The Portland daily press., 1862-07-11
MISCELLANY.
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GETTING WORK,

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they should expect? Perhaps not. For very
few are complete masters of their business,
and nothing but first-rate talent can command
a situation. The world needs such as have il,
and seeks their service. 1t is unwilling to al
low them to remain idle, as they are to remain
so. Mountains of matter wait the master
mind that shall mould their varied wealth into
forms of beautiful utility. An nfinity of inert
mental power looks for the inspiration that
shall quicken and direct Earth groans be-
meath the piled up labor and Sketches out full
hands, crying to all talent, "Come over and
help us !" And to those who, in their inmost
heart, heed this pleading, is-"Give, and it
shall be given unto you; full measure, pressed
down, men shall pour into your bosoms." If
such need the worlds aid, the worlds need of
them is as great, or greater. For time they
may be kept back; but the short restraint gives
them more fire and energy when the rein is
loosed, and they go free. The restless mind
gains strength during the trial. 1t acquires
fresh power in the short season of repose; and
as We hold that a mans labor expresses him
self-his mental state-we say the nobler the
mind, the nobler the work; the higher the
thought the higher the expression ofthat thot
/ care not whether the hand chisel god, or
window-sill-there will be individuality in each
stroke. What one can do, he may do in all
ages. His very capability is the sure token of
divine ordination. He may not only perform
his task. but he may ennoble his VOCATION and
commend his work, and thereby himself to all
observers.
Matthew Lincoln had just managed to live
through winter of unusual severity. He,
and those dearer to him than self, must have
suffered, had not the prudent savings of more
prosperous days sustained them. But nearly
all was now expended, and there was no de-
mand for labor He looked sorrowfully upon
the anxious brow of his industrious wife; and
the bright careless faces of his little ones were
scarcely relief. He had sought employment
of different persons, but had failed in obtaining
ii. Now he felt that something must be done
to save his family from beggary. Desperate
circumstances often sharpen the inventive pow
er, and awaken the faculties. And Matthew
Lincoln sat by his firesde in desperate mood.
At length he rose, and put on his hat, saying:
"Where there's a will there's way. / can
work, and ,cu work, pay, or no pay! Idle
ness will kill mer'
He went into the street. Rapidly he trav-
ersed the pavement, and at last st ,pped before
an immense building, which was yet unfin-
ished.
"Good morning. Mr. Brown" said he, as the
builder stepped toward him.
you have the advantage Of me-" replied
Mr.. Brown.
"Yes, in one respect But you have the adj
vantage of me in a more important one. You
have work to do; have not; and am here
to find it,"
Il am really sorry to tell you that have al
ready more hands than know what to do
with.
Mr.. Brown looked sorry. He was a kind
hearted man, and, in the tumult of an active
business HE, had contrived to keep the simple
feeling, and generous impulses, which we us
ually look for in the child. Hard, selfish,
grinding worldiness stood abashed in his pres
ence.
"Mr. Brown, / have not five dollars in the
world. And have family to provide for
know that can work well that you would
not complain of my work. And am bound
to work, whether any one will employ me or
not as youwill. But must do something"
81 like your determination said Mr.. Brown,
"and do from my heart wish could employ a
hundred more men. But it is impossible"
"You needn't employ me. l am going to
work on my own account"
Mr.. Brown was hurriedly called away, and
Matthew Lincoln entered the building. He
found an acquaintance engaged upon diff
cult piece of work, who, as soon as he saw him,
called out:
"Here, Lincoln, you're just the one to help
me out of this dilemma. I've thought of YOU a
dozen times to-day. Will you help me short
time ?r
"Willingly," replied Lincoln, who began to
see daylight in an opportunity to display his
skill
All the job needed was little more taste and
intellect than the one who had it in hand
seemed to possess; or if he possessed them
they were latent talents entirely undeveloped
In a few honrs the days work was completed,
and Matthew Lincoln wendell his way home
feeling that he had shown what he was worth,
to say the least He hoped he had found
steady employment. At all events few days
would decide
The next morning, Mr.. Brown was again at
the building, and entered one of the halls his
eye was at once attracted by the exquisite taste
and fitness Of a portion of the previous days
work.
'Ahl who did this ? 1t is beautifully done
Lincoln, the new hand
Lincoln? He went to work, then?
Did you not hire him?'
No, but / shall. He will be worth great
deal in my business
Mr.. Brown stood long time, admiring the
workmanship displayed by Matthew Lincoln
There was more than admiration expressed in
his countenance. He seemed to be revolving
some plan in his mind. When Lincoln came
in, with his energetic step, and intelligent
countenance, he stepped forward to meet him,
and offered his hand.
Good morning, Mr.. Lincoln! You see /
know your name this time, and may as well
say that l intend to familiarize myself with it,
You may consider yourself regularly employ
ed
Thank you, Mr. Brown
Mr.. Harris, who has charge of things here
will direct you this week. and then perhaps
something else will come up
Mr.. Brown had an idea in his head; an idea
that never would have got there, had he not
possessed a christian heart. Two days before.
he had received liberal offer to undertake
the erection of large and elegant public hall
in neighboring city. The difficulties in the
way of accepting the offer were so great, that
he had considered them insurmountable, and
had promptly declined it. But if Mr. Lincoln
were so capable as his work seemed to indicate,
he wasj just the man to send as superintendent
ofthe job. lie made inquiries ofseveral, upon
whom he might depend, as to Mr.. Lincoln's
character for integrity, and becoming satisfied
upon this point, he took the cars and in few
hours was at Lyell, examining plans and esti-
mating expenses. With great deal of care,
after his return, he again examined specimens
OF Mr.. Lincoln's work, and was amply satisfied
When Saturday night came, Mr.. Brown de-
layed paying Lincoln, until all the other work
men had left. Then he asked him to come
down to his office that evening.
We may imagine the relieffelt by the wife
of Lincoln, when she knew that regular en-
ployment was insured to her husband 1t was
real pleasure to see her face. And all the
clouds seemed flung away before the rising sun
OF prosperity.
When Mr.. Lincoln entered the Office of Mr..
Brown, the latter instantly produced drawings
of the hall, and asked his opinion upon various
points connected with architecture His re-
plies were given with so much simnlicitv and