Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1849-12-13
MECHANICS LECTURES.


literally patronised by our citizens; as a
community we are certainly very much in
debted 10 this Society for these intellectual
rspasts, ,-and we are desirous that ,hey
should not only derive revenue enough to
pay all the expenses Of employing Lectur-
ers, &c, but that they should also receive
something in addition, which will be eI-
pended for The enlargement Of their Libra.
~. 1t is one Of the most laudable lns,i-
tu,ions in town, and might be made the
means OF accomplishing material benefit to
the rising generation, among the Mechan-
les. We want to see this Library largely
increased by the addition Of practical and
valuable books. We desire also to see all
apprentices take an interest in it. II the
young men who are now engage' in learn
Ing trades would devote at lcas. portion
of their leisure evenings 10 studying the
volumes which are lying comparatively idle
at .hi, Library, instead Of irolckng in the
streets, &c., the result would give vastly
different complexion to society, few years
hence. All labor IS honorable, and he who
honors his calling in life, bo it what it may,
and respects himself, will surely be respec-
ted, and regarded as useful member
Of society. 1t is not the professional man
alone who gives tone and dignity to socie
ty far from it. Mechanics compose the
bone and sinew Of every community they
are the more relisbc portion Of towns and
cities, and if they only elevate themselves.
they viii receive the respect tha, is duo them
The idea that a Mechanic occupies lowd
osi,ion in life is the mere fnstian bombast
Of brainlcss aristocrats, WHO are striving
TO build a reputation FIR themselves OF
something lighter than wind and moro emp
~ than vanity. Man 10 respected in life
just in proportion as he respects himself
and honors his calling 1t is not wealth,
Il 10 not polished manners, it is not ancient
and noble blood, it is DOT gaudy and eIpen-
sive and fashionable clothes that give char
acter and worth and importance to man.
no, it 10 something more solid, moro valua-
bic than all this. 1t is mind, it is virtue, II
10 moral worth that elevates man in the
scale of being, and makes him honored in
life and lamened in death. The tlnse. DIS
play si earth has only momentary glare,
sickly existence /; it is mans deeds that
h. h~t ftar he
has departed Fl ON earth. The only STAN
dard Of trus greatness IS positive usefulness;
and lie in the power Of every man to de
something for his ra:e. All cannot be dis
singuished heroes, but each cen carve a
stone for the temple Of humaniiy-each
can add pillar to the dome Of virtue, an'
each can inscribe his name, by his acts, on
the entablaturo OF life, which coming gen.
era;ions shall read and appreciate, because
they are made happier by his having lived
before them, and accomplished something
for their welfare.
We say, therefor, to the young men. ele :
vste yourselves, overcome every obstacle,
and resolve, in he early morning of exis-
tencs, that your ,ife shall add dignity anj
grace 10 the history Of this earth, and tha,
you will accomplish something Of which
you may honestly bo proud when re-.
Z posing on your death-bed, be II in the
spring, the maturity or the evening Of you,
soiourn. And in order to accomplish this
commence with correct principles, an hon
est, truthful heart, a'pure and healthy am
bi,ion, and determination to do your duty
faithfully and well and the result of your
iabors shall be honorable and honored -
Some may frown upon you, and enemies
inspired by variety Of motives. and par
ucularly by jealousy, will strive to injufe
you, and impede your career, but thei- eff
forts will ultimately prove abor,iyo. They
canno, crush you, although, for a ,ime
they may irrl,a,e and perpex you,-bul
yours shall 5s a greiter triumph. The
y higher you may rise In the scale Of beirg
the more honorable and glorious shall i, be
your journey, even with manual labor
, with a brow recking with sweat, and sr
arm ncrvcd by action and sinews s,rene ii
eued by toll. The true man will honor
you ,Iand the living God will reward you
for Ho commanded man to labor when IL,
expelled him from tho garden Of Eden To-
his first irsn,Grcssion.
The New York Bbe Sucirty have =
iheir repository 1882 bibles aud 1907
,estamenw. Total s,i0j volumes The
have during the last year issued - ,3si vol
umes for distribution. exclusive ui sale.
making a total issue lasl year ol g., $50 ,o
umes. Since the :ucieiy VS. csiabll be
Il has c rculaloI 1856 ,o'umrs. Til
pecuniafy con du.un Of lie Society," i b ghl
pGo'pc1o.s.