The stories and sketches composing "Pen Pictures" I have written as I did ''Pastoral Sketches" and "A Journey to Palestine," with a view to interest, while benefiting the head and heart of the reader. In my judgment it is my best literary work. At the same time there is scarcely a chapter but has a moral or religious point, and so presented as to abide in the memory and affect the life. Flashlight revelations of character, the law of con- science, the power of human influence, kindness to animals, consideration for children, pity for the unfortunate, and many other lessons of life are taught in this volume. A number of the chapters are descriptive of actual adventures in the life of the writer; but still in the narrative an underlying purpose is felt, and a lasting moral or spiritual truth conveyed. Some people need to have a good laugh, some crave the luxury of tears, and others ought to pray. We doubt not that these three classes will find all they want in the pages of this volume. - The Author