The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-01-19
Lecture OF Rev. Dr. Chaplin on Franklin.


Rev. DR.. Chaplin delivered a lecture on the life and
character Of Benjamin Franklin last evening, at the lecture
hall OF the Historical Library.
The lecturer commenced by giving q brief biographical
sketch of tne philosopher ofthe Revolution, after which he
dwelt upon the prominent points of his character as a
practical man. The following is q brief synopsis OF the
lecture
Allie 80 long and diversified. said the lecturer, and
crowded with instances, Of course affords too many spe-
cinc suggestions for any single occasion. But the sum
total OF that lifc-the comprehensive lesson which II,
yields, is the evident one that OF all others, Franklin
was the practical man, the best representative Of that
class. ! am understood when ! say this. His history Is
too well known, his philosophy and character have been
too well discussed for me TO dwell upon deficiencies and
limitations. Not even the variety OF his usefulness,
not all that under Providence we owe to him,
will allow us 10 place Franklin in the very
highest rank Of men-men who have explored the great
deep Of spiritual reality, its springs feeding their own
souls, and who, armed with prophetic utterance, have not
only helped their fellows forward but up 70 higher planes
Of art and wisdom. These have taken the first, the
bsrbed end of truth, its pain and loss, before its utility,
and in the clear sight Of faith, looking through all sccon-
Diary films, have seen and coveted the very essence Of
God. But we must not only judge the life of n man by
the highest standard, bat by is own standard, and decide
whether II Ia consistent IN Itself, And unsing the term
practical in It's application TO the more immediate uulites,
we NUT not, on the other hand, overlook what Franklin
was and what he achieved. paeys philosophy IL not the
highest philosophy; statistics are not the final test Of
truth. The Poor Richard maxims might possibly make a
very ffh man, am n very mean man. WI faNey =
philosophy lived out in good practical results Is much
better than somebody clse's philosophy only talked about.
1t Is better to see some phases OF tact clearly tnsn certain
grand features Of truth yelled In a mystic and i'm
practicable haze. A. IN the Poor Richard maSims,
they will sprout well enough n they fall
irto good aud homes, soil. A. q people, no doubt we have
overworkcd som. of them, and ourselve s with them. But
after all, take the time when Franklin published his alma
nac-tak. the condition Of the count see how necessary
prudence, industry, ecopons were, lot only 10 individual
thrift, but Tn our natioual Development and existence.
II was n Poor Richard question that started the Revolution
- a.tsIAI IA tIA an.afUrn I.fhAr m ahAnlA N n
extra penny for q stamp We hadn't ordered and DID not
want II IL the poor Richards philosophy that has tohed
and sweat and calculated, until those feeble colonies have
grown up TO this rich and nourishIng result II you will
60 upon the deck Of some noble packet or steamer that
nty r,presen's our warming commerce., you Will ind
POOR Richard abaft the binacle, aud FAR westward he IL
builcing cities and sowing prairies with golden grain.
If n lie really ~Franklins Poor Richard, he will
be careful W keep the soil free ~ wei IA productive.
And let us consider what Franklin himself made out Of his
philosophy Ia forms of character and schieycmtnt hhe
began with expediency, he worked clear through 70 the
ground OF absolute right. II he adopted The rood because
u was useful, he grew into a love Of the good for ia own
sake. at IS true did write them, says be, referring 10
certain letters, and they were written IN compliance with
another duty-tha, 10 my country. My rule, 10 which !
have always found satisfaction, ia never 10 turn aside In
public Affairs through views OF private interest, but 10 90
straight forward in DONG what appears 10 me right at
the time, leaving the consequences with Providence" He
might easily have made terms for himself with the British
government, but no one can doubt his whole hearted
integrity. 81 have some little property In America nc
says-"1 will freely spend nineteen shllinss In the pound
ling" These we're not the words or tie acts Of a man
whe smo,hered principle In interest Nor can any man
with more injustice be accused Of miserlinoss or sordit.
ness. The HAND that clutched the pennies, opened with
golden gpfncas when charity appealed. There wa no
ooa,ractl IN Of nature with increasing pelf. There was no
dried blood about his heart. All the Prices OF affection
we're sweet ard fresh 10 the last He never forgot the
r1ck nom which be Was hewn, like some men who paint
over their leather aprons with a coat Of arms. There was
no starch In biz prosperity. He knew there was no royal
road 10 knowledge oc honest wealth, and be was glad by
telling young men thus, TO help them over The track
who're he himself had gone, and 70 warn them OF The bin
drAlces by the way. over some Of which he had stumbled.
iNs autobiography was not intended tor Q model but Tor a
lesson. His family feelings were strong and dcep.
ITS letters TO his kindred are fun Of alice.
ton. When be was IN England he sought
ashamed of no relation, however poor ~ humble, nor
syaring Of his help and bounty to such ~ needed. $50
the years roll round, . hs writes " his mother, " and the
last will como when I would rather have II said, he lived
uscfulNnDba nan be died rich.'r al have, NJ you oh
screws says in a letter 10 John Jay, +" have some
enemies IN England, but Hcy are my enemies AZ an Afne-
rican. have alao two or three 10 America, who are my
enemies as a minister but | thank God there are not in
the whole world any who are my enemies "a a man-for
by His grace, through a long life I have been able 10 con-
duct myself so that there Does not exist a human being who
can Justly say, Ben Franklin has wronged me- tbs, my
friend, IS in old age a comfortable reflection" The loo
turer, after reviewing hs political career, closed with q
man, said he In conclusion, who, however lacking in the
highest ideals, the dccIes 2 springs % impulse presents
a character so plain 10 read, go full Of examples
which the humbiest may take up with hope, and from
which the wiscst may learn. Way al. the excellence his
Chsfactes suggests be printed ~ eur minds. let Ms take
reer, let every man, especially cverv young man, emu
late FTanklihs purpose. Let him mako the most, sad
make the beet OF the Wiis or MARROW sphere. iAka him,
al ur the APPOINTED tine on earth With large sympsihies