The Sun.
London, England, 1857-09-24 00:00:00

Labour and Live. A Story. By the Author of
" Blenham." William Freeman.

This story is written with the intention of de-
veloping a true and excellent doctrine—the connec-
tion of work and happiness. The author has evi-
dently thought deeply on this and some other points
connected with social existence, and his bolk is in-
tended more as an exposition of his principles than
as a mere tale. Some readers may object to the
combination of narrative and reflection, but the
writer is evidently one who is capable of both ;
and though a certain dreaminess in the style, and
the secondary position which the incidents hold to
the opinions, would seem to ind.cate that, though
not a first, it is an early work, there is evidence of
powers which, well directed, may achieve excel-
lence in their chosen path. Tee author is mani-
festly deeply interested in painting, and several of
his characters are artists. He regards it from an
elevated point of view, and holds the opinion that
all who are conscious of any degree of power in it,
or in any sister art, should study it with a purpose,
and endeavour to reach the highest degree of
which their faculties are capable, and also that they
should in some way give the world the profit of
their efforts. Idleness and procrastination are not
with him regarded as the inseparable companions of
genius ; he dismisses them with scorn, and asserts
that no true artist, no reasonable and moral human
being can possibly develop their capacities, or
enjoy any degree of lasting contentment without
regular and sufficient labour. That this proposi-
tion is just and true, perhaps only those who
have never been able to put it to the test,
will dispute. Its moral soundness is un-
doubted, and its practical truth is as unquestion-
able. He endeavours to show this by the life and
character of a wayward youth, whose father, soured
by early trials, had sought a refuge from the world
in his lonely country residence, bringing his only
child up in entire seclusion. Left by his father's
death the owner of an independent fortune, he
wanders about dissatisfied and restless, unable to
employ or amuse himself, and a burden to others.
He becomes attached to a charming young lady,
to whom he is introduced by an old friend, and
when his suit proves hopeless he gives way to
moody listlessness. From this state he is at len;th
aroused by a chain of fortuitous circumstances, and
becomes convinced that indolence and discontent
are sroonymous terms. He is not, however, the
only hero. The story is disconnecte I at the be-
ginning, but tho different threads are gathered
and woven together at the conclusion in a way that
proves some skill in the construction of a plot.
Bertha, the heroine, is represented as an example
of the beneficial effects of intellectual industry,
while Miss Molesworth, her artist friend, is in-
tended to represent the soothing power of labour in
diverting the mind from a great grief. Some of
the characters are perhaps stiff, and the story is
devoid of striking incident or thrilling excitement,
but as an exposition of just and elevated views by
one who has thought profitably on some important
subjects, the book deserves attentioe, and as a
domestic story of calm and pleasurable interest, it
will give satisfaction to many readers.