtless, more reckless, while at
this Bethesda, than they allow themselves
to be at other times—Mother’s Magazine.

A Boston Boy.

LitrLE boy was observed by a
constable gathering grass on the

Boston Common, and was told

by the officer that he must not

take the grass. “O, but I must have it
for my rabbits.” “But you must not
take it,” said the officer. “T must have
it,” the boy replied. “ Well,” said the
constable, “if you must have it, you must
go and.ask the Mayor.” “ Where is the

   

Mayor ?” asked the boy. He was direct-
ed to the City Hall, and told that he
would find him there; so off he trudged
to the City Hall, and by dint of inquiry
found the Mayor, and was introduced to
him. The Mayor inquired, “Well, my
son, what do you want of me ?” “] want
some grass for my rabbits, sir.” “ How
many rabbits have you ” “Two, sir.”
“But how do you expect to get grass of
me?” “Why,” said the boy, “I was
getting grass on the Common, and they
told me I must not have it, unless I would
ask leave of you, sir.” “Go,” said the
Mayor, “and tell the officer to let you
have as much grass as you want.” We
predict that boy, if he lives, will make a
man.—Boston Traveler.

The Mouse in Liquor—A Fable.

Movs ranging about a brewery,
happened to fall into a vat of
beer, was in imminent danger of
being drowned, and appealed to

a cat to help him out. The Cat replied :

“Tt is a foolish request; for as soon as

I get you out, I shall eat you.”

The Mouse replied, that that fate would

be better than being drowned in beer,

The Cat therefore lifted him out; but the

fume of the beer caused Puss to sneeze—

she dropped the Mouse, and he took re-
fuge in his hole.

The Cat called on the Mouse to come

out :—* You, sir, did you not promise me

that I should eat you ”

“Ah!” replied the Mouse, “ but you

know that I was in liquor at the time.”—

Selected.