, 1840-12-26

soldier, and on a pay Of sixpence per day,
laid the foundation ola mann which is not
soon to be forgotten. His bed was his
study, his knapsack was his bookcase, a
board laid across his lap was his writing desk,
his time the hours redeemed from the duties
and hustle Of a camp-Even to buy a pen or
a sheet Of paper, he was obliged to forego
some portion of his daily food, already mar
rowed down to a scanty pittance, and to OBJ.
tain light for the evening was utterly imPos-
sible; yet, amid all these difficulties, Mr..
Cobbett found means TO progress in his pur.
suit after knowledge and to lay the founda-
ton of his subsequent fame.
The example Of DR.. Franklin is but little
less instructive. Bred to the trade Of a prin-
ter, and, from a boy, obliged to labor with
his hands for his subsistence, he contrived so
to redeem his time, by applying to some use
full purpose the hours which others throw
away in idleness, that he became one Of the
most distinguished men Of his own or any
other age. And the circumstance ofFrank-
lin are the circumstances Of thousands. He
was apprenticed to a regular business, with
no other means o fsupport than his daily EN-.
%ployment. He felt the same disposition
VIM olilS NouIS iUCu lCCl W spChu III
time and money in the pursuit Of what is
commonly called pleasure; but the example
of men who had, under every disadvantage,
raised themselves to responsibility, stimula-
ted him to exertion: he denied himself these
pleasures-he bought books with his scanty
earning and spent his hours in reading. His
industry, punctuality, faithiulness and knowl-
edge, brought him into notice, and although
for many years he continued to labor with
no better prospect Of distinction than many
others, yet he found his reward in continued
health, cheeriulness, aud happiness, and at
length came 10 be the wonder and admira-
ton Of the world.
The case Of the celebrated DR.. Adam Clark
affords another Instructive example for the
encouragement of young men under difficult
ties. This extraordinary man was Of poor
but respectable parentage, without friends or
education, and the early part Of his course
was n constant contention with the difficulties
of his position; but the poor and uniriended
boy, by diligence and a choice economy OF
time, soon became the companion Of the wise
and great, and besides being one Of the most
learned men of his age. was also one Of the
most extensive and useful authors.
Now if men under such very discouraging
circumstances nave pressed forward to the
attainment Of an honorable distinction, why
should not others do the same? 1t is true,
that, like the farmers old clock, it requires a
constant ticking-a constant vigilance lest
the half hours and the minutes run TO waste:
but let no one complain that he has not the
fine and especially let him be careful that
he does not throw away half an hour in
Idleness because he has not n whole day.
BY a proper improvement Of time, there
is not a young man in our broad and beautL
ful country, who might not obtain an excel
lent education without nerlecting his daily
business or any important duty; besides lay
ing NJ. for himself a snre and certain store
of happiness on which he could draw at any
moment of his life. and providing for him
self and family an honorable name and a com-
Portable livelihood.
Lei the application. the unwearied per-
severance and noble example "fothers stimu-
late them To exertion. Their facilities Of ac-
curing knowledge are teniold greater than
those of Clark or Fraklin, or Cobbett. Many
of them nave access to the richest libraries,
the most useful and instructive lectures. and
being mostly occupied only ten hours Of the
day in their regular business, have abundant
leisure for the cultivation of their minds.
1t is almost impossible to calculate the
amount of labor which may be performed
even in the course of so short a time as is
allotted to the human life. Witness the vo-
lumes of johnson, Addison, and especially,
of Sir Walter Scott. Look at the immense
results which were accomplished by the
energy, industry and genius of Napoleon
contemplate the unceasing application Of a
Wesley, or a B%rougham, or a Cromwell, or
a Clark, then ask yourself if you have a right
TO complain OF the want of time.
Let me say once more, then, to my young
friends, that the path ofhonor and distinction
is before them, and that the considerations
are strong for inducing them TO walk there
in. In our own country, industry never goes
unrewarded; and a proper Improvement OF
time, while it furnishes you with the means
of constant enjoyment, will also, if accom-
panied Ivy virtue and honor, certainly carry
YOU forward to that distinction which you so
earnestly desire. But you must, among all
your discouragements, remember the exam.
Die of the farmers old clock, and not get tired