The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-06-15
Morning Star and Catholic Messenger.
JUVENILE COLUMN.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.

"a BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
AS we now have a statue of Franklin in
lafayette Square, our young readers will
probably read with interest the following
ketch of his life, which we take from the
oung Catholic:
Lazy boys are very apt to say. 81 can't
1earD," or ST don't want to work what's
3ne use, anyhow Z"
Industrious boys will work, and some
day be prosperous, useful men, and such
&6ys will like to know little of the boy
5&9od Of the famous BENJAMIN Franklin,
o. Us ""' '''n' ID 00S''n' January ~
He was the youngest son of family of
4eventeen children, and his father was q
tAllow chandler. At ten years of age the
10y was put to cutting candle wicks and
&zending the shop. This tried the little lad,
R4or his taste was for the sea. His father
discoveripg this, forbade all thoughts of
the sea, and bound him as q printer to his
Sbrother James.
Isl His position with his brother not being
~ pleasant one, he determined to leave him
and seek his fortune elsewhere. At the
Sinking like foolish lad, that he would
make his fortune at once. But the friend
less and almost penniless boy, having no
Eeeomme ndations, was soon bitterly dis
appointed, and finding nothing to do, went
70 Philadelphia with only dollar in his
spocket.
With a{ew rolls of bread tucked finder
1 HE arm, his pockets stuffed with a shirt
5And stockings, the lonely boy trudged
bravely on, hoping to find work. Meeting
poor women, he gave her his rolls and
walked idly into Quaker meeting house
and then fell asleep.
Refreshed by the rest, he started once
more in search Of work, and was fortunate
enough to engage with q printer.
" The governor of the province accident
ally saw one of his letters, and being struck
with his talents, sought him out and pro-
posed to him to set up in business for him
self, promising him the public printing.
He consented to go to England for type
and other materials, and like dutiful son,
went to Boston to gain his fathers consent.
His prudent father did not approve of tho
Journey, SO that Franklin returned to Phil
adelphia and resumed his work with his
employers.
The governor invited him to his house,
and still adhered to the intention of start
ing him in business. His father finally
consented to the journey to England, and
when only eighteen he embarked.
When he arrived at London, he found
himself grossly deceived, for the governor
Alone in a foreign country, and again
penniless, he promptly sought printer
and took service for year. Without any
kind friend to advise him, he soon fell into
temptations and com United many follies, of
which he soon sincerity repented, and went
men.
His skill in swimming attracted attention,
and to exc out his small pay he gave ex-
hibitions at Chelsea. In the mean time he
entered into engagements with good man
to return to Philadelphia aud take q posi-
q rln inc n a.. ~
this time he began to rise, and the diff
culties and poverty through which be had
passed made him ever ready to aid others.
He soon won the respect of his country
men, and was trusted with important pub
lie business. He did not forget the indus
triOus poor, but established circulating
library for their benefit. In l746 he began
his investigations of electricity, and as
you are no doubt familiar with his expert
ment with the kite, will only remind you
of it, and ask you to learn from this great
man the lesson his life teachers-that
into temptation and folly, and yet rise
above all and every obstacle, and become
q wise and good man, and q blessing to his
country.
DAISY AMONG THE FLOWERS.
Bright-eyed little Daisy roamed in the
garden like fairy, and no little bird was
happier than che.
She loved every flower, and with her
delicate fingers touched every blossom
most tenderly. She listened to the birds
and crickets, and smilingly whispered to
the roses, "What funny little fellows!
What do they say, do you think 2"
The roses showered her with glittering
dew drops, and answered nothing.
The birds still sang merrily, and Daisy
whispered to the lily, "What do they sing,
dear lily 2"
The lily waved her broad leaves, but
made no reply.
Daisy looked mp at the clouds as they
Aoated by, and said, cob, beautiful clouds,
where are you going Do you carry the
angels as you fly ~.
The clouds floated on, and left the sun
shining on Daisy's golden hair.
Turning to the flowers again, she ex.
what the crickets are chirping and birds Ss
are singing. Can't you hear God loves
20" ) God loves me- He loves you, sweet
rose, for our Blessed Mother bears your
name, Rosa Mystica, and is not that great
honor =: You, dear lily, he loves, for He