curative
service; remarkably so, as considered in relation to the work we have
now in hand. Somewhat closely do they bear out, when appraised, an
analogy between their function in connection with the said " nobler
metals," (of loftier aims.) and those of the Scriptural statue, which
was of Gold, Silver and Brass in all its upper proportions, but its
feet, when disclosed, were found to be of common clay,
The
Prophet Daniel, being commanded by the King Nebuchadnezzar to interpret
his ominous dreams, (which the Chaldean wise men had failed to
understand), spake by inspiration thus : " Thou, 0 King, sawest, and
beheld a great image. The great image, whose brightÂness was excellent,
stood before thee ; and the form thereof was terrible. The image's head
was of fine Gold, his breast, and his arms of Silver ; his belly, and
his thighs of Brass. His legs of Iron, his feet, part of Iron, and part
of clay." This image was a symbolism, (being still used as such),
betokening a character noble, but marred by imperfection as regarding
its baser features. The Image had four parts, its fourth part
presenting an admixture of Iron, and Clay. Thereby was shown the
inferiority of the lower parts to the head; the value, and importance
of the materials decreasing from above downwards.
Mr. Quilp, the ugly, designing, dwarf (Old Curiosity Shop), "
dropping in at Mr. Sampson Brass's office, in the absence of that
gentleman, lighted upon Mr. Swiveller, who chanced at the moment to be
' moistening his clay,' as the phrase goes ; sprinkling a glass of warm
gin-and-water on the dust of the law, rather copiously. But, as clay in
the abstract when too much moistened becomes of a weak, and uncertain
consistency, breaking
