The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1840-05-26
W i y G eA 1 a m G O au S .
$50 WAS FRANKLIN ~

% ... $50 WAS FRANKLINn " .
%, you're 'prenticer said little boy the 9th
er day tauntingIy to his companion. The adj
dressed turned proudly round and while the fire
of injured pride anithe look of pity were strong
y blended in his countenarce, coolly answered
$50 soas Franklin
The digni6ed reply struck me forcibly; and
turned to mark the disputants more closely.
The former, perceived by his dress, claimed
higher rank in society than his humble and
more dignifed companion. The latter was a
sprightly, active lad, scarcely twelve years of
age, and coarsy but cleverly atthed. But young
as he was, thevc was visible in his countenance
much OF genius, manly dignity, and deermin
ed resolutlon-while that of the former exhibit
ed only fostered pride and imagined superiority
of riches.
The little fellow, thought we, gazing mt our
young hero, already displayed much of the man,
though his calling be a humble one, and though
poverty extends TO him her dreary cherries,
reality, still he looks on the brightest siIe of the
scene, and already rises in anticipation from
poverty, woe, and wretchedness! o nc e, so aUnS
FrGnhtin' and the world may one day witness
IN our little 'prentice,' as great philosopher ms
they have seen in his noble pattern. And we
passed on buried in meditation.
The motto Of the infantile philosopher contains
TO much to he forgotten, and should be engra-
ven on the minds ofall. What can better cheer
a man in humble calling. than the reflection
that The greatest statesman-the highest philoso.
pher-and the proudest warrors-have once
graced the same profession.
Look at Cincinnatus At the call of his coun
try, he laid aside the plough and seized the
sword. But after welding it with entire sue.
cess-When his country was no longer endan'
gered, and the public affairs no more needed his
stay, he bent his sword into plonghshare,' and
returned with honest delight TO his little firm.
Look at Washington What was his course
of lite? He was first farmer--next comman.
der-in chief ola host of freeman, fighting for
the liberties OF his country from the thralls of
domestic oppression; next called to the highest
seat of government by his ransomed brethren, n
President of the highest republie on earth; and
lastly farmer again.
Look at Frank lin. He who
with the thunder talked, as friend to friend
And wove his garland of the ligh Things wing
In sporve twist
What was he2 a printer Once mechanic
in printing Office! poverty stared him in the
face; hut the blank hollow look could nothing
daunt him. He struggled against harder cur
rent than most are called TO encounter, but he
did not yield. lie pressed manfully onward;
bravely buffeted msfortune's pillows, and gain.
ed the desired haven!
What was the famous Ben Johnson? lie
was first a brick layer or mason! What was he
in after years? tits needless to answer.
What was Burns? An Ayrshire ploughmaR
What was he in after life in the estimation of
his counrymen, and the world? Your library
gives the answer?
Shall we 60 on, and call up the proud array
of the mighty host Of worthless that have lived
and died, whowere cradled in the lap Of penury,
and received their first lesson in the school OF
affection? No, we have cited instances enough
already-yea, more then enough TO prove the
point in que ston, namely, that there is no pro
fession, however low in the opinion of the world,
but has been honored with earths greatest and
her worthest.
Young man! Does the iron hand Of fortune
press hard upon YOU, and disappointment well
nigh sink your despairing soul? Have courage!
mighty ones have been your predecessors,
and have withstood the current of opposition
that threatened to overwhem their fragile bark !
Do you despise your humble station and re-
pine that providence has not placed you III some
nobler sphere? Murmur not against the dispen-
sa,on Of an all wise Creator? Remember that
wealth is no criterion of moral worth; that rich
es dishonesty gained are lasting curse; that
vir,ue and uprightness work out u rich reward;
and then p ...
An honest man is the noblest work ofGod
And when dark disappointment comes, do not
prize is yours, 1t was thus with Franklin; 1t
can be thus with you. He strove for the prize
and won il! So may you. IT'S worth contend
ing for, and success wiW attend you, and the
Stars will he brighter as the stripes wear
deeper.
". C.. ". EUerett.
TAm1NEs IN INDIA.-A British writer recent
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